Gerontology Minor

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Cathy Wong, Ph.D., Coordinator

Office: Bizzini Hall 213
Phone: (209) 667-3408

View information for the Department of Sociology and Gerontology , including Learning Objectives for the department and its programs.

Gerontology is the study of aging with particular focus on the latter part of the life cycle. Housed within the Sociology program, Gerontology is an interdisciplinary minor open to students in any major. The minor’s primary objective is to examine biological-physiological, sociological-psychological, economic-political, and related health and cultural processes as they contribute to understanding human aging. This option is designed to serve individuals majoring in social sciences and health professions, people currently working for organizations serving the aging, and all persons interested in gaining greater insight into the problems and opportunities associated with aging.

Requirements

To qualify for this academic minor, students must complete the required number of units with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (C).

(18 units)

1. Complete the following required courses:

(12 units)

COMM 4130 - Communication and Aging 3 unit(s)
PSYC 3340 - Human Development III: Adulthood and Aging 3 unit(s)
SOCL 4000 - Introduction to Gerontology 3 unit(s)
SOCL 4710 - Sociology of Aging 3 unit(s)

2. Select one elective course each from areas a and b below:

(6 units)

a.

ETHS 4000 - Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x Families 3 unit(s)
ETHS 4010 - The African American Family 3 unit(s)
SOCL 3150 - The Family 3 unit(s)

b.

COMM 4060 - Family Communication 3 unit(s)
COMM 4180 - Health Communication 3 unit(s)
SOCL 4700 - Medical Sociology 3 unit(s)
SOCL 4720 - Sociology of Death 3 unit(s)
SOCL 4730 - Alcohol and Alcoholism 3 unit(s)

Note:

It is strongly recommended that students complete an internship or immersion program in their major which complements their interest in gerontology.