698 College of Social & Behavioral Sciences • GERT 3500 - Social Welfare & Gerontological Policy Development and Service Credits: (3) • GERT 4860 - Introductory Field Practicum Credits: (2) Gerontology Electives (6 credit hours) Select two courses from the following 5 courses • GERT 2220 - Introduction to Social Gerontology Credits: (3) • GERT 3000 - Death and Dying Credits: (3) • GERT 3120 - Aging: Adaptation and Behavior Credits: (3) • GERT 4220 - Societal Responses to Aging Credits: (3) • GERT 4650 - Retirement: Adjustment/Planning Credits: (3) Course Descriptions - GERT Department of Social Work and Gerontology GERT 1010 SS - Introduction to Gerontology Credits: (3) Typically taught: Fall [Full Sem] Spring [Full Sem] A study of physical, psychological, social-psychological, and social dimensions of aging and the application of principles and strategies to facilitate adaptation to aging. Emphasis is placed on methods of gathering knowledge, the current knowledge base, and strategies for adaptation in the later stages of life cycle. GERT 2220 - Introduction to Social Gerontology Credits: (3) Typically taught: Spring [Full Sem] A scientific study of social and psychological aging and the application of principles and strategies to facilitate adaptation to aging. The focus is on methods and systems for gathering data, demography of aging, social theoretical perspectives, psychological effects of aging, aging and the economy, and government and the politics of aging. GERT 2900 - Current Topics on Aging Credits: (2-4) A study on age related topics of current interest. Specific title will appear on student's transcript along with authorized credit. May be repeated once for a maximum of 4 credits. GERT 2920 - Short Courses, Workshops, Institutes and Special Programs Credits: (1-4) Consult the semester class schedule for the current offering under this number. The specific title and credit authorized will appear on the student transcript. May be repeated up to 3 times for a maximum of 4 credits. GERT 3000 - Death and Dying Credits: (3) Typically taught: Spring [Full Sem] An in-depth study of death, death-related issues and social institutions and practices dealing with death in American society, with special emphasis on the social processes surrounding death and constructive responses to death and dying. Cross-listed with SW 3000 . GERT 3120 - Aging: Adaptation and Behavior Credits: (3) Typically taught: Fall [Full Sem] An examination of the physical and psychological processes of aging. The emphasis is upon behavioral and social adaptation to these processes. Cross-listed with SW 3120 . GERT 3320 - Ethnicity and Older Women in the American Society Credits: (3) Typically taught: Fall [Full Sem] The importance of special populations (ethnic, racial and women) as they relate to the aging process. Cross-listed with SW 3320. GERT 3400 - Methods of Research: Social and Behavioral Research Credits: (4) Focus on acquiring knowledge, developing skills, and conducting social and behavioral scientific research, utilizing single system design that includes visual and statistical assessment. The course will include both qualitative methodologies (evaluative research, historical methods, case studies, field research, ethnography studies, and grounded theory) and quantitative methodologies (experimental and survey with a special emphasis on survey). Prerequisite: It is recommended to take a Statistics course before Research. GERT 3500 - Social Welfare & Gerontological Policy Development and Service Credits: (3) Typically taught: Fall [Full Sem] Spring [Full Sem] The history, mission, philosophy and human service aspects used in the development of social work/gerontology as a profession will be covered. Examples of social, public and social welfare policy will be identified and studied. Knowledge of local, state, and federal legislation, professional organizations, and membership organizations will assist in review of lobby, funding and implementation practices used in meeting human service needs. Methods for the political and organizational analysis of processes and policy will be covered. Prerequisite: SW 1010 or GERT 1010 . (SW 3500 /GERT 3500 must be completed before entering Field Practice). Weber State University 2014-2015 Catalog