1991-1993 Catalog - Catalogs - West Virginia University

.Gerontology CenterRick A. Briggs, M.A. (Andrews U.),Interim Director.Certificate ProgramBecause the rapid growth of the elderly population is affecting all aspects of U.S.society, education in gerontology—the study of human aging— promises to enhancethe professional qualifications and employability of students preparing for a variety ofcareers, including business management, health sciences, counseling/psychology,human services, therapeutic recreation, and urban and regional planning. Study ofgerontology also prepares students to deal effectively with the aging process in theirfamilies, their friends, and ultimately themselves. The Gerontology Center offers an 18-credit undergraduate certificate program for students who wish to obtain a foundationof knowledge in aging while pursuing a degree in another field.Requirements for the Certificate includes MDS 50 Introduction to Gerontology(three credits), MDS 250 Issues in Gerontology (three credits), and a total of 12credits in Field Experience and electives selected from an approved pool of agingrelatedcourses offered in a number of disciplines.The Gerontology Center is committed to increasing understanding of the agingprocess and supporting improvements in the quality of life for elderly persons, particularlythe rural elderly of Appalachia. The Center promotes and coordinates interdisciplinaryteaching, research, and service in aging at WVU. Many units of the University areinvolved in the teaching and research activities of the Center. A library collection in theCenter augments the gerontology holdings of other campus libraries, and is open tothe entire community Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.The Center also offers a graduate gerontology certificate, and a continuingeducation practitioner certificate for persons who are currently working with the elderly.Further information, assistance in academic program planning in multidisciplinarygerontology, and registration forms may be obtained from Betty Maxwell, AdministrativeAssistant, WVU Gerontology Center, Chestnut Ridge Professional Building,Morgantown, WV 26506. Telephone: (304) 293-2081FacultyRick A. BriggsGerontology associatesCourses of Instruction in Gerontology (Geron.)Upper Division291 . A. Special Topics. I, II. 3 hr. PR: MDS 50 and consent.291. B. Special Topics. I, II. 1-3 hr. PR: Consent. Special problems for undergraduateand graduate students working on gerontology certificate programs. Topics changefrom semester to semester. Students can enroll more than once. (Does not qualify forLSP credit.)Other courses on aging can be found in departments throughout the University.Required courses for Undergraduate Certificate in Gerontology include: MDS 50Introduction to Gerontology and MDS 250 Issues in Gerontology (SeeMultidisciplinary Studies section). Electives for the certificate include such courses as:Com. 140 Communication and Aging (see Communication Studies section), Soc. & A.162 Sociology of Aging (see Sociology & Anthropology section), and Psych. 245Adulthood and Aging (see Psychology section).For a complete listing of aging-related courses that supply elective credit toward theundergraduate certificate, contact the Gerontology Center, Chestnut Ridge ProfessionalBuilding, 912 Chestnut Ridge Road, Morgnatown, WV 26505. Telephone: (304)293-2081.292 West Virginia University