Valparaiso University College of Arts & Sciences

Human Aging Minor

Administrative Committee: Associate Professors G. Evans (Biology), Mauk (Nursing), Nelson (Psychology), Pepa (Nursing, Chair).

Objectives. The Human Aging minor offers an interdisciplinary perspective on the nature of the aging process and the needs of older adults. Aging involves a complex set of changes that involve biological, psychological, and spiritual dimensions, as well as the role of the older individual in society. It is the premise of the program that these changes are best understood and explored in an interdisciplinary context. As the average human life-span increases and the proportion of elderly people in our country increases, study in human aging will become very important to those seeking to understand and render service to our society. Individuals interested in careers in the social or biomedical sciences or theology will find this minor to be an essential part of their preparation.

Requirements. A minimum of 18 credit hours constitutes a minor. In addition to the 9 credit hours of core courses, (one course from each area designation), the student must complete an additional 9 credit hours of electives from any of the courses listed. Students wishing to use a course not listed to meet elective requirements for the minor must have the course approved by the Administrative Committee prior to enrolling in the course.

Students are to choose one course from each of the following designated areas an additional 9 credits from the list of courses.

Aging, Behavior, and Society

PSY 332 Psychology of Adulthood and Aging 3 Cr.

PSY 390 Neuropsychology 3 Cr.

SOC 327 Aging in American Society 3 Cr.

Aging and Religious Faith

THEO 353 Studies in Theology and Practice (when appropriate) 3 Cr.

THEO 358 Studies in Theology, Health and Healing (when appropriate) 3 Cr.

THEO 359 Theology of Aging 3 Cr.

Aging and Health

NUR 318 Global Health Issues 3 Cr.

NUR 351 The Aging Process 3 Cr.

NUR 390 Issues at End of Life 3 Cr.

Elective Courses

BIO 260 Human Nutrition 3 Cr.

SOC 220 The Family 3 Cr.

SOC 390 Issues in Sociology (when appropriate) 3 Cr.

THEO 341 Introduction to Biomedical Ethics 3 Cr.