GE Cluster 80A,B,CW
Frontiers in Human Aging: Biomedical, Social and Policy Perspectives
| Lecture Schedule: | Monday, Wednesday 3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. – DeNeve Auditorium |
| Faculty: | JoAnn Damron-Rodriguez, Ph.D., School of Public Affairs Rita B. Effros, Ph.D., School of Medicine Tara Gruenwald, Ph.D., School of Medicine Barry Bortnick, Ph.D., Humanities |
This course explores the phenomenal increase in life expectancy, known as the “Longevity Revolution”, by viewing the lifelong process of aging from a variety of perspectives. Students study biological and biomedical aging, with an emphasis on how scientific breakthroughs relate to health and increased independence. In parallel, the course also integrates psychological, sociological, and policy perspectives, addressing issues such as how gender, race, ethnicity, social environment, and economic factors interact with aging, the role of stress in aging, disparities in health care, and how health habits established during youth can affect both the quality of life in later years and lifespan itself. Historical perspectives on cohorts as they age over time are applied to analyze the impact of the social and political environment on the aging experience. Controversies and ethical questions related to genetic engineering, stem cell use for regenerative medicine, forced retirement and end-of-life issues are explored, as are other relevant topics such as economic opportunities based on the aging market, and cultural differences in intergenerational dynamics.
Course Format
During fall and winter quarters, students attend two lectures weekly for the presentation of key concepts and content. These lectures are linked to weekly two-hour small-group discussion sections led by Teaching Fellows, where the course material is examined in depth and integrated with various types of written assignments to enhance writing skills. Highlights of the course include an elder-interview project, film review to link class content with the popular media, structured debates on timely controversial topics, and a career panel to provide students with the opportunity to explore the multitude of careers paths that are linked to the aging population. During the winter quarter, students each complete 20 hours of structured “Service Learning” at various organizations that serve the ethnically diverse older Los Angeles community, such as a “Cyber-Cafe” for seniors and an intergenerational day care center.
Spring Seminars
A broad spectrum of small-group seminars are offered in the spring quarter, allowing for close interaction among students and with faculty. Examples of topics recently covered and/or planned for future seminars include the link between immune system & longevity, diversity in aging, sexuality & aging, evaluation of anti-aging strategies, and biopsychosocial approaches to wellness.
Foundation Area General Education Credit
Students who complete the three quarter sequence will satisfy 3 course requirements in the following GE areas: 2 courses in the Foundations of Society and Culture – Social Analysis and 1 course in the Foundations of Scientific Inquiry – Life Science (without lab/demonstration credit).
