Emphasis on the need to develop strategies for confronting problems such as poverty, racial discrimination, sexual discrimination, and crime. The nature and dynamics of the relationship between minority and majority groups and the relation of these groups to social stratification, economics, political and educational institutions in the culture. Emphasis is on the uniqueness of the individual. Topics include changes across a lifespan and techniques of evaluation and assessment of problems faced by clients of human services agencies. Examination of leadership processes in the context of interpersonal relations.
Students learn group dynamics by functioning as a small group.
Emphasis on social problems of aging and the impact aging has on the individual. Topics include the scope of gerontology, retirement, health, leisure, independence, and primary relationships as well as larger issues of aging in relation to economics, government, and community programs.