Department of Sociology

Program in Health, Aging, the Life Course

Description

The program in Aging, the Life Course, and Health provides a multifaceted, research-based perspective on the sociological study of aging. Courses cover a broad range of topics, including the role of inequality in aging processes and the social context of aging. Students have the opportunity to organize and conduct research projects in related areas, drawing on the expertise of faculty who specialize in retirement, demography, health and disability, aging and dying well, and the family in late-life.

Courses

Aging and End of Life Issues

Demography of Aging

Gender and Aging

Health and Aging

Health Disparities and the Life Course

Mental Health and Aging

Sociology of Aging and the Life Course

Two seminars are offered each academic year. The course rotation is based on student demand and faculty availability. Opportunities are also available to combine course work pertinent to the student's interest and research from other departments such as those offered by the Center for Gerontological Studies and College of Health and Human Performance.

Faculty

Funding Opportunities

The department offers several different mechanisms for supporting graduate training, including research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships. Sociology graduate students specializing in aging are also eligible to compete for National Institute of Aging traineeships available through an interdisciplinary training program.

Colloquium Series

Every year, the University of Florida aging community sponsors an interdisciplinary colloquium series on aging issues and topics. The Department of Sociology also sponsors a speaker series that regularly focuses on aging topics. For more information, contact the Sociology Graduate Coordinator.

Planned Course Rotation

The Program offers two seminars each academic year. The planned course rotation shown below is tentative and is subject to change, depending on faculty availability and student demand for particular courses. Courses that are not yet listed in the university catalog will be offered under a special topics course number.

2006-2007

Rotating Health-Focus Course* [Health Disparities]

Aging and End of Life Issues

2007-2008

Sociology of Aging and the Life Course

Gender and Aging

2008-2009

Rotating Health-Focus Course*

Demography of Aging

2010-2011

Sociology of Aging and the Life Course

Aging and End of Life Issues

2011-2012

Rotating Health-Focus Course*

Gender and Aging

2012-2013

Sociology of Aging and the Life Course

Demography of Aging

* Health-related courses include: Health and Aging, Health Disparities and the Life Course, and Mental Health and Aging. There is no fixed order to their rotation.

Last updated: March 9, 2006

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