ART 346B 2 - Tpc: Sustain Hlth across Lifespan

3 Credit(s)

At a time when “high tech” simulation labs define the quality of a student’s educational experience, there is a simultaneous need to educate future professionals in the “art” of human interaction and caring. As the population of older adults continues to grow, students are challenged to appreciate the unique needs of this aggregate group. Stigma, combined with the lack of meaningful interactions, contributes to decreased student interest in career development within this population. Simultaneously, geriatric research clearly articulates several important components of successful aging; active engagement, positive relationships with others, personal growth and altruism are but a few. For educators, the challenge lies in creating mutually beneficial learning opportunities for these two disparate groups of individuals. This course combines theory and experiential/interactional activities to create mutually beneficial learning experiences. This course will bring together art therapy and nursing students to increase student awareness of aging issues. In addition, students will participate with older adults living at Oakwood Village to create mutually beneficial learning communities.

Course Fee: $30
Prerequisite(s): COR 1 or equivalent, and consent of instructor; open to sophomores and above.