Graduate Community Organization Cluster

This course consists of the application of community organization concepts and techniques of administration to the planning, organization, financing, and management of social services, health services, informal education and volunteer generated programs for older adults. Students will explore operations of health, housing, social and nutrition programs in light of economic and political restraints.

This course focuses on the political forces that shape official policies toward aging in America at all levels of government, with emphasis on federal policies. Through the use of selected examples, the students will examine the impact of political vested interests in shaping the enactment and implementation of legislation for the elderly. Topics include retirement income, housing subsidies, age discrimination, the Older Americans Act and state and local programs.

This course focuses on specific programs designed to provide psycho-social and health services to the elderly. Programs under review include those designed to aid human services practitioners, managers, and policy makers in understanding basic objectives, approaches and options in delivering services to the elderly in the most cost effective manner.