With residents of Memory Care of Morning Side in Chattanooga are Lee’s Dr. Karen Mundy-Judkins and sociology students. From left, Edward Robinson, Danis Ellis, Patrick Koroma, Dr. Mundy-Judkins, Danielle Craigmyle, and Simone Vogelaar.
Lee University sociology students served residents of Memory Care of Morning Side in Chattanooga as part of their gerontology course, taught by Dr. Karen Mundy-Judkins.
The purpose of the visit was to learn about cognitive issues and rehabilitation. During their visit, the students listened to the music, viewed the art, and heard the stories of the residents. The students also served dinner to the staff and residents.
According to Dr. Mundy-Judkins, professor of sociology at Lee, the health care emphasis in sociology is fast growing, offering a variety of jobs and research opportunities. Medical sociology and gerontology students are given several opportunities to participate in a variety of off-campus activities throughout the year. This gives them the chance to engage their field of interests in real-world environments while increasing their knowledge of health and illness.
“In medical sociology and gerontology, we practice ‘grounded theory.’ We take the classroom to the outside world,” said Dr. Mundy-Judkins. “We believe students learn most effectively when visiting hospitals and nursing homes, in addition to interacting with those who are often on the margins of society.”
For more information on gerontology, contact Dr. Mundy-Judkins at kmundy@leeuniversity.edu.