Graduate Course Descriptions

The following directory lists the graduate courses which the University expects to offer, although the University in no way guarantees that all such courses will be offered in any given academic year, and reserves the right to alter the list if conditions warrant. Click on the links below for a list of courses in that subject area. You may then click “View Classes” to see scheduled classes for individual courses.

5004. History of Educational Thought

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Leading educational ideas and how these ideas influence theory and professional practice. The contributions of key individuals in the ancient, medieval and modern worlds are the basis for course organization.

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5006. Comparative and International Education

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Education and educational systems in comparative and international perspective, with emphasis on the interaction of educational institutions with other social, cultural and political institutions in society.

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5008. Philosophical Analysis in Education

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Introduction to philosophical analysis of significant educational concepts.

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5040. Popular Music and Informal Education

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to students enrolled in the M.A. in Music Education program and others with permission.

Grading Basis: Graded

Exploration of how popular music intersects with education, including the production and consumption of popular music and use of related informal pedagogies. Critical theory, cultural theory, feminism, and race studies will be used to explore these issues. Methods in "popular music" instruments and technology will also be covered.

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5041. Theoretical Foundations of Music Education

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to students enrolled in the M.A. in Music Education program and others with permission.

Grading Basis: Graded

Considers issues including music education programs, practices, curricula, and policies. Objectives for the course are to: (a) develop professional rationales for broadly used music education practices that involve information derived from relevant research in history, sociology, and philosophy, and critical theory; (b) analyze and critique selected music education programs, practices, curricula, and policies; (c) write a paper that reviews and critiques a broad area of practice in music education and recommends policy alternatives.

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5042. Diversity, Culture, and Music Education

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to students enrolled in the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction, Music Education concentration, or with instructor approval; IBM students may take this course under special circumstances with advisor approval.

Grading Basis: Graded

This discussion-oriented seminar draws upon areas of diversity, equity, and access in music education. Focuses on curricula materials, including repertoire that is culturally responsive, represents different people’s and identities, and musical practices.

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5043. Exceptionalities in Music Education

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to students in the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction, Music Education concentration, or with instructor approval. Not open to IBM students in music education; does not meet requirement for Special Education or IBM provisional certifications.

Grading Basis: Graded

Focus on achieving meaningful inclusion of students with disabilities. Discussion-based format utilizes curricular designs including Universal Design for Learning. Common types of disabilities are covered. This course does not meet a requirement for Special Education or provisional teaching certifications.

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5044. Policies, Assessment, and Music Programs in K-12 Schools

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to students in M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction, Music Education concentration, or with instructor approval. This course is not open to IBM students in music education.

Grading Basis: Graded

This discussion-oriented seminar draws upon areas of diversity, equity, and access in music education. Focuses on curricula materials, including repertoire that is culturally responsive, represents different people’s and identities, and musical practices.

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5047. Music Across the Curriculum

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to students enrolled in the M.A. in Music Education program and others with permission.

Grading Basis: Graded

Strategies and theories for the integration of music experiences across the curriculum.

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5050. TCPCG Seminar I: Student Teaching Seminar

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to students in the Teaching Certification Program for College Graduates, others with consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

Analysis of instructional practice in the clinical setting. Relationship of instruction to theory, and implications for instructional evaluation, are emphasized.

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5055. TCPCG Seminar II: Teacher as Professional

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to students in the Teaching Certification Program for College Graduates, others with consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

Culminating seminar experience in the TCPCG program.

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5060. Social and Multicultural Foundations of Education

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to students in the Teaching Certification Program for College Graduates, others with consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

An introduction to the social and multicultural foundations of contemporary public education in U.S. society. Includes discussion of the nature, organization and purposes of public education in a democratic sociey, cultural diversity in U.S. schools and society, the role of the classroom teacher, professional ethics, and contemporary issues in U.S. education.

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5065. Learning Theories

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to students in the Teaching Certification Program for College Graduates, others with consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

Introduction to learning theories as they are applied to educational contexts. Topics include instructional objectives, behavioral analysis, social cognitive theory, cognitive psychology, social emotional development, and cognitive development.

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5070. Methods of Instruction and Evaluation

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to students in the Teaching Certification Program for College Graduates, others with consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

Selection and organization of learning experiences, instructional activities and materials, and methods of instruction. Course activities include a combination of lecture and seminar experiences.

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5080. Reading and Literacy in the Content Areas

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to students in the Teaching Certification Program for College Graduates, others with consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

Effective use of reading and writing to help students learning content material. Includes selection of reading materials that are appropriate for individual students with diverse reading abilities, understanding reading diagnosis provided by other professionals, using reading material in ways that facilitate comprehension and learning, and using written asignments to increase understanding and recall.

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5085. Subject Area Methods

3.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 30 credits.

Prerequisites: Open to students in the Teaching Certification Program for College Graduates, others with consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

Selection and organization of learning experiences, instructional activities and materials, and methods of instruction related to the subject area. Course activities include a combination of lecture and seminar experiences, as well as extensive practice teaching.

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5090. TCPCG Directed Student Teaching

9.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to students in the Teaching Certification Program for College Graduates, others with consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

Supervised student teaching in a subject-specific content area.

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5092. Practicum

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 18 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

The implementation and application of theory in the student's area of specialization. Open primarily to master's and Sixth-Year students. May be repeated for a maximum of 18 credits.

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5093. Advanced Practicum

1.00 - 6.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

The implementation and application of theory in the student's area of specialization. Open primarily to master's and Sixth-Year students.

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5094. Seminar

1.00 - 3.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Analysis of the issues and research in the field of education. Open primarily to master's and Sixth-Year students.

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5095. Advanced Seminar

1.00 - 6.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Analysis of the issues and research in the field of education. Open primarily to master's and Sixth-Year students.

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5099. Independent Study in Education

1.00 - 3.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 15 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Students requesting this course should have a significant background in education and should present to the instructor problems, well-defined and well laid out for investigation, which hold special interest for them and which will be pursued on the plan of advanced study.

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5100. Teaching Reading and Writing in the Primary Grades

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Processing unique to beginning reading and writing with emphasis on emerging literacy and promoting literacy development.

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5105. Teaching the Language Arts

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Teaching integrated language arts including oral and written communication, creative language, and spelling development with an emphasis on current research.

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5110. Teaching Writing

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

A course for K-12 teachers with emphasis on teaching the writing process in persuasive, narrative and expository writing; evaluation of errors; developing appropriate curricular sequences; and research in the writing process.

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5115. The Teaching of Reading

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

An overview of process and program; theoretical models of the reading, guidelines for a total school reading program, definition of terminology and principles of instruction. Analysis of available material made when appropriate. Intended as a background course for teachers with no previous course work or experience in teaching reading.

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5120. Introductory Reading Clinic

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Clinical practice in instruction of persons with corrective reading disabilities.

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5125. Teaching Reading and Writing in Middle and Junior High School

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Process and problems unique to reading and writing needs in the middle and junior high school. Emphasis on the development of reading and writing strategies as well as diagnostic teaching methods appropriate to this level.

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5130. Teaching Children's Literature in the Elementary School

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Literature for elementary school children, techniques for developing interest in independent and recreational reading.

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5135. Literacy in the Secondary School

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Process and problems unique to literacy needs in the secondary school. Emphasis on differentiated instruction for students with diverse backgrounds and abilities.

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5140. Content Area Reading and Disciplinary Literacy

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

The purpose of this course is to explore and develop teaching strategies, practices and classroom routines that are supportive of both literacy development and disciplinary learning. Current research in disciplinary literacy (DL) will provide a frame for discussing these topics. DL as an approach to content-area teaching is still emerging and we will use this course as an opportunity to learn about best practices associated with content-area learning while also exploring ways to make that learning more authentic to the disciplines they represent and more meaningful to adolescents.

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5145. Classroom Assessment and Correction of Reading Difficulties

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Types of reading difficulties and the remediation methods appropriate for use by the classroom teacher.

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5150. Clinical Diagnosis and Correction of Reading Difficulties

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Severe reading disabilities and clinical methods of remediation utilizing the case study approach.

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5155. Advanced Reading/Language Arts Clinic

6.00 credits

Prerequisites: EDCI 5150.

Grading Basis: Graded

For prospective reading/language arts specialists. A laboratory course in planning and implementing remedial reading/language arts instruction for persons with severe or complex reading and writing disabilities.

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5160. Design, Management, and Supervision of Reading Programs

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: EDCI 5150 and EDCI 5155.

Grading Basis: Graded

Designing, supervising and evaluating reading programs on a school and systemwide basis.

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5165. Introduction to Deaf Education

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

In this course we will explore current issues and approaches to teaching deaf and hard of hearing students by examining historical trends and current research in deaf education, language policy, deaf culture, speech and hearing development, and deaf studies.

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5170. Literacy and Deafness

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

In this course, we will explore current issues and approaches to teaching reading and writing to deaf and hard of hearing students, and examine current research on literacy and deafness drawn from a range of relevant perspectives.

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5250. Teaching Literature to Adolescents

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

A study of competing theories of literary response with an emphasis on implications for the teaching of literature and research on the teaching of literature. Includes some reading of literature for young adults.

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5255. Teaching Composition (7-12)

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

A study of composition theory, with an emphasis on implications for the teaching of writing and research on the teaching of writing.

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5350. Teaching Elementary and Middle School Social Studies

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

A study of curriculum alternatives, techniques of individual and small-group instruction, evaluation and the development of teaching materials.

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5355. Trends in Social Studies Curricula

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

New curriclua and developments. For teachers and supervisors of social studies.

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5360. Education and Popular Culture

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

This course examines important and timely issues around popular culture and education with a focus on film/television/music and students/teachers. The class will explore popular culture images of students and teachers and how these influence societal views of teaching and learning, analyze classroom practices with popular culture and develop skills and understanding applicable to teaching, study the history of film and television, and investigate issues of media literacy both in and out of the classroom.

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5369. The Teaching and Learning of Mathematical Problem Solving

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Focuses on the processes involved in mathematical thinking and mathematical problem solving. Classroom discussions will address those aspects associated with expert problem solving-domain knowledge, problem solving skills, metacognition (belief and issues of control), and aesthetic judgements. Students will have an opportunity to discuss and solve various types of mathematics problems and develop instructional strategies to teach and assess mathematical problem solving at the middle and secondary school levels.

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5450. The Teaching and Learning of Mathematics in the Secondary School

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Examination of current approaches to the teaching and learning of mathematics in the secondary school. Emphasis will be placed on issues surrounding content knowledge, curriculum, pedagogy, epistemology, assessment, and technology with respect to recent national initiatives and instructional techniques impacting on the secondary school mathematics curriculum.

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5455. Curricula in Mathematics Education

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Exploration of significant curricula in mathematics education for teachers and supervisors of mathematics. Emphasis is placed on research and development related to content and techniques.

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5460. The Teaching and Learning of Mathematics in the Elementary School

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Investigates the teaching and learning of mathematics in the elementary school. Emphasis will be placed on issues surrounding content knowledge, curriculum, pedagogy, epistemology, assessment, and technology with respect to national initiatives and instructional techniques impacting elementary school mathematics.

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5465. The Teaching and Learning of Mathematics in the Middle School

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Investigates the teaching and learning of mathematics in the middle school. Emphasis will be placed on issues surrounding content knowledge, curriculum, pedagogy, epistemology, assessment, and technology with respect to national initiatives and instructional techniques impacting middle school mathematics.

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5500. Teaching Science in the Middle and Secondary School

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Materials and advanced methods in the teaching of science in grades 7-12.

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5505. Materials and Methods in the Teaching of Elementary School Science

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

A systematic examination of major science and curriculum program for the elementary school, the selection and design of materials, the development of teaching techniques.

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5550. Problems in the Teaching of Science

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Theories of teaching science with emphasis on studies of research related to current problems.

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5555. Environmental Education

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Exploration of state, national, and international environmental issues and instructional approaches for developing student awareness, knowledge, and concern for the environment, K-12. Includes classroom and field study.

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5610. Teaching World Languages in the Elementary Schools

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to World Language Education students in the Teacher Certification Program for College Graduates (TCPCG) and current instructors pursuing the Elementary World Language cross-endorsement.

Grading Basis: Graded

Preparation of candidates and instructors for world language instruction at the elementary school level in alignment with research and theory in the field as well as CT and national standards for language teaching. Students will be able to: articulate rationales for early world languages study; develop and implement tools to advocate for early world language learning in their institutions or districts; discuss current research findings and trends in early language learning and world languages methodology and apply these to planning in the elementary classrooms; identify the developmental stages of pre-school and elementary age children; and create developmentally-appropriate objectives and activities for these specific age groups. Taught with EDCI 3215. Formerly offered as EDCI 5600.

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5700. Foundations of Bilingual Education

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Study of the political, social and legal aspects of bilingual education, including principles of second language acquisition.

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5705. Curricular Issues in Bilingual Education

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Current approaches, methods and techniques with respect to curricular issues in contemporary bilingual education programs.

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5715. Bilingualism and Second Language Acquisition

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Developmental sequences and theories of first and second language acquisition.

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5720. Bilingual Education and Biliteracy

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Current methods, strategies and techniques of reading in the mother tongue (L1); transfer of reading skills into English (L2); and, evaluation and adaptation of L1 and L2 reading materials. Principles of second language acquisition.

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5740. Latinos and U.S. Education

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Conditions of schooling Latinos in the U.S. educational system via an historical and economic context, including principles of second language acquisition. Policy issues and theoretical discussions of underachievement. Relationship between dominant and subordinate cultures and their effect on classroom discourses.

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5742. Sheltered English Instruction for English Language Learners

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Current approaches and techniques with respect to academic language development in sheltered environments. This course attempts to disclose the most important issues surrounding content area teaching for English Language Learners (ELLs). Special attention is placed on the teaching of mathematics, science, and literacy in English for second language learners, including second language acquisition and development within the content areas.

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5750. Language Diversity and Literacy

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Overview of issues and debates concerning the theory and practice of literacy development for non-native English speaking students in the United States. Includes principles of second language acquisition.

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5755. Teaching English as a Second Language

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Examination of current research on the acquisition and learning of English as a second language (ESL) in school settings. Critical issues in the application of research on ESL to the bilingual classroom are discussed.

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5765. Assessment of Bilingualism

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Principles of assessment for bilingual learners, including language proficiency and dominance, (bi)literacy development, and academic content knowledge. Current assessment approaches for bilingual learners in different context (e.g., bilingual, ESL classes) and for various purposes (e.g., screening, placement, evaluation). Principles of second language acquisition.

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5802. Lectures in Education

1.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

A course in which staff members and authorities in education and related fields discuss selected problems.

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5804. Curriculum Planning

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Examines teachers' issues and problems from real-life cases with theoretical perspectives and pedagogical methods.

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5810. Workshop in Education

1.00 - 3.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 9 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Professional personnel to work cooperatively on problems arising out of actual school situations.

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5820. Media Literacy in an Information Age

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Study of the growing field of media literacy and the media's influence upon our culture and education. Includes major principles, development of media analysis skills, and integration with the school curriculum.

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5825. Enhancing Classroom Curriculum with Computers and Electronic Media

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Effective use of microcomputers and other electronic media to strengthen and enhance classroom instruction in the basic content and skill areas. Emphasis upon specific curriculum applications of technology rather than on its basic operation, mechanics, and programming.

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5830. Curriculum Laboratory

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 9 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Open to teachers and administrators seeking practical solutions to curriculum problems in elementary and secondary schools. Reorganization of courses, reorientation of the program of studies, articulation of administrative units, and development of new materials are considered in relation to the local situation. Students make individual studies of their specific problems, and group studies of related problems.

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5845. Seminar in International Education

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Concentrated study of culture and education in a major geographical region such as Africa, Asia, or Latin America; or cross-cultural studies of educational issues.

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5847. Human Rights and Social Justice in Education

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Introduction to human rights and social justice, two overlapping, but non-identical frameworks for understanding and acting through educational institutions, practices, and objectives.

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5850. Introduction to Curriculum

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Philosophy, theory, and practice employed in curriculum development and change.

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5875. Multicultural Education

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Interrelationships between education and various sociocultural aspects of cultural diversity and cultural pluralism, including language acquisition and diversity.

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5885. Introduction to Critical Pedagogy

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Theory and practice in teaching for social justice with an emphasis on issues of class, race, gender and ethnicity.

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5890. Educational Linguistics

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Overview of the study of language and linguistics, and especially applied linguistics, with emphasis on their implications for classroom teacher. Includes principles of second language acquisition.

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5895. Language Ideology and Education

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Interrelationship among language, ideology, education and society, including examination of issues of social classes, ethnicity, gender, social context, power, and politics. Also covered are literacy, language prescriptivism and standardization, language policy and discourse in critical perspective. Principles of second language acquisition.

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6000. Qualitative Methods of Educational Research

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Purposes and nature of qualitative research, including selected techniques for conducting various types of qualitative and naturalistic research in educational settings.

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6005. Advanced Methods of Qualitative Research

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Field-based methods of collecting data in qualitative research studies in educational settings, coding and analysis of qualitative data, use of computer programs to analyze data, and methods and procedures for ensuring trustworthiness in qualitative research.

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6010. Writing for Educational Publications

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Designing, writing, editing, and marketing material for professional publication.

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6092. Practicum

1.00 - 6.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

The implementation and application of theory in the student's area of specialization.

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6094. Seminar

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 9 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Cooperative study of developments and problems in the student's area of specialization.

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6200. Theoretical Foundations of Teaching English

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

A sociocognitive perspective on teaching the English language arts, including the historical, sociological, linguistic, and psychological foundations of teaching English.

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6410. Learning Theories for Mathematics Instruction

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: EDCI 5510.

Grading Basis: Graded

Examines various learning theories and their influence on mathematics instruction. In particular, understanding the processes involved in mathematical thinking, the impact of learning theory on mathematics instruction, expert-novice models of mathematical behavior, and ways to enhance mathematics learning in the classroom.

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6415. Research in Mathematics Education

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Analysis of research in mathematics education, methods of research, and design and research studies.

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6500. Research in Science Education

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

An analysis of current research in science education. Emphasis on evaluation of research as well as the design and implementation of research.

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6860. Educational Inequities Research Methods

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Instructor consent and a previous research methods course. Recommended preparation: IRB training, background in research methods, extended professional experiences in educational settings.

Grading Basis: Graded

Advanced study on theories and methods associated with investigating educational inequities.

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