Education Courses
EDU-232 Foundations of American Education (3 hr.)
(Fall, Spring, and Summer, Course Offered Every Year)
A study of public education from a cultural/historical foundations approach including an understanding of American educational goals. Focus is on current issues in education from multiple perspectives. A small group, semester-long project that involves the development of a plan to improve a public school system is a major focus for this course. In addition, there are other specific observations and group assignments that require a considerable time commitment outside of class. Many of these observations, such as attendance at a local board of education meeting, occur in the evening.
EDU-234 Educational Psychology (3 hr.)
(Fall, Spring, and Summer, Course Offered Every Year)
Psychological principles that serve as the basis of effective educational practices are examined. Topics related to human development, individual differences, motivation, and learning theory are researched and applied to elementary, middle, and secondary classroom settings. Weekly observations in local public schools are required outside of regularly scheduled class time.
EDU-241 Introduction to Instructional Media (1 hr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
Successful teachers are informed and knowledgeable about the use of instructional media in their classroom. This course will introduce students to the challenges of classroom teacher as they determine where and how technology fits into the classroom. Students will learn about a wide variety of media materials. NETS-T and NCDPI standards will be introduced.
EDU-255 Literature in the Elementary School (2 hr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
A study of literature designed for children in the elementary school. Consideration is given to the selection and evaluation of children's literature, with special attention to the illustrations. The particular needs of the early childhood and intermediate teacher will be considered. Field experience in the public schools required.
EDU-300 Introduction to Language Arts (2 hr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
This course is the second in a series of courses designed to assist students in becoming knowledgeable about materials, theories, philosophies, and instructional approaches in the teaching of language arts. Up to ten hours of field experiences are required during school hours. Please note that as language arts are typically taught during the morning, a student will have to allow time in her schedule for observations and mini teaching experiences. Prerequisites: EDU-255.
EDU-345 Language Minorities in Public Schools (3 hr.)
(Spring only)
This course is an introduction to the field of teaching English as a second language and a comprehensive look at research, policies, and effective practices for students who are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The course weaves the theories with the practice of second language education, second language acquisition, cultural diversity, content integration and assessment, literacy development, programs and policies, ESL special education, and home/school connections. Weekly observations in local public schools are required outside of regularly scheduled class time.
EDU-350 Teaching in the Middle School (3 hr.)
(Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
A study of how middle schools, working with other institutions, can best meet the needs of the young adolescents who are experiencing significant developmental changes. Since the onset of these changes and the rate at which they occur vary considerably, there is tremendous pressure on the individual to cope with her changing person. The purpose of this course is to examine effective strategies that can be used to help the student make this difficult transition from elementary to secondary education. Field experiences required.
EDU-358 Social Studies in the Elementary School (2 hr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
A study of the content, resources, and strategies for the teaching of social studies in the elementary school. The particular needs of the early childhood and intermediate teacher will be considered.
EDU-359 Science in the Elementary School (2 hr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
A study of the content, resources, and strategies for the teaching of science in the elementary school. The particular needs of the early childhood and intermediate teacher will be considered. Admission to the Teacher Education program or permission of the instructor is required.
EDU-400 Reading in the Elementary School (3 hr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
A study of the interrelated processes of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and viewing, with particular emphasis upon reading instruction. A holistic approach to instruction and assessment is adopted. Public school field experience required. Admission to the Teacher Education program is a prerequisite. Prerequisites: EDU-300. Corequisite courses: EDU-401, EDU-402.
EDU-401 Mathematics in the Elementary School (3 hr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
Students investigate, evaluate and select content, methods and materials used in teaching and assessing mathematics in the elementary school. A concurrent practicum offers opportunities to apply concepts and skills learned in this course. Prerequisite: admission to the K-6 licensure program. Prerequisites: EDU-234. Corequisite courses: EDU 400, EDU-402.
EDU-402 Preservice Practicum (1 hr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
This course is designed to address many practical issues related to teaching. Experiences that illustrate the application of educational theories will be provided. School observations will be required. This course and its corequisites should be taken in the semester immediately preceding block. Prerequisites: EDU-300. Corequisite courses: EDU-400, EDU-401.
EDU-440 Seminar in Education (1 hr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
A study of the current issues having a direct influence upon educational practice and research. School observations required. Admission to the Teacher Education program is a prerequisite. Block class. Pass/Fail grading only. Corequisite courses: EDU-443, EDU-444, EDU-445 and EDU 490, or EDU-450, EDU-466 and EDU 490, or EDU 450, EDU 466, EDU-467 and EDU-490.
EDU-443 Teaching in the Elementary School (3 hr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
A study of the nature and structure of the elementary school, including curriculum, organization, teachers' roles and responsibilities, and professionalism. Emphasis is given to the integrated curriculum and developmentally appropriate instructional strategies. Admission to the Teacher Education Program is a prerequisite. Block class. Corequisite courses: EDU-440, EDU-444, EDU-445, and EDU-490.
EDU-444 Arts in the Elementary School (2 hr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
The purpose of this course is to provide an opportunity for prospective teachers to integrate the fine arts through use of the school as a laboratory setting. College and classroom teachers will model appropriate methodology through demonstration and practice. The student will write, implement, and assess lesson plans that will integrate the arts into the K-6 curriculum. Additional hours of school observations are required. Admission to the Teacher Education program is a prerequisite. Block class. Prerequisites: ART-244 DAN-244 MUS-244 THE-244. Corequisite courses: EDU-440, EDU-443, EDU-445, and EDU-490.
EDU-445 Teaching ESL in the Elementary School (1 hr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
An overview of the field of teaching ESL, this course focuses specifically on the knowledge, strategies, and resources that teachers need to work with culturally and linguistically diverse K-6 students. Some field experiences are required. Admission to the teacher education program is a prerequisite. Block class. Corequisite courses: EDU-440, EDU-443, EDU-444, and EDU-490.
EDU-450 Reading in the Content Areas (2 hr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
A series of experiences designed for the classroom teacher or for the assisting students having difficulties in reading, developing techniques for enabling students to improve their reading and study skills, and developing and adapting appropriate reading materials and methods. Block class. Pass/Fail and one hour credit or letter grade and three hours credit. Corequisite courses: EDU-440, EDU-466, EDU-490.
EDU-466 Pre-Adolescent & Adolescent Behavior (3 hr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
An examination of the characteristics, needs, and challenges of pre-adolescents and adolescents. Connections between personal psychological issues and social/cultural issues will be explored with emphasis on implications for schooling. Block class. Corequisite courses: EDU-440, EDU-450, EDU-490.
EDU-467 The Secondary School (3 hr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
A study of the secondary school in America. Emphasis is given to issues and forces affecting curricula, legal implications for schooling, classroom management, communication skills and assessment. Block class. Corequisite courses: EDU-440, EDU-450, EDU-466, EDU-490.
EDU-490 Observation and Directed Teaching (6 hr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
Designed to provide the student internship experience at the appropriate grade level in a school setting: Elementary education: B-K [birth to kindergarten]: public schools' pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classrooms; K-6; Middle grades education: Students at the 6-9 grade levels; Secondary education: Students at the 9-12 grade levels; Special subject area education: Students at the K-12 grade levels; Occupational education: Students at 7-12 grade levels, family and consumer sciences; 9-12 levels, business. Weekly seminars are arranged. Admission to the Teacher Education program is a prerequisite. Internship fee assessed. Block class. Pass/Fail grading only.
EDU-498 Honors Thesis in Education (3 hr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
In conjunction with a faculty mentor, the student will formulate and execute an original research project that will culminate in a paper and presentation. A research proposal form completed by the student and faculty mentor is required for registration. The project must meet honors program thesis requirements as well as expectations of the education faculty. Open to seniors in the Honors and/or Teaching Fellows Programs only.
EDU-745 Introduction to Methods of ESL (3 hr.)
(Fall only)
A study of the methods for teaching English as a second language in K-12 classrooms. Content includes a focus on teaching the various language skills, on lesson planning and teaching resources, adapting content lessons, and assessment strategies. Admission to the Teacher Education Program is required prior to enrollment. Prerequisites: EDU-345.



