Educational Studies

Requirements & Courses

  • EDUCATIONAL STUDIES MAJOR

    The Educational Studies Major is designed for those interested in education in a variety of fields but who are not currently interested in earning teacher certification.

    Thirty-six credits which must include at least 15 upper level credits and must include:

    1. Core courses (13 or 14 credits):
      • EDC-100 (2 cr) and 120 (2 cr) or 103 (1 cr) with 130 (2 cr); EDC-203 (1 cr) with 230 (3 cr).
      • EDC-311 (1 cr) and 312 (1 cr); 370 (2 cr) or 373 (3 cr); 400 (2 cr).
    2. Concentration of at least 12 credits in one of the following or a concentration approved by the department:
      Capstone: EDC-470 (5 cr) internship/experience in an appropriate setting as approved by the department.
      • Child Development: EDC-160 (4 cr), 183 (4 cr), 281 (4 cr), 282 (2 cr), 283 (1 cr), 373 (3 cr) or 150 (2 cr) with 105 (1 cr), 383 (4 cr) or approved courses.
      • Special Needs: Select from EDC-150 (2 cr) with 105 (1 cr), 250 (3 cr) with 205 (1 cr), 255 (4 cr), 350 (4 cr), 355 (4 cr), 450 (3 cr) with 405 (1 cr) 460 (4 cr), or approved courses.
      • Literacy: Select from  EDC-160 (4 cr), 346 (4 cr), 360 (3 cr), 460 (4 cr), or approved courses.
      • Pedagogy: Select from EDC-262 (4 cr), 301 (1 cr), 302 (1 cr), 303 (1 cr), 354 (4 cr), 360 (3 cr), 361 (3 cr), 362 (3 cr), 363 (3 cr), 373 (3 cr), 383 (4 cr), 460 (4 cr) or approved courses.
    3. Electives in EDC courses or other courses approved by the Education Department.
    4. Departmental Note Regarding Core Courses: Students selecting a Special Needs concentration must take EDC-370 (as seen above in the Core Course requirements). This is due to the course having significant Special Education content within the concentration. 
  • Educational Studies Minor

    The Educational Studies Minor is for those interested in education in a variety of fields, but who are not currently interested in earning teacher certification. Twenty-four credits which must include:

    1. Core Courses:
      • EDC-100 (2 cr) and 120 (2 cr) or EDC-103 (1 cr) with 130 (2 cr).
      • EDC-311 (1 cr) and 312 (1 cr).
    2. Electives in EDC courses or other courses selected in consultation with, and approved by the Education Department.
    3. At least eight upper level credits must be included in the minor.

Courses

  • EDC
    100
    .
    Introduction to Diverse Learners
    2 credits
    An introduction to learners and learning. Students reflect upon their own schooling and learning experiences, applying the different perspectives and theories on learning introduced in the course. Students will consider the diversity of learning styles, aptitudes, interests, intelligences, and diverse learner backgrounds. They will begin to consider the role and responsibilities of classroom teachers towards all learners, thus developing understandings they will build on throughout the program. Required for elementary certification. Fall/Winter.
  • EDC
    103
    .
    Foundations of Secondary Education
    1 credit
    Prerequisite: EDC-130 concurrently
    A 40-hour field experience to provide hands-on, realistic yet transitional experience/opportunity for those interested in teaching at the high school or middle school level. Must take EDC-130 concurrently. Fall/Winter
  • EDC
    105
    .
    Introduction to Special Education-Field
    1 credit
    Prerequisite: EDC-150 concurrently
    Learn to identify patterns of students’ strengths and weaknesses, and specify intervention strategies to assist in learning. Introduction to the process of developing, implementing, and evaluating the progress of an IEP. Includes 30 hours of Elementary/Middle/High placement. Pass/Fail only. Required for Special Education K-12 major. Winter only.
  • EDC
    120
    .
    Teaching in Context
    2 credits
    Introduction to perspectives on teaching. Historical, philosophical, sociological and comparative frameworks and models of teaching, including learning environments and teaching approaches. Examination of multiple purposes and goals of schooling; ethical and professional responsibilities of teachers to multiple stakeholders. Required for elementary certification. Fall/Winter
  • EDC
    130
    .
    Foundations of Secondary Education
    2 credits
    Prerequisite: EDC-103 concurrently
    A beginning course that is meant to help the pre-service teacher understand the realities of teaching and the education profession in general. A foundation to assist the student in making a better, more informed career choice about becoming a secondary teacher while also providing cases that secondary teachers must effectively face every day. Required for secondary certification. Fall/Winter
  • EDC
    150
    .
    Introduction to Special Education
    2 credits
    Prerequisite: EDC-105 concurrently
    Introduction to characteristics and categories of exceptional children, birth through adulthood. Learn the rules and regulations concerning provision of special education and related services. Discussion of historical and legal issues. Learn to develop, implement, and evaluate the progress of an IEP. Required for Special Education K-12 major. Winter only.
  • EDC
    160
    .
    Children’s Literature
    4 credits
    This standards-based course introduces students to a body of literature written for children and how it may be used across the curriculum; the interactions between readers, texts, and contexts; and critical issues in the selection and use of children’s literature. Students will explore, read, and respond to children’s literature in a variety of ways that include preparing collections of literary works and activities for use with children. Required for elementary certification. Fall/Winter
  • EDC
    183
    .
    Intro to Early Childhood Education
    4 credits
    Introduction to the early childhood profession, the nature of the profession, including its philosophical, historical and social foundations and current contextual influences (e.g., demographic and policy influences). Familiarization with various types and models of early childhood programs. Includes discussion of characteristics of developmentally appropriate practice. Learn and apply guidelines for the organization and administration of early childhood programs. Required for Early Childhood Endorsement. Winter only.
  • EDC
    203
    .
    Child Development and Education - Field
    1 credit
    Prerequisite: Sophomore Standing
    A 40-hour placement in classrooms concurrent with EDC-230. Provides an introduction to the professional roles and responsibilities of teaching all children. Students will be placed in a “home” classroom and work closely with that teacher to observe, assist, and work closely with students applying psychology principles and learning theories. Fall/Winter
  • EDC
    205
    .
    Intro to Learning Disabilities - Field
    1 credit
    Prerequisite: EDC-105 and 150; EDC-250 concurrently
    Work with children identified with a learning disability and collaboratively plan interventions/services including diagnosis, assessment, and specific remedial techniques. Experience the IEP process including the creation of goals and objectives which frame special education children’s learning. Identify and discuss rules of confidentiality. Includes 30 hours of Elementary/Middle/High placement. Pass/Fail only. Required for Special Education-Learning Disabilities K-12 major. Winter only.
  • EDC
    230
    .
    Child Development and Education
    3 credits
    Prerequisite: Sophomore Standing; EDC-203 concurrently
    An overview of psychological theories and research applied to classroom learning. The course includes study of concepts in human development - cognitive, affective, physical, emotional, moral, and social; study of learning, motivation, and assessment; developmentally appropriate practice; an overview of processes of human development in childhood and adolescence with a focus on socialization and education; and study of the influences of family, community, and culture on education. Required for elementary and secondary certification. Fall/Winter
  • EDC
    250
    .
    Introduction to Learning Disabilities
    3 credits
    Prerequisite: EDC-105 and 150; EDC-205 concurrently
    Includes the study of the characteristics of children with learning disabilities and interventions/services for these individuals including diagnosis, assessment, and specific remedial techniques. Understand and implement research based theories and philosophies through lesson planning and field placement. Discussion of correlating factors leading to identification. Required for Special Education K-12 major. Winter only.
  • EDC
    255
    .
    Transition Mgmt in Special Education
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: EDC-105 and 150
    Covers various life management theories in relation to all curriculum subjects. Students develop skills to effectively manage children’s behaviors and to be effective classroom managers. Engage in strategic planning in the areas of: study skills, self-management, problem solving, reasoning, coping skills, and self-determination skills. Fall only.
  • EDC
    262
    .
    Mathematical Thinking and Learning
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: Sophomore Standing
    Investigate particular teaching and learning strategies that may help or hinder different students’ learning of mathematics. Focus on interpreting children’s mathematical work and examine central questions in mathematics teaching. Develop familiarity with available resources and begin the development of skills and attitudes to learn from teaching and other opportunities. May include a service learning component. Required for elementary certification. Winter only.
  • EDC
    281
    .
    Child Dev and Learning: Birth - Age 8
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: EDC-183; Sophomore Standing
    Examination of physical, cognitive, social, emotional and other types of development in infancy and early childhood. Addresses the development of children with special needs and linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds. Students complete 30 hours of field placement in an early childhood setting. Required for Early Childhood Endorsement. Fall only. Course fee.
  • EDC
    282
    .
    School, Family & Community Partnerships
    2 credits
    Prerequisite: Sophomore Standing
    Emphasizes the critical role of family-school partnerships in ensuring children’s well-being and academic success. Introduction to historical roles of the family and community in early childhood education. Discussion of barriers to family involvement as well as effects of successful family participation. Addresses various types of family involvement and best practice guidelines associated with each type. Explores models for involving communities as partners in children’s care and education. Required for Early Childhood Endorsement. May include a service learning component. Winter only.
  • EDC
    283
    .
    The Care and Edc of Infants and Toddlers
    1 credit
    Prerequisite: EDC-183, Sophomore Standing
    A framework for understanding how infants and toddlers grow and learn. Developmentally appropriate curricula and materials will be examined. Required for Early Childhood Endorsement. Fall only.
  • EDC
    301
    .
    Elem Science and Social Studies - Field
    1 credit
    Prerequisite: TEP Approval; EDC-311, 361, and 363 concurrently
    Classroom observation and participation in teaching science and social studies. Includes 40 hours of classroom placement. Pass/fail only. Required for elementary certification. Fall only.
  • EDC
    302
    .
    Teaching Elem Lang Arts and Math - Field
    1 credit
    Prerequisite: TEP Approval; EDC 312, 360, and 362 concurrently
    Classroom observation and participation in teaching language arts and math. Includes 40 hours of classroom placement. Pass/fail only. Required for elementary certification. Winter only.
  • EDC
    303
    .
    Secondary Ed Methods and Experience
    1 credit
    Prerequisite: TEP Approval; EDC-311 concurrently
    Topics and issues in instructional planning, teaching, and assessment are explored in-depth and with particular emphasis on secondary education and specific subject areas. Students spend 30 hours in secondary classroom placements, working in their major(s) content areas, and will have specialized teaching methods support in those subjects with an emphasis on best practices. Required for secondary certification. Fall only. (Specific topics offered as EDC-303B, EDC-303E, EDC-303H, EDC-303MA, EDC-303MU, EDC-303PE, EDC-303S).
  • EDC
    311
    .
    Topics Seminar A
    1 credit
    Prerequisite: TEP Approval or EDS Major or Minor; EDC 301, 361, and 363 concurrently for Elementary majors; EDC-303 concurrently for Secondary majors.
    Introduction to issues and topics in instructional planning, differentiation, and instructional strategies. Required for elementary and secondary certification, and EDS major and minor. Fall only.
  • EDC
    312
    .
    Topics Seminar B
    1 credit
    Prerequisite: TEP Approval or EDC Major or Minor; EDC-302, 360, and 362 concurrently for Elementary majors.
    Introduction to issues and topics in the historical context of schooling and current issues in education, assessment, and the professional roles of educators. Required for elementary and secondary certification, and EDS major and minor. Winter only.
  • EDC
    346
    .
    Teaching Reading in Middle & Senior High
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: TEP Approval
    Survey of strategies for teaching, diagnosing and improving word recognition, comprehension and study skills. Survey of student language needs and program planning for reading instruction at the middle and senior high school levels. May include a service learning component. Required for secondary certification. Fall only.
  • EDC
    350
    .
    Instructional Design in Special Edc
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: EDC-105, 150, 205, 250, 255; TEP Approval
    Examination of the methods of identification, assessment, and instructional planning for individuals with learning disabilities. Curriculum design and modification/adaptation of instructional materials for struggling children in the special education and general education setting are covered. A variety of classroom practices and strategies which emphasize and promote individual motivation, classroom management, transition planning, the use of assistive technology, and meeting the needs of diverse children are analyzed. Required for Special Education-Learning Disabilities K-12 major. Fall only.
  • EDC
    355
    .
    Understanding Stu w/Learning Disability
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: EDC-105, 150, 205, 250, 255; TEP Approval
    Exploration of brain development and characteristics of children with learning disabilities from early childhood through adolescence. A focus on understanding ways of helping children with learning disabilities succeed through the use of instructional planning, technology, and inclusive education. Analysis of useful and creative strategies for teaching struggling individuals and understanding the importance and practicality of building support systems with parents, general education teachers, and other community resources. Required for Special Education-Learning Disabilities K-12 major. Winter only.
  • EDC
    360
    .
    Teaching Elementary Language Arts
    3 credits
    Prerequisite: TEP Approval; EDC-302, 312, and 362 concurrently
    Examination of reading and language arts methods. Survey of developmental reading including phonemic awareness, phonics, word recognition, fluency, vocabulary development, and comprehension. Use of assessment to inform instruction, classroom organization and management of the reading program, and methods of teaching language arts, including their interrelationships with reading. Required for elementary certification. Winter only.
  • EDC
    361
    .
    Teaching Elementary Science
    3 credits
    Prerequisite: TEP Approval; EDC-301, 311, and 363 concurrently
    Examination of methods and materials in elementary science education. May include service learning project and action research project. Required for elementary certification. Fall only.
  • EDC
    362
    .
    Teaching Elementary Mathematics
    3 credits
    Prerequisite: TEP Approval; MTH-202 and EDC-262; EDC-302, 312, 360 concurrently
    This course builds on EDC-262 and focuses on four areas: Teaching mathematics, working with students as individuals, organizing a class, and professionalism and reflective learning. Required for elementary certification. Winter only.
  • EDC
    363
    .
    Teaching Elementary Social Studies
    3 credits
    Prerequisite: TEP Approval; EDC-301, 311, and 361 concurrently
    Examination of methods and materials in elementary social studies education. Required for elementary certification. Fall only.
  • EDC
    370
    .
    Instructional and Assistive Technology
    2 credits
    Prerequisite: TEP Approval or EDS Major
    Builds on basic skills and knowledge demonstrated through successful completion of Technology Modules so that students are well prepared to use technology effectively and appropriately for multiple purposes in their teaching. Students learn to use technological tools, operations, and concepts to enhance learning and assessment, productivity, communication, and professional development. Students learn about the ethical, legal, physical, and psychological issues and principles of technology use in schools. Students utilize technology for curriculum planning and for instruction, including on-line learning experiences. Students learn to use assistive technologies to enhance the learning of all children in ways that best meet individual needs. Required for elementary and secondary certification.
  • EDC
    373
    .
    Special Education for Classroom Teachers
    3 credits
    Prerequisite: TEP Approval
    Introduction to the teaching of exceptional students. Review of historical and legal issues in special education. Characteristics of exceptional learners, birth through adolescence. Examination of materials and methodology appropriate for instructing exceptional learners in inclusive classrooms. Includes eight-hour practicum. Required for elementary and secondary certification (except Special Education major). Winter only.
  • EDC
    383
    .
    Curriculum and Methods: Early Childhood
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: TEP Approval
    Preparation for planning and facilitating developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young children in the content areas of language, literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts, health and safety. Techniques for adapting instruction to culturally diverse learners and those with developmental delays. Preparation in appropriate management and guidance techniques, and designing appropriate physical environments and schedules for young children. Students practice integrating systematic observation of young children’s behavior with instructional design and assessment and program evaluation techniques. Students learn techniques for working cooperatively with families in the care and education of their children and with community services and referral procedures for children. Includes a 30-hour practicum in an early childhood site. Required for Early Childhood Endorsement. Classroom placement included. Fall only.
  • EDC
    400
    .
    Issues and Contexts
    2 credits
    Prerequisite: TEP Approval or EDS Major; Senior Standing
    Research into current topics and perennially important issues in education. Required for elementary certification and EDS major. Fall/Winter.
  • EDC
    405
    .
    Curriculum Mthds in Special Ed - Field
    1 credit
    Prerequisite: EDC-105, 150, 205, 255, 350, 355; TEP Approval; EDC-450 concurrently
    Demonstration of the understanding of the IEP process by evaluating how goals and objectives are formulated to frame children’s learning. Goals within an IEP are identified and an instructional unit implemented incorporating appropriate teaching strategies. Individual growth as a result of the interventions is measured and the success of the instructional methods is analyzed and evaluated. Appropriate individual performance assessments are created. The ability to modify instruction based on assessment data is demonstrated. Includes 30 hours of Elementary/Middle/High placement. Pass/Fail only. Required for Special Education-Learning Disabilities K-12 major. Fall only.
  • EDC
    450
    .
    Curriculum Methods in Special Education
    3 credits
    Prerequisite: EDC-105, 150, 205, 255, 350, 355; TEP Approval; EDC-405 concurrently
    Preparation and planning for the development of curriculum and individualized teaching methodology appropriate for individuals with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. Basic principles of instructional design are discussed. Appropriate child performance assessments are created with students demonstrating the ability to modify instruction based on assessment data. Current practices and problems of instructing students with learning disabilities are addressed. Required for Special Education-Learning Disabilities K-12 major. Fall only.
  • EDC
    460
    .
    Teaching the Struggling Reader
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: TEP Approval; Senior Standing
    Survey of theory and methods associated with reading instruction for struggling readers. Emphasis placed on assessment of reading strengths and needs as well as specific strategies for reading improvement. Includes supervised instruction. Required for elementary certification. Fall only.
  • EDC
    470
    .
    Educational Studies Internship
    5 credits
    Prerequisite: 12 credits total in EDC including EDC-100 and 120 or EDC-103 and 130; and at least 3 credits of upper-level EDC credits; TEP Approval; Junior Standing.
    Application of educational concepts, skills, and theory, through participation in a work setting related to student’s learning objectives and long-term goals. Supervision by faculty and sponsoring organization. Includes substantive reflection assignment. Requires instructor permission and junior standing. Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer.