Course Descriptions

The list below is NOT a complete list of program courses and shows courses taught in the previous, current, and two future terms. View complete degree/certificate requirements and course offerings by clicking the links below.


EDUC 200 - Foundations of Education in a Diverse Society - 3.00 credits

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 with a grade of C or better. This course is designed to examine educational practice from diverse historical, philosophical, sociological, economic, and legal perspectives. The course will address issues of educational equity, sociocultural influences on teaching and learning, and how teachers and schools can contribute to interpersonal and intercultural understanding and respect, social justice, and democratic citizenship. Students will explore the nature of school environments, the fundamental goals of education in the American public school, English Language Learners, the relationship between school and a diverse society, the organization of school curricula, and characteristics of effective schools and instruction in grades P-12.

EDUC 201 - Teaching Profession With Field Experience - 3.00 credits

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 with a grade of C or better. This course includes an introductory, minimum 30 hours of school field experience in accredited P-12 classroom(s) that provide opportunities to observe and contribute to teaching and learning. This course allows preservice teachers to connect firsthand school experience with an emerging professional knowledge base. The course develops professional knowledge of diverse educational settings through observation, instruction, experience, and reflection. This course is designed to assist students in determining if a career in teaching is an appropriate goal. Requirements for teacher preparation and certification are reviewed.

EDUC 212 - Integrating the Arts and Physical Education in Elementary Education - 3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 101 with a grade of C or better. This course provides an overview of the curriculum and methods necessary to teach art, music, and physical education/health at the elementary level. This course will incorporate state learning standards, related content vocabulary, critical thinking, and lesson planning/implementation within each of these disciplines as well as information about integrating each of these subjects into the core curriculum instruction.

EDUC 215 - Children's Literature for Elementary Teachers - 3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 101 with a grade of C or better. Through extensive reading of children’s literature students will study techniques for selecting and evaluating books to meet the developmental needs of children. Selections of reading material will allow for exploration of multiple genres and a wide range of diverse representations in children’s books. Students will practice integrating literature across the curriculum, and creating literature related activities for use in the classroom.

EDUC 235 - Multicultural Education - 3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 101 with a grade of C or better. This course is designed to examine the multicultural context of education and prepare students to understand and teach learners from diverse backgrounds, with diverse characteristics, and with differing social identities. The course will address issues of educational equity, sociocultural influences on teaching and learning, and how teachers and schools can contribute to interpersonal and intercultural understanding and respect, social justice, and democratic citizenship.

EDUC 270 - Educational Psychology - 3.00 credits

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 and PSYC 140 with grades of C or better. This course is designed to help students relate theories and principles of educational psychology to teaching, learning, and assessment. This course focuses on the diversity of learners and learning processes, as well as teacher characteristics, classroom strategies, and data analysis in P-12 classrooms. Appropriate strategies for increasing motivation, multi-dimensional development, and academic achievement for all learners are introduced.

EDUC 280 - Educational Technology - 3.00 credits

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 with a grade of C or better. In this course students will learn how to integrate instructional technology into P-12 classrooms. Students will study a variety of software programs, presentation technology, telecommunication tools, and assistive technology. The focus will also be on social, ethical, legal, and human issues surrounding the use of technology.

EDUC 285 - Education of Exceptional Learners - 3.00 credits

Prerequisite: EDUC 270 with a grade of C or better. This survey course is an introduction to exceptional learners and their education in grades P-12. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of people with special needs in addition to strategies of educating and including all learners in general education and special education settings. Students will research and discuss complex issues related to compliance with state and federal education laws, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well learn to navigate special education processes, such as referral, eligibility, re-evaluation, and IEPs. This course requires a 15-hour special education field experience component.