Academic Catalog
Minor in Education
Overview
Students who minor in education will be able to choose from an array of foundational education courses. Students will also experience a field experience class.
Requirements
Requirements for a minor in education:
A GPA of 2.75 is required to enter and continue in the minor.
Required pre-minor courses 3 hours
Required Education courses 19 hours
Courses
EDU 250 - Introduction to Education and Teaching (3)
An overview and study of contemporary trends, problems, and issues in general education in terms of educational philosophies, types of educational programs, the relation of education to the individual and society, and curriculum and instruction. Some consideration of the relevance of regular education to special education and education of deaf and hard of hearing students. Discussion of organizations and agencies related to education.
EDU 311 - Foundations of Literacy Teaching and Learning (3)
This course is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of the theories, research and literature in the area of language and literacy acquisition and learning. Students will examine their own beliefs and processes related to language and literacy acquisition and learning. This course will prepare students for subsequent courses that address literacy teaching and learning in the classroom and the home courses.
Prerequisites: EDU 250, LIN 101
Prerequisite or Co-requisites: EDU 323
EDU 323 - Educational Psychology (3)
The course addresses the application of psychological principles to the educational setting. Topics include learning theory, cognition and memory, individualized instruction, human development, intelligence, creativity, exceptionality, motivation, discipline, and measurement and evaluation.
Prerequisite: PSY 101
EDU 490 - Field-Based Observation and Applications (1)
This course provides students with an opportunity to begin their field-based professional training through observations in classroom settings. Students will also have an opportunity to apply concepts learned during their methods courses and reflect on how the experiences support their growth.
Prerequisite: Permission from the Undergraduate Program Director
EDU 600 - K-12 Curriculum and Instructional Technology (3)
This course will familiarize students with the nature and importance of curriculum in education from K-12. The course also provides an initial experience in integrated curriculum planning that incorporates the use of current technologies. Current theories of assessment, curriculum, instruction and learning across diverse educational settings are applied in classroom laboratory settings. Content assessments and evaluation in the candidate area(s) of study are emphasized. Field experience in a school setting is a required part of this course.
Prerequisites: Admission to the program or permission of the program director.
EDU 621 - Literacy Teaching and Learning: Early Childhood (3)
This course for teacher candidates specializing in early childhood provides an integration of literacy theory and research, content-based instructional practices, and assessment and evaluation cycles for diverse learners including ASL-English bilingual learners, English language learners (ELL), struggling readers and writers, and students with disabilities. In this course, candidates explore in depth an integrated approach to the study of early childhood literacy, curriculum building, methods and materials for literacy instruction, including language development, reading and writing.
Prerequisites: EDU 600; EDU 311 or EDU 601; and admission to the education program, or permission of the program director.
EDU 631 - Literacy Teaching and Learning: Elementary Grades (3)
This course for teacher candidates specializing in elementary education provides an integration of literacy theory and research, content-based instructional practices, and assessment and evaluation cycles for diverse learners including ASL-English bilingual learners, English Language Learners (ELL), struggling readers and writers, and students with disabilities. In this course, candidates will expand knowledge and appreciation for literature, model communication in written, oral and/or through-the-air expression, comprehend, analyze, and evaluate a range of print and non-print media appropriate for use in elementary settings; and experience and reflect on effective practices in literacy teaching and learning in elementary settings.
Prerequisites: EDU 600 and EDU 311 or EDU 601 and admission to the program or permission of the program director.
EDU 641 - Literacy Teaching and Learning: Secondary Grades (3)
In this course, candidates examine the purposeful social and cognitive processes of adolescent literacy, address instructional issues related to teaching and learning reading and writing in the middle and secondary grades (6-12), practice effective ways to deliver literacy skills for adolescents across a range of domains, with consideration given to motivation, comprehension, critical thinking, and assessment. This course provides the basis in adolescent literacy teaching and learning for teacher candidates who are about to embark upon the student teaching practicum experience in middle and secondary school settings, and requires related field-work.
Prerequisites: EDU 600; EDU 311 or EDU 601; and admission to the education program, or permission of the program director.
EDU 665 - Children's Literature (3)
An in-depth study of children's literature primarily for early childhood and secondary education majors. Focuses on the evaluation, selection, and sharing of children's and young adult books in instructional settings. Participants will read, respond to, and evaluate picture books and chapter books of various genres. Emphasizes the identification and teaching of literary elements in context, strategies for sharing books with children, and the importance of using authentic children's and young's adult literature in schools.
EDU 670 - Teaching Students with Disabilities (3)
This course is designed to familiarize students with the identification of exceptional children in terms of developmental needs, interpretation of assessment data, development and evaluation of appropriate intervention strategies for the regular classroom teacher, and legislation in special education. This course will prepare teacher candidates to work with children and youth with a broad range of disabilities and educational needs. Topics will include understanding disability; understanding principles of legislation and curriculum and instruction; establishing positive learning environments; and working collaboratively.
Prerequisite: Admission to the program or permission of the program director