Educational Studies
COURSES
220 EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (Same as Psychology 220)
An introduction to theory and research in educational
psychology. Topics include learning theory, learner characteristics,
intelligence, creativity, motivation, measurement and evaluation, and
models of teaching appropriate for diverse learners from early childhood
through young adulthood. Students are required to complete observations in
classroom settings. Prerequisite: Psychology 100 or permission from the
instructor. Every semesters. (4 credits)
230 COMMUNITY YOUTH DEVELOPMENT IN MULTICULTURAL AMERICA
Brofenbrenner’s bioecological model of human
development suggests the critical importance of social contexts besides the
classroom in supporting the healthy development of children and youth from
diverse social and economic backgrounds. This course examines the multiple
systems affecting the developmental process through course readings,
meetings, and assignments, grounded in a field placement of the
student’s choosing. Appropriate field placements will engage students
in a variety of youth development capacities, including centers for
research and program development, social service organizations, and
agencies aimed at improving youth-oriented social policy. This course
provides an opportunity to examine education more broadly defined, and to
explore fields of youth development such as social work, counseling,
athletics, youth leadership, and youth-centered research. Spring semester.
(4 credits)
260 PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
What is the nature and purpose of education? In what
ways should educational institutions support, challenge, or transform
predominant social values? What is ethical educational policy and practice?
Such questions are considered in light of a variety of philosophic
perspectives. Students will define a personal philosophy of education and
assess its implications for current educational theory and practice, in
addition to their own educational development. Spring semester. (4 credits)
280 RE-ENVISIONING EDUCATION AND DEMOCRACY (Same as
American Studies 280 and Political Science 211)
This course explores the design, implementation, and
evaluation of public education policy as a primary means for engaging more
active, inclusive and effective approaches to social inquiry and civic
participation. Drawing from classic and contemporary theories of education
and democracy, complemented by recent developments and controversies in
public policy studies, students work to design innovative, principled,
educationally sound and politically feasible responses to significant civic
concerns. Fall semester. (4 credits)
300 EDUCATION, FAMILY & COMMUNITY
This course examines a variety of topics affecting
student learning. Included are the impact of family, health and economic
conditions; characteristics of chemical use, abuse, and dependency;
effective communication, violence prevention, and conflict resolution;
legal concerns and responsibilities; the role of the teacher in crisis
situations; the importance of co-curricular and extracurricular activities;
and establishing productive relationships with parents/guardians, and
networking with school professionals in addition to members of the business
community and civic organizations to support youth development and
learning. This course is offered on S/NC grading option only. Spring
semester. (2 credits)
310 EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY
This course engages students in experiential learning within educational settings. Fieldwork opportunities include assisting in urban classrooms (kindergarten through high school), contributing to youth development activites, and furthering educational policy-related initiatives in diverse settings. Weekly seminar sessions, readings, reflective writing, and peer workshop activities complement the experiential nature of the course, making it a good fit for both students who wish to extend previously established educational work or who are eager to begin an initial relationship in a larger community. Prerequisites: one prior course in Educational Studies or permission of instructor. S/NC grading only. Spring semester. (2 credits)
320 EDUCATING EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS
This course examines the special needs, challenges,
interests and potentials of exceptional students. Topics include historical
and legal foundations of special education; current state and federal
guidelines; categories of exceptionality; impact of cultural, linguistic,
economic, and family structures; evaluation, placement, appropriate
accommodations, and methods of instruction and assessment for exceptional
learners. This course is offered on S/NC grading option only. Spring
semester. (2 credits)
340 RACE, CULTURE AND ETHNICITY IN EDUCATION (Same as
American Studies 345)
This survey course will explore history, policy, and
pedagogy as they relate to race, ethnicity, and culture as education. K–12 public education will be the primary
focus with topics including desegregation, standardized testing,
multi-cultural and ethnocentric pedagogy, the teacher’s role and
experience, and significant historical events in education. The course will
culminate by analyzing current trends and future expectations in education.
Fall semester. (4 credits)
360 EDUCATION AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
This course explores ways in which instructional
technologies not only support, but also shape processes of thinking, learning, teaching, experiencing and
interpreting life in a digital age. Theoretical frameworks drawn from
developmental psychology, cognitive science, media studies, curriculum and
instructional design, and varied philosophical perspectives on education
are used to assess the instructional potential of major existent (e.g.
presentation, conceptual mapping, multi-media authoring, electronic
portfolio, and course management applications) and emerging technologies
(e.g. Wiki’s, research and knowledge construction, social networking
applications). Multi-dimensional, broadly inclusive, collaborative and
constructivist approaches to teaching and learning are emphasized. Spring
semester. (4 credits)
370 EDUCATION AND THE CHALLENGE OF GLOBALIZATION (Same
as Environmental Studies 370)
The complex phenomenon of globalization affects the
quality of learning and life worldwide. In the United States and abroad;
across dimensions of philosophy, policy, and practice; educators,
government officials, policy makers, public intellectuals and citizens
struggle with the implications of globalization for the future of public
education, the fate of the natural world, and the quality of civic life.
The purpose of this course is to join in that struggle. We will explore
interdisciplinary scholarship and policy designs that integrate approaches
to environmental, civic, moral and multicultural education for the purpose
of mitigating the negative consequences of cultural and economic
globalization. Spring semester. (4 credits)
460 EDUCATION AND SOCIAL CHANGE
This course explores the question: How can we educate to promote change toward more just,
compassionate, and sustainable approaches to living and learning in a
rapidly changing and increasingly complex world? We
will consider contemporary barriers to and opportunities for systemic,
progressive education reform and civic renewal on local, national and
international levels. We will then work both individually and collectively,
on campus and in the community, to analyze specific social issues and
reform strategies in addition to conceptualizing plans for principled
social action. Prerequisites: 2 prior courses in Educational Studies or
permission of department chair. Fall semester. (4 credits)
480 URBAN EDUCATION IN THEORY, POLICY, AND PRACTICE
This course draws from an extensive theory and research
base—educational psychology,
curriculum and pedagogy, educational philosophy, and policy studies
grounded in the social sciences—to support interdisciplinary explorations of the peril and promise
of urban public education. An intensive school-based internship (6–8 hours/week) is integrated with weekly
seminar sessions (2–3 hours/week) to study advanced
topics in teacher preparation and policy analysis relevant to learning and
life in public school settings serving students who represent diverse
cultural, linguistic, and economic backgrounds, a broad range of academic
interests and aptitudes, and varied forms of exceptionality. Prerequisites:
3 prior courses in Educational Studies or permission of department chair.
Fall semester. (4 credits)
194/294/394 TOPICS
Occasional, often experimental courses offered by
instructors at their own initiative, or in response to student requests.
604 TUTORIAL
Closely supervised individual or very small group study
intended to provide opportunities for guided exploration of advanced
topics. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Every semester. (1–4 credits)
614 INDEPENDENT PROJECT
Advanced study in a specific area of educational
inquiry. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Every semester. (1–4 credits)
624 INTERNSHIP
Exploration of issues in educational inquiry and
advocacy through engagement in carefully designed service learning
opportunities. Prerequisites: permission of the instructor and community
supervisor, including negotiation of a jointly approved learning contract.
(1–4 credits)
634 PRECEPTORSHIP
Opportunities for students to assume selected teaching
roles and responsibilities in carefully supervised course contexts.
Prerequisites: demonstrated proficiency in the area of study and permission
of the instructor. (1–4
credits)
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