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• Program Description
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• Educational Studies web site

Education Course Descriptions

200 EXPERIENCES IN EDUCATION

This course provides opportunities to explore, reflect upon and contribute to life in contemporary urban classrooms. Weekly internships will be arranged allowing students to work closely with teachers, educational support staff and diverse young people of varied ages (kindergarten, elementary, or secondary levels). A weekly seminar session, readings, reflective writing, and individual and small group projects complement the experiential aspects of the course. This course is offered on S/NC grading option only. Every semester. (2 credits)

 

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 semester. (4 credits)

 

240 RACE, CULTURE AND ETHNICITY IN EDUCATION (Same as American Studies 240)

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. 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. Next offered 2008–2009. (4 credits)

 

280 RE-ENVISIONING EDUCATION AND DEMOCRACY (Same as 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. Next offered Spring 2008. (4 credits)

 

194/294/394 TOPICS

Occasional, often experimental courses offered by instructors at their own initiative, or in response to student requests. The topics course 'Education, Globalize, and Civil Society' is being planned for Fall 2007.

 

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. Fall 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)

 

380 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. (5 credits)

 

604 TUTORIAL

Closely supervised individual or very small group study intended to provide opportunities for guided exploration of advanced topics in education. 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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