EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Preparing
Tomorrow's Teachers Today: Striving for Excellence
IMPORTANT PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S PENDING CURRICULUM CHANGES
The State Board of Education
adopted changes that affect all of PA’s teacher certification programs by adding
9 credits or 270 hours or equivalent combination for adaptations and
accommodations for diverse students in an inclusive setting and 3 credits or 90
hours or equivalent combination to meet the instructional needs of English
Language Learners. Although these regulatory changes became effective on
September 22, 2007, the PA Department of Education has not yet developed
final requirements for colleges/universities to
follow. Therefore, additional program requirements will be developed and
incorporated into the certification program to comply with new regulations for
certifying teachers that become effective on January 1, 2013.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
EDU-100
Reading and Study Skills 4 credits
This course is designed to help students utilize their knowledge
of language and their past experiences as aids to the comprehension
of college textbooks. Students will be expected to develop flexible
purposes for reading, analyzing relationships between ideas, developing
test taking and study skills, and increasing their chances for
the successful completion of a university curriculum.
EDU-101 Critical Reading Skills
3 credits
The course is designed to develop the student's ability to critically
analyze and evaluate what he or she reads as well as to provide
a firm understanding of the reading process. The student will
be required to independently establish mature purpose for reading
and will be trained in the detection and refutation of a wide
variety of logical errors in the writing and speech of others.
EDU-102 Oral Communications 3 credits
The course is designed to improve the student's ability to communicate
orally using Standard English.
EDU-150 Education and Society 3 credits
This course is designed to provide knowledge and information
necessary for students to evaluate their prior educational and schooling
experiences and to pursue lifelong learning in and beyond any discipline. In
this course students will analyze the political, economic, and social aspects
of schooling though various theoretical perspectives, look at different
definitions of “education” narrowly and broadly defined, and evaluate related
contemporary issues in schooling.
EDU-201 Introduction to Education
3 credits
This course includes an overview of the aims, organization and
procedures to provide a systematic view of the whole field. Information
is provided regarding the opportunities and requirements in education
as a profession. The course also includes information pertaining
to the philosophy and history of education and contains material
designed for the general education of all students and professional
orientation for prospective teachers. This is a course is for future education majors. Co-requisites: EDU-101 and/or ENG-102
EDU-202 Educational Psychology 3
credits
This course is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding
of the human learning process and how learning is affected by
personality, language, intelligence and values. The role of the
teacher and/or parent in enhancing learning will be explored in
detail as well as the effect of learning theories on classroom
practice and procedures. The course will also provide students
with practice in the construction, administration, and evaluation
of classroom tests and the analysis of test results.
Co-requisite: EDU-201
EDU-203 The Education and Psychology
of the Exceptional Child 3 credits
Students will be presented with an overview of the current theories,
major issues, and educational services for exceptional children.
They will have an opportunity to examine and assess various educational
settings. They will also become familiar with various instructional
techniques for exceptional children.
Pre-requisite: EDU-20, co-requisite EDU-202
EDU-204 Creative Arts in Elementary
Classroom 3 credits
This course is designed to prepare the pre-service elementary
school teacher to be facile with art, music and movement in the
elementary classroom setting. Fieldwork placements are provided
in this course, which is open to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors.
Co-requisite: EDU-201
EDU-205 Communication for Educators
3 credits
This course will provide an opportunity for Education majors to
improve the oral language skills they will need in the context
of a classroom setting.
Co-requisite: EDU-201
EDU-206 Foundations in Special Education
3 credits
Foundations of Special Education introduce students to basic facts
and educational strategies for working with mentally retarded,
learning disabled, emotionally and physically disabled students
and gifted students. A brief history of special education programs
will be included. Inclusion strategies and the Americans with
Disabilities Act will be discussed. Students will receive an essential
introduction and understanding of the purpose and goals of special
education programs.
Pre-requisite: EDU-201, EDU-203
EDU-207 Sophomore Field Experience
1 credit
Students majoring in Education are required to complete a one-credit
field experience, which includes twenty hours of on-site observation,
participation in non-teaching duties and completion of a unit,
which they will teach for the class. Students will meet to discuss
the duties, academic assignment they complete and to hand in the
final evaluation from their cooperating teacher to the field placement
coordinator.
Pre-requisite: EDU-201, departmental approval, all clearance required and submitted to the department
EDU-208 Educational Technology 3
credits
This course is designed to provide opportunities for students
to learn about current audiovisual technology, media, and methods
for instructional or commercial use. Both classroom and hands-on
instruction is educational applications of the microcomputer are
included. The course will meet two hours a week to introduce topics
and/or instructional materials. A laboratory session of at least
two hours per week will be required for students to practice and
apply what they have learned in class and in the required reading.
This course is open to Juniors.
Pre-requisite: EDU-201
EDU-212 The Preschool Child 3 credits
The course is designed to help students develop an understanding
of the behavior of the preschool child. It will focus on cognitive
development, theories of language acquisition and the relationship
between language acquisition and mental development. Attention
will also be given to the practical environmental dimensions of
the day care center as they affect the learning of the preschool
child. Opportunities for observation of preschool children will
be provided.
Pre-requisite: EDU-201
EDU-217 Philadelphia Urban Schools Seminar 6 credits
The program is a partnership between the School
District of Philadelphia and The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
The course is structured as a two-week field experience within the School
District of Philadelphia for pre-service teachers at the end of their sophomore
year. The students are actively working within their assigned classroom. Additionally,
the students will be conducting a service-learning project within the community
during the weekend.
Pre-requisite: EDU-201, EDU-202, departmental approval
EDU-220 Survival in the Testing
and Assessment World 3 credits
This course is designed to improve the students understanding
of tests as they are used in academic settings and to assist the
students in improving their scores on standardized tests through
increased awareness of test-taking strategies and critical thinking.
The sociological, psychological, and educational implications
of training students in the various techniques of test taking
are emphasized. The course will also emphasize how students' attitude
toward test taking affects their ability to achieve a higher score
on tests. Students will be provided the opportunity to apply techniques
across disciplines using simulated and computer materials.
Pre-requisite: EDU-201STUDENTS
MUST PASS TWO OF THE THREE SECTIONS OF THE PRAXIS I EXAM BEFORE TAKING
EDUCATION COURSES THAT ARE IN THE 300-LEVEL OR HIGHER
(For more information on the Praxis exam, click the following link Praxis Link)
EDU-300 Curriculum Methods and Materials
in Early Childhood Education 3 credits
Curriculum Methods and Assessments in Early Childhood Education
gives an examination of early childhood education methodology
with emphasis on the implementation of integrated curriculum which
develops young children's ability to construct knowledge regarding
language and writing, mathematics, science and inquiry, aesthetic
expression and awareness, and social and group dynamics. It also
explores the creation and management of learning environments
that emphasize play, active manipulation of concrete materials,
child choice and decision-making, exploration of the environment,
and interaction with others. Several assessment strategies of
early childhood students will be emphasized. Students will be
required to complete a 20-hour field experience.
Pre-requisite: EDU-201, departmental approval
EDU-302 Methods in Secondary Education
3 credits
The methods and techniques of teaching in the school will be examined.
Students will be taught methods of classroom management, the use
and development of instructional materials, and approaches to
guiding the learning experience.
Pre-requisite: EDU-201, departmental approval
EDU-303 Reading in the Content Area
3 credits
This course will provide a thorough examination of the reading
process from a theoretical and practical point of view. Students
will be given opportunities to develop instructional strategies
and techniques grounded in an understanding of the reading process
and the role that reading plays in the development of language.
Pre-requisite: EDU-201, departmental approval
EDU-307 Junior Field Experience
1 credit
Students majoring in Education are required to complete a one-credit
field experience, which includes twenty hours on on-site observation,
participation in non-teaching duties and completion of a unit,
which they will teach for the class. Students will meet to discuss
the duties, the academic assignments they complete and to hand
in the final evaluation from their cooperating teacher to the
field placement coordinator.
Pre-requisite: EDU-201, departmental approval, all clearances required and submitted to the department
EDU-308 Foundations in Urban Education 3 credits
This course is designed to provide a framework understanding
of urban education and place it into context. Essentially, the course will
provide exposure to issues that impact the urban schools. Students will explore
the various factors that confront and challenge urban schools, i.e. financial,
social, and political. In addition, the
course will examine the impact of the urban context on students, teachers,
parents, and the community.
Pre-requisite: EDU-201
EDU-310 Methods: Language Arts 3
credits
This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity
to plan and implement instructional strategies in the Language
Arts. Instructional methodologies and activities will be provided
from which students can plan and evaluate their lessons. The students
will be provided with an opportunity to teach in an elementary
classroom in a local school. This is a speaking emphasis course.
EDU-310 is taught in conjunction with EDU-312.
Prerequisite: EDU-207 and EDU-307 , departmental approval
EDU-311 Methods: Science and Social
Studies 3 credits
This course is designed to provide students with the natural and
social science concepts that are taught in the Early Childhood
and Elementary classroom settings as well as the various teaching
methodologies for the teaching of these concepts. Students will
develop lessons in the content areas and have the opportunity
for the evaluation of these lessons.
Prerequisite: EDU-201 and EDU-202, departmental approval
EDU-312 Methods: Mathematics 3 credits
This course is designed to provide students with the teaching
methodologies for the mathematical concepts developed in the Early
Childhood and Elementary School settings. The foundation for this
course content is the theory of children's cognitive development,
which is taught, in lower level Education courses. The course
is taught in conjunction with EDU-310.
Prerequisite: EDU-207 and EDU-307 , departmental approval
EDU-313 Literature for Children
and Adolescents 3 credits
This course is designed to help students develop an understanding
and appreciation of the literature for children and adolescents.
The course will focus on the theoretical and practical aspects
of the study of literature and its various genres. Students will
be given opportunities to develop instructional strategies and
techniques necessary for the integration of literature into the
Elementary or Secondary school curriculum.
Pre-requisite: EDU-201, EDU-202, departmental approval
EDU-325 Curriculum and Assessment
Strategies in Special Education 3 credits
This course will present a variety of teaching strategies and
educational materials designed to meet the individual needs of
the learning disabled. It will concentrate on academic, language
and perceptual motor programs as well as curriculum development
for the educational environment. This course also focuses on experiences
in testing children, writing prescriptions, and developing educational
evaluations. It will include the study of tests used for psychological
and educational assessment and the translation and interpretation
of those data into remedial plans for different types of handicapped
children.
Prerequisite: EDU-206, departmental approval
EDU-326 Teaching Special Education
in the Secondary Education Classroom 3 credits
This course will instruct learners in methods for teaching Special
Education students mainstreamed at the secondary level (Grades
9-12). This course will teach adaptations for instruction, managing
classroom behavior, coordinating the learning environment, using
computers and other learning equipment as well as constructing
Individual Education Plans for a variety of disabilities. Using
faculty and agency team collaboration will be discussed. Use of
non-disabled peers to facilitate positive interaction with special
education students will also be discussed. Developing the learning
strengths of special education students will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: EDU-206, departmental approval
EDU-327 Teaching Students with Physical
Disabilities 3 credits
The purpose of this course is to provide special education teachers
with information regarding the types, therapies and specially
designed interventions to be used in providing an appropriate
education for students who have varied neuromuscular conditions.
The role of parents, professional therapists and educators in
collaborating to diagnose, prescribe and nurture the student will
be discussed as will teaching peers to interact appropriately
with the student who is disabled.
Pre-requisite: EDU-206, departmental approval
EDU-330 Effective Classroom Management
Strategies 3 credits
This course incorporates current research on the most effective
strategies for improving classroom discipline, motivation, interpersonal
relationships and academic performance. Attention will be given
to aspects of diversity and/or multicultural factors that influence
perceptions about classroom management, and to factors that may
help facilitate mainstreaming efforts.
Prerequisite: EDU-201, departmental approval
EDU-390 University Seminar II 3
credits
See Requirements for Graduation in Academic Regulations. University
Seminar II courses are designed to serve as a capstone experience.
Students must take a University Seminar II in a department other
than the department of their major. The courses are not intended
to provide complete coverage of the topics reflected in the titles
of the courses.
EDU-401 Student Teaching 12 credits
The
course aims to review important theories and practices in education
resulting from recent experimental research, to prepare the students
for a period of student teaching in cooperating schools, and to
supervise and direct an actual teaching experience in such schools.
This course is taken in conjunction with Edu 420. Students have to meet
all the university and department requirements prior to taking this
course.
EDU-420 Student Teaching Research Seminar 3 credits
This course is designed for the purpose of providing students
with the opportunity to conduct research in education. The student will select an area of emphasis
and conduct a survey of theories, issues and research related
to that area. This course will also provide an opportunity for
students to discuss the student teaching and learning experience in relation
to the current research on teaching.
Pre-requisite: departmental approval
EDU-422
Research Seminar 3 credits
This course is
designed for the purpose of providing students with the opportunity
to conduct research in their area of education. The student will
select an area of emphasis and conduct a survey of theories, issues
and research related to that area. This course will also provide
an opportunity for students to discuss the student teaching experience
in relation to the current research on teaching.
EDU-495 Independent Research/Study
1-4 credits
Independent research or study projects supervised by a member
of the faculty.
