Graduate Education Courses (EDU)

EDU 500C. Early Childhood Education Methods Block (15). This course combines all the methods for Pre-K -4 licensure into one block. The methods covered in this block include: Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences and Early Childhood Methods. The block is school-based and requires full-time attendance Monday to Friday. Pre-requisites: All professional core courses, 501,511,550 and 580R, plus the required practica.

EDU 500M. Middle School Methods Block (15). This course combines all the methods for 5-8 licensure into one block. The methods covered in this block include: Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences and Middle School Methods. The block is school-based and requires full-time attendance Monday to Friday. Pre-requisites: All professional core courses, 501,511,523 and 580R, plus the required practica.

EDU 501. Contemporary Issues in Education (3). Contemporary issues in education will be examined against a backdrop of historical and philosophical issues addressed in American education. This is required of all Master of Education students.

EDU 502. Literacy I (3). The course builds on current theory and research in an effort to improve classroom instruction in literacy.

EDU 503. Literacy II (3). Whole Language is a philosophy of teaching the language arts (reading, writing, listening, speaking) in the content areas. This course analyzes the research on Whole Language from its inception in New Zealand to present-day classrooms in the U.S. The writing process is an important component as is the ability to incorporate the Whole Language philosophy into the in-service teacher's own classroom.

EDU 504. Literature for Children and Adolescents (3). This course is a survey of classic and contemporary children's and adolescent literature. Various methods for using these books in the classroom are covered.

EDU 505. Educational Research (3). This course provides an introduction to the practice of both quantitative and qualitative inquiry in the study of educational problems. The course will cover issues and strategies involved in identifying a research question; planning and designing a study to answer that question; and analyzing, interpreting and presenting the results in a manner that contributes to the knowledge and practice in education. Students will become familiar with software available for qualitative and quantitative analysis. The major emphasis of the course is the writing of a research proposal, including the review of the literature.

EDU 506. History of Children's Literature (3). This course will expose the student to the many touchstone pieces of children's literature which have become the basis of modern children's books. Classic pieces of literature from Aesop's Fables to the 19th Century will be read and discussed. A chronological history of important contributors to the discipline will also be studied.

EDU 599. Special Topics (1-3).

MTH 505. Mathematical Concepts (3). Prerequisites: Two three-hour courses in undergraduate mathematics (100 level or above) or consent of instructor. Topics include problem solving and critical thinking, theory of arithmetic, geometry, probability and statistics, applications of mathematics, and the development of teaching strategies. Course is designed for elementary school teachers.

SCI 505. Science for Elementary Education (3). This course explores selected topics in physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology and earth science. It stresses "hands on" experiences typical of experiences that can be provided in the elementary classroom.

MUE 524. Music in Elementary Education (3). Explores the theoretical and historical content of music as it is presented through activities appropriate for the developing elementary child. A strong emphasis is placed on musical concepts and style and their translation into techniques, materials and activities usable in the elementary classroom.

ART 525. Art in Elementary Education (3). Explores the theoretical and historical content of art as it is presented through activities appropriate for the developing elementary child. A strong emphasis is placed on art concepts and style and their translation into techniques, materials, and activities usable in the elementary classroom.

ART 526. Discipline-Based Art Education (3). This course is designed to acquaint the student seeking licensure in K-12 art to the concept of Discipline-Based Art Education. It will examine how the art teacher can derive content from the disciplines of art production, aesthetics, art criticism, and art history and how he/she can take this content and develop them into unified, balanced art curriculum units.

HIS 567. The Tudor Monarchy, 1485-1603 (3). This class will examine the birth of Renaissance monarch in England, the personalities and politics of the Tudor age, and the government of the realm. Special attention will be paid to the origins of the empire, the question of the "Tudor frontier," the impact of the Reformation, and the emergence of the market society. This course is cross-listed with HIS 467.

HIS 625. Seminar in American Historical Biography (3). Biography probably is the most popular from of historical writing in the United States. This seminar will allow students to examine the unique methodological and interpretive challenges that confront a biographer. Students will gain an understanding of how biographers can differ significantly in approach and method by reading and discussing a variety of styles of biography. Students also will write their own works of historical biography and critique the work of their peers in a seminar setting.

HIS 632. History of the American West (3). This course examines the history of the trans-Mississippi West from pre-Columbian times to the present day. Themes of the course include native American societies and the impacts of European exploration, the age of exploration, manifest destiny and Western expansion, settlement on the Great Plains, the "closing" of the frontier, environmental and ecological concerns in the West and contemporary issues in the West. This course will serve as both an upper-level history elective and as a graduate course in the M.Ed. with a focus in Social Studies.

HIS 638. History of American Sports (3). This course will examine how American sports have evolved from the folk games of colonial America to the highly organized sports of the age of television. Themes will include how American sports became entrenched in American life; how sports became part of the larger consumer culture; the way in which a generation of partricians and exercise experts developed a sporting ideology; the quest for racial equality in sports; the advent of television and the ways in which the medium has determined the contours of modern organized sports. This course will serve as both an upper-level undergraduate history elective and as a graduate course in the M.Ed. with a focus in Social Studies.

HIS 640. Nazi Germany and the Holocaust (3). A study of the Holocaust, the annihilation of European Jewry by the government of Germany during World War II. The course emphasizes the history of European Jews since the Middle Ages, the origin and forms of anti-Semitism, the factors contributing to the rise of the National Socialist state, the racist policies and practices of Nazism in power, the stages of persecution and murder of the Jews, and the nature of human choice under conditions of extreme terror. This course is cross-listed with HIS 440.

HIS 670. Colonialism and Empire Since 1500(3). A study of European overseas expansion since the 15th century, focusing on the reasons for Europe's imperial success, the impact on non-European people and struggles for independence and development in Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

HIS 671. Ecology, Technology, and Geography in the World (3). This course explores some of the broadest patterns in world history, specifically the impact of geographical constraints and opportunities, ecological and environmental considerations, technological developments, and cross-cultural interactions on the development of human societies. This course is cross-listed with HIS 471.

HIS 672. Disease and Plagues in World History (3). This course explores the role of epidemic disease in world history from antiquity to the present. Topics will include the evolution and habits of parasitic microbes and their hosts; the vectors of disease transmission, the social, economic, political, and cultural effects of epidemics such as the Black Death; and the continuing struggle of medical and political communities against epidemic disease. This course is cross-listed with HIS 472.

HIS 695. Study Abroad (1-6). Various study abroad opportunities are available through Belmont. Consult the Director of Studies Abroad for program detials.

HIS 699. Special Studies (1-3).

EDU 540. Instructional Programs in Early Childhood Education (3). This course examines various theories, philosophies, and research projects and their antecedents and how these affect current practice in Early Childhood Education.

EDU 550. Child Development (3). This course examines child development from various theoretical perspectives and makes application to children in early childhood settings.

EDU 560. Administration of Early Childhood Education Programs (3). This course addresses the supervision and management aspects of working with programs for young children: child care, preschool, kindergarten, Head Start, church programs. Personnel, fiscal, and legal considerations for starting and maintaining such programs are examined.

EDU 530. Introduction to the Gifted (3). Covers the identification of the characteristics of the gifted, their place in the school system, historical concerns, modern trends and prospects.

EDU 531. Methods of Teaching the Gifted (3). This course offers methodology and materials for the teaching of the gifted.

EDU 532. Curriculum and Instruction for the Gifted (3). This course will cover the kinds of course content such as creativity, discovery learning, and critical thinking skills which can be used with the gifted as well as different educational models.

EDU 580R. Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners in the Classroom (3). Overview of exceptionalities; introduction to pedagogical, curricular, and social considerations involved in educating diverse learners in the classroom.

EDU 511. Advanced Educational Psychology (3). This course addresses those issues which arise in the development of children and youth in the context of education. It includes learning theories, human growth and development, motivation, classroom management and discipline, testing and evaluation.

EDU 512. Educational Tests and Measurements (3). A study of educational measuring devices including test construction and standardization, as well as test data interpretation and application. Students will also examine the research about test development and the relationship between testing and student achievement.

EDU 513. Classroom Organization and Management (3). Both quantitative and qualitative research will be studied to better understand theories of effective classroom organization and management. Based on research findings and reflective inquiry, the students will refine/design their own comprehensive, proactive system of classroom organization and management.

EDU 515. Technology for Education (3). Prerequisite: Basic computer course within the past 3 years or permission of the instructor. Using current technological knowledge and equipment, students will understand the role and use of technology for instructional purposes.

EDU 520. Performance Review (3). Prerequisite: Educational Research or Performance Appraisal. This course is usually taken in the last two semesters of a candidate's work on the Master of Education degree. Students' will demonstrate competencies identified in consultation with their mentoring committee through comprehensive exams and thesis or project.

EDU 521. Reflective Teaching (3). This reflective or inquiry-oriented course looks at the complicated activity of teaching and the conceptual schemata teachers must acquire. Emphasis is placed on developing teaching habits that are consciously informed actions.

EDU 522. Methods for Secondary Teaching (3). This course examines strategies, techniques, materials, and principles for effective classroom instruction. Students are required to demonstrate competency in these areas in school-based settings.

EDU 523. Human Development and Education (3). This course examines development from various theoretical perspectives and at stages relevant to all levels of formal education. A major focus is on the educational implications that flow from each developmental perspective. Students will also examine the research relevant to the issues in human development.

EDU 527. Literacy Across the Secondary Curriculum (3). Students will gain techniques in developing reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking through any subject area of the secondary school. Particular attention will be paid to diagnosis and further develpment of reading strategies, reading for meaning in subject area literature, and writing for subject area audiences. The course is required for all secondary (7-12 and 9-12) licensure students. The course is cross-listed with EDU 442S.

EDU 544. Graduate Teaching Seminar (4). Corequisite with Student Teaching. Seminar in teaching designed to help students be better prepared for their enhanced student teaching experience.

EDU 541C/M/S. Student Teaching in Early Childhood/Elementary/ Middle/Secondary (8). This laboratory course gives the student teacher experience in the school setting and an opportunity to observe and use appropriate classroom procedures under the direct supervision of an experienced teacher. This course requires satisfactory presentation of a professional portfolio and includes a seminar which meets weekly. This course does not count toward the M.Ed. degree requirements and is offered only for those seeking licensure. ($325.00 course fee)

EDU 542 Practicum (3). This course is a set of activities to be completed by students prior to, during, and after visits to a number of schools and/or educational sites. The course supplements academic work and practicum undertaken as part of licensure courses.

EDU 543M Teaching Social Studies (3). This course examines the strategies, techniques, materials and principles for teaching social studies in the middle school. Special emphasis is given the selection of content and development of activities to engage the learners in the issues and processes of social studies.

EDU 551C/M/S. Internship (6). An alternative to student teaching for one semester, the full academic year internship allows the student to experience the role of the teacher under the supervision of Belmont faculty, classroom mentors, and the school principal. The internship year coincides with the probationary year of teaching. Must be taken both fall and spring semesters. ($325.00 course fee)

EDU 570M. Middle School Perspectives (3). This course emphasizes the growth and development of children in grades 5-8. It looks at appropriate curriculum and instruction for this age group as well as the methodology for teaching to meet the needs of this group. Special attention will be given to the research on middle schools and the development of research questions appropriate to this age of schooling.

Internship Program

EDU545 Master of Arts in Teaching BLOCK 1 (6). This block will introduce full-time Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) candidates to the issues and practicalities of teaching. Modules in this block will include: Issues in Education, Introduction to Curriculum, Technology, Special Education and Educational Psychology.

EDU546 Master of Arts in Teaching BLOCK 2 (6). This block will introduce and/or extend knowledge, skills and dispositions of full-time Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) candidates to the issues and practicalities of teaching. Modules in this block will include: Issues in Education, Introduction to Curriculum, Methods of Teaching related to licensure, Technology, Special Education, Classroom Organization and Management, and Educational Psychology.

EDU547 Master of Arts in Teaching BLOCK 3 (15). This block will introduce and/or extend knowledge, skills and dispositions of full-time Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) candidates to the issues and practicalities of teaching. Modules in this block will include: Issues in Education, Introduction to Curriculum, Methods of Teaching related to licensure, Technology, Special Education, Classroom Organization and Management, and Educational Psychology. This block includes a semester of Internship in a classroom setting.

EDU548 Master of Arts in Teaching BLOCK 4 (15). This block will extend knowledge, skills and dispositions of full-time Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) candidates to the issues and practicalities of teaching. As well as being involved in a full semester of teaching, academic comules in this block will include: Issues in Education, Methods of Teaching related to licensure, Technology, Special Education, Child/Human Development, Classroom Organization and Management, and Educational Psychology, and where appropriate, curriculum related to specific licensure area. This block includes a semester of Internship in a classroom setting.

Special Education

EDU 562 Foundations of Special Education (3). Overview of the field of Special Education including historical perspectives, programs, and legal provisions. Prerequisite: EDU 580R.

EDU 563 Communication/Collaboration for Exceptional Children (3). Designed to introduce the pre-service teacher to the skills necessary to work effectively as a professional member of a multidisciplinary team. Skill orientation and development will emphasize the social concept, communication and collaboration skills, and team building skills necessary for special educators. Prerequisites: EDU 580R and EDU 562.

EDU 564 Instructional Strategies for Mild Disabilities (K-6) (3). Deals with pragmatic knowledge about methodologies, techniques and technology related specifically for instruction of K-6 students with mild disabilities. Prerequisites: EDU 580R and EDU 562. Co-requisite: EDU 569 - Practicum: Mild Disabilities (2)

EDU 565 Instructional Strategies for Mild Disabilities (7-12) (3). Deals with pragmatic knowledge about methodologies, techniques and technology related specifically for instruction of 7-12 students with mild disabilities.

EDU 566 Instructional Management (3). Designed to develop the instructional and behavioral management competencies required to teach students with mild disabilities. Prerequisites: EDU 580R and EDU 562.

EDU 567 Behavioral Management for Students with Disabilities (3). Designed to develop behavioral management competencies required to conduct functional behavioral analysis and the application of behavioral analytic strategies for students with special needs. Prerequisites: EDU 564 or 565 and EDU 566. Co-requisite: EDU 569 - Practicum: Mild Disabilities (2)

EDU 568 Assessment for Decision Making (3). Collection and use of educational data to assess and teach students with diverse learning needs. Educational planning, material adaptation, and curriculum development also addressed. Prerequisite: EDU 564 or 565. Co-requisite: EDU 569 - Practicum: Mild Disabilities (2)

EDU 569 Practicum: Mild Disabilities (6). Supervised assessment and teaching experience in special education. Co-requisites:
*EDU 564 - Instructional Strategies for Mild Disabilities (K-6) or
*EDU 565 - Instructional Strategies for Mild Disabilities (K-6)and
*EDU 567 - Behavior Management for Students with Disabilities and
*EDU 568 - Assessment for Decision Making
(*2 hours with each)

EDU 572 Secondary Transition for Students with Mild Disabilities (3). Designed to develop competencies in vocational and transition programming for professionals working with adolescents or adults with disabilities. Prerequisite: EDU 565.

EDU 573 Remedial Reading for Students with Mild Disabilities (K-6) (3) Designed to develop competencies required for reading instruction specific to the needs of individuals with mild disabilities in the elementary grades. Prerequisite: EDU 564.

EDU 574 Early Childhood Special Education (3) Screening, assessment, curriculum, and evaluation for infants/toddlers with disabilities. Includes strategies for working with parents and an overview of service delivery models.Prerequisite: EDU 564

Master of Education (Curriculum & Instruction)

EDU601 Contemporary Issues in Education (3). Contemporary issues in education will be examined against a backdrop of historical and philosophical issues addressed in American education. This is required of all Master of Education students.

EDU602 Educational Research 1 (3). This course provides an introduction to the practice of qualitative inquiry in the study of educational problems. The course will cover issues and strategies involved in identifying a research question; planning and designing a qualitative study to answer the question; and analyzing, interpreting and presenting the results in a manner that contributes to the knowledge and practice of education. Students will become familiar with software available for qualitative analysis.

EDU603 Educational Research 2 (3). This course provides an introduction to the practice of quantitative inquiry in the study of educational problems. The course will cover issues and strategies involved in identifying a research question; planning and designing a quantitative study to answer the question; and analyzing, interpreting and presenting the results in a manner that contributes to the knowledge and practice of education. Students will become familiar with software available for quantitative analysis.

EDU604 Developing a Learning Community 1 (3). This course studies a variety of leadership and organizational development theories and allows candidates to apply these theories to their own learning communities.

EDU605 (3). This course studies a variety of issues within learning communicites including, communication, conflict management, personal and interpersonal effectiveness.

EDU606 (3). This course examines program development and diversity issues within a variety of educational and professional learning communities.

EDU607 Independent Project in Education (3). This course is an independent project for use in the Master of Education (Curriculum and Instruction). The content and processes of this course will be developed through consultation between the candidate and their mentor and/or mentor committee.

EDU610 Literacy 1 (3). This course will extend the knowledge and skills of candidates in the area of literacy. Within a whole language focus candidates will be encouraged to examine their own classroom practices in the teaching of literacy.

EDU611 Literacy 2 (3). This course will extend the knowledge and skills gained in EDU610. Candidates will be encouraged to develop and implement whole language practices in their own classrooms.

EDU612 Independent Project in Literacy(3). This course is an independent project for use in the Literacy focus area of the Master of Education (Curriculum and Instruction). The content and processes of this course will be developed through consultation between the candidate and their mentor and/or mentor committee.

EDU615 Technology for Education 1 (3). Using current technological knowledge and equipment, students will understand the role and use of technology for instructional purposes.

EDU616 Technology for Education 2 (3). Candidates will use their current technological knowledge and equipment to enhance their use of technology in the educative processes in their own community, school or classroom. This course will focus on Social Informatics; the study of the social aspects and impacts of technology, the dynamic and powerful influence technology is having upon human interaction, the formation of on-line "communities" and other social impacts of technology.

EDU617 Independent Project in Technology (3). This course is an independent project for use in the Technology focus area of the Master of Education (Curriculum and Instruction). The content and processes of this course will be developed through consultation between the candidate and their mentor and/or mentor committee.

EDU620 Gifted Education 1 (3). This course will cover the historical and current practices in the identification of the characteristics of the gifted, their place in the school system, and approaches to catering for them.

EDU621 Gifted Education 2 (3). course will cover the content, methodology and materials for teaching the gifted.

EDU622 Independent Project in Gifted Education (3). This course is an independent project for use in the Gifted Education focus area of the Master of Education (Curriculum and Instruction). The content and processes of this course will be developed through consultation between the candidate and their mentor and/or mentor committee.

EDU625 Early Childhood Education 1 (3). This course examines the history, theories, philosophies, and research on Early Childhood Education.

EDU626 Early Childhood Education 2 (3). This course examines the modern practices in Early Childhood Education allowing candidates to further develop their own classroom strategies.

EDU627 Independent Project in Early Childhood Education (3). This course is an independent project for use in the Early Childhood Education focus area of the Master of Education (Curriculum and Instruction). The content and processes of this course will be developed through consultation between the candidate and their mentor and/or mentor committee.

EDU630 Middle School Perspectives 1 (3). This course emphasizes the growth and development of children in grades 5-8. It looks at appropriate curriculum and instruction for this age group as well as the methodology for teaching to meet the needs of this group.

EDU631 Middle School Perspectives 2 (3). This course further develops a candidates understanding of the growth and development of children in grades 5-8. It pays particular attention to the research on attempts to improve education in middle schools.

EDU632 Independent Project in Middle School Education (3). This course is an independent project for use in the Middle School focus area of the Master of Education (C&I). This course will be developed through consultation between the candidate and their mentor and/or mentor committee.

EDU637 Independent Project in Secondary Education (3). This course is an independent project for use in the Secondary focus area of the Master of Education (C&I). This course will be developed through consultation between the candidate and their mentor and/or mentor committee.

EDU640 Special Focus 1 (3). This course allows a candidate and their mentor or mentor committee to design a course to meet specific needs that are not likely to be met by other focus areas.

EDU641 Special Focus 2 (3). This course allows a candidate and their mentor or mentor committee to design a course to meet specific needs that are not likely to be met by other focus areas. The work in this course will extend the work begun in EDU640.

EDU642 Special Focus Project (3). This course is an independent project for use in the Special Focus focus area of the Master of Education (C & I). This course will be developed in consultation between the candidate and their mentor and/or mentor committee.

EDU 645 National Board 1: Process (3). This course will assist candidates to understand the requirements for National Board Certification and assist them as they begin the process. A key focus will be on the National Board process. Pre-requisites: EDU601, EDU 602, and EDU 604. This course is available to practicing teachers only.

EDU 646 National Board 2: Standards (3). This course will assist candidates to understand the requirements for National Board Certification and assist them as they move through the process. A key focus will be a thorough understanding of the National Board Standards. Pre-requisites: EDU 645. This course is available to practicing teachers only.

EDU 647 National Board 3: Implementation (3). This course will assist candidates to understand the requirements for National Board Certification and assist them as they complete the process. A major focus will be how candidates can demonstrate their competence against the specific standards for their area. Pre-requisites: EDU 645 and EDU 646. This course is available to practicing teachers only.

English Education Courses

For English course listings see pages 63-65.