Course Descriptions
EDU 5301. Teaching Literature to Adolescents 3 hours
Prerequisite: ENG 1301, 1302, and 3 hours of sophomore literature survey
A study of numerous literary works suitable for classroom use with young adults. Recommended for students being certified in secondary education and for those seeking a reading specialization.
EDU 5309. Reading and Language Arts in Bilingual Education 3 hours
Prerequisite: Spanish language proficiency
Examines the principles, theories, and techniques involved in the teaching of reading and writing to elementary linguistic minority students. In addition, it explores the language arts curriculum and teaching techniques used in bilingual classrooms. Finally, it examines computer-assisted instruction in the teaching of reading to LEP students.
EDU 5313. Foundations of Bilingual Education 3 hours
Prerequisite: Spanish language proficiency
Examines the history and the role of bilingual education in American
education. In addition, it examines various models of bilingual, ESL, and multicultural education programs implemented in the United States and abroad. Finally, it explores cognitive and metalinguistic theory regarding bilingualism in order to justify the implementation of developmental bilingual education programs.
EDU 5316. Linguistics in Education 3 hours
Examines the phonological, morphological, syntactical, and semantical aspects of language with a contrastive analysis perspective. In addition, it applies linguistic theory to the language development of linguistically and culturally diverse children in the United States.
EDU 5319. English as a Second Language Literacy 3 hours
Examines the principles, theories, and techniques involved in the teaching of reading and writing to second language learners at the elementary, secondary, and adult education level. Finally, it examines computer-assisted instruction in the teaching of reading to LEP students.
EDU 5329. Content Methodology of Bilingual Education 3 hours
Prerequisite: Spanish language proficiency
Examines the variety of learning styles and teaching methods that promote an active learning process in teaching modern elementary level mathematics, science, and social studies. Competency will be established in understanding and applying appropriate conceptual schemes and precise content area terminology in English and Spanish. The incorporation of computer-assisted instruction in the bilingual setting will be emphasized.
EDU 6301. Introduction to Graduate Studies and Research 3 hours
Assists students in becoming effective consumers of research in the field of education. Students are asked to critically reflect on educational literature and communicate their analysis in a scholarly manner.
EDU 6302. Philosophical Foundations in Education 3 hours
Both historical and contemporary philosophy and theory are explored in this course. The student will examine classical literature as well as current reform efforts. Critical and reflective thinking, problem solving, and scholarly inquiry will characterize the student's participation.
EDU 6305. Psychosocial Dimensions in Education 3 hours
Concepts and issues relating to human growth, development, and learning are given comprehensive coverage. Principles and practices relating to research in education and its application, assessment and testing, multicultural perspectives, social trends, and parental expectations are emphasized.
EDU 6307. Emerging Issues in Education 3 hours
Topics such as the role of technology in contemporary education; school law and political influences in education; trends in school management; professional codes of ethics in education and other timely and relevant topics are addressed with emphasis on current professional literature, professionalism, and the role of the classroom teacher.
EDU 6310. Courage to Teach 3 hours
This course, which is open to teachers at every level and setting, is designed to explore the inner landscape of a teacher's life through individual reflection and group dialogue, rather than through technique. Although teachers are often segregated and ranked by what or where they teach, the underlying dynamic of the inner teacher cuts across differences and gives commonality to struggles and joys. Participants will raise questions, examine ideas, and explore images and metaphors that suggest teaching practices and may lead to a rich array of insights about "formation," which is understood as reclaiming the reality and power of the one’s life as teacher. May be offered in seminar or retreat settings.
EDU 6313. Practice of Scholarship I 3 hours
Students in this course will meet individually or in small groups with the professors in order to actively inquire into educational issues through primarily the wriiten medium. A multidisciplinary approach to both scholarly process and product will be the focus.
EDU 6314. Practice of Scholarship II 3 hours
Students enrolled in this course will meet individually or in small groups with the professors in order to actively inquire into educational issues through the written medium. Students will write and attempt to publish a scholarly paper. A multidisciplinary approach to both scholarly process and product will be the focus.
EDU 6315. Instructional Leadership in Public Schools 3 hours
Designed to prepare students for the role and responsibility of Principal in EC-12th grade schools. The course explores the characteristics f effective leadership with specific focus on the role of instructional leader at the campus level. Students will develop understandings of characteristics of leaders; campus-level leadership and accountability; motivation theory; understanding interrelationships among administrators, teachers, students,
parents, and community groups; improvement of instruction; learning theory, change process; school climate and culture.
EDU 6316. School Law Administration 3 hours
Students wil understand constitutional, statutory, administrative and case law as it pertains to everyday operation of schools; legal frameworks within a school settting; and legal issues facing campus school leaders.
EDU 6317. Administration of EC-12th Grade Curriculum 3 hours
This course is designed to prepare students for the role of instructional leader. The EC-12th grade curriculum TEKS and TAKS objectives will be examined as well as the principal’s role in regards to state standardized testing public accountability ratings. Best instructional practice at all levels will be discussed and internalized.
EDU 6318. Supervision and Professional Development at School Level
3 hours
This course is designed to prepare students for the supervisory roles of principal in a school setting. The state mandated DILT certification (teacher appraisal instrument) training will occur during this course. Students will understand effective professional development and clinical supervision. This course requires 30 additional clock hours.
EDU 6320. English as a Second Language Methodology (5317) 3 hours
Examines the history of first and second language teaching to assess the effectiveness of such methodologies. Competency will be established in defining and applying terminology and basic concepts regarding the language development of LEP students. In addition, it examines more contemporary second language teaching approaches as they relate to the development of curriculum, lesson plan preparation, and the language assessment of LEP students. The role and application of computer-assisted instruction in the language development of LEP students will be emphasized.
EDU 6356. Applied Linguistics 3 hours
Through seminars and practical applications, students will examine the phonological, morphological, syntactical, and semantic aspects of language. Course may involve international study and/or study of linguistically and culturally diverse populations in the United States.
EDU 6357. Cross-Cultural Communications 3 hours
Provides an over-view of the intercultural and multi-cultural issues particular to an increasingly racially diverse population. Implications concerning curriculum design, teaching strategies, and student/teacher interactions will be considered in this course. Different student issues are examined, as with refugees, international students, immigrants, and children of these populations.
EDU 6358. Improving Practice Internship 3 hours
Capstone course that synthesizes ESL/EFL understandings. The course will result in the development of a project consisting of both design of an instructional learning system and a demonstration or summary report of actual teaching situations. The capstone project will serve as the final evaluative process for demonstrating one's proficiency in teaching ESL/EFL learners and the issuance of the TESOL certificate. Texas certified teachers may also opt for the Texas ESL certificate examination. TExES barcode will be given upon successful completion of this course.
EDU 6360. Language Acquisition and Development (5360) 3 hours
Students gain understanding of various theories regarding the process of first and second language acquisition and development. In addition, students become familiar with teaching and learning strategies that enhance the acquisition and development of languages.
EDU 6390. Thesis 3 hours
Prerequisite: Approval of academic advisor and the Graduate Advisory Committee
A scholarly document reporting an investigation or successful teaching project in an apprenticeship relationship with a committee of graduate faculty.
EDU 6391. Legal Issues in Education 3 hours
A comprehensive overview of legal issues of importance to the classroom teacher or administrator. Course contents include teachers’ rights and responsibilities and students’ rights and responsibilities. Course materials are updated annually to reflect changes in educational law.
EDU 6399. Special Topics in Education 3 hours
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and Dean of the School of Education
EDU 6619. Principal Internship 6 hours
This course requires 150 clock hours of internship in a public school setting. Students will perform administration duties at a chosen school and participate in practical experiences as an administrator. Induction into the supervisory principal role is expected by the school officials and facilitated through seminars during the internship year. The internship requirement may continue through several semesters
ENG 5301. Teaching Literature to Adolescents 3 hours
A study of numerous literary works suitable for classroom use with young adults. Recommended for students being certified in secondary education and required for those seeking a reading specialization. This course includes fundamental pedagogical methods for future teachers.
MAT 6370. Mathematical Applications 3 hours
Provides elementary and middle school teachers with fundamentals for use of mathematical thinking in day-to-day situations. Includes fundamental analysis techniques and modeling in teaching applications of mathematics.
MAT 6371. Mathematical Discovery 3 hours
Emphasizes inquiry-based, process-oriented, cooperative learning strategies in the area of mathematics. Methods will reinforce teaching of the discovery method and will encourage development of activities specifically designed for the elementary and middle school classroom. Professional lesson plan that includes a discovery activity is required.
NSC 5374. Physical Science for Teachers 3 hours
Prerequisite: NSC 1303 and 1304 or consent of instructor
Provides elementary and middle school teachers with the fundamentals of chemistry and physics. A laboratory-based course.
NSC 6301. Teaching Contemporary Biology I 3 hours
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor
Designed for High School and Middle School science teachers to incorporate contemporary issues in Biology for teaching the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills focusing on unique aspects of human biology including human sexuality, stem cells, the human genome, genetic disorders and gene therapy, eating disorders, addiction and eating disorders, among others.
NSC 6302. Teaching Contemporary Biology II 3 hours
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor
Designed for High School and Middle School science teachers to incorporate contemporary issues in Biology for teaching the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills focusing on antibiotic resistance, parasites, HIV, the immune system, human agriculture and transgenic organisms, pollution, exotic species, acid rain, water treatment, as well as global warming.
NSC 6305. Contemporary Biology III 3 hours
Prerequisite: NSC 6301 and NSC 6302
Designed for high school and middle school science teachers to incorporate contemporary issues in Biology for teaching the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills focusing on molecular biology, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the evolution and ecology of the Monarch Butterfly. Genetic material from the Monarch Butterfly field samples in North Texas and Chiapas, Mexico will be analyzed. Field studies materials such as photographs and video tapes will also be incorporated into a series of presentations at grade appropriate levels.
NSC 6374. Physical Science for Teachers I: Molecules and Mechanics
3 hours
Examines the mechanical basis for the physical sciences as it pertains to the area of mass, matter, and temperature. Emphasizes Newton's laws and related concepts. Content-based course for elementary and middle school teachers.
NSC 6376. Physical Science for Teachers II: Electricity and Magnetism
3 hours
Examines the electrical and magnetic behavior of matter. Emphasizes the concept of charge, electrostatics, the electron, movement of charge, electromagnetism, and other related concepts. Content-based course for elementary and middle school teachers.
NSC 6378. Physical Science for Teachers III: Atoms and Molecules
3 hours
Examines the atoms and molecules. Emphasizes the atomic nature of matter, the interactions of atoms to form molecules, and the interactions between molecules, as they pertain to light and color. Content-based course for elementary and middle school teachers.
NSC 6379. Physical Science for Teachers IV: Air, Space, Flight, and Astronomy 3 hours
Application of Newton's laws of motion in air, space, and water. The study of aerodynamic parameters by building planes, rockets, balloons, and kites. This includes in-depth coverage of meteorology and astronomy as they pertain to flight and motion.
NSC 6384. Discovery Science I: Molecules and Mechanics 3 hours
Emphasizes inquiry-based, process-oriented, cooperative learning strategies in the area of mechanics, as it pertains to the area of mass, matter, and temperature. Methods will reinforce teaching of the scientific method and will encourage development of activities specifically designed for the elementary and middle school classroom.
NSC 6386. Discovery Science II: Electricity and Magnetism 3 hours
Emphasizes inquiry-based, process-oriented, cooperative learning strategies in the area of electricity and magnetism. Methods will reinforce teaching of the scientific method and will encourage development of activities specifically designed for the elementary and middle school classroom.
NSC 6388. Discovery Science III: Atoms and Molecules 3 hours
Emphasizes inquiry-based, process-oriented, cooperative learning strategies in the area of atoms and molecules, as it pertains to light and color. Methods will reinforce teaching of the scientific method and will encourage development of activities specifically designed for the elementary and middle school classrooms.
NSC 6389. Discovery Science IV: Air, Space, Flight, and Astronomy 3 hours
Emphasizes inquiry-based, process-oriented, cooperative learning skills in the area of air, space, flight, and astronomy. Methods will reinforce teaching of the scientific method and encourage development of hands-on activities specifically designed for elementary and middle school teachers.
RDG 6319. Foundations of Reading 3 hours
Students examine the process of reading and writing development and make application to instruction.
RDG 6320. Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Difficulties 3 hours
Provides students with the opportunity to learn and use holistic measures for evaluation or reading and writing growth and/or problems. Effective remedial programs for those with reading difficulties are developed.
RDG 6322. Research Practicum in Reading 3 hours
An individual research project will be designed and conducted in reading. A written report and oral presentation of the findings will be presented.
RDG 6324. Reading Clinic 3 hours
Assists the teacher, within a clinical setting, to diagnose the literacy abilities of a learner and to design, implement, and evaluate an appropriate instructional program.
RDG 6325. Developing Literacy 3 hours
Acquaints teachers, specialists, and administrators with instructional strategies and materials that may be used to develop and integrate literacy across the curriculum. May include study abroad.
RDG 6345. Reading in the Content Area - Elementary 3 hours
Familiarizes teachers with strategies for learning and literacy development in elementary content areas.
RDG 6346. Reading in the Content Area - Secondary 3 hours
Familiarizes teachers with strategies for learning and literacy development in secondary content areas.
RDG 6399. Special Topics in Reading 3 hours
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and Dean of the School of Education
