Undergraduate Program in Education
Elementary Education Minor

Elementary Professional | Secondary Professional
Elementary Education Minor | Early Childhood Endorsement

Course Descriptions

links go to course syllabi

EDU 100 Introduction to the Teaching Profession (1)

An introduction to the field of teaching. This experience will include a weekly session on campus and 35 hours of guided observations in varied public school classrooms. (Students need to block out two hours weekly for the class and treat this time like a lab for the course.) The purpose is to assist the students in becoming reflective practitioners and to provide a forum for discussion of issues relating to teaching. It is a required course to be taken early in the student's study. It may be taken concurrently with EDU 200 or EDU 262. (Offered in fall and spring.)

EDU 262 Human Learning and Development (3)

This course deals with the physical, social, emotional and cognitive growth and development within the framework of educational psychology. Covers development from early childhood through adolescence, with emphasis upon the unique needs and characteristics of learners as they relate to the classroom setting. Introduction to different approaches to teaching and classroom management. Prerequisite: PSY 100 and sophomore standing. (Offered in fall, interim and spring.)

EDU 271 The Diverse Learner (4)

The course focuses on a wide variety of diversities found in today's schools such as: race, ethnicity, culture, religion, family, socio-economic, gender, as well as physical and intellectual diversities. Special emphasis is placed on the teacher's role in creating an inclusive learning environment. Course includes off-campus field experience with diverse students populations. (Offered in fall and spring.) Note: Special Eduation students should take EDU 273 Diversity Issues for Educators instead of EDU 271, and non-special education majors who successfully transfer in a general diversity class in education may take EDU 272 instead of 271.

EDU 272 Special Education for Mainstream Teachers (2)

This course deals focuses on a wide variety of diversities represented in the spectrum of learning challenges such as autism, ADD/ADHD, visual and hearing impairments, physical disabilities, learning disabilities, and others. It focuses on key pieces of federal legislation and landmark court decisions that impact the educational environment. Special emphasis will focus on the teacher's role and responsibility in creating and implementing IEP's and ways in which strategic adaptations and modifications can be made to the academic learning environment. At least ten approved off campus field experience hours in a diverse setting required. NOT to be taken by Special Education majors, but should be taken by those who transfer in an education class dealing with other diversities. To meet the diversity requirements, all other students who take this course need to take the complementary course, EDU 273 Diversity Issues for Educators if they have not transferred an acceptable alternative. (Offered in spring upon sufficient enrollment)