2009-2010 Graduate Catalog


Master of Education (All Courses)

EDU 6010. 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 6040. Leadership and Learning in Organizations. (3). A comprehensive appraisal of a wide range of leadership theories, models, frameworks and practices based on their application to encouraging efficient and effective individual and small group learning in organizational settings. Concepts and principles from adult learning theory, training techniques, performance appraisal systems, coaching methodologies, mentoring practices, and on-the-job learning procedures will be evaluated and aligned with identified leadership skills, performance standards, ethical decision making, influence techniques and effective communication.  This course provides the leadership and learning foundations for subsequent studies in the program.

EDU 6050. Facilitating Learning in Organizations (3).Building upon the individual and small group learning and leadership practices of presented in EDU 6040, classic and contemporary theories, models, frameworks and practices of planned change, organizational development, and the Learning Organization will be presented and compared to identify the core principles of effective and ethical practice. Concepts and methodologies from learning theory, consulting, systems theory, group dynamics, and organizational culture assessments will be applied to assessments of collective learning and organizational effectiveness.  Combined with EDU 6040, this course prepares the student for EDU 6060.

EDU 6060. Concepts of Learning Communities (3).The challenges of creating Learning Communities within diverse organizational settings will be addressed through the application of concepts, skills, procedures and techniques presented in EDU 6040 and EDU 6050. The student's current and previous work experiences will serve as our "laboratory" together with selected case studies and practical applications in existing organizations to test the usefulness and will be used to amplify the student's understanding and to reinforce skills for building and confirming viable Learning Communities.

EDU 6070. Research and Assessment in Learning Communities (3). This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of qualitative and quantitative inquiry related to research and assessment of various learning communities, including strategies for developing effective research questions, for planning and designing research / assessment studies, and for interpreting and presenting findings in a manner that contributes to the understanding of educational practices and evaluation.

EDU 6080. Developing a Learning Community (3). This course examines program development and diversity issues within a variety of educational and professional learning communities.

EDU 6100. 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.

EDU 6110. 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.

EDU 6120. 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.

EDU 6150. Technology for Education 1 (3). Using current technological knowledge and equipment, students will understand the role and use of technology for instructional purposes.

EDU 6160. 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.

EDU 6170. 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.

EDU 6200. 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.

EDU 6210. Gifted Education 2 (3). course will cover the content, methodology and materials for teaching the gifted.

EDU 6220. 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.

EDU 6250. Early Childhood Education 1 (3). This course examines the history, theories, philosophies, and research on Early Childhood Education.

EDU 6260. Early Childhood Education 2 (3). This course examines the modern practices in Early Childhood Education allowing candidates to further develop their own classroom strategies.

EDU 6270. 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.

EDU 6300. 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.

EDU 6310. 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.

EDU 6320. 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.

EDU 6370. 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.

EDU 6400, 6410, 6420, 6430, 6440. Special Focus I-V (3). These courses are for students completing a variety of educational experiences as developed in their approved individualized plans of study that are not in existing graduate courses within the university. The content and goals of these courses will vary depending upon individual learning plans. In the context of these classes, participants will develop and individualized plan that includes 1) a description of the special focus field of study; 2) a rationale for studying this area, including driving questions, professional significance of the study and, objectives; 3) a detailed accounting of potential resources, including: reading areas and bibliography, workshops / seminars, and / or courses at other institutions. A significant component of  these courses will emphasize experiential aspect of learning, including internships, experiments, teaching, archival research, interviews with specialists in his / her field, projects, or other forms of applied work. Students will begin work on ideas related to their thesis.

EDU 6450. 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: EDU6010, EDU 6020, and EDU 6040.This course is available to practicing teachers only.

EDU 6460. 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 6470. 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 6450 and EDU 6460. This course is available to practicing teachers only.

EDU 6500. Independent Project in Education (3).This course is an independent project for use in the Master of Education (Learning Communities). The content and processes of this course will be developed through consultation between the candidate and their mentor and/or mentor committee. Formerly listed as EDU 607/6070.

EDU 6520. Reading Recovery 1 (3). This course is designed to assist teachers to diagnose and correct reading disabilities through demonstration of their understanding of the purposes, practices, and underlying theory for working with struggling readers in Reading Recovery. Individuals enrolling in this class must have prior permission from administrators in a Reading Recovery Site before enrolling.

EDU 6530. Reading Recovery 2 (3).This course is designed to extend the understandings of Reading Recovery begun in Reading Recovery I (EDU 6520). Particular attention will be given to enhancing the learning of struggling readers and children who are the most difficult to teach. Individuals enrolling in this class must have prior permission from administrators in a Reading Recovery Site before enrolling.

EDU 6540. Reading Recovery Practicum (3). This course is designed to assist teachers as they work with students to diagnose and correct reading disabilities through the Reading Recovery process. Attention will be given to the use of instructional records as a means of documenting student development and reflecting on the effectiveness of the teaching related to student learning. Individuals enrolling in this class must have prior permission from administrators in a Reading Recovery Site before enrolling.

EDU 6580. English Language Learners (3). An introduction to English learners of diverse language and cultural backgrounds. Focuses on an understanding of special needs of these learners and the strategies to promote the language and literacy development of all students.

EDU 6900. Thesis in Education (3).This course is Thesis for the Master of Education (Learning Communities). Formerly listed as EDU 606/6060.

EDU 6901-04. Thesis Continuation (1).This a one credit hour course required to maintain enrollment at Belmont while the candidate completes the thesis. Enrollment in EDU 6901-04 (progressive) is required each semester beyond the original term the student enrolled in EDU 6900. Students may enroll in the Thesis Continuation series a maximum of four semesters (two years). Earned credit hours from 6901-04 do not count toward graduation hours.

Area Focused Courses Non-Profit Leadership

NPL 6010.  Foundations of Non-Profit Organizations (3).  This course will develop participants’ understanding of what is meant by a non-profit organization and the non-profit sector. Topics covered could include; history of non-profits, organizational structures, the role of the staff and board, legal and compliance issues, the role of non-profits in a democracy, and the social, legal and moral implications of being a non-profit.

NPL 6020.  Financial Planning and Fundraising for Non-Profit Leaders (3).  This course will further develop students’ understanding and skills in the areas of; the economics of non-profits, non-profit accounting, financial management, and fundraising.

NPL 6030.  People Management in Non-Profit Organizations (3).  The challenges of managing a diverse group of people within non-profit organizational settings will be addressed through the application of concepts, skills, procedures and techniques presented in EDU 6040 and EDU 6050.  Possible topics include: human resource management in non profit settings, managing volunteers, facilitation of groups, customer service, and branding.

NPL 6035.  Strategic and Operational Planning in Non-Profit Organizations (3).  An extension of EDU6040 Leadership and Learning in Organizations that specifically applies the leadership theories and skills to non-profit organizations. Topics covered could include; strategic planning, planning for change, program evaluation and improvement, and structuring and managing a Board.

NPL 6900. Thesis/Project in Non Profit Leadership (3). Student must complete a significant research project as their culminating experience in the Organizational Leadership and Communication M.Ed. program.

NPL 6901-04. Thesis Continuation (1).This course is required to maintain enrollment at Belmont when the candidate fails to complete OLC 5900 in one semester. Enrollment in OLC 6901-04 is required each semester beyond the original term the student enrolled in OLCS 6990. Students may enroll in the OLC 6901-04 a maximum of four semesters (two years) and must be enrolled in the course in the semester of graduation (if later than the 6900 course). Earned credit hours from this course do not count toward graduation hours. 

Area Focused Courses Organizational Leadership and Comunication

OLC 6102. Pragmatics of Leadership (3). This course examines the critical elements required to be a successful leader. Particular emphasis is given to sharpening personal communication skills and the ethical dimensions of leadership.

OLC 6202. Media and Organizational Communication (3). This course will investigate the Public Relations, Marketing and Advertising aspects of an organization's external communication.

OLC 6302. Interpersonal Dynamics in Organizations (3). This course develops skills and understanding of internal organizational communication processes including team building, group decision-making, gender and intercultural communication.

OLC 6402. Organizational Culture and Change (3). Includes research and analysis of organizational culture and how change is dealt with in these environments. Survey research, process analysis, and organizational culture research will be the foci of this seminar.

OLC 6502. Selected Topics in Leadership and Communication (3). A seminar in a specially chosen topic area related to some aspect(s) of organizational leadership and communication. Topics will vary from term to term.

OLC 6602. Applied Learning in Leadership and Communication (3). Experience in the public, private, or not-for-profit setting that provides for substantial growth in the understanding of organizational leadership and communication. Students are expected to complete at least 175 practicum hours as well as various other course assignments.

OLC 6800. Independent Study in Leadership and Communication (3). Students will work with an individual faculty member to develop one or more research projects related to organizational leadership and communication.

OLC 6850. Directed Readings in Leadership and Communication (3). Students will work with an individual faculty member to develop a bibliography related to some aspect(s) of organizational leadership and communication and complete the readings, accordingly.

OLC 6900. Thesis in Organizational Leadership and Communication (3). Student must complete a significant research project as their culminating experience in the Organizational Leadership and Communication M.Ed. program.

OLC 6901-04. Thesis Continuation (1).This course is required to maintain enrollment at Belmont when the candidate fails to complete OLC 6900 in one semester. Enrollment in OLC 6901-04 is required each semester beyond the original term the student enrolled in OLC 6900. Students may enroll in the OLC 6901-04 a maximum of four semesters (two years) and must be enrolled in the course in the semester of graduation (if later than the 6900 course). Earned credit hours from this course do not count toward graduation hours.

Area Focused Courses (cross discipline)

ART 5250. 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 5260. 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 6120. Revolution, Nation Making and the "Age of Jackson" (3).  An examination of the constitutional conflict in the British empire, independence and war, growth of political parties, and the emergence of republican systems of government and society. The course will follow these developments through the "Age of Jackson" in the 1840s, and via themes that might include economic development, expansion of slavery, interactions with Native Americans, religion and reform, and the changing roles of women, all framed by the on going struggle between nationalism and sectionalism. This course serves as an elective course in the MAT (Secondary 7-12) and is cross-listed with HIS 4120.

HIS 6250. 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 6320. The American West (3).A multicultural exploration of the frontier experience, and the trans-Mississippi American West, from exploration and settlement to the present. Gender, class and race, economic and industrial development, and environment are emphasized. Themes might include exploration and conquest, westward migration and settlement, Manifest Destiny, wars with Mexico and Native Americans, the "Wild West", transportation and technology, suffrage and reform, extractive industries and the environment, and interpretations of "the West" as a cultural icon. This course serves as an elective in the MAT (Secondary 7-12) and is cross-listed with HIS 4320.

HIS 6390. Advanced Studies in United States History (3). This course covers topics not typically covered in regular course listings. It serves as an elective course in MAT (Secondary 7-12) and is cross-listed with HIS 4390.

HIS 6500. Europe in the Age of the World Wars (3).Although Europe dominated global affairs at teh beginning of the Twentieth Century, the pace of change within European societies generated economic rivalries and social and political tensions which erupted into world-wide war in 1914. This course, through an examination of these tensions, World War I, its aftermath and the Second World War and its aftermath, will explore the factors, especially the consequences of the world wars, which moved Europe from the center to the periphery of international affairs. This course serves as an elective course in the MAT (Secondary 7-12) and is cross-listed with HIS 4500.

HIS 6670. 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 4670.

HIS 6690. Advanced Studies in European History (3). This course covers topics not typically covered in regular course listings. It serves as an elective course in MAT (Secondary 7-12) and is cross-listed with HIS 4690.

HIS 6700. 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 6750. Nationalism and Ethnic Identity (3).A seminar focusing on the historical origens of national identity adn the dynamics of inter-ethnic relations. Specific case studies will be drawn from various world regions such as Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, etc. This course serves as an elective course in the MAT (Secondary 7-12) and is cross-listed with HIS 4750.

HIS 6800. The Vietnam War (3).An examination of the history of international conflict in Vietnam from 1944-1975. After an introduction to Vietnam's colonial history, the course surveys the Vietnamese attempts to throw off French colonial rule from 1944-1954, Chinese and united States efforts to preserve spheres of influence in Vietnam from the early 1950's until 1975, and efforts by the Vietnamese to resist and coopt these efforts in their own interests. This course serves as elective course in the MAT (Secondary 7-12) and is cross-listed with HIS 4800.

HIS 6820. History of Modern Japan (3). An examination of the history of Japan as it undergoes social, cultural, economic, and political change from the end of its relative isolation to becoming a world power. The course covers the impact of modernization and westernization on Japanese society and culture, the quest for a East Asian empire that led to a devastating war in the Pacific, and national regeneration into an international economic power. This course serves as an elective course in the MAT (Secondary 7-12) and is cross-listed with HIS 4820.

HIS 6850. Cuba and the Caribbean (3). An examination of the historical development of the greater Caribbean from Spanish arrival in 1492 to the present. Specific themes might include exploration and conquest, colonialism and mercantilism, development of plantation agriculture, wars for independence, ethnicity and cultural tradition, revolutionary movements, women's movements, and twentieth-century relationships / involvement with the United States. This course serves as an elective course in the MAT (Secondary 7-12) and is cross-listed with HIS 4850.

HIS 6890. Advanced Studies in World History (3). Topics in world history not covered in regular course listings. This course serves as an elective course in the MAT (Secondary 7-12) and is cross-listed with HIS 4890.

HIS 6950. Study Abroad (1-6). Various study abroad opportunities are available through Belmont. Consult the Director of Studies Abroad for program details.

HIS 6990. Special Studies (1-3).

MTH 5050. 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 5050. 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.

SLS 6000. Language and Culture (3). Biologist Lewis Thomas, in hi sbook Lives of a Cell. states that "the gift of language is the single human trait that marks us all genetically." In this course, we will examine what language is, how its various systems, such as grammar and phonetics, work together to enable us to communicate, and why language and culture are so mutually dependent on each other. Students will also be introduced to basic theories of linguistics, language acquisition, and grammar.

English Education Courses

For English course listings see Graduate English course listing.

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