Graduate Education Courses (EDU)
EDU 0500. Orientation to Schools (0). This course is designed to be the formal vehicle to disseminate school information for student teachers and / or practicums and for the background check required by all teacher licensure candidates prior to undertaking practicum or student teaching in schools or other educational settings. All candidates must enroll in this course once per calendar year for the duration of their licensure program.
The course fee covers the background check. ($20.00)
EDU 5001. 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, 5010, 5110, 5500 and 5800, plus the required practica.
EDU 5002. 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, 5010,5110,5230 and 5800, plus the required practica.
EDU 5010. 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 5020. Literacy I (3). This course focuses upon theories and methods of literacy instruction from pre-kindergarten through grade 8. The effective components of effective classroom reading programs are emphasized. Attention is given to research- based strategies and assessments. Practicum required.
EDU 5030. Literacy II (3). This class extends the theory, research, and methods of Literacy 1 with attention given to reading in the content areas, writing, and special needs in pre-kindergarten through grade 8. Practicum is required.
EDU 5040. 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 5050. 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 5110. Advanced Educational Psychology (3-4). 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. The course has a practicum component.
EDU 5120. 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 5130. Organization and Management of Multicultural Classroom Communities (3). A critical examination of socially relevant issues and pedagogy in multicultural education and classroom management is provided. Approximately 20 hours of practicum required. Cross listed with EDU 4130.
EDU 5150. 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 5210. 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 5220. 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 5230. Human Development and Education (4). 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. The course has a practicum component.
EDU 5250 Practicum in Reading (3).This practicum is a semester-long course and includes application and implementation of assessment and correction strategies with K-12 students. Candidates will collect and organize formal and informal assessment results for struggling readers, and develop specific plans to ensure language arts growth. A twenty-clock hour clinical experience with two struggling readers (one elementary, one middle or high school) is required.
EDU 5270. 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 development 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 4423.
EDU 5350. Methods and Materials for Early Childhood Education (3). A study of the basic needs and characteristics of young children and an exploration of the current practices in curriculum and methodology will be made. Field experience in nursery school and/or Kindergarten is required. This course is required for Kindergarten endorsement.
EDU 5380. Physical Education in the Elementary School (3). This course is designed to provide an in-depth study of the pedagogical knowledge and teaching techniques required for an effective elementary physical education program. This course will provide practical guidelines for curriculum development, lessons plans, and assessment strategies in Elementary Physical Education. Developmentally appropriate physical education content and the movement framework serve as a basis for the curricular content of this course.
EDU 5390. Physical Education in the Secondary School (3). This course is designed to provide an in-depth study of the pedagogical knowledge and teaching techniques required for an effective secondary physical education program. Instruction in choice of materials, class management, lesson planning, and teaching techniques.
EDU 5400. 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 5410/ 5411/ 5412/ 5413. 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 5414. Student Teaching PreK-12 ESL (8). Co-requisite: EDU 5440 and EDU 5210 (For prerequisites see "Admission to Student Teaching'). This laboratory course gives the teacher candidate experience in two school settings across PreK-12 grade levels with ESL students. Teacher candidates will have the opportunity to observe, and use appropriate classroom instructional methods and procedures under the direct supervision of an experienced mentor teacher. ($325.00 course fee)
EDU 5420. Practicum (1-3). 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 5432. 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 5440. Graduate Teaching Seminar (4). Co requisite with Student Teaching. Seminar in teaching designed to help students be better prepared for their enhanced student teaching experience.
EDU 5490. Mentoring: Alternative Licensure Program (1-3).Throughout this course, the Belmont Mentor will work with the candidate in their school to assist them with all aspects of teaching in their classroom and adapting to a school setting. The mentor process includes a two-hour seminar conducted four times per semester. Note: Candidates are required to enroll in a mentoring course for each semester they are on an alternative license. First year requires two (2) credit hours per semester with one (1) credit hour per semester in the second or subsequent years. Credit hours from this mentoring course do not count toward the MAT degree. This course is taught as an audit (AU) grade only.
EDU 5510. 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 5500. Child Development (4). This course examines child development from various theoretical perspectives and makes application to children in early childhood settings. The course has a practicum component.
EDU 5800. Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners in the Classroom (3-4). Overview of exceptionalities; introduction to pedagogical, curricular, and social considerations involved in educating diverse learners in the classroom. The course has a practicum component.
EDU 5990. Special Topics (1-3). Selected Topics in Education.
Internship Program
EDU 5472. Professional Experience Program BLOCK 1 - K-6 Methods (9). This block will introduce K-6 interns in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program to the knowledge, skills, and dispositions in the same issues, methods, and practicalities of teaching in elementary school. As well as being involved in a full semester of teaching, academic competencies in this block will include methods in teaching, Literacy, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. This block combines with a co-requisite 6 hour Internship (EDU 5510).
EDU 5473. Professional Experience Program Block 1 - Secondary Education Methods (9). This block will introduce knowledge, skills, and dispostions of 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 comodules in this block will include: Issues in Education, Methods of Teaching Secondary School, Technology, Classroom Organization and Management, Data Based Decision Making, and Literacy Across the Secondary Curriculum. This block combines with a co-requisite 6 hour internship (EDU 5510).
EDU 5476 Professional Experience Program Block I: PreK-3 Methods (9) This block will introduce PreK-3 interns in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program to the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of teaching in early childhood environments. Instruction will include methods of teaching young children, literacy development, mathematical, science, and social studies development, as well as review linguistic development of young children. This block combines with a co-requisite 6 hour internship (EDU 5510).
EDU 5477. Professional Experience Program BLOCK 1 - 4-8 Methods (9).This block will introduce 4-8 interns in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program to the knowledge, skills, and dispositions in the same issues, methods, and practicalities of teaching in middle school. As well as being involved in a full semester of teaching, academic competencies in this block will include methods in teaching Literacy, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. This block combines with a co-requisite 6 hour Internship (EDU 5510).
EDU 5482. Professional Experience Program BLOCK 2 - K-6 Methods (9).This block will further develop K-6 interns in the full-time Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program to the knowledge, skills, and dispositions in the issues, methods, and practicalities of teaching in elementary school. As well as being involved in a full semester of teaching, academic competencies in this block will include methods in teaching Literacy, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. This block combines with a co-requisite 6 hour Internship (EDU 5510).
EDU 5483. Professional Experience Program BLOCK 2 - Secondary Education Methods (9). 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 comodules in this block will include: Issues in Education, Methods of Teaching Secondary School, Technology, Classroom Organization and Management, Data Based Decision Making, and Literacy Across the Secondary Curriculum. This block combines with a co-requisite 6 hour Internship (EDU 5510).
EDU 5487. Professional Experience Program BLOCK 2 - 4-8 Methods (9).This block will further develop 4-8 the full-time Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program to the knowledge, skills, and dispositions in the same issues, methods, and practicalities of teaching in middle school. As well as being involved in a full semester of teaching, academic competencies in this block will include methods in teaching Literacy, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. This block combines with a co-requisite 6 hour Internship (EDU 5511).
Special Education
Also see the MASE course description page for descriptions of EDU 5620 - EDU 5692 and 5735.
EDU 5300. 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 5310. Methods of Teaching the Gifted (3). This course offers methodology and materials for the teaching of the gifted.
EDU 5320. 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 5730. 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 5640.
EDU 5740. 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 5640
Area Focused Courses (cross discipline)
ART 5200, Introduction To Art Education (3) Graduate students will be introduced to the historical foundations and contemporary practice of art education. Special emphasis will be given to the development of conceptual understandings and skills in aesthetics, art criticism, art history, visual culture, and art production, including digital media and computer technologies. Students will investigate fundamental issues in curriculum, instruction, and assessment, and will explore career opportunities in both school and community art settings through field observations. Introduction to Art Education serves as a prerequisite for further study in the Art Education major.
ART 5250, Elementary Art Education (3) Graduate students will investigate the elementary school culture and the practical application of child development theories to the development of the elementary art curriculum. In a studio setting, students will explore age-appropriate materials and processes, investigate instructional and assessment strategies, and develop thematic units of study as a basis for micro-teaching in local elementary schools. Prerequisite: ART 5200, Introduction to Art Education (3).
ART 5260, Secondary Art Education (3) Graduate students will investigate middle and high school cultures and the practical application of adolescent learning theories to the development of the secondary art curriculum. In studio settings, students will explore media and processes appropriate for the secondary student, investigate instructional and assessment strategies, and develop comprehensive units of study as a basis for micro-teaching in local secondary schools. Prerequisite: ART 5200, Introduction to Art Education (3).
ART 5270, Contemporary Issues In Art Education (3) Graduate students will pursue an in-depth examination of a topic selected by the instructor, including issues related to curriculum, instruction, assessment, student learning, and approaches to art education in museums and other non-school contexts.
ART 5300. Student Teaching Seminar (0-4). This seminar deals with practical issues associated with the student teaching experience, and is taken concurrently. Students will meet with their student teaching seminar to discuss classroom practice and procedures for seeking employment.
ART 5310. Student Teaching (8). This laboratory course gives the graduate MAT student expereince in teaching and classroom management under the direct supervision of an experienced teacher. This course requires satisfactory presentation of a professional portfolio and includes a seminar which meets periodically during the full-time student teaching experience. ($325.00 course fee).
ART 5990, Independent Study In Art Education (3) Graduate students preparing to teach art education in grades K-12 will conduct an-depth investigation of a topic of special interest. Topic must meet academic needs of the student and be approved by the instructor. The curriculum for this course will be based on readings and research in art education selected by the instructor.
History Elective Courses
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.