B.A. in Educational Studies Core Course Descriptions

B.A. in Educational Studies Core Course Descriptions

EDU 2000 – Foundations of Education (3 sem. hrs)
A foundation course with emphasis on educational history, principles, philosophy, and school and society. Experiences will include observations of different levels of public school classes.

EDU 2010 – Life Span Development (3 sem. hrs.)
A basic overview of human development from birth to death with an emphasis on the physical, social, mental, and spiritual. The organization is chronological and conceptual.

EDU 3000 – Instructional Technology (3 sem. hrs.)
An introduction to the use of various types of technology in teaching. Students will examine selected media for instructional analysis as well as design media for instruction. Activities will include the use of instructional technology hardware.

EDU 3020 – Affirming Diversity
(3 sem. hrs.)
Reflects the new demographic realities faced by teachers, counselors, social workers, and others working in the public sector. This course will focus on differences and similarities among cultural and linguistic groups within the United States. Students will develop a theoretical and practical knowledge base that will enable more effective interactions and encourage success for all parties.

EDX 3000 – Foundations of Exceptional Students (3 sem. hrs.)
An introductory course designed to survey the education of exceptional students whose special needs are created by measurable differences in development and behavior. Attempts an integrated approach to the various exceptionalities, which are encountered in the educational setting.

EDU 3010 – Curriculum and Instruction (3 sem. hrs.)
A systematic approach to curriculum and instruction including purpose, process, practice, and an overview of learning theories. Includes the study of the K-12 school curriculum and its development as well as unit, theme, and lesson planning, organization, and problems related to curriculum and instruction.

EDE 3050 – Language Arts & Literature (3 sem. hrs.)
This course is the first in a series of three literacy courses and will be an introduction to literacy instruction for K-6 students, including ESE and ESOL. It includes an overview of the content of language arts. Emphasis will be placed on linguistics and acquisition of the first and second language and appropriate instruction in relation to the developmental levels and backgrounds of all students.

EDX 3010 –Assessment & Evaluation (3 sem. hrs.)
A course designed to provide knowledge and introduce educational testing, evaluation, and the application of exceptional student assessment. Students will study principles and evaluation tools. Students will be able to use evaluation techniques for translating diagnostic information into appropriate learning environments and prescriptive teacher strategies for exceptional students. Basic statistical elements of testing are included.

EDU 3040 – Teaching Reading in the Content (3 sem. hrs.)
A study of the reading process and methods, materials, and techniques of teaching reading in the content areas. Emphasis on recognizing signs of reading difficulty and how use appropriate measures to improve students’ reading performance will be addressed.

REL 3000 – Christian Faith & Scriptures (3 sem. hrs.)
Explores the content, interpretation, and application of the Bible & Christian faith.

EDE 4050 – Methods of Teaching Social Studies (3 sem. hrs.)
Programs, materials, practices, and trends in teaching elementary social studies; attention to newly developed materials and techniques; review of course content, teaching methods, and testing procedures.

EDX 3040 – Nature & Needs of Mildly Handicapped Students (3 sem. hrs.)
A course designed to introduce the characteristics, learning styles, and general needs of mildly handicapped students. Referral and identification process, educational support services and personnel for the mildly handicapped, mainstreaming planning, curricular and testing modifications, and instructional strategies will be covered.

EDX 4050 – Classroom Management (3 sem. hrs.)
A course to provide the theoretical foundations and assist in the development of a program for behavior management in the classroom. Current classroom and behavior management systems will be covered as well as discussion of classroom management applications. Special emphasis will be on the exceptional child.

EDE 4040 – Methods of Teaching Math (3 sem. hrs.)
A background in math for the meaningful teaching of beginning number concepts, basic facts, and fundamental processes and their application in problem solving, including algebra; analysis of current innovations and proposals for the elementary curriculum.

EDU 4xxx – Teaching from a Christian Worldview (3 sem. hrs.)
This capstone course focuses on current issues regarding teaching and learning in public school settings. Students will research current educational topics and will reflect on the Code of Ethics and the Principles of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession of Florida. Students will integrate theology and pedagogy developing a personal philosophy of life and profession for ethical understanding and behavior. Students will research an educational challenge or dilemma and propose a thesis regarding Christian growth and professional behavior.

EDE 4030 – Methods of Teaching Science (3 sem. hrs.)
Programs, materials, practices, and trends in teaching elementary school science; attention to newly developed materials and techniques; review of course content, teaching methods, and testing procedures.