Early Childhood Education (ECE) Curriculum

PSYC2806 Educational Psychology 3 cr.

Theories of learning, instruction, curriculum, assessment and evaluation will be explored as they apply to pedagogy in a variety of educational contexts. The course will focus on behavioral, cognitive, and humanistic learning theories as well as the learning principles that will serve as a general background for becoming an effective, reflective educator.  Prerequisite: A 1000-level psychology course.

ENGL1001 English Composition I 3 cr.

A traditional freshman-level expository writing course concentrating on the principles of rhetoric. Included in the course will be numerous writing assignments, discussion and analysis of selected readings, studied for form and content, and a review of grammar and mechanics. Prerequisite: C or better in ENGF1001 or demonstrated competency in placement testing.

MATH1200 College Algebra 3 cr.

The topics covered include properties of number systems, polynomials, linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, radical equations, absolute value equations, systems of equations and inequalities, graphing and verbal problems. Prerequisite: C or better in MATF1001 or MATF1002, or appropriate placement score. A grade of C or better is required for graduation from the Veterinary Technology program.

PSYC1002 Developmental Child Psychology 3 cr.

This course examines the major child development theories and research; their practical implications for parents, educators, and child care workers. Physical, cognitive, language, social personality, and moral development from conception through middle childhood are the focus of this course. Current issues such as the working parent, child abuse, divorce, etc. are explored and discussed.

BIOL1001 Biology I 4 cr.

Fundamental principles of biology are studied at the molecular and cellular levels. Topics covered include the chemistry of macromolecules, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, and the evolutionary process. Concepts covered in lecture will be applied in a required laboratory section. A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Pre-Veterinary concentration.

BIOL1002 Biology II 4 cr.

A course study in levels of organization from tissues to populations. Particular attention is paid to organ systems and mechanism of action. The themes of regulation, homeostasis, and diversity thread through the subject matter. The course will culminate by focusing on the interdependency of life at the most complex level of biological organization – the ecosystem. Concepts covered in lecture will be applied in a required laboratory section. A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Pre-Veterinary concentration.

BIOL1101 Issues in Biology 4 cr.

This course for non-majors will cover current topics in Biology and their relevance to everyday life. Topics such as cloning, genetic technology, and stem cell technology will see as useful tools to study such basic concepts as heredity, reproduction, evolution, and biodiversity. Themes such as HIV and AIDS as well as cancer and obesity will address issues such as the structure and function of cells, systems in living organisms and living organisms and the environment. Malnutrition and genetically engineered crops will allow for discussion on energy and living things as well as changes in ecosystems over time. Weekly laboratory sessions will facilitate instruction of the material.

EDUC2203 Special Needs in the Classroom 3 cr.

This course will provide students with fundamental background knowledge in the field of special education as well as current research on how students with various learning needs are served within inclusive school environments. Students will study the major physical, psychological, learning, and behavioral characteristics of children with special needs and the implications of these characteristics for effective instruction at the early childhood (PK-2) and elementary (1-6) levels. Prerequisite: PSYC1002 or PSYC1107.

EDUC3000 Foundations in American Education 3 cr.

This course is intended to provide background knowledge in the social, philosophical, and historical foundations of education. The course will consider the social origins of educational ideals, significant historical contributions to educational philosophy, and various contemporary social concerns in American education.

PHSC1001 Integrated Physical Science 4 cr.

This course is an introduction to the basic principles and concepts of the physical sciences. Topics covered will pertain to the fields of physics, chemistry, geology, and astronomy. Emphasis will be placed on how these various disciplines impact our everyday life activities. Throughout the course, opportunities to investigate application of various subject matter will be provided in weekly laboratory sessions. Topics will include: properties and states of matter, chemical reactions, multiple forms of energy (i.e. electrical, magnetic, sound, light, and heat), space and time, and the evolution of the universe.

EDUC1001 Behavior and the Young Child 3 cr.

This course will explore normal and abnormal behavior and helping to change negative behavior to positive. It covers setting tones for behavior within the classroom structure, methods and recreations and working with parents to help them modify their child’s behavior. Focus: infancy to grade two.

EDUC1003 Principles of Education 4 cr.

This course builds a foundation of knowledge to help the prospective teacher in working with the child and the family. Goals of this course include learning to observe children, analyzing the NAEYC Code of Ethics, learning ways of appropriately guiding children, and developing an understanding of the nature of play. This course requires a 20-hour field-experience in a preschool classroom.

EDUC1004 Experiences in ECE Curriculum 4 cr.

This course will provide a foundation for early childhood concentration students in the curricular areas of Math, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts. Students will learn how to develop materials to teach these curricula areas while implementing the Massachusetts Preschool Guidelines and Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. Lesson plan writing is also a major focus of this course. A 20-hour prepracticum provides field experience in preparing and executing activities discussed in class.

EDUC1201 Arts in Education 3 cr.

This course has been designed to encompass the fields of movement, music, and visual arts. Students will study Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences and integrate this knowledge with the MA Arts Curriculum Framework in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of teaching the arts to children. Principles of planning well-balanced art, music, and movement, and physical education curriculum based on developmental levels from pre-K to 6 will be addressed. Imaginative, reflective and analytical thinking along with heightened perceptual awareness and respect for creativity in others will be stressed.

EDUC2500 Practicum in Early Childhood Education 6 cr.

Three months (EEC) supervised field experience in a PK-K setting with a licensed teacher. The practicum qualifies the student to be a preschool level teacher (ages 2.9 to 4.9). It also satisfies a portion of the DOE practicum requirements for Mass. State Education Licensure. A grade of C or better is required for graduation. May only be repeated once. Prerequisites: 2.0 C. GPA, 2.7 GPA in all education courses.  A grade of B or better is required for entry into the B.A. Psychology (ECE concentration) program.

ENGL1006 Children’s Literature  3 cr.

This course will provide a general overview of the field of children’s literature. The goals of the course are to share and develop knowledge and enthusiasm for children’s literature, to establish guidelines for evaluating children’s literature, and to develop an awareness of the various types of children’s literature. Course content includes the history of children’s literature, the importance of literature in a child’s life, ways to determine a child’s literacy preference and ways to foster early literacy in children.

PSYC1001 Introduction to Psychology 3 cr.

An introduction to the basic concepts and fundamental principles of human behavior using the historical background of psychology as a foundation, and present theory and research as a tool to explore principles of learning, human development motivation, stress, personality, interpersonal skills and mental health.