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Elementary Education Concentration Curriculum
MTEL 1 – Communication & Literacy
MTEL 2 – Foundations of Reading
MTEL 3 – Subject Matter / Elementary
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.
ARTS1003 Art History I 3 cr.
This course is the first half of the history of art, from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages. The key masterpieces in sculpture, painting, and architecture of the major styles are presented in color slides. Works are studied for their structure, beauty, and meaning. The evolution of each style from society or from the artist’s personality is analyzed. Field trips to the Worcester Art Museum will greatly enhance the students’ learning.
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ARTS1004 Art History II 3 cr.
This course is the continuation of a survey of the history of art, from the Renaissance to the present. Masterpieces in art and architecture are presented in color slides. Field trips to the Worcester Art Museum will help the student see that which is explained in the text and in class.
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.
EDUC3101 Foundations of Literacy 3 cr.
This course will provide a foundation for ECE students and Elementary Education concentration students in curriculum and instruction in reading and writing in grades K-6. It will focus on the learning objectives contained in the State of Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL) in Reading. It will prepare students for this exam and for the required pre-practicum courses in the ECE program (EDUC3100) and the Elementary Education concentration program (EDUC3102). Theory, instructional methodology, diagnostic and assessment techniques for literacy instruction will be presented. This course is open only to students who have achieved a passing grade in the Communication and Literacy Skills MTEL.
EDUC3102 Literacy: Curriculum and Instruction in the Elementary School 4 cr.
In this course, the study of literacy is approached from a developmental perspective, beginning with emergent literacy and progressing through the more advanced stages of reading and writing to learn in the upper elementary grades. The focus of this course will be upon theories, instructional methodology, and current approaches and materials for literacy instruction in grades 1-6. Major emphasis is placed on awareness and application of the standards for instruction and assessment outlined in the English Language Arts Curriculum Framework. Note: There is a 40-hour prepracticum experience attached to this course. This course is open only to students who have achieved a passing grade in the Communication and Literacy Skills MTEL. A grade of B or better is required before enrolling in EDUC4201 & EDUC4202.
EDUC3300 Science and Social Studies: Curriculum and Instruction in the Elementary School 4 cr.
This course will focus on the following areas in teaching elementary science and social studies: state and national standards; teaching science by inquiry, teaching for the process and content of science; science and technology; project-based methodology; lesson planning and development; interdisciplinary themes for learning; the social science disciplines; varied teaching methods to approach social studies and geography; and how these content areas relate to literacy. Note: There is a 40-hour prepracticum experience attached to this course. This course is open only to students who have achieved a passing grade in the Communication and Literacy Skills MTEL. A grade of B or better is required before enrolling in EDUC4001/4002.
EDUC3305 Mathematics: Curriculum and Instruction in the Elementary School 4 cr.
This is a required course for students working towards elementary teacher certification. It is designed according to national and state standards regarding mathematics instruction. Students will study theories of learning mathematics from a developmental perspective. They will practice preparing instructional activities and assessment techniques to meet the needs of diverse learners. Curriculum integration, problem solving and real-life applications for teaching math will be stressed. Note: There is a 40-hour prepracticum experience attached to this course. This course is open only to students who have achieved a passing grade in the Communication and Literacy Skills MTEL. A grade of B or better is required before enrolling in EDUC4001/4002.
EDUC4201 Elementary Education Practicum 9 cr.
The 300-hour supervised classroom field placement in student teaching fulfills the second part of the Massachusetts Department of Education requirement for a practicum at the grade 1 through grade 6 level. The practicum includes: on-site supervision; planning, implementing and assessing activities with children; individualizing for IEPs, special needs and planning for diversity at developmentally appropriate levels. Seminar will be taken concurrently and will reflect academic work pertinent to the elementary teacher. Prerequisites: Grade of B (3.0) or higher is required in EDUC3102, EDUC3300, EDUC3305; and a passing score is required on the Massachusetts Tests of Educator Licensure (MTEL): Communication and Literacy to enroll in EDUC4201/4202.
EDUC4202 Elementary Education Seminar 3 cr.
Students in this seminar, taken concurrently with the Senior Practicum, discuss current issues in elementary education, reflect on and evaluate their growth in the professional teaching standards, and develop a showcase teaching portfolio integrating the Professional Standards for Teachers, philosophy of education, lesson plans and units, and self-assessments. Resume writing and interview skills are also presented.
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.
ENGL2003 Public Speaking 3 cr.
This course gives students training in the preparation of well-organized speeches, techniques for gaining and holding an audience, and methods to increase student confidence and poise. Students develop the skills to communicate effectively with others through practical experience in formal and semiformal speaking situations. Prerequisite: ENGL1001.
ENGL2102 Advanced Composition 3 cr.
An advanced rhetoric course that emphasizes refinement of style and critical thinking with a view towards writing argumentative essays that depend on sound inductive and deductive reasoning. Many essays are assigned that go beyond ENGL1001/1002. Prerequisites: ENGL1001 and ENGL1003.
ENGL3001 American Literature I 3 cr.
A study of the literary periods from the Puritans to approximately 1865. Through a close study of selections from Bradford, Taylor, Edwards, Bradstreet, Franklin, Jefferson, Paine, Irving, Cooper, Bryant, Emerson, Poe, Thoreau, Hawthorne, Longfellow, Melville, Dickinson, and Whitman, the student will trace literary trends. Reading and writing intensive. Prerequisites: ENGL1001, ENGL1003, and one 2000-level literature course or permission of the instructor.
GOVT1108 American Government 3 cr.
An analysis of the United States national government with primary emphasis on its constitutional structure and secondarily on its institutional development.
HIST1308 U.S. History I 3 cr.
A general overview of the political, social, cultural, economic and military experience of the American people from the establishment of the first settlements by Europeans in North America to the end of the American Civil war. The course will emphasize events, trends and personalities of the Colonial period, the Revolutionary, Confederation and early national era, the sectional conflict and the Civil war and Reconstruction.
HIST1309 U.S. History II 3 cr.
A general overview of the political, social, cultural, economic and military experience of the American people from the Reconstruction era to the present. The course will emphasize the events, trends and personalities of the Gilded Age and Progressive era, the two World Wars, the Roaring Twenties and Great Depression and the Cold War.
HIST1401 World History I 3 cr.
This course focuses not only on Western history but also on its diverse, non-Western counterpart. The course is designed to help students achieve a better understanding of the historical forces that shaped the development of early agrarian societies. To this end the course presents the political, economic and cultural history of various world civilizations. In addition, the course aims to increase understanding between peoples from different cultures and to create a common core-knowledge necessary for life in the emerging global community.
HIST1402 World History II 3 cr.
World History II begins by focusing on the achievements of Western technology and the voyages of discovery of the 15th century that created a new world system. The course examines European colonialism, slavery, revolutions, nationalism, liberalism, industrialization, imperialism, world wars, fascism, communism, and democracy. Other major topics include the decline of colonialism, the atomic age, and the cold war. The course also aims to increase understanding between peoples from different cultures and to create a common core-knowledge necessary for life in the emerging global community.
PHIL1001 Introduction to Philosophy 3 cr.
Introduction through analysis of primary source selections to five philosophical models of the universe: classical realism, idealism, naturalism, existentialism, and either positivism or analytic philosophy. Within each of the models the following areas will be studied: metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, social philosophy, philosophy of justice, philosophy of science, aesthetics, philosophy of religion and concluding or summary statement giving an overview of the model.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PSYC3100 Cognitive Psychology 3 cr.
An introduction to how the human mind processes information. Topics include perception, attention, memory, learning and problem solving. The related topics of intelligence are covered. Practical applications in educational and clinical settings are considered. Prerequisites: PSYC1001 or PSYC1002 and 31+ earned credits.
SOCI1001 Introduction to Sociology 3 cr.
This course explores the scientific dimensions of the sociological enterprise. Students are introduced to orienting concepts like culture, socialization and role; the constructed nature of human meaning systems; and theory building in sociology.
SOCI2400 Social Problems 3 cr.
This course will provide students with insight into social problems by examining specific social problems from both a sociological/adult view and from a child’s perspective. Issues to be covered include, but are not limited to, gender identity and socialization, violence in society, media influences, substance abuse, and family-related problems such as child abuse and neglect, and family violence. Special emphasis will be given to the current legal and socioeconomic trends that affect both adults and the education of young children, including anti-bias curriculum issues, the changing family, and political influences. Prerequisite: PSYC1001 or SOCI1001.
MATH2200 Statistics 3 cr.
An introductory course for students having backgrounds limited to precalculus mathematics. Areas treated are statistical methods, sampling, probability, frequency distributions, estimations, correlation and tests of significance. Prerequisite: C or better in MATH1200 or appropriate placement score.
