Department of
Educational Studies

Education Undergraduate Courses (EDEC, EDEL, EDSC, EDSP, EDUC)

Courses are listed in numerical order.

EDSP 180 Introduction to Sign Language (2E)

An introduction to the basic language and culture of the deaf and the problems associated with being deaf in a hearing society. Emphasis is on vocabulary development, techniques of signing, and use of video equipment to improve receptive and expressive skills.

EDUC 206 The Child in America: Image and Reality (4E)

A foundations course that is multidisciplinary in content and method, this course involves the examination of childhood and the world of children from the diverse perspectives of school, family, and societal influences, combining a  historical overview with an investigation of the world and lived experiences of children from diverse backgrounds today. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in Experiencing the Liberal Arts in the World.

EDSP 280 Intermediate Sign Language (2S)

For students who already have achieved basic proficiency in sign language. This course will provide extensive vocabulary development, increased use of conversational signs, and introduction to American Sign Language (ASL). Prerequisite: EDSP 180 or consent of the instructor.

EDUC 296 Language Acquisition & Phonemic Awareness (3E)

This experimental class will provide future teachers and parents with the theory, research, and best practices related to the developmental nature of learning to read and write and to the individual differences that come into play in the learning process. An introduction to language
structures including spoken syllables, phonemes, graphemes, and morphemes as applied to both first- and second-language acquisition, typical development, and exceptionalities will be provided, as well an overview of the contributions of neuroscience to our understanding of the phases of literacy development. There is a field experience component required for this class. This course fulfills a Maryland certification requirement in the teaching of reading. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in Experiencing the Liberal Arts in the World.

EDSP 336 Exceptionality: An Introduction to Special Education (4E)

Cross-listed as PSYC 336 under psychology courses. Students may receive credit for either course but not both. This course fulfills the Maryland certification requirement for a minimum of three credits in special education.  A required field experience component is built into this course, in addition to time spent in class. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in Experiencing the Liberal Arts in
the World. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.

EDSP 338 Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (4AF)

An examination of the physical and psychological causes of intellectual and other developmental disabilities, such as autism and cerebral palsy. Discusses diagnosis, treatment, education, research and theory with an end toward understanding intellectual and developmental disabilities as both biological and social phenomena. Cross-listed as PSYC 338. Students may receive credit for either course, but not both. (This course was formerly named Mental Retardation.) Prerequisite: PSYC 101.

EDSP 339 Learning Disabilities (4AF)

This course is concerned with defining, diagnosing, and remediating learning disabilities. Major emphasis is on the basic psychological processes of understanding and using written or spoken language: sensory-motor, auditory, and visual processing and language development. In addition, a variety of curriculum materials in special education is examined. A field placement with exceptional children provides a realistic application of theory. This course is cross-listed as PSYC 339. Students may receive credit for either course, but not both. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 4 other semester hours in psychology.

EDUC 368 Educational Psychology (4E)

This course explores the teaching/learning process. Students analyze various factors that affect the process: developmental and learning theory, motivation, planning, content, methodology, and discipline. Attention is also given to human interaction in educational settings through a study of maturation, individual differences, self-concept, group processes, and socioeconomic stratification. Lecture and field experience. This course is cross-listed with Psychology 368. Students may receive credit for either course but not both. This course is a pre-requisite for the Masters of Arts in Teaching. Program. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in Experiencing the Liberal Arts in the World. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.

EDUC 491 ESL Across the Curriculum (4)

This course explores theoretical and practical consideration in teaching students in k-12 classrooms who speak English as a Second Language. This course will consider: theories of second language learning acquisition, the social experience of English Language Leaners, teaching strategies (including specific attention to written and oral language literacy), methodological approaches, and effective assessment and evaluation techniques. Class members will draw on their theoretical understandings to resolve practical problems, perhaps by participating in a field experience. Lecture and potential field experience. This course is a prerequisite for the MAT program. Prerequisites: EDUC/PSYC 368 or permission of the instructor. Not open to students who have received credit for EUC 394 or EDUC 495.