Educational Studies
EDUC 140. Introductory Special Topics in Educational Studies (1-4)
An examination of a special area of educational studies. The course will explore concepts and applications relevant to the selected area. Course content varies from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit if topics are different. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
EDUC 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. Students who previously took EDSP 180 may not take this course for credit.)
EDUC 199/299/399/499. Independent Study (1-4E)
This course consists of an independent creative or research project designed by the student and supervised by a faculty member in Educational Studies. The nature of the project, the schedule for accomplishment, and the means of evaluation must be formalized in a learning contract prior to registration. (See “Independent Study” under “Academic Policies” section.)
EDUC 206. Education in America: Social Foundations of Education (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. A required field experience component is built into this course, in addition to time spent in class. This course is a prerequisite for the MAT program. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in Experiencing the Liberal Arts in the World.
EDUC 210. Becoming a Reflective Leader in Human Services I (2F)
This course provides pre-professional experience for SMCM students interested in using their liberal arts background as well as knowledge about the nature of child development and the teaching/ learning process in service to the local schools or in other educational settings. Methods for organizing small groups and carrying out individualized tutoring/mentoring, as well as models for developing the disposition to reflect on one’s own actions and the processes of learning and skill in fostering learning in oneself and others will be emphasized. This course and EDUC 211 combine to count as an ELAW experience for CORE 350.
EDUC 211. Becoming a Reflective Leader in Human Services II (2S)
While spending time enmeshed in service to a community organization, participants will explore the relationship between the organization and the citizens it serves. In exploring the philosophies that underlie the creation of such organizations and the conceptualizations of power and service on which they are based, participants will examine the role of leaders within community organizations, how effective the organization is in meeting its goals and reflect on their own potential as community leaders. This course and EDUC 210 combine to count as an ELAW experience for CORE 350.
EDUC 240. Special Topics in Educational Studies (1-4)
An examination of a specific area of Educational Studies. The course will explore research and application relevant to the selected area. Course content varies from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit if topics are different. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
EDUC 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 EDUC 180 or consent of the instructor. (Students who previously took EDSP 280 may not take this course for credit.)
EDUC 286. Language Acquisition and Reading Development for Secondary and K-12 Teachers (3E)
This class will provide future secondary and K-12 teachers, parents, and citizens 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 as students move into middle and high school. There is a field experience component required for this class involving the tutoring of young adults struggling with literacy issues; tutors will work with individual and small groups of students one hour a week for at least 12 weeks. This course is a prerequisite for the MAT program for future secondary and K-12 teachers. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in Experiencing the Liberal Arts in the World.
EDUC 296. Language Acquisition and Phonemic Awareness (3E)
This 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 is a prerequisite for the MAT program. This course fulfills a Maryland certification requirement in the teaching of reading. 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.
EDUC 331. Behavior and Related Disorders (4AS)
This course will explore three particular types of exceptional needs that influence an individual’s behavior: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Emotional/ Behavioral Disorders. In addition, this course will consider how these needs can manifest in the classroom and other learning contexts and the ways in which teachers may respond to those needs. There will be some consideration of the long-term influence of these disorders on the individual’s life. This course cannot be used to fulfill the special education requirement/ component of MAT pre-requisites.
EDUC 333. Topics in Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Students (2AF)
This course will explore conceptions and implications of ‘giftedness’ in individuals in various educational contexts and beyond, including consideration of students who are ‘gifted’ and have also been diagnosed with a disorder or disability. In addition, this course will consider legal protections of this particular student population and the long-term influence of giftedness on the individual’s life. This course cannot be used to fulfill the special education requirement/ component of MAT pre-requisites.
EDUC 334. Assistive Technology in School and Community (2AF)
An introductory, two-credit course for future educators and others who will be working with individuals with diverse learning needs in the application of assistive technology in the general education and special education classrooms. Students will be introduced to a variety of assistive technologies, including hardware, software and mobile devices, instructional strategies, and assessment and evaluation protocols.
EDUC 335. Inclusion in School and Community (4AF)
This course will consider the perception of disability in a variety of settings. Of primary consideration is how schools and the community at large acknowledge and respond to the needs of people with disabilities so that they can be full members of the community. Additionally, the course will address how to meet the instructional, social, and emotional needs of special education students in the general education classroom including strategies for providing modifications, accommodations, and differentiated curricula.
EDUC 336. Exceptionality: An Introduction to Special Education (4E)
An examination of individuals with special needs such as intellectual disabilities, giftedness, physical disabilities and behavioral disorders. The emphasis is on causation, psychological and biological aspects of the exceptionality and current educational and therapeutic approaches. 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 is a pre-requisite for the MAT program. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in Experiencing the Liberal Arts in the World. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.(Students who previously took EDSP 336 may not take this course for credit.)
EDUC 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. (This course was formerly named Mental Retardation.) Prerequisite: PSYC 101. (Students who previously took EDSP 338 may not take this course for credit.)
EDUC 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. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 4 other credit hours in psychology. (Students who previously took EDSP 339 may not take this course for credit.)
EDUC 340. Advanced Special Topics in Educational Studies (1-4)
An in-depth examination of a specific area of Educational Studies. The course will explore theory, research and application relevant to the selected area. Course content varies from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit if topics are different. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
EDUC 366. Children’s and Young Adult Literature (4)
A survey of the field of children’s literature and other materials for teaching reading, and of the various strategies and techniques for introducing stories, texts of various sorts and books into any learning situation. A selection of exemplary books/textbooks written for elementary school youngsters is read and analyzed, and opportunities are provided to “teach” some of them in simulated settings. This course is recommended for future elementary teachers and required of future teachers of English, and it is recommended for anyone interested in children and the literature written for them.
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 PSYC 368. Students may receive credit for either course but not both. This course is a pre-requisite for the MAT program. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in Experiencing the Liberal Arts in the World. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
EDUC 392. The Teaching of Theater in the Schools K-12 (4AS)
This course provides pre-professional experience in a school setting for students seeking teacher certification in drama K-12. It serves as an introduction to the problems, issues, curriculum and methods for teaching drama to students of all ages based on what is known about their developmental nature and needs. Topics include instructional objectives, teaching strategies, reading and writing across the curriculum and evaluation techniques. Class members will practice a variety of effective instructional strategies, participate in field experience and study generic issues of discipline and management that cross content-specific boundaries. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in Experiencing the Liberal Arts in the World. This course is open to any student with an interest in working with students in public school classrooms or teaching at any level. Prerequisite: PSYC 230, EDUC/PSYC 368, or consent of the instructor.
EDUC 398/498. Off-Campus Internship (1-8E)
A variety of off-campus experiential learning opportunities can be arranged through the Career Development Center. The off-campus internship is an individually designed experience that allows the student to explore the relationship between learning in the classroom and the practical application of knowledge in everyday work situations. All interns are required to maintain regular contact with the faculty supervisor. Credit/no credit grading. May not be used to satisfy requirements for the minor in educational studies, unless the credit amount is being used to close a credit shortfall because of course transfers. Consult with the director of Internships. Prerequisite: Admission to the Internship Program. (See “Internships” under “Academic Policies” section).
EDUC 440. Advanced Theoretical Topics in Educational Studies (1-4)
An in-depth examination of a specific theory/group of theories within educational studies. The course will explore research and application relevant to the selected theory/theorists. Course content varies from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit if topics are different. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
EDUC 491. ESL Across the Curriculum (4E)
This course explores theoretical and practical considerations in teaching students in K-12 classrooms who speak English as a Second Language. This course will consider: theories of second language learning and acquisition, the social experience of English Language Learners, 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 EDUC 394 or EDUC 495.
EDUC 493/494. St. Mary’s Project (1-8E)
The project, which may take many forms, draws on and extends knowledge, skills of analysis and creative achievement developed through previous academic work. The student initiates the project, identifies an area to be explored, and proposes a method of inquiry appropriate to the topic. The project should include a reflection on the social context, the body of literature, or the conceptual framework to which it is a contribution. It must be shared with the College community through posters, presentations or other means. The project is supervised by a faculty mentor, with the approval of the department chair of the student’s major(s). This course is repeatable for up to a total of eight credit hours. Prerequisite: Coursework in research methods or permission of the mentor; Approval of faculty mentor and department chair of the student’s major(s). Consult faculty mentor for project guidelines.