Courses

• SED LR 551: Reading Development, Assessment, and Instruction in the Elementary School
  For beginning graduate students without experience in the teaching of reading. Study of reading development in childhood and early adolescence, and the implications for teaching and learning. Discussion of theory and research on effective instruction and assessment, and the application of both to teaching. 4 cr, either sem. Not open to students who have completed SED LR 501 and/or LR 503. 4cr, either sem.
• SED LR 780: Process of Reading
  Investigation of the theory and research related to reading. Exploration of implications for assessment, instructional design, and educational planning. 4 cr, 1st sem., alternate years (2009).
• SED LR 782: History of Reading Research
  Analysis and synthesis of the classic and contemporary research literature on reading with a focus of the historical trends in methodology, understanding the theoretical processes, and the state of the art instructional practices over time. Exploration of the implications for teaching and learning, and for future research. 4cr, 2nd sem.
• SED LS 560: Introduction to Language and Language Acquisition
  Introduction to the main aspects of language and language acquisition in typical, atypical, and second language learners. Topic areas include phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, child- directed speech, the role of cognitive development, and theories of language acquisition. Students will apply this course material during weekly observations of a language learner. 4cr, each sem.
• SED LS 565: Introduction to Language and Linguistics
  An introduction to contemporary linguistics, including phonological and syntax theory, sociolinguistics, first- and second-language acquisition, and discourse theory. Also covers applications of various branches of linguistics to education, including issues of different cultures in the classroom, the role of language in education, and the development of literacy. 4cr, either sem.
• SED LS 566: Language Acquisition
  Overview of language acquisition in typical, atypical, and second-language learners. Topic areas include phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, child-directed speech, the role of cognitive development, and theories of language acquisition. Students will apply course material during weekly observations of a language learner and in a data analysis project. 4cr, 2nd sem.
• SED LS 626: Intercultural Education: Theoretical and Methodological Approaches
  Explores the literature and theory related to the factors that influence communication between cultural groups. The goal of the course is to present approaches that balance the study of our common humanity with the study of cultural differences. 4cr, 1st sem.
• SED LS 658: Second Language Acquisition
  Research and theories of second-language acquisition. Includes the research on naturalistic and classroom second-language learning. 4cr, 2nd sem.
• SED LS 690: Context for Literacy: Oral and Written Discourse
  Introduces students to a variety of issues and perspectives that characterize approaches to the study of literature, language, and culture. Students develop knowledge and understanding of current approaches to the study of discourse as a developmental and sociological phenomenon and as part of school-based learning. 4cr, 1st sem.
• SED LS 725: Discourse, Narrative, and Literacy
  An introduction to the study of discourse, narrative, and conversational analysis in spoken, signed, and written language. Relevant to students of linguistics, psychology, reading, English education, and the ethnography of speaking. Topics include topic/focus and old/new information in connected discourse, narrative and storytelling, oral and literate cultures and strategies, cross-cultural differences, language in the classroom, discourse patterns in language disorders, and the development and implication of literacy. 4cr.
• SED LS 726: Discourse Analysis: Theoretical and Methodological Approaches
  Review of current research literature on discourse analysis; students practice and apply current methods and techniques of discourse analysis. 4cr, 2nd sem.
• SED LS 727: Topical Seminar in Literacy and Language
  Focuses on one aspect of research, theory, and practice in literacy and language. Offered by visiting professors or resident faculty. Topics may include critical review of research literature in literacy and review and application of theory/research in literacy and language for a specific population. Variable cr, either sem.
• SED LS 734: The Roles and Responsibilities of the Literacy Specialist: Leadership, Coaching, Teaching (Prepracticum)
  Observation of a literacy specialist with attention to how the literacy specialist acts as a school-wide leader, coaches teachers, and provides literacy instruction to children. Course readings and discussions examine the multiple roles of a literacy specialist. 4cr, 2nd sem.
• SED LS 735: Strategies for Teaching Struggling Readers and Writers
  Examination of theory and research that guides instruction of struggling readers and writers in K-12 classrooms. Includes study of the effects of various grouping practices, types of texts, and instructional strategies and routines. 4cr. 2nd sem.
• SED LS 737: Clinical Assessment of Reading and Writing, Practicum Part 1
  In-depth study of research and instructional practices related to teaching students who struggle to learn to read and write. Review of the foundations of reading and writing development, examination of assessment practices, and exploration of research-based strategies for instruction. 4cr, Summer 1
• SED LS 738: Clinical Assessment of Reading and Writing, Practicum Part 2
  Practical experience teaching students who struggle in learning to read and write. Each participant is paired with a school-aged student enrolled in the School of Education's Donald D. Durrell Reading & Writing Clinic. Students administer assessments and use the outcomes to plan and implement instruction. 4cr, Summer II
• SED LS 750: Cognitive Development and Language
  Various philosophical and research positions exist concerning the relation between cognition and language, including cognitive interactionism (Piaget), social interactionism (Vygotsky), innateness (Chomsky), linguistic relativity (Whorf), information processing (MacWhinney), and theory (Gopnick). These positions are discussed, compared, and assessed in light of research findings bearing on different topics (e.g., word learning, theory of mind). Students are able to apply course material to a related topic of their choice. 4cr, 2nd sem.
• SED LS 751: Universals of Language
  The nature of language universals and its effect on the human biological capacity for language. Special attention paid to the relationship of the following topics to language universals: child language acquisition, second language acquisition, language simplification, pidgins and creoles, and language change. Investigates the syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic foundations of human language and communication.
• SED LS 790: Seminar in Literacy Assessment: Research/Theory/Practice
  Intra/interdisciplinary review of theory and research related to literacy and language. Exploration of implications for assessment in instructional and service settings. 4cr, 2nd sem.
• SED LS 792: Teaching Reading and Writing in the Content Areas
  Exploration of current theory and research regarding reading processes in content disciplines as well as ways in which literacy instruction can be integrated into content disciplines to improve text comprehension, learning from text, and informational writing across grade levels. 4cr, 1st sem.

Note that this information may change at any time.

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