Language & Literacy Studies

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  • SED LS 521: Sociolinguistics
    Introduction to language in its social context. Methodological and theoretical approaches to sociolinguistics. Linguistic variation in relation to situation, gender, socioeconomic class, linguistic context, and ethnicity. Integrating micro- and macro-analysis from conversation to societal language planning. 4cr.
  • 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 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 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 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.

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