Language & Literacy Studies

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  • 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 syntactical 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.
  • SED LS 595: Child Second Language Acquisitions
    This course explores issues and theories in child second language acquisition in a second or foreign classroom context. It's designed to meet the needs of those intending to teach second (or foreign) languages to children in the US or overseas.
  • SED LS 626: Cross Cult Comm
    This course description is currently under construction.
  • SED LS 627: Critical Analysis of Children's and Young Adult Literature
    Overview of children's and young adult literature, including introduction to authors, illustrators, and literary genres, and exploration and discussion of distinctive portrayals (e.g., genders, cultures, ethnicities, religions). The course is intended to develop overall knowledge of texts, awareness and understanding of critical issues that surround children's and young adult literature, and an understanding of how to evaluate and select texts for use in and out of school settings. This course requires substantial reading of selected children's and young adult literature. 4cr. 2nd 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 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: Teaching Struggling Readers and Writers in the Elementary School
    Examination of theory and research that guides instruction of struggling readers and writers in K-6 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 Adolescent Literacy
    Exploration of current theory and research regarding reading and writing processes and practices among adolescents in and out of school. Particular attention will be given to the integration of literacy instruction within content disciplines and the relevance of out-of-school literacies to in-school instruction. 4cr, 1st sem.

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