Language & Literacy Studies

• 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 525: African American Children's Literature
  Examines children's and adolescent literature from the African American children's literary tradition. Considers texts within the broader context of African American history. Explores use of the literature for teaching reading comprehension, increasing student engagement, and enhancing critical thinking.
• 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. 4 cr. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Social Inquiry I, Critical Thinking.
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  • Scientific Inquiry I
  • Social Inquiry I
  • Critical Thinking
• SED LS 565: Applied Linguistics: Language & Linguistics Survey
  An introduction to contemporary linguistics, including phonological, morphological, 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 and the role of language in education. 4 cr.
• 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 567: Structure of English
  Linguistic analysis of English grammatical structures and pedagogical application of linguistic concepts in preparation for teaching English as a second or foreign language. ?Coursework extends implicit linguistic knowledge of English to explicit metalinguistic knowledge necessary for grammar sequencing and instruction. 4 cr.
• SED LS 595: Child Second Language Acquisitions
  An introduction to contemporary linguistics, including phonological, morphological, and syntactic 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 and the role of language in education. 4 cr.
• SED LS 610: Applied Phonology: Strategies for Improving English Language Learners' Intelligibility
  Practical training in teaching pronunciation to improve mutual intelligibility: the ability of English language learners to understand and be understood by others. Pronunciation training is integrated within a framework of current research and latest practices. 4 cr.
• SED LS 626: Inter-Cultural Communication: Theoretical & Methodological Approaches
  Explores the literature and theory related to the cultural factors that influence communication between individuals. The goal of the course is to present approaches that balance the study of our common humanity with the study of cultural differences. 4 cr.
• 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. 4 cr.
• SED LS 628: Exploring Picture Books for All Readers
  An overview of up-to-date picture books that communicate complex narrative and non-narrative themes and ideas. In-depth exploration across multiple genres, styles, and authors will allow development of an awareness of the diversity of texts, visual literacy and critical reading skills. Includes modeling of research- based pedagogies to support student literacy development. 4 cr.
• SED LS 629: Looking at Young Adult Literature Through Multiple Lenses: Literature, Literacy, and Learning
  Exploration of young adult literature across multiple genres, writing styles, and authors with emphasis on strategies to identify and evaluate a diverse collection of challenging and complex texts. Includes?an examination of best practices for using Young Adult texts in classroom instruction. 4 cr.
• SED LS 632: Graphic Novels
  Intended for graduate students and inservice teachers. Focuses on critical review of a wide variety of graphic novels appropriate for use with students across a range of grade levels, reading abilities, and content areas. As the basis for critical review, participants read and discuss theory and research related to visual literacy, illustration and design, and literary criticism. Examines approaches to classroom discussion, including a focus on challenging topics, that will support their own students' development as active, engaged, and critical graphic novel readers. 4 cr.
• SED LS 658: Second Language Acquisition
  This course will provide an examination of approaches and major theories of second language acquisition (SLA). What can be observed about how people acquire a second language? How do the various SLA theories, models, and hypotheses explain each of these observations? How can an understanding of SLA theory inform language instruction? We will explore foundational theories and approaches in SLA, investigate contemporary thinking from a variety of perspectives, and discuss principles of contemporary/communicative language teaching to support students in making connections between theory and practice. 4 cr
• SED LS 670: Multicultural Literature in the Pre-K-Grade 12 Classroom
  An in-depth study of diverse children's and young adult literature in school and community settings. Focused on recognizing high-quality, authentic, linguistically and cognitively complex texts that represent historically under- or misrepresented individuals, groups and communities. Includes modeling of research-based pedagogies to support all students' motivation, engagement, comprehension and response of proficient and struggling readers. 4 cr.
• SED LS 690: Classroom Discourse
  Focuses on the role of discourse as a central component of teaching and learning and strategies, and strategies for building on students' linguistic and cultural backgrounds as learning assets in the learning process. Examines the types of instructional contexts, pedagogical approaches, and teacher talk moves that will support productive instructional interactions and deepen students' conceptual understanding. Includes use of video recording and transcript analysis to reflect on teacher talk in lesson planning and implementation. 4 cr.
• SED LS 725: Discourse, Narrative, and Literacy
  This course focuses on theoretical and empirical work from a variety of traditions that addresses relationships among discourse, narrative, literacy and power in teaching and learning. It includes analysis of video and transcripts of classroom and everyday life. 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. 4 cr.
• 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/or application of theory/research in literacy and language for a specific population. Var cr.
• 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. 4 cr.

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