Courses

The listing of a course description here does not guarantee a course’s being offered in a particular term. Please refer to the published schedule of classes on the MyBU Student Portal for confirmation a class is actually being taught and for specific course meeting dates and times.

• WED 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.
• WED LS 640: Critical Applied Linguistics
  Critical applied linguistics is the study of language and power in the social world. The objective of this course is to investigate how inequitable systems of power shape language education, while also considering the radical solutions that have been proposed.
• WED 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 form knowledge and ideas of how languages are acquired, based on empirical research. 4 cr
• WED 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.
• WED LS 690: Classroom Discourse
  Focuses on discourse as a central component of teaching and learning, and strategies for building on students' linguistic and cultural backgrounds as learning assets. Examines instructional contexts, pedagogical approaches, and teacher talk moves to support instruction and students' conceptual understanding.
• WED 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.
• WED 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.
• WED 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.
• WED LS 750: Culture, Language, and Cognition
  This course focuses on theoretical and empirical work investigating relationships among culture, language, and cognition in literacy development. It considers research in various traditions of inquiry, including cultural psychology, cognitive psychology, anthropology, sociocultural theory, activity theory, and learning sciences.
• WED LS 762: Equitable Literacy Assessment and Instruction: Emergent and Developing Literacies
  Focuses on understanding and supporting emergent literacy development, including for students who experience difficulty with reading and writing in some contexts. Emphasizes equitable literacy assessment and instruction across learning contexts. Includes examination and discussion of theoretical, empirical, and practical readings.
• WED LS 763: Practice-Based Experience in Literacy: Pre-Practicum
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: LS 762 -This course focuses on the application of research and theory to practice by providing graduate students opportunities to develop and apply knowledge of best practices in literacy assessment and instructional intervention to their work with students learning to read and write.
• WED LS 764: Introduction to Literacy Leadership: Becoming a Critical Specialized Literacy Professional
  Examines the construction of literacy leadership and the varied roles assumed by critically-oriented specialized literacy professionals. The course includes analysis of literacy programs/ systems, observing practices of literacy leaders, planning to support professional learning, and understanding organizational growth and change.
• WED LS 790: Literary Assessment to Inform Instruction
  Explores the theoretical underpinnings of literacy assessments and ways to use formal and informal assessments to identify learner's strengths and needs. Emphasizes assessment practices that are grounded in teaching interventions that provide insight into instructional practices that support students. 4 cr. Either sem.
• WED LS 792: Equitable Literacy Assessment and Instruction: Disciplinary, Digital, and Multiple Literacies
  Focuses on understanding and supporting literacy development with a focus on disciplinary and digital literacies and students' multiple literacies within and beyond school. Emphasizes equitable literacy assessment and instruction across learning contexts. Includes examination and discussion of theoretical, empirical, and practical readings.
• WED LS 793: Practice-Based Experience in Literacy: Practicum
  Graduate Prerequisites: SEDLS763 - This course focuses on the application of research and theory to practice in both clinic and school-based instructional settings. Graduate students will continue to develop and apply knowledge of best practices in literacy assessment and instructional intervention to their work with students who struggle in learning to read and write. Students will administer and interpret results of various screening and diagnostic instruments during individual and small group intervention sessions. Students will also plan and implement effective instructional interventions based on children’s identified areas of strength and need in essential literacy domains in both clinic and school settings. As a final project, students will prepare and share with the child’s parents, classroom teacher, and reading specialist a final case report that summarizes assessments (e.g., formative, screening, and diagnostic) and instructional interventions with evidence of student progress. Video analysis and students’ written reflections will be integrated throughout the semester to encourage a reflective stance toward instruction and to further support graduate students’ professional growth.
• WED LS 801: Design-Based Research as Educational Inquiry, Part I
  This course is part of a two-semester sequence. Students will a) develop a critical understanding of different approaches to design-based research, including their political and ethical commitments, and b) collaboratively design and carry out a small-scale design study. 4 cr. 1st sem.
• WED LS 802: Design-Based Research as Educational Inquiry, Part II
  This course is part of a two-semester sequence. Students will a) develop a critical understanding of different approaches to design-based research, including their political and ethical commitments, and b) collaboratively design and carry out a small-scale design study. 4 cr. 2nd sem.
• WED LW 736: Teaching Writing in Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Schools
  Study of research and theory that informs an understanding of the writing process, the development of writing abilities, and writing instruction and assessment. Application of the literature to classroom practice at the elementary, middle and secondary school levels. 4 cr.
• WED LW 781: Processes of Writing
  Study of the theory and research related to writing. Exploration of implications for theory, research, and practice. 4 cr.
• WED ME 200: Introduction to Mathematics Education
  The course will provide students with an introduction to the field of K-12 mathematics education, focusing on current issues such as standards, curriculum, diversity, student achievement, parental involvement, instructional methods, and the nature of learning mathematics with understanding. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: The Individual in Community.
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  • The Individual in Community