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 560: Introduction to Language and Language Acquisition
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: Restricted to Juniors, Seniors, and Graduate Students
  Introduction to the main aspects of first language acquisition from infancy through childhood. Topics areas include phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, discourse-pragmatics, language variation, multilingualism, child- directed speech, 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 the study of language structure, language use and variation, and applied linguistics. Students will explore the systematic yet complex nature of language by taking a scientific approach to thinking about language. The technical knowledge about language gained in this course will serve as a foundation for more advanced courses in linguistics and/or for any future language-related career. 4cr.
• 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 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 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.
• 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 form knowledge and ideas of how languages are acquired, based on empirical research. 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 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.
• 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 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.
• SED LS 762: Literacy Acquisition and Development: Addressing Strengths and Needs
  Focuses on understanding and supporting literacy development for elementary, middle, and secondary school readers and writers, including students who experience difficulty with reading and writing in some contexts. Emphasizes effective literacy instruction and intervention practices across learning contexts, both in and beyond school. Includes examination and discussion of theoretical, empirical, and practical readings. 4 cr.
• SED LS 763: Field Experience in Literacy Education: Clinical Interventions
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: LS 762
  Focuses on the application of research and theory to practice in clinical/tutorial instructional settings with a focus on developing and applying knowledge of best practices in literacy assessment and instruction for students who experience difficulty in reading and writing in some contexts. Participants administer and interpret the results of various screening and diagnostic instruments within a tutoring context; plan and implement effective instructional practices to support areas of students' identified strengths and needs; engage in video analysis to prompt a reflective stance toward instruction and professional growth; prepare and share a final case report that summarizes assessment results and provides a detailed report of the instructional practices implemented and student progress. 2 cr. Pre-requisite is LS762