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Course Descriptions   M.Ed. Degree Program Elective Courses

Advanced Strategies and Approaches for Teaching Critical Thinking in Content Areas
(EDUC8650)
This specialized seminar integrates all content area subjects in a school curriculum. In particular, it introduces students to the nature and scope of Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Fine Arts. Students investigate a variety of content models and curriculum programs while they explore theoretical foundations, practical applications, and current issues in the content areas. Strategies and modern techniques for effectively working with diverse populations of students, including computer application in the various content areas, are researched and emphasized. Students demonstrate competencies by developing and demonstrating techniques and activities which illustrate how concepts and practices are learned in each module and how they relate to each students needs.

Child Abuse and Neglect, and Other Individual/Societal Dysfunction
(PSY8100)
This course explores child abuse and neglect in the context of other societal problems such as violence, substance abuse, and legal and ethical dilemmas faced by the educator in schools today. Discussions and lectures include such topics as family systems theory and dysfunction, community and domestic violence, substance abuse, child welfare law, and justice/court systems. Further, the course is designed to teach the educator to respond to children and families in crisis, provide referrals, work as part of an interdisciplinary team, and take a provocative stance against child abuse and related problems.

Connecting Reading and Writing
(EDUC7021)
This research based course is designed for classroom teachers, administrators, Chapter 1, ESL, Bilingual, and special needs teachers who would like to become more knowledgeable about the relationship between reading and writing.

Impact of Alcohol Abuse and other Addictive Disorders on Family Systems
(PSY8143)
This course focuses on the effects of alcohol abuse and other addictive disorders on the entire family system, including children of alcoholics. Systems theory as applied to families are reviewed. The effects of trans-generational patterns of alcohol abuse and other addictive disorders on family members (including the roles that are adopted) are examined. Self help programs for example, A.A., Al Anon, N.A., A.C.O.A. and O.A. are explored.

Inclusion of Students with Special Needs in Regular Education
(SPED7650)
Students will analyze barriers to inclusion and develop effective strategies for integration of individuals with special needs into all aspects of the community including home, school, and work setting. Students will define and redefine their role as professionals as it relates to their philosophy of integration.

Law for the Educator
(EDLM8020)
Constitutional and statutory provisions governing a public school system re examined on local, state and national levels. A thorough review is made of the legal parameters surrounding the local level of the educational system. In addition, students inspect federal and state guidelines generated to meet the needs of diverse student populations in compliance with current judicial decisions and state legislation. The impact of precedent-setting cases is a major focus of this course.

Managing Diversity
(EDLM7600)
This seminar focuses on diversity in schools and on the growing challenges and opportunities diversity provides for educators. Emphasis is given to the unique regional cultural/linguistic demographics of diversity within a proactive perspective. Reflective readings and application strategies prepare the educational leader for rewarding multifaceted communication and a commitment to effective management of diversity.

List of Courses Offered