Elementary Education, P-5

INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

ART 2613 – Art Education P-5 – 3 credit hours

Develops an increased understanding of visual art and applications for teaching art in elementary school classes. Emphasis will be on experimentation with art media, and development of skills for teaching and assessing creative problem-solving activities that are developmentally appropriate in appreciation, production, and integrated art lessons. Also listed as EDUC 2613. ($42 lab fee)  Recommended for elementary education P-5 majors: ART 1003. Course rotation: Typically fall.

BIOL 1204 – Introduction to Cellular Biology – 4 credit hours

Applies the scientific method of study to cell biology, genetics, and molecular biology. Lectures are integrated with laboratory exercises. Successful completion satisfies the requirements for a major or minor in biology. Prerequisite: Successful completion, with a minimum grade of C, of MATH 1013 or MATH 1014 or MATH 1124 or MATH 2315 or a minimum ACT mathematics subscore of 26 or equivalent. Corequisite: BIOL 1200. Note: Students must first complete or test out of the reading sequence before taking this course. Course rotation: All semesters.

EDUC 2243 – Children’s Literature – 3 credit hours

Read and evaluate books and related materials for children in grades P- 5. A review of the interests and needs of children at different ages. Discussion of issues in children’s reading. Course rotation: Spring.

EDUC 2413 – Literacy for Elementary Teachers I – 3 credit hours

Develops an increased understanding of the foundations of literacy research and theories of learning to read.  Foundational concepts will include phonemic awareness, phonological awareness, and phonics.  Application of instructional strategies, pedagogical research, manipulatives, projects, reflective writing, technology utilization, and literacy assessments that are developmentally appropriate will be included in the coursework.  Prerequisites: ENGL 1013/1004, unless waiver requirements are met, and ENGL 1023 or instructor’s permission.  Course rotation: Fall.\

EDUC 2423 – Literacy for Elementary Teachers  II– 3 credit hours

Develops an increased understanding of the foundations of literacy research and theories of learning to read.  Foundational concepts will include comprehension, vocabulary and fluency.  Includes all components of literacy:  Reading, Writing, Speaking, Viewing, and Listening.  Application of instructional strategies, pedagogical research, manipulative, projects, reflective writing, technology utilization, and literacy assessments that are developmentally appropriate will be included in the coursework.  Prerequisite:  EDUC 2413 or instructor’s permission.   Course rotation: Spring.

GEOG 1003 – World Regional Geography – 3 credit hours

Introduction to the various cultural and political regions of the world. Emphasis is placed on the physical aspects of each geographic region and upon the diversity within and between each region of our global society. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

HIST 1033 – U. S. History: 1492 to 1865 – 3 credit hours

Surveys the social, economic, cultural, and political development of the United States from the Age of Discovery through the Civil War. Focuses on topics such as early exploration, the American Revolution, the early development of American democracy, the Old South and slavery, Westward expansion, and the Civil War. Course rotation: Fall.

HIST 1043 – U.S. History: 1865 to Present – 3 credit hours

Surveys the social, economic, cultural, and political development of the United States from the Reconstruction Era to the recent past. Focuses on topics such as the world wars, the Great Depression and New Deal, the Cold War, Vietnam, and Watergate. Course rotation: Spring.

HIST 2233 – World Civilization I: Prehistory to 1500 – 3 credit hours

Studies the development of civilization in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas down to the age of European colonialism. Primary emphasis is given to the unique social and cultural characteristics of each civilization. Course rotation: Fall.

HIST 3103 – Kentucky Studies – 3 credit hours

Examines the history, literature, geography, folklore, and culture of Kentucky. This course satisfies an Interdisciplinary Studies requirement of the Elementary Education P-5 major. It does not count toward the U.S. history requirements for the history major, history minor, or social science major. Prerequisite: Junior standing or above.

MATH 2213 – Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I – 3 credit hours

For future teachers of grades P-9. Course emphasizes mathematical concepts and processes through solving problems. Content includes: concepts of decimals and fractions, number theory, real number system, and numeration systems and bases. Manipulatives, cooperative learning, reflective writing, and available technology will be utilized. Prerequisite: MATH 1003 or MATH 1013 or MATH 1014 or instructor’s permission. Course rotation: Fall.

MATH 2223 – Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II – 3 credit hours

For future teachers of grades P-9. Emphasizes mathematical concepts and processes through solving problems. Content includes probability, statistics, measurement (including metric and English), geometry (properties of shape, two and three dimensions, similarities, and transformations). Manipulates, cooperative learning, reflective writing, and available technology will be utilized. Prerequisite: MATH 2213. Course rotation: Spring.

MUSI 2203 – Music Education P-5 – 3 credit hours

Explores teaching methods and materials for classroom teachers in the elementary grades for integration of music into teaching strategies with emphasis given to multiple intelligence theory. Music foundational concepts that pertain to pitch, rhythm, scales, harmony, and keyboard orientation are included. Also listed as EDUC 2203. Course rotation: Fall.

PHED 1021 – First Aid – 1 credit hour

Students will use technology to practice first-aid procedures and prevention/care of injuries. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

PHED 3203 – Physical Education/Health Curriculum & Methods for Elementary P-5 – 3 credit hours

Explores principles of instruction by using technology for grades P-5 in health and physical education. Students will learn to integrate content knowledge of child health, nutrition, and physical fitness in designing effective learning experiences for elementary students. Special emphasis is given to teaching methods and curriculum materials considered best practice for grades P-5 to promote healthy lifestyles. Includes field hours. Prerequisites: Admission to the teacher education program and EDUC 3413 (P-5 majors) or EDUC 3403 (physical education majors). Course rotation: Spring.

PHSC 1204 – Earth Science – 4 credit hours

Integrates study of the general concepts in astronomy, geology, meteorology, and oceanography. Introduces the student to the scientific method of problem-solving and acquaints the student with the applications of earth science to everyday living. A one-hour laboratory series is included, which correlates with the course’s concepts. Course rotation: All semesters.

POSC 1003 – U.S. Government – 3 credit hours

Introductory survey of the American political system, including study of the philosophical basis of American government, the three branches of the federal government, federal-state relations, civil rights, political parties, campaigns, the role of the media, and lobby groups. Course rotation: All semesters.

SCI 1013 – Topics in Science – 3 credit hours

Study of current topics in natural science. Emphasizes the scientific process, including scientific method, introductory content relative to the topic of the course, and a focus on a topical issue as designated by the instructor. Course rotation: All semesters.

PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION -- EDUCATION

EDUC 2123 – The Teaching Profession – 3 credit hours

Provides an overview of formalized schooling: influence of cultural background and socioeconomic status on child development and learning; teacher ethics; legal issues; student diversity; and curriculum. Includes a study of the historical movements of Western thought that have shaped contemporary educational theory and practice in the United States. Students will use technology to analyze the underlying philosophical themes revealed in the current structure and content of primary, middle level, and secondary education. Includes field hours. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

EDUC 2713 – Introduction to Educational Technology – 3 credit hours

Introduces the theory and practice of instructional technology from historical and pragmatic perspectives. Studies the context and rationale for technology infusion in education, the definition of instructional technology, and its development in practice, the history of the field and current trends and issues. Students develop competencies in educational technology appraisal, technologically mediated communication and research, and the selection, development and application of multimedia to instruction. Prerequisite/corequisite: EDUC 2123. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

EDUC 3113 – Measurement & Assessment in Education – 3 credit hours

A pragmatic approach to the study of educational tests and measurement that explains essential psychometric concepts and their application in the classroom.  Includes a thorough discussion of performance and portfolio assessments as well as how to assess special needs students.  Uses technology, construction, selection, administration, interpretation, and utilization of evaluation techniques and instruments, including statistical interpretations.  Includes field hours.  Prerequisite: Admission to the teacher education program.  Course rotation: Fall and spring.

EDUC 3143 – The Exceptional Learner – 3 credit hours

A study of the social, psychological, and physiological aspects of diverse student needs in the classroom that include learning disabilities, the gifted, and the visually, aurally, physically, emotionally, and neurologically challenged. A major focus of the course is differentiation of instruction and accommodating the needs of learners. In the field hours, education candidates will work collaboratively with the classroom teacher and utilize technology in assisting student learning. Corequisite: PSYC 1003. Prerequisites: Admission to the teacher education program and EDUC 3403 or EDUC 3413. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

EDUC 3233 – Methods/Materials P-5 Mathematics – 3 credit hours

Evaluate materials and techniques in teaching children arithmetic, with emphasis on the organization of subject matter, activities involved in arithmetic, and diagnosis and remedial instruction. Technology designed for mathematics instruction will be applied and evaluated. Includes field hours. Prerequisites: Admission to the teacher education program, EDUC 3413, and MATH 2213. Course rotation: Fall.

EDUC 3253 – Methods/Materials P-5 Social Studies – 3 credit hours

Explores the development of methods, materials, and principles of instructional strategies for teaching social studies in elementary schools.  Technology designed for social studies instruction will be applied and evaluated.  Includes field hours.  Prerequisites: Admission to the teacher education program and EDUC 3413.  Course rotation: Spring.

EDUC 3413 – Fundamentals of Elementary & Middle Grades Education – 3 credit hours

Introduces the historical role and contemporary practices of P-12 education in U.S. society. Topics include theories underlying educational curriculum and instructions, generic teaching methods, issues in student diversity, instructional technology, principles/problems/materials/media and techniques involved in instructional activities. Students use technology to develop competencies in standards-based lesson/ unit planning and lesson presentation. Includes field hours. Prerequisite: EDUC 2123. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

EDUC 4123 – Principles of Lifelong Learning – 3 credit hours

A study of psychology’s role in the understanding of human growth and development and its effect on learning.  Students will become conversant with prevalent learning theories, experimental findings, and other data applicable to teaching and learning in the education profession.  Students will integrate and apply the course knowledge base through case studies and application in P-12 educational settings.  Includes field hours.  Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and admission to the teacher education program.  Course rotation: Fall and spring.

EDUC 4223 – Teaching Reading & Language Arts P-5 – 3 credit hours

Reading/language arts methods, materials, and media for grades P-5 are presented with special emphasis on using technology to explore theories of reading acquisition and development, multi-cultural experiences, and computer use in language arts and reading.  Includes field hours.  Prerequisites: Admission to the teacher education program and EDUC 3413.  Course rotation: Fall.

EDUC 4243 – Methods/Materials P-5 Science – 3 credit hours

Includes interpreting children’s science experiences and guiding development of their scientific concepts, and a briefing of science content material and its use for children. Technology designed for science instruction will be applied and evaluated. Includes field hours. Prerequisites: Admission to the teacher education program and EDUC 3413. Course rotation: Spring.

EDUC 4263 – Classroom Management P-5 & P-12 – 3 credit hours

Acquaints the student with classroom organization, discipline strategies, and classroom management techniques using technology designed as a culminating experience prior to student teaching that prepares students for effective classroom management in rural/small-school settings. Includes field hours. Prerequisites: Admission to the teacher education program, EDUC 3403 or EDUC 3413, and last semester before student teaching. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

EDUC 4600 – Supervised Student Teaching – 12 credit hours

The student-teacher is expected to observe systematically expert teaching and to engage, under supervision, in the conduct of class sessions. The student-teacher also is expected to acquire skills in, and familiarity with, the co-curricular activities of a teacher and technology integration. Personal and group conferences and systematic supervision by faculty members are part of this requirement. Open only to students who have been approved for this part of the program. ($160 student teaching fee)  Corequisite: EDUC 4603. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

EDUC 4603 – Practicum – 3 credit hours

Taken during the student teaching semester using technology to study curriculum, methods, media, computer software materials, and instructional procedures in the content areas in secondary education with an emphasis on field experience. Corequisite: EDUC 4600. Course rotation: Fall and spring.