Middle Grades Education 5-9

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS – ACADEMIC EMPHASIS

EDUC 3313 – Literature for Grades 5-9 – 3 credit hours

Students will use technology to read and evaluate books and related materials for children in grades 5-9.  Students will identify, evaluate, and discuss different types of children’s literature.  Includes field hours.  Prerequisites: Admission to the teacher education program and EDUC 3403 or EDUC 3413.  Course rotation: Spring of even years.  

ENGL 2103 – Literary Interpretation – 3 credit hours

Introduces students to the fundamental terminology and methodology for understanding and interpreting the literary genres of fiction, drama, and poetry.  This course emphasizes intellectual development, critical analysis, cultural literacy, and, when applicable, global awareness.  Topics, subject matter, and approaches may vary depending upon the instructor.  Open to all students, this course is required for English majors.  Prerequisite: ENGL 1013.  Course rotation: All semesters.

ENGL 2203 – World Literature – 3 credit hours

Introduces and examines selected works of literature from countries around the world in order to demonstrate the rich diversity of national and regional literatures and, through those readings, to arrive at a more informed appreciation of human experiences.  The basic terminology and methodology used in literary study of fiction, drama, and poetry will also be presented.  All works are read in modern English translations.  This course emphasizes intellectual development, critical analysis, cultural literacy, and global awareness.  Topics, subject matter, and approaches may vary depending upon the instructor.  Prerequisite: ENGL 1013.  Course rotation: Spring.

ENGL 2703 – Introduction to Modern English Grammar – 3 credit hours

An examination of contemporary grammar as it pertains to Standard English.  Students will become aware of language varieties, familiar with grammar terminology, and better able to recognize the structure of English sentences.  This awareness will, in turn, assist students in strengthening their own language use and working with language users from various backgrounds.  This course emphasizes intellectual development, critical analysis, and cultural literacy.  Prerequisite: ENGL 1023 or instructor’s permission.  Course rotation: Spring.

ENGL 3063 – Ethnic Literature – 3 credit hours

Study of the literature of ethnic cultures such as African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, Native American, and the Caribbean.  Use of secondary sources and research writing will be included.  This course emphasizes intellectual development, critical analysis, cultural literacy, and, when applicable, global awareness.  Topics, subject matter, and approaches may vary depending upon the instructor.  This course may be repeated once for credit.  Prerequisite: ENGL 2103 or ENGL 2203 or instructor’s permission.  Course rotation: Fall.  

ENGL 3113 – American Literature I – 3 credit hours

Study of American literature to 1865, which will include Early, Colonial, and Romantic authors.  Use of secondary sources and research writing will be included.  This course emphasizes intellectual development, critical analysis, and cultural literacy.  Topics, subject matter, and approaches may vary depending upon the instructor.  Prerequisite: ENGL 2103 or ENGL 2203 or instructor’s permission.  Course rotation: Fall.

ENGL 3123 – American Literature II – 3 credit hours

Study of American literature since 1865, which will include Naturalist, Realist, Modernist, and Contemporary authors.  Use of secondary sources and research writing will be included.  This course emphasizes intellectual development, critical analysis, and cultural literacy.  Topics, subject matter, and approaches may vary depending upon the instructor.  Prerequisite: ENGL 2103 or ENGL 2203 or instructor’s permission.  Course rotation: Spring.

ENGL 3213 – British Literature I – 3 credit hours

Study of British literature to 1798, which will include Old, Middle, Renaissance, and Enlightenment authors.  Use of secondary sources and research writing will be included.  This course emphasizes intellectual development, critical analysis, cultural literacy, and global awareness.  Topics, subject matter, and approaches may vary depending upon the instructor.  Prerequisite: ENGL 2103 or ENGL 2203 or instructor’s permission.  Course rotation: Fall.

ENGL 3223 – British Literature II – 3 credit hours

Study of British literature since 1798, which will include Romantic, Victorian, and Modernist authors.  Use of secondary sources and research writing will be included.  This course emphasizes intellectual development, critical analysis, cultural literacy, and global awareness.  Topics, subject matter, and approaches may vary depending upon the instructor.  Prerequisite: ENGL 2103 or ENGL 2203 or instructor’s permission.  Course rotation: Spring.

ENGL 4503 – Advanced Writing – 3 credit hours

This course enhances students’ abilities to think critically and write effectively through exposure to current and ongoing scholarly conversations about the theory and practice of writing.  Students will have multiple opportunities to join the conversation (both orally and in writing) and to communicate in various forms and styles (formal as well as informal).  This course emphasizes intellectual development, critical analysis, and cultural literacy.  By the end of the course, students will be not only more effective writers and critical thinkers but also more flexible and thoughtful users of the English language.  Topics, subject matter, and approaches may vary depending upon the instructor.  Prerequisite: ENGL 1023 and junior standing or instructor’s permission.  Course rotation: Fall.

MATHEMATICS – ACADEMIC EMPHASIS

MATH 1124 – Precalculus – 4 credit hours

Explores algebraic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions, and their inverses, graphs, matrices, vectors, conics, and applications.  A graphic calculator is used.  Note: This course is a prerequisite for MATH 2315 and MATH 2503.  Prerequisite: MATH 1013 or placement.  Course rotation: All semesters.

MATH 2153 – Finite Mathematics – 3 credit hours

Selected topics in probability, matrices and matrix algebra, and linear programming.  Prerequisite: MATH 1013 or equivalent.  Course rotation: Fall.

MATH 2203 – Introduction to Statistics – 3 credit hours

Content includes descriptive statistics for one and two variables, elementary probability theory, random variables, discrete probability distributions, and continuous probability distributions with emphasis on the normal distribution.  Prerequisite: MATH 1003 or MATH 1013 or instructor’s permission.  Course rotation: All semesters.

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 instructor’s permission.  Course rotation: Fall.  

MATH 2315 – Analytic Geometry & Calculus I – 5 credit hours

An introduction to analytic geometry, functions, limits, and continuity, the derivative and applications, the differential, integration and applications.  Prerequisite: MATH 1124 or equivalent.  Course rotation: All semesters.

MATH 2503 – Discrete Mathematics – 3 credit hours

An introduction to the formal mathematical study of proof through topics that include Boolean algebra, set theory, combinatorics, relations, functions, and graph theory.  Prerequisite: MATH 1124 or equivalent.  Course rotation: Fall.

MATH 3113 – Geometry – 3 credit hours

Concepts and topics explored in this class include constructions, the axiomatic method, Euclidean geometry, finite geometries, transformational geometry, and other non-Euclidean geometries.  Prerequisite: MATH 2315.  Course rotation: Spring.

MATH 2301 – Mathematics & Technology – 1 credit hour

An array of current technologies is utilized to solve mathematical problems at the level of calculus and below.  Exposure to the appropriate use and limits of technology is the main objective.  The course is conducted in a laboratory format and is intended for prospective mathematics majors.  Grading: Credit/No Credit.  Prerequisite/corequisite: MATH 2315.  Course rotation: As needed.

MATH 3121 – History’s Great Problems – 1 credit hour

A study of selected topics from the history and nature of mathematics from ancient to modern times, with an emphasis on important mathematical concepts and problems.  Prerequisite: MATH 2503.  Course rotation: Alternate spring.

MATH 3131 – History’s Great Mathematicians – 1 credit hour

A study of selected topics from the history and nature of mathematics from ancient to modern times, with an emphasis on the biographies and mathematical interests of prominent mathematicians.  Prerequisite: MATH 2503.  Course rotation: Alternate spring.

MATH 3151 – Mathematics Education I – 1 credit hour

Historical and current perspectives of mathematics education; an introduction to mathematics education organizations and their resources; and exposure to technologies used in mathematics.  Prerequisites: MATH 2315 and EDUC 2123.  Course rotation: Alternate fall.

MATH 3161 – Mathematics Education II – 1 credit hour

An introduction to place-based mathematics, ethnomathematics, and the integration of mathematics and social justice issues; and an emphasis on demonstrative mathematics in the school mathematics curriculum.  Prerequisites: C or higher in MATH 2315 and EDUC 2123.  Course rotation: Alternate fall.

SCIENCE – ACADEMIC EMPHASIS

BIOL 1200 – Introduction to Cellular Biology Lab – 0 credit hours

Lab component for BIOL 1204.  Corequisite: BIOL 1204.

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 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.

BIOL 1210 – Introduction to Biodiversity Lab – 0 credit hours

Lab component for BIOL 1214.  Corequisite: BIOL 1214.

BIOL 1214 – Introduction to Biodiversity – 4 credit hours

Provides an introductory study of the ecology, evolution, and biodiversity of life.  Labs focus on a survey of life from bacteria through vascular plants and vertebrates.  Prerequisite: Successful completion, with a minimum grade of C, of MATH 1013 or MATH 1124 or MATH 2315 or minimum ACT mathematics subscore of 26 or equivalent.  Corequisite: BIOL 1210.  Course rotation: All semesters.

CHEM 1210 – General Chemistry I Lab – 0 credit hours

Lab component of CHEM 1214.  Corequisite: CHEM 1214.

CHEM 1214 – General Chemistry I with Lab – 4 credit hours

Deals with the structure of the atom and matter, nomenclature, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, and chemical bonding.  A two-hour laboratory series is included that correlates with the course’s concepts.  Prerequisite: MATH 1013 or a minimum ACT mathematics subscore of 26 or equivalent.  Corequisite: CHEM 1210.  Course rotation: Fall.

CHEM 1220 – General Chemistry II Lab – 0 credit hours

Lab component of CHEM 1224.  Corequisite: CHEM 1224.

CHEM 1224 – General Chemistry II with Lab – 4 credit hours

Continuation of General Chemistry I, this course deals with kinetics, equilibria, acids and bases, solutions, pH, radiation, and biological compounds.  A two-hour laboratory series is included that correlates with the course’s concepts.  Prerequisite: CHEM 1214 with a minimum grade of C.  Corequisite: CHEM 1220.  Course rotation: Spring.  

PHSC 1104 – Introduction to Physical Science – 4 credit hours

Introduces the physical science disciplines of physics and chemistry.  Specific topics include physical units, motion, force, energy, heat and thermodynamics, waves, electricity and magnetism, optics, atomic and nuclear physics, the periodic table, the chemical elements, chemical bonding, chemical equations, and simple stoichiometry.  A one-hour laboratory series is included, which correlates with the course’s concepts.  Prerequisite: MATH 0923 or minimum ACT mathematics sub-score of 20 or equivalent.  Course rotation: Varies.

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.

PHYS 2114 – College Physics I – 4 credit hours

A non-calculus based introduction to models of physical phenomena including conservation of energy, three-phase matter, mechanical energies, oscillations, particle models of matter, bond energy, and thermal energy, thermodynamics, ideal gas, entropy, Bernoulli’s principle, steady-state energy-density, and linear transport.  Emphasis will be placed on conceptual analysis, graphical interpretation, and communication.  A laboratory component is included.  Prerequisite: MATH 1124 or equivalent.  Course rotation: Fall.

PHYS 2124 – College Physics II – 4 credit hours

A continuation of College Physics I, including the following physical models: Galilean space-time, momentum conservation, angular momentum conservation, Newtonian mechanics, harmonic motion, electrical and magnetic models including fields, forces, and potentials, waves, interference, and optics.  A laboratory component is included.  Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in PHYS 2114.  Course rotation: Spring.

SOCIAL STUDIES – ACADEMIC EMPHASIS

ECON 2023 – Survey of Economic Issues – 3 credit hours

A study of national and international economic issues such as market and command economic systems; agriculture subsidies; health care issues; green Gross Domestic Product and environmental pollution; Social Security; poverty; state of national economy; unemployment; inflation; budget deficit and national debt; the financial market; economics of higher education; feminist economic issues; regional economic integration; protectionism versus free trade; world poverty; developing countries’ international debt; and the role of international institutions such as WTO, IMF, and the World Bank.  Note: Students who have taken ECON 2043 or ECON 2033 may not take this course for credit.  Prerequisite: Mathematics course meeting/exceeding general education requirements.

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 2243 – World Civilization II: 1500 to Present – 3 credit hours

Studies the development of civilization throughout the world from the beginning of the 16th century to the present.  The evolution of cultures and the progress of major social, economic, political, and intellectual trends are studied as a means of understanding the modern world.  Course rotation: Spring.

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.

SOCI 1003 – Principles of Sociology – 3 credit hours

Introduction to the structure of social life, culture, types of group interaction, social institutions, stratification, power relationships, and analysis of the process of social and cultural change.  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 3123 – 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 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 3303 – Adolescent Psychology – 3 credit hours

Students will use technology to study developmental processes, behavior, and thinking of children during adolescence.  Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and junior standing or instructor’s permission.  Course rotation: Fall.

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 3523 – Reading & Writing in the Content Areas 5-9, 8-12 & P-12 – 3 credit hours

Establishes methods and techniques for incorporating literacy instruction, including digital media technology, in the content teaching of middle and high school teachers.  Includes an overview of the reading and writing processes and discusses the application of literacy principles to the content areas.  Literacy needs of diverse learners in closing the achievement gap is also addressed in order to prepare students for literacy requirements outlined in the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) and Career Readiness Standards.  Includes field hours.  Prerequisites: Admission to the teacher education program, EDUC 3403, and junior standing.  Course rotation: Fall.

EDUC 4103 – 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 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 4333 – Curriculum & Methodology in the Middle Grades – 3 credit hours

An in-depth study of discipline-specific principles of middle school curriculum and instruction.  Topics include theory and standards organizing disciplinary scope and sequence, preparation of activities, lessons and unit plans, micro-teaching, and the study and application of integrative principles and techniques.  Students develop competencies in disciplinary curriculum design technology integration and expand repertoire of assessment and instructional strategies appropriate to their content area.  Includes field hours.  Prerequisites: Admission to the teacher education program, EDUC 3413, EDUC 3523, and second semester junior standing.  Course rotation: 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.  ($155 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.