Language & Literacy Studies

• SED LS 560: Introduction to Language and Language Acquisition
  Introduction to the main aspects of language and language acquisition in typical, atypical, and second language learners. Topic areas include phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, child- directed speech, the role of cognitive development, and theories of language acquisition. Students will apply this course material during weekly observations of a language learner. 4cr, each sem.
• SED LS 565: Applied Linguistics: Language & Linguistics Survey
  An introduction to contemporary linguistics, including phonological and syntax 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, the role of language in education, and the development of literacy. 4cr, either sem.
• SED LS 595: Child Second Language Acquisitions
  This course explores issues and theories in child second language acquisition in a second or foreign classroom context. It's designed to meet the needs of those intending to teach second (or foreign) languages to children in the US or overseas.
• SED LS 626: Cross-Cultural Communication: Theoretical & Methodological Approaches
  Explores the literature and theory related to the factors that influence communication between cultural groups. The goal of the course is to present approaches that balance the study of our common humanity with the study of cultural differences. 4cr, 1st sem.
• 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. 4cr. 2nd sem.
• SED LS 628: Exploring picture books for all readers
  This course will provide 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. Research-based pedagogies will be modeled to support student achievement of Common Core State Standards. (CCSS) 4cr, either sem.
• SED LS 629: Looking at Young Adult Literature Through Multiple Lenses: Literature, Literacy, and Learning
  This course will explore YA literature across multiple genres, writing styles, and authors. The course is designed to introduce teachers to a diverse collection of challenging and complex texts and to strategies for identifying such texts, critically evaluate texts, and examine best practices for using YA texts in classroom instruction. 4cr, etiher sem.
• SED LS 658: Second Language Acquisition
  Research and theories of second-language acquisition. Includes the research on naturalistic and classroom second-language learning. 4cr, 2nd sem.
• SED LS 670: Multicultural Literature in the Pre-K-Grade 12 Classroom
  An in-depth study of diverse Children's and YA lit 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. Research-based pedagogy will be modeled to support motivation, engagement, comprehension and response of proficient and struggling readers. 4cr. either sem.
• SE
• SED LS 734: The Roles and Responsibilities of the Literacy Specialist: Leadership, Coaching, Teaching (Prepracticum)
  Observation of a literacy specialist with attention to how the literacy specialist acts as a school-wide leader, coaches teachers, and provides literacy instruction to children. Course readings and discussions examine the multiple roles of a literacy specialist. 4cr, 2nd sem.
• SED LS 735: Teaching Struggling Readers and Writers in the Elementary School
  Examination of theory and research that guides instruction of struggling readers and writers in K-6 classrooms. Includes study of the effects of various grouping practices, types of texts, and instructional strategies and routines. 4cr. 2nd sem.
• SED LS 738: Clinical Assessment of Reading and Writing, Practicum Part 2
  Practical experience teaching students who struggle in learning to read and write. Each participant is paired with a school-aged student enrolled in the School of Education's Donald D. Durrell Reading & Writing Clinic. Students administer assessments and use the outcomes to plan and implement instruction. 4cr, Summer II
• SED LS 750: Cognitive Development and Language
  Various philosophical and research positions exist concerning the relation between cognition and language, including cognitive interactionism (Piaget), social interactionism (Vygotsky), innateness (Chomsky), linguistic relativity (Whorf), information processing (MacWhinney), and theory (Gopnick). These positions are discussed, compared, and assessed in light of research findings bearing on different topics (e.g., word learning, theory of mind). Students are able to apply course material to a related topic of their choice. 4cr, 2nd sem.
• SED LS 764: Roles and Responsibilities of the Literacy Specialist: Leadership, Coaching, Teaching
  To develop insight into how literacy professionals assume a variety of roles to enhance student learning, students will engage in three types of activities: observation, reflection, and analysis of a literacy professional's practice, seminar reading and discussions/leadership activities, and development of a plan to promote professional learning and enhanced literacy instruction. Field experience. Permission required. 4cr either sem.
• SED LS 790: Literary Assessment to Inform Instruction
  The purpose of this course is to explore the theoretical underpinnings of literacy assessments as well as ways in which you can use assessments to identify strengths and needs of your learners. We will examine formal and informal assessments, with particular focus on assessment tools and strategies that provide information about the types of instructional approaches and practices that contribute to students' optimal literacy performances, and as such, inform teaching decisions on a day-to-day basis. 4cr, 2nd sem.
• SED LS 792: Teaching Adolescent Readers and Writers
  Exploration of current theory and research regarding reading and writing processes and practices among adolescents in and out of school. Particular attention will be given to the integration of literacy instruction within content disciplines and the relevance of out-of-school literacies to in-school instruction. 4cr, 1st sem.
• SE

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