Southwestern

Engaging Minds, Transforming Lives

Education Department

Curriculum

Education courses are divided into several areas.

Students who have questions about a particular course are encouraged to seek information from the appropriate faculty member:

  • Professional Development (40 series): Dr. Kamen
  • Secondary (41 series): Dr. Marble
  • Elementary (42 series): Dr. Johnson, Dr. Moore, or Dr. Kamen
  • Special Education (43 series): Dr. Adrian
  • Early Childhood (44 series): Dr. Moore
  • Reading Education (45 series): Dr. Johnson
Below you will find a list of our current or recent offerings. See the course catalog for descriptions and updated information.
  • 40-001 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic. (May also be taken with EDU 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 prefixes.)
  • 40-002 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic. (May also be taken with EDU 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 prefixes.)
  • 40-003 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic. (May also be taken with EDU 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 prefixes.)
  • 40-004 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic. (May also be taken with EDU 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 prefixes.)
  • 40-301 SELECTED TOPICS IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
    May be repeated with change in topic. (May also be taken with EDU 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 prefixes.)
  • 40-302 SELECTED TOPICS IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
    May be repeated with change in topic. (May also be taken with EDU 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 prefixes.)
  • 40-303 SELECTED TOPICS IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
    May be repeated with change in topic. (May also be taken with EDU 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 prefixes.)
  • 40-304 SELECTED TOPICS IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
    May be repeated with change in topic. (May also be taken with EDU 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 prefixes.)
  • 40-333 EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
    See Psychology 33-333.
  • 40-483 EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY
    An examination of the role of technology to empower K-12 students to learn how to learn. This course focuses on information literacy in the context of the use of computer-based technology to support student-centered teaching, learning, classroom organization, and meeting content technology standards...
  • 40-493 FOUNDATIONS AND CURRICULUM OF AMERICAN SCHOOLS
    An examination of the educational history of the United States and the changes in curriculum which have developed through the years. The course will focus on the different philosophies of curriculum organization, as well as the scope and sequences of subjects in elementary and secondary schools. Inc...
  • 40-553 SCHOOLS, SOCIETY AND DIVERSITY
    An examination of diversity in schools and society. Emphasis is on such dimensions of diversity as culture, ethnicity, exceptionality, gender, language, sexual orientation and social class. Diversity and implications for educational policy, curriculum and methodology will be highlighted. The course ...
  • 40-593 ACTION RESEARCH IN EDUCATION
    Students focus on a study of educational research as a means of interpreting, improving and substantiating educational practices. Through firsthand experiences of methods of inquiry in a local educational context, students gain understanding of multiple research approaches and learn how various meth...
  • 40-813 CLASSROOM ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT
    A step-by-step approach to successfully organizing and managing a classroom. Positive approaches to time management, materials organization, curriculum selection and management, scheduling and classroom discipline will be described. Course content is designed for relevance to the student teaching ex...
  • 40-901 TUTORIAL
    (May also be taken with EDU 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 prefixes.)
  • 40-902 TUTORIAL
    (May also be taken with EDU 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 prefixes.)
  • 40-903 TUTORIAL
    (May also be taken with EDU 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 prefixes.)
  • 40-904 TUTORIAL
    (May also be taken with EDU 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 prefixes.)
  • 40-941 INTERNSHIP
    Must be taken Pass/D/F. (May also be taken with EDU 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 prefixes.)
  • 40-942 INTERNSHIP
    Must be taken Pass/D/F. (May also be taken with EDU 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 prefixes.)
  • 40-943 INTERNSHIP
    Must be taken Pass/D/F. (May also be taken with EDU 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 prefixes.)
  • 40-944 INTERNSHIP
    Must be taken Pass/D/F. (May also be taken with EDU 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 prefixes.)
  • 40-951 INDEPENDENT STUDY
    May be repeated with change in content. (May also be taken with EDU 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 prefixes.)
  • 40-952 INDEPENDENT STUDY
    May be repeated with change in content. (May also be taken with EDU 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 prefixes.)
  • 40-953 INDEPENDENT STUDY
    May be repeated with change in content. (May also be taken with EDU 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 prefixes.)
  • 40-954 INDEPENDENT STUDY
    May be repeated with change in content. (May also be taken with EDU 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 prefixes.)
  • 40-973 RESEARCH
    (May also be taken with EDU 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 prefixes.)
  • 40-983 HONORS
    By invitation only. (May also be taken with EDU 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 prefixes.)
  • 41-703 TEACHING SECONDARY STUDENTS (3-2)
    This course provides secondary teachers with critical early experiences planning, delivering, and reflecting on instructional practices in secondary classrooms. Through class reading, school visitations, student observations, and reflective journals, course participants will explore the culture of s...
  • 41-753 THE SECONDARY TEACHER (3-3)
    A field-based study of the objectives and processes of middle school teaching. This course will be taught in a secondary school setting and will involve extensive observation and participation. Emphasis in this course will be on the art and the act of teaching. The starting date for this course is a...
  • 41-803 STUDENT TEACHING IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL
    Observation and supervised teaching in the public secondary schools. The student will take Education 40-813 concurrently with student teaching. Required: Senior standing, completion of all other course work and admittance to student teaching. Must be taken Pass/D/F. Also Music Education 77-803, 806.
  • 41-806 STUDENT TEACHING IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL
    Observation and supervised teaching in the public secondary schools. The student will take Education 40-813 concurrently with student teaching. Required: Senior standing, completion of all other course work and admittance to student teaching. Must be taken Pass/D/F. Also Music Education 77-803, 806.
  • 42-553 SOCIAL STUDIES METHODS IN THE ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL
    This course prepares educators to teach social studies in public school classrooms. Instruction will emphasize constructivist approaches, and classroom sessions will be interactive with reflective assignments. The course explores both the unique content and instructional methods appropriate for teac...
  • 42-743 TEACHING SCIENCE IN THE ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL (3-2)
    A study of the phenomena and instructional methods in the life, physical, and earth sciences. Emphasis will be placed on the science processes, attitudes and facts relevant to elementary school curriculum. Learning through inquiry, exploration and immersion into real-world situations serves as the p...
  • 42-753 TEACHING MATHEMATICS IN THE ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL I (3-2)
    A study of concepts, problem solving and computation strategies necessary to orchestrate a problem solving environment for effective teaching, learning, assessment and evaluation of early childhood through eighth-grade mathematics. Emphasis is on the practical application of teaching methods through...
  • 42-763 TEACHING MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE IN THE ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL II (3-2)
    A study of concepts, problem solving, inquiry, professional standards and strategies necessary to orchestrate an environment for effective problem-solving mathematics and inquiry-based science teaching, learning, and assessment, for early childhood through 8th grade. Emphasis is on the practical app...
  • 42-773 INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
    The focus of the course is on preparing pre-service teachers to teach in elementary and middle schools and requires candidates to incorporate experiences from their practicum sites. The course is designed to provide teacher education candidates with an opportunity to study, reflect, question, become...
  • 42-803 STUDENT TEACHING IN THE ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL
    Supervised teaching in the public elementary schools. Prerequisites: Senior standing, completion of all other course work, admittance to student teaching. Must be taken Pass/D/F. Also Music Education 77-803, 806.
  • 42-806 STUDENT TEACHING IN THE ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL
    Supervised teaching in the public elementary schools. Prerequisites: Senior standing, completion of all other course work, admittance to student teaching. Must be taken Pass/D/F. Also Music Education 77-803, 806.
  • 43-403 SURVEY OF EXCEPTIONALITIES
    This course explores the ranges of human experience of individuals with exceptionalities (including those who are gifted and/or have learning, mental, physical, emotional or sensory disabilities) and their families. Students explore the impact of various attitudes toward persons with exceptionalitie...
  • 43-413 PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS (3-2)
    This course acquaints students with programming and placement options available to individuals with special needs. Emphasis is placed on identifying the eligibility criteria and referral processes of public and private agencies, and the programs and services available. Community integration through ...
  • 43-423 ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
    This course examines assessment strategies related to the special education referral and placement process, and on-going evaluation of pre-academic, social, academic, vocational, recreational and independent living skills. Emphasis is placed on assessment strategies that provide the most relevant in...
  • 43-433 COOPERATIVE TEACHING AND COLLABORATIVE CONSULTATION
    This course emphasizes skills necessary for meeting the educational needs of learners through inclusive education. Students explore the impact of attitudes on cooperative teaching and inclusive programs. The various roles available to special education teachers are discussed. Strategies that promote...
  • 43-443 DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION FOR DIVERSE LEARNERS
    This course provides practice in the planning and organization of instruction to facilitate learner success. Individualized educational plans are developed. Selection and modification of teaching strategies and instructional materials for students in segregated and inclusive settings are demonstrate...
  • 43-453 BEHAVIORAL CHANGE STRATEGIES
    This course explores effective classroom arrangements and procedures for working with students who have moderate to severe behavior disorders and learning problems. Design and implementation of data collection methodologies are practiced. Techniques that enhance students' return to general education...
  • 43-463 PRACTICUM: GENERIC SPECIAL EDUCATION
    Supervised practicum in the public elementary or secondary schools. Required: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Education 43-403 and concurrent enrollment in Education 43-453.
  • 43-473 EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION
    The course is designed to prepare students who will assume roles as teachers and related services personnel serving infants and young children with developmental delays and their families in public schools and outreach programs. Emphasis is on working in partnership with families as part of a transd...
  • 43-803 STUDENT TEACHING IN GENERIC SPECIAL EDUCATION
    Supervised teaching in the public elementary or secondary schools. Prerequisites: Senior standing, completion of all other course work, admittance to student teaching. Must be taken Pass/D/F.
  • 43-806 STUDENT TEACHING IN GENERIC SPECIAL EDUCATION
    Supervised teaching in the public elementary or secondary schools. Prerequisites: Senior standing, completion of all other course work, admittance to student teaching. Must be taken Pass/D/F.
  • 44-643 THE CHILD AND THE CURRICULUM IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
    Study of the curriculum choices made by early childhood educators, particularly in the areas of math, science, art, and play. Careful attention is given to developmentally appropriate practices and the TEKS, as well as the influence of the Project Approach and Reggio Emilia schools on early childhoo...
  • 44-653 LANGUAGE AND LITERACY IN YOUNG CHILDREN
    Study of the development of literacy and developmentally appropriate instructional approaches for supporting literacy in young children, including shared reading and guided reading. Attention is given to multicultural curriculum and the integration of all subjects, including the fine arts and social...
  • 44-803 STUDENT TEACHING IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
    Supervised student teaching in early childhood classrooms, including pre-k and kindergarten. Prerequisites: Senior standing, completion of all other course work, admission to student teaching. Must be taken Pass/D/F.
  • 45-653 LANGUAGE AND LITERACY IN YOUNG CHILDREN
    See Education 44-653.
  • 45-723 INTEGRATING LANGUAGE ARTS THROUGHOUT THE CURRICULUM
    An examination of children's development of language and literacy with particular emphasis on reading/writing connections and the process approach to writing. The course design incorporates a writing workshop, portfolio assessment, book clubs and self-directed learning experiences. Prerequisite: Adm...
  • 45-733 CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
    A comprehensive examination of children's literature with particular emphasis on evaluating works for quality and presenting them to children in ways that invite interaction and enjoyment. A study of traditional genres and an examination of contemporary issues are central to the course. In addition ...
  • 45-763 READING IN THE CONTENT AREA
    An examination of techniques designed to improve reading comprehension of content area texts. The course also will focus on the selection of appropriate reading materials and the impact of multicultural differences on content reading instruction. The course includes experiences in the use of technol...
  • 45-773 READING METHODS IN THE ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL I (3-2)
    A study of the reading process, varied approaches to reading instruction including language experience, shared and guided reading, integrated and thematic teaching, comprehension and word analysis strategies including phonics content and instruction, and theories and methods associated with emergent...
  • 45-783 READING METHODS IN THE ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL II
    A field-based study of varied instructional methods and formal and informal assessments in reading. This course is taught in elementary and middle school settings and involves extensive observation and participation. Focus is on lesson planning and implementation, and application of assessment proce...
  • 45-793 MODERN BRITISH FANTASY FOR CHILDREN
    A study of British fantasy written for young readers from 1937 to the present. This era, which begins with Tolkien's The Hobbit and includes the contemporary works of Pullman (The Golden Compass) and J. K. Rowling, represents children's fantasy at its best. The works of C.S. Lewis, Roald Dahl and ot...