Course Descriptions
Reading Education
RDG 300
Language Development and Early Literacy
3 credits
Students examine language and its relationship to developing literacy in English based on one’s native language. Students develop an awareness of social and cultural language differences, language acquisition of young children across cultural and linguistic groups, assessment and intervention of language and communication, facilitation of literacy, and the relationship of oral language to the development of writing and reading.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 201
RDG 301
Teaching of Reading/Writing
3 credits
This course presents the fundamental concepts and principles of reading instruction, with an emphasis on the critical analysis of varied materials and techniques. The reading and writing connection is included giving emphasis to working with children from various lingual and cultural backgrounds. Students learn to support English as a Second Language Learner’s access to core curriculum through creating supportive learning environments and by teaching language through academic content. Alphabetics (Phonemic Awareness and Phonics), Fluency, Comprehension (Vocabulary, Text), organizations of reading instruction, and other aspects of the reading program are included, with the major focus on the process approach to writing.
Prerequisite(s): RDG 300, EDU 102 and EDU 203
RDG 302
Literature for Children
3 credits
This course is a study of literature for children and adolescents and is designed to introduce students to both classic and contemporary materials related to children's literature. The course will emphasize the development of knowledge of literature and how to effectively integrate that knowledge into the curriculum. Students will learn how to evaluate and select appropriate literature for children through consideration of age, values, cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Prerequisite(s): RDG 300, EDU 102 and EDU 203
RDG 305
Reading in the Content Areas
3 credits
Students examine theories about the reading process and reading to learn. Emphasis is placed on practical strategies for acquiring knowledge through reading in a variety of subject areas at the middle level. Pre-Req: EDU 102 and EDU 203
RDG 306
Diagnosis/Correction of Reading Difficulties
3 credits
The focus is on the nature and causes of reading difficulties as well as an examination of methods, techniques, and materials used in diagnosing and correcting reading-related difficulties. Attention is focused on the learner and interpretation of physiological, psychological, sociological, emotional, cultural, linguistic and educational factors which influence reading achievement. Provisions are made for identification, analysis, and interpretation of informal and formal measures of reading performance and for the development of instructional strategies employed in the remediation process. Students are introduced to the issues faced by ELLs regarding assessment (i.e. accountability, bias, language proficiency, testing accommodations.)
Prerequisite(s): RDG 301, EDU 102 and EDU 203
RDG 401
Methods of Teaching Language/Literacy
3 credits
Students learn lesson and unit planning as required by teacher evaluation systems. Content, methods, materials, and demonstration of the integrated language areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing are addressed. A major focus of this course is the pre-reading and pre-writing abilities of young children. The development of vocabulary, spelling, and handwriting will be included. All language/literacy areas will be related to the developmental stages, needs, interests, and background of the child. A virtual clinical experience from schools using “best practices” is required.
Prerequisite(s): EDU 102, EDU 203, RDG 300 and passing score on all sections of PRAXIS I, and for students entering Fall 2007 and afterward, PRAXIS II
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