Course Descriptions

Courses in the B.A. in Education

EDU201 / Fundamentals of Education [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course is an introduction to the field of education providing a comprehen­sive examination of the historical, philosophical, and social foundations of edu­cation. It discusses characteristics of effective educational institutions as well as trends in education and their impact on society.

EDU203 / Reading across the Curriculum [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course provides prospective teachers with research-based reading compre­hension strategies applicable to grades K to 6 in language and content areas. Modern trends and issues in the teaching of reading are examined with empha­sis on practical work to acquaint students with the processes of reading and to improve their competency in this field.

EDU204 / Educational Psychology [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course is an introduction to the field of educational psychology, addressing the psychological foundations of pedagogy. Topics include intelligence, memory, knowledge representation, cognitive and social development, learning, motiva­tion and their educational implications.

EDU205 / Safety and Health [3 – 0. 3 cr.]

This course covers the developmental needs of children from birth to 8 years of age. Students learn to ensure the safety and health of children in early childhood programs, and to establish developmentally appropriate learning environments for young children. Students examine opportunities of ongoing professional development for teachers and caregivers of young children. This course also discusses policy issues in safety and health and their implications on children’s well-being.

EDU208 / Teaching Diverse Learners [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course is a study of diversity in learning and its implications for inclusive teaching practices. Specific emphasis will be on student learning styles and modalities; exceptionalities, such as learning disabilities, giftedness, and emo­tional and behavioral problems, gender equity, and the challenges of teaching non-native speakers of the language of instruction.

EDU209 / English for Elementary Teachers

This course addresses the content required to teach English in the elementary grades (1-3). It emphasizes the development of the English content present in the 1-3 curriculum and on deepening the content knowledge of future teachers.

EDU211 / Math for Elementary Teachers [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course addresses the content required to teach math in the elementary grades with focus on the first cycle. It emphasizes the development of conceptu­al understanding of the mathematics content present in the curriculum and on deepening the pedagogical content knowledge of future teachers. Topics include problem solving, reasoning, number, and numeration, operations, geometry and fractions and early concepts of measurement, probability and statistics.

EDU300 / Practicum 1: Early Childhood [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course has two components, a seminar and a field practicum. It is designed to provide prospective teachers with opportunities to study under the auspices of experienced cooperating teachers at the early years level. This initial expe­rience requires students to develop and demonstrate competence in focused observation, instructional planning, classroom teaching, and other collaborative and professional practices meeting the needs of a diverse student population. A minimum of 60 hours practicum is required.

Note: To be placed in schools, students must have a cumulative GPA in major courses that meet graduation requirements.

EDU301 / School Counseling [3-0, 3 cr.]

It is a study of the principles of the theory and practice of guidance and counseling. Emphasis is on intervention techniques that assist educators in dealing with a range of educational, personal and vocational issues and concerns at school.

Prerequisites: PSY 201 or PSY 202 or with special permission.

EDU302 / Practicum 1: Elementary [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course has two components, a seminar and a field practicum. It is designed to provide prospective teachers with opportunities to study under the auspices of experienced cooperating teachers at the elementary level. This initial experi­ence requires students to engage in focused observation of classroom practices, instructional planning, classroom teaching, and other collaborative and pro­fessional practices while meeting the needs of a diverse student population. A minimum of 60 hours practicum is required.

Note: To be placed in schools, students must have a cumulative GPA in major courses that meet graduation requirements.

EDU308 / Multilingualism in the Classroom [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course is designed to provide prospective teachers with an awareness of diversity in students’ language backgrounds in particular the common phenom­ena of multilingualism in modern societies. Challenges of teaching students from diverse linguistic backgrounds are addressed.

EDU310 / Computers in Education [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course is designed to provide prospective teachers with broad knowledge and practical skills in various instructional applications of computers and relat­ed educational theories. Topics include productivity tools for teachers as well as the evaluation, selection, and integration of educational software and Web resources in teaching and learning.

EDU330 / Management of Learning Environments [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course provides prospective teachers with the current thinking on manag­ing learning environments. Emphasis is given to grounding the management of student and group behavior in sound instructional decisions and selection of materials.

EDU332 / Educational Assessment [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course is designed to develop the conceptual and technical skills required by teachers to help them identify their educational goals and implement meaning­ful instructional strategies for effective teaching and learning. The course will specifically outline procedures for designing, selecting, administering and inter­preting, a variety of assessment measures used in the k-12 classrooms.

Prerequisite: ENG203

EDU342 / Pedagogical Content Knowledge/Math [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course addresses the knowledge and skills required to teach math in the upper elementary grades. It emphasizes the development of conceptual under­standing of the mathematics content present in grades 1-6 curriculum and aims at deepening the pedagogical content knowledge of future teachers. A practi­cum component of 15 hours is required.

Prerequisite: Junior standing

Corequisite: ENG202

EDU343 / Pedagogical Content Knowledge/Science [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course aims to develop student understanding of key scientific concepts, the skills of scientific thinking and understanding of the nature of science required to teach science in the elementary grades (1-6). The course also introduc­es students to the goals of elementary science education, typical scientific mis­conceptions present among elementary grade students and how to approach the teaching of science as inquiry. A practicum component of 15 hours is required.

Prerequisite: Junior standing

Corequisite: ENG202

EDU340 / Literacy for Early Years [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course provides prospective E.C.E. teachers with a foundational knowl­edge-base about children’s literacy development. Students learn to observe and assess children’s reading abilities and develop a repertoire of teaching strategies that reflect a balanced approach to literacy instruction. This course involves planning, implementing and evaluating experiences for children (ages 3-6) and assesses the role of specific content in teaching and learning in a variety of settings. A practicum component of 15 hours is required.

Prerequisite: Junior standing

Corequisite: ENG202

EDU341 / Numeracy for Early Years [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course provides prospective E.C.E. teachers with a foundational knowl­edge-base about children’s numeracy emergence and development. Students learn to observe and assess children’s numeracy concepts and develop a repertoire of teaching strategies that reflect a balanced approach to numera­cy instruction. This course involves planning, implementing and evaluating experiences for children (ages 3-6) and assesses the role of specific content in teaching and learning in a variety of settings. A practicum component of 15 hours is required.

Prerequisite: Junior standing

Corequisite: ENG202

EDU344 / Pedagogical Content Knowledge/English [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course addresses the knowledge and skills required to teach English in the elementary grades (4-6). It emphasizes the development of the English content present in grades 4 to 6 curriculum and on deepening the content knowledge of future teachers. A practicum component of 15 hours is required.

Prerequisite: Junior standing

Corequisite: ENG202

EDU345 / Pedagogical Content Knowledge/Social Studies 1 [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course examines school curricula in social studies for grades 1-6. Students will explore the content of history, geography and civics and compare this to national and international standards set for the subject and specific grade levels. Special emphasis is given to values and character education. A practicum component of 15 hours is required.

Prerequisite: Junior standing

Corequisite: ENG202

EDU348 / Performing Arts for Children [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course is designed to introduce the performing arts to early childhood pro­spective teachers. It explores the development of creativity in young children and creative expression through art, music, dramatic play and movement. It allows prospective teachers to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to plan and implement age appropriate activities for young children. A practicum com­ponent of 15 hours is required.

Prerequisite: Junior standing

EDU420 / Practicum II (E.C.E.) [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course provides the chance of being responsible for guiding the learning of students in the classrooms to which they have been assigned under the competent supervision of a mentor teacher at the preschool level. The student is expected to assume the responsibility and perform the duties of a classroom teacher. A seminar is held on campus weekly whereby current issues experi­enced by students in their practice are discussed. A practicum component of 60 hours is required.

Prerequisite: Senior standing

EDU424 / Practicum II (Elementary Homeroom Teaching) [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course provides the chance of being responsible for guiding the learning of students in the classrooms to which they have been assigned under the competent supervision of a mentor teacher at the elementary level. The student is expected to assume the responsibility and perform the duties of a classroom teacher. A seminar is held on campus weekly whereby current issues experi­enced by students in their practice are discussed. A practicum component of 60 hours is required.

Prerequisite: Senior standing

EDU499 / Senior Study in Education [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course engages prospective students with education as a field of inquiry. It encourages prospective teachers to become researcher practitioners. Students conduct a capstone project where they combine research skills with instruction­al practice.

Prerequisite: Senior standing

Prerequisite: ENG203

Courses in the Teaching Diploma (TD) Program

EDU204 / Educational Psychology [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course is an introduction to the field of educational psychology, addressing the psychological foundations of pedagogy. Topics include intelligence, memory, knowledge representation, cognitive and social development, learning, motiva­tion and their educational implications

EDU310 / Computers in Education [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course is designed to provide prospective teachers with broad knowledge and practical skills in various instructional applications of computers and relat­ed educational theories. Topics include productivity tools for teachers as well as the evaluation, selection, and integration of educational software and Web resources in teaching and learning

EDU330 / Management of Learning Environments [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course provides prospective teachers with the current thinking on manag­ing learning environments. Emphasis is given to grounding the management of student and group behavior in sound instructional decisions and selection of materials.

EDU332 / Educational Assessment [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course is designed to develop the conceptual and technical skills required by teachers to help them identify their educational goals and implement meaning­ful instructional strategies for effective teaching and learning. The course will specifically outline procedures for designing, selecting, administering and inter­preting a variety of assessment measures used in the K-12 classrooms.

EDU450 / Educational Development Seminar [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course examines the field of education through exposure to the nature of education-related work in various civil society organizations, including NGOs, UN organizations and governmental initiatives. This course also considers various areas of public policy that impact the education sector at different levels. The seminar will host several guest lecturers from diverse professions in education to provide students with wider exposure and knowledge base about different topics of interest in the field.

EDU460 / Internship 1 [1-2, 3 cr.]

This is the first segment of a 9-credit internship as part of the TD-option2 course fulfillment. This internship allows students to work in and learn more about working with infants, children and families in a diverse set of professional contexts. The internship will allow students to get hands-on and in-depth understanding of growth, change and development of children and families within a multi-contextual and family systems approach. Field internship locations are assigned by the Program Coordinator, in collaboration with relevant faculty, based upon the best possible match between the internship platform and students’ needs and interests.

EDU461 / Internship 2 [1-5, 6 cr.]

This is a continuation of the Internship 1 course. This course gives interns an additional opportunity for learning as they work with issues involved in the field of education in a variety of contexts with direct supervision. This segment allows interns additional time to help discover and develop critical thinking skills, and implications of the work being done in the education sector as a whole while growing confidence and gaining valuable experience. The emphasis is on gaining expertise through practical professional involvement.

EDU600 / Seminar in Teaching and Learning [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course introduces students to big ideas in teaching and learning through seminal and classic texts. Emphasis is given to cognitive and social constructivist theories of teaching and learning. The course is run as a seminar where reading, discussion and written reflection on the writings of prominent theorists are the adopted modes of learning.

EDU610 / Advanced Topics in Education [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course addresses topics of current concern in education at an advanced level. The topics can be different on different occasions when the course is taught. Regardless of topic, students will be engaged through the topic’s theo­retical underpinnings and the relevant empirical research. Advanced academic literacy skills are emphasized.

EDU611 / Teaching of Arabic (Intermediate and Secondary) [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course addresses the knowledge and skills needed to teach Arabic at the intermediate and secondary levels. Students are introduced to the teaching of Arabic, the goals of intermediate and secondary Arabic language education and the organization of curricula. In addition, students begin to develop the skills of lesson planning, appropriate methods selection, instructional strategies, application and assessment of students’ Arabic language learning. A practicum component of 15 hours is required.

This course may be counted toward the M.A. in Education, provided that the stu­dent gets a grade of, or greater than, B+.

EDU612 / Teaching of English (Intermediate and Secondary) [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course addresses the knowledge and skills needed to teach English at the intermediate and secondary levels. Students are introduced to the teaching of English, the goals of intermediate and secondary English language education and the organization of curricula. In addition, students begin to develop the skills of lesson planning, appropriate methods selection, instructional strategies, application and assessment of the English language. A practicum component of 15 hours is required.

This course may be counted toward the M.A. in Education, provided that the stu­dent gets a grade of, or greater than, B+.

EDU614 / Teaching of Social Studies (Intermediate and Secondary) [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course introduces students to the teaching of intermediate and secondary social studies education and the goals and organization of curricula of inter­mediate and secondary social studies education. In addition, students begin to develop the skills of lesson planning, teaching and assessing social studies learning. Special emphasis is given to teaching democratic values, citizenship, and character education to reflect the objectives of Lebanese and international curricula. A practicum component of 15 hours is required.

This course may be counted toward the M.A. in Education, provided that the stu­dent gets a grade of, or greater than, B+.

EDU615 / Teaching of Math (Intermediate and Secondary) [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course addresses the knowledge and skills needed to teach mathematics at the intermediate and secondary levels. Students are introduced to the goals of intermediate and secondary math education and the organization of curricula. In addition, students begin to develop the skills of lesson planning; teaching to develop conceptual understanding, inquiry skills and mathematical reasoning and assessing math learning. A practicum component of 15 hours is required.

This course may be counted toward the M.A. in Education, provided that the stu­dent gets a grade of, or greater than, B+.

EDU616 / Teaching of Sciences (Intermediate and Secondary) [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course addresses the knowledge and skills needed to teach science at the intermediate and secondary levels. Students are introduced to the nature of science, the goals of intermediate and secondary science education and the organization of curricula. In addition, students begin to develop the skills of les­son planning; teaching to develop conceptual understanding, inquiry skills and scientific attitudes; and assessing of science learning. A practicum component of 15 hours is required.

This course may be counted toward the M.A. in Education, provided that the stu­dent gets a grade of, or greater than, B+.

EDU625 / Practice Teaching Math (Intermediate and Secondary ) [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course addresses the knowledge and skills needed to teach mathematics at the intermediate and secondary levels and provides extended practice applying them in the classroom. The course includes one seminar per week, 60 hours of student teaching experience and conference periods with university supervisors.

This course may be counted toward the M.A. in Education, provided that the stu­dent gets a grade of, or greater than, B+.

Prerequisite: EDU615

EDU626 / Practice Teaching Science (Intermediate and Secondary) [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course addresses the knowledge and skills needed to teach science at the intermediate and secondary levels and provides extended practice applying them in the classroom. The course includes one seminar per week, 60 hours of student teaching experience and conference periods with university supervisors.

This course may be counted toward the M.A. in Education, provided that the stu­dent gets a grade of, or greater than, B+.

Prerequisites: EDU616.

EDU627 / Practice Teaching English (Intermediate and Secondary) [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course addresses the knowledge and skills needed to teach English at the intermediate and secondary levels and provides extended practice applying them in the classroom. The course includes one seminar per week, 60 hours of student teaching experience and conference periods with university supervisors.

Prerequisite: EDU612

This course may be counted toward the M.A. in Education, provided that the stu­dent gets a grade of, or greater than, B+.

EDU628 / Practice Teaching Arabic (Intermediate and Secondary) [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course addresses the knowledge and skills needed to teach Arabic at the intermediate and secondary levels and provides extended practice applying them in the classroom. The course includes one seminar per week, 60 hours of student teaching experience and conference periods with university supervisors.

This course may be counted toward the M.A in Education, provided that the student gets a grade of, or greater than, B+.

Prerequisite: EDU 611

EDU629 / Practice Teaching Social Studies (Intermediate and Secondary) [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course addresses the knowledge and skills needed to teach social studies at the intermediate and secondary levels and provides extended practice applying them in the classroom. The course includes one seminar per week, 60 hours of student teaching experience and conference periods with university supervisors.

This course may be counted toward the M.A in Education, provided that the student gets a grade of, or greater than, B+.

Prerequisite: EDU 614.

 

Courses for Diploma in Learning Disability and Giftedness

EDU560 / Teaching LD Students in the Classroom [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course investigates the foundations of effective teaching for students with learning difficulties, proposes learning-teaching approaches and materials that are effective in educating learning-disabled and mild mentally retarded students in the areas of reading, spelling, and math.

EDU561 / Dyslexia and Reading Difficulties [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course focuses on reading difficulties, the main challenge that LD students face, and sheds particular light on the most common of reading disorders: dyslexia. Students will be required to work closely with dyslexic children as part of course objectives to gain more practical knowledge about dyslexia.

EDU562 / Introduction to Gifted Education [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course explores the theories of giftedness and gifted education including their emotional, social, cognitive and academic needs. Finally, the course focuses on means of assessing giftedness and the challenges that the Arab World faces in this arena.

EDU563 / Methods and Materials for Gifted Education [3-0, 3 cr.]

This is in-depth exploration of the various programs, strategies, approaches, and methods of teaching and supporting school age gifted students.

EDU564 / Psychoeducational Assessment [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course examines the assessment procedures, techniques, and instruments, used in screening and evaluating the achievement of students with learning disorders. It combines lectures and hands-on sessions, and acquaints students with various formal and informal assessment materials. Ethical issues in testing are equally addressed.

EDU600 Seminar in Teaching and Learning [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course introduces students to big ideas in teaching and learning through seminal and classic texts.  Emphasis is given to cognitive and social constructivist theories of teaching and learning. The course is run as a seminar where reading, discussion and written reflection on the writings of prominent theorists are the adopted modes of learning.

EDU 565 / Practicum [1-2, 3 cr.]

This course provides opportunities for actual teaching and material development, for either gifted or learning disabled learners.

 

Courses for Physical Education

PED211 / Beginning Swimming [0-2, 1 cr.]

This course is an introduction to the basic strokes in swimming, hence the freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly. It covers the basic safety skills, and the elementary forms of rescue, and artificial respiration.

PED218 / Beginning Table Tennis [0-2, 1 cr.]

This course covers the theory, practice, rules knowledge, and basic stroke techniques and skills including the forehand, backhand, serve, etc.

PED220 / Beginning Tennis [0-2, 1 cr.]

This course covers the theory, practice, rules knowledge, and basic stroke techniques and skills including the forehand, backhand, serve, etc.

PED251 / Basketball [0-2, 1 cr.]

This course covers the theory, practice, rules knowledge, and development of the different skills in basketball which include passing, shooting, dribbling, teamwork, and game strategies.

PED261 / Volleyball [0-2, 1 cr.]

This course covers the theory, practice, rules knowledge, and development of the different skills in volleyball which include overhead and underarm passing, spiking, serving, digging, blocking, etc.

PED271 / Taekwondo [0-2, 1 cr.]

This course introduces students to the modern martial art, originating in Korea, which is characterized by its fast, high, and spinning kicks. It teaches discipline, self-control, and most importantly, self-defense. It is the “art of unarmed combat.”

PED291 / Physical Fitness [0-2, 1 cr.]

This course is a basic introduction to fitness, including anatomical and physiological considerations, and the latest research relating to fitness. This course aims at encouraging students to adopt healthy lifestyles, and to engage in stretching, flexibility, and light weights training programs.

Last modified: September 26, 2017