Educational Foundations Courses
Undergraduate Courses
HDAL 2310 - Developmental Psychology
A study of the human learning and development principles applicable to infancy, early child, childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, adulthood and the geriatric phase of life.
EDFN 2400 - Foundations for the Profession of Teaching
This 3 credit course will introduce students to the profession of teaching, the roles of the professional teacher, and general information regarding the teaching/learning process. Special emphasis is placed on current trends in education, teacher professionalism, the needs of diverse learners, and best practices for beginning teachers, including the promotion of active learning among students. Using a required field placement for observation and practice, students analyze the skills and dispositions that develop teachers as leaders, learn the basics of lesson planning, and cultivate their initial philosophy of education.
EDFN 3301 - Issues in Education
Prerequisites: EDFN 2400 or ECED 2150. Foundation of Early Childhood (if appropriate). Students must also be admitted to the Teacher Education Program prior to enrolling in this course. Issues in education are examined in the context of historical, philosophical, and sociocultural foundations of teaching. Issues of gender, social class, and ethnicity are discussed. Field experience is required.
EDFN 3310 - Educational Psychology
A study of the systematic application of psychological and behavior principles to educational settings.
EDFN 4018 - Honors Mentorship in Teaching
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Early Childhood Education or Special Education Honors-in-Discipline program. An individualized course in which the student collaborates with a faculty mentor to create a program of learning that supports the student’s academic and professional goals.
EDFN 4350 Special Topics in Foundational Learning
A series of special interest subjects will be offered under this title on the basis of student interest and faculty capability. The course may be repeated.
Graduate Courses
EDFN 5010 - Interdisciplinary Seminar
This course is required of all M. Ed. candidates in the Clemmer College. Current topics pertaining to the profession of education will be presented by local, state, regional, and national authorities. Issues that directly impact education such as political, economic, legal, sociological, health, and psychological will be discussed.
EDFN 5015 - Theoretical Foundations of Instructional Design
This course will focus on theory, ethics, and research practices of instructional design for the online learner. Topics may include learning theories, cognitive load, concepts of universal design for learning, and frameworks of instructional design.
EDFN 5020 - Exploring Instructional Design Technology Tools
This course will explore the current and emerging technologies that help support online development, design, and learning.Learners survey and sample the tools and emerging multimedia technologies available for the creation of online instructional materials. This is an evaluation of potential online learning environments and platforms.
EDFN 5050 - Social and Political Influences on Schools
Students will analyze the social and political contexts surrounding schools with emphasis on increasing diversity and multiculturalism within schools. The impact of local, regional, national, and global contexts will be studied. Particular emphasis will be given to the philosophical and cultural influences that shape thinking about schooling and how these influences impact on informal and formal leadership roles in the school.
EFDN 5200 - Advanced Educational Psychology
A study of psychological and educational principles relevant to the teaching/learning process. Methods and concepts engaging practical application are emphasized.
EDFN 5420 - Foundations in Education: Building a Community of Learners
This is a graduate-level course that focuses on introducing the learner to the foundations of education, and the place of curriculum and instruction within these foundations. It focuses on the current context of education as well as develops an historical perspective. Contexts of education will include teachers, students, families, and community. Characteristics of successful teachers, their students, and the context within which education takes place are discussed. This course is required of all MAT candidates and must be taken in their first semester in the program; it includes 30 hours of field experience in areas of the students choosing - either K-6 (for those pursuing elementary licensure), 4-8 (for those pursuing middle school licensure), or 7-12 (for those pursuing secondary licensure). This class also includes an overview of the MAT program and initial advisement for beginning students.
EDFN 5950 - Methods of Research
This course includes the study of research as an approach to problem solving, methods of conducting qualitative and quantitative research, research designs, statistics used in experimental and descriptive research, principles of research interpretation, and the effective communication of research results. The course includes the preparation of a research prospectus or action research plan.
EDFN 6730 - Foundations: Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Education
Designed to offer an overview of the historical and philosophical foundations of education and implications for educational practice today