English Language Arts Education Degree

• ENG 443 Young Adult Literature (2 credits) - Study of popular and traditional literature appropriate for adolescent readers, and of techniques and strategies for teaching this literature.

• ENG 444 Developmental Reading in Middle and Secondary Schools (2 credits) - Survey of current research on the reading processes of middle and secondary school student: techniques for assessing, developing, and improving students’ reading strategies, with emphasis on such topics as vocabulary development, comprehension, study skills, and reading in the content areas. This course meets the middle and secondary school reading requirement (reading in the content areas).

• ENG 442 Teaching Writing (2 credits) - A survey of the major theories and issues surrounding the teaching of writing in the pre-college classroom. Topics include classroom strategies, traditional grammar and its alternatives, grading and testing, and individualizing the writing curriculum. After an initial survey of current literature on these topics, students will be involved in designing their own writing curricula, micro-teaching, and adapting materials to the needs of the student population they expect to encounter in their professional careers.

Plus one of the following:

• ENG 202 Poetry Workshop (3 credits) – Study of and practice in the techniques of poetry writing for the beginning student.
   
• ENG 203 Fiction Workshop (3 credits) – Study of and practice in the techniques of writing short fiction.
   
• ENG 204 Creative Nonfiction Workshop (3 credits) – Study of and practice in the techniques of writing creative nonfiction, or fact-based writing that is crafted in a way that is both artistic and accessible rather than scholarly.
   
• ENG 205 Play Writing / Screen Writing (3 credits) – Study of and practice in the techniques of play writing and/or screen writing.

You will take the following three courses:

• CNA 302 Language and Human Behavior (3 credits) - Examines in depth the relationship among language, thought, and behavior, emphasizing the role linguistic communication plays in culture and society.
   
• ENG 426 Linguistic Theory and Application (3 credits) - A linguistic study primarily of English, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, orthography, historical linguistics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics, and linguistic anthropology.

• ENG 441 Traditional English Grammar (1 credit) - Study of the rules and principles of traditional grammar in the English language, and of techniques and strategies for teaching grammar.

ENG 270 Critical Approaches to Literature (3 credits) - Study of a variety of analytical and interpretive approaches to the study of literature in print and non-print media. This course provides an introduction to the English major in which the English program goals are communicated.

Choose one of the following American literature courses:

• ENG 361 American Literature I (3 credits) – A survey, beginning with pre-contact indigenous literature and concluding with the Naturalist/Symbolist Period.
   
• ENG 362 American Literature II (3 credits) – A survey, beginning with the Harlem Renaissance and Modernist Period in American Literature and concluding with study of significant contemporary writers.
   

Choose one of the following British literature courses:

• ENG 371 British Literature I (3 credits) – A survey of British literature, beginning with Beowulf and concluding with works by 18th century writers.
   
• ENG 372 British Literature II (3 credits) –A survey of British literature, beginning with the Romantic writers and concluding with contemporary writers.
   

Choose one of the following literature courses:

• ENG 380 Shakespeare (3 credits) – Directed reading of Shakespeare’s plays and poetry against the background of Renaissance culture.
   
• ENG 381 Classical Mythology (3 credits) – A study of the ancient epic and of Greek drama; readings of Homer, Virgil, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes, and Aristotle.
   
• ENG 382 The Bible as Literature (3 credits) – Literary analysis of the Hebrew scripture (Old Testament) and of the New Testament.

Choose one of the following speech electives:

• CNA 140/240/440 Intercollegiate Forensics (0-3 credits) – Participation in intercollegiate forensics as well as other public appearances. This course may be repeated up to a total of 6 hours.
   
• CNA 447 Directing Communication Activities (3 credits) – A study and application of directing, coaching, and judging communication activities. The course will focus on the development of informative and persuasive speaking events, oral interpretation of literature and one-act play presentation.

Choose one of the following communication courses:

• CNA 201 Small Group Communication (3 credits) – Explores the functions of discussion in our society, problem-solving, group dynamics, and analysis of the operative forces within the group. Emphasis on skills of group discussion, participation in decision-making groups, leadership, organization, and evaluation.
   
• CNA 210 Interpersonal Communication (3 credits) – The study of theories and models of interpersonal communication that enhance understanding and development of interpersonal relationships. Skills are developed in listening behavior, dyadic interaction, relationship and conflict management, verbal and nonverbal communication, and intrapersonal processing.

Choose one of the following mass media courses:

• CNA 263 Introduction to Mass Communication (3 credits) – An overview of the historical development, technological evolution, current status, and future direction of mass communication. Differences between mass communication systems will be explored, as well as mass communication effects on its audiences.
   
• ENG/CNA 383 Film and Literature (3 credits) – An on-going series of courses concerned with the relationship (thematic, generic, social-historical, etc.) between cinema and literature. CNA/ENG 383 repeatable once for credit.

The following three courses are required:

• CNA T120/220/320/420 Theatre Workshop (3 credits) - Practical application of skills in stagecraft, lighting, costuming, acting, and/or directing for mainstage production. Enrollment in CNA T120/220/320/420/520 is required for participation in mainstage productions. Workshop hours beyond those required in Theatre may be taken as electives in the CNA majors, but only with the permission of the advisor and department chair.
   
• CNA 223 Acting (3 credits) - Exploration of basic acting techniques and performance theory through object exercises, monologues, and scene work.
   
• CNA 432 Play Production for Secondary Schools (3 credits) - The study of principles and methods of play selection for, and directing design and execution of, theatre production in high schools.

Take both of the following journalism courses:

• CNA 280 News Writing (3 credits) - An introduction to journalism and journalistic writing. Students in this course work as beginning reporters for the college newspaper.
   
• CNA 290 Editing and Copy Editing (3 credits) - Application of copy editing activities used in various media platforms. The goal is to think like editors and to adopt the skills and attitudes they use in their work, regardless of the medium. Skills that the course focuses on include working with words (copy editing), working with meaning (content editing), and working with page layout and design (page editing). Attitudes involve editorial decision-making as well as learning to mentor and work with writers. Relevant to production of newspapers, newsletters, yearbooks, and other editorial pieces.

Choose one of the following seminar courses:

• ENG 480 Senior Seminar (3 credits) – A study of the techniques of literary research, critical evaluation, and analysis of literary texts, as well as historical and thematic problems facing the literary scholar. Prerequisite: ENG 270 Critical Approaches to Literature.
   
• CNA 455 Senior Seminar in Communication Arts (3 credits) – Capstone course that involves the investigation of recent and ongoing research and theory in major field and their implications for continued research and field applications. Extensive training in listening, interviewing, and research skills. Completion of program portfolio required. Topics will vary from offering to offering. Cannot be repeated.

Credits: 3

Description: Students are introduced to teaching as a profession through the historical, cultural, and philosophical foundations of educational systems. Students will explore various aspects of education, as well as their beliefs and values about teaching and learning through the exploration of professional knowledge, practice, and values. This course may include a field experience.

Credits: 0

Description: This course is designed for students in Level 1 of WSC’s educator preparation programs who are progressing into Level 2. Students will receive valuable information including, but not limited to, admission, program progression, degree and certification requirements, the use of portfolio software, professional dispositions for success, etc.

Notes: Graded S/NC

Credits: 3

Description: Students construct a conceptual basis for understanding the growth and development of learners. Theories of physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development are explored in order to better understand the importance of the nurturing role of the teacher in human development and learning. Students begin to understand the human learning process and individual differences in how learners think and behave based on their unique characteristics. Students study theoretical models and the integration of models for planning and facilitating effective and differentiated experiences for diversified learners. This course will include field experience.

Prerequisite: EDU 150 Introduction to Professional Education
Corequisite: EDU 245 Preparing for Level 2: Teacher Candidacy

Credits: 3

Description: Students will practice instructional design methodologies or analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. To explore and learn to recognize their biases, including but not limited to sexism, racism, prejudice, and discrimination, students will develop an awareness of the impact such biases have on their interpersonal relations. Students will be challenged to reflect on how they can relate more effectively to other individuals and groups in a pluralistic society in order to promote equitable approaches to instructional design. This course fulfills the human relations component established by the Nebraska Department of Education. This course may include a field experience.

Prerequisites: EDU 150 Introduction to Professional Education and EDU 250 Human Development and Cognition must be taken concurrently or prior to this course.

Credits: 2

Description: This course outlines the essentials of the reading processes and skills necessary for secondary students to become proficient learners of content, the incorporation of reading instruction into content delivery, and examination of the Nebraska Language Arts standards. The course also provides candidates with a solid foundation in educational assessment.

Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)

This course must be taken to meet the requirement for 3 semester hours of professional education coursework in pedagogical content knowledge.

Credits: 3

Description: This course examines the essential knowledge, skills, dispositions, and innovative applications of content needed for effective teaching in the 21st century. Specific content-area topics include instructional planning for differentiated instruction; effective strategies, techniques, materials, and assessment methods; reading and writing in the content area; classroom management; and the relationship of the content area to standards-based curriculum. To be taken concurrently with EDU 414 Content Area Practicum Experience.

Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)

Credits: 1

Description: This 80-clock hour minimum content specific clinical experience (60 hours in classroom plus 20 hours in activities related to teaching) is designed to induct students into classroom teaching and develop an awareness of the many roles of a professional educator. Under the mentorship of a practicing K-12 educator, students will assist/co-teach/teach. Students will also actively participate in school-related activities commonly encountered by professional educators.

Prerequisites: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks), and successful completion or concurrent enrollment in EDU 409 Content Area Methods and Materials

Credits: 0

Description: This course is designed for graduate students in Level 2 of WSC’s educator preparation program who are progressing into Level 3 and those completing clinical practice to change endorsement levels. Two virtual sessions will be held at the beginning of each academic session for graduate teacher candidates planning to student teach in the following semester. Graduate teacher candidates will attend one of the two virtual sessions to receive valuable information including, but not limited to, how to apply for Clinical Practice, an overview of Clinical Practice requirements, rules regarding placement choices and department approval requirements.

Dual-listed: EDU 545
Notes: Graded S/NC

Credits: 12

Description: A semester course of full-day learning experiences in a secondary setting under the supervision of a cooperating 7-12 classroom teacher, a supervisor from the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, and a faculty member from the appropriate content area. On-campus seminars will be offered periodically throughout the semester. This is the culminating experience of the secondary pre-service educator preparation program. Students in the Career Scholars Program will enroll for 3 credit hours in their first semester and 12 credit hours in their second semester (this course may be repeated by residency students only). All other students will enroll in 6 or 12 credit hours in one semester. Graded S/NC.

Prerequisite: Acceptance to Clinical Practice (successful completion of Level 2 Benchmarks)

Notes: Graded S/NC. Students in the Growing Together residency program will enroll for 3 credit hours in their first semester and 12 credit hours in their second semester (this course may be repeated by residency students only). All other students will enroll in 6 or 12 credit hours in one semester

Credits: 3

Description: The course will explore applications of methods and strategies within elementary and secondary settings to provide equitable learning opportunities within least restrictive learning environments for all students. An emphasis is placed on communication and collaboration among professionals and families to ensure the needs of all students are met.

Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)

Credits: 3

Description: Understanding social and emotional development of all learners while considering Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Emphasis on implications for the inclusive learning environment, promotion of social competence, awareness of prosocial skills, and effective utilization of responsive relationships. Completing the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process and developing the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) product to meet the needs of secondary learners.

Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation.