Education
Wheelock College of Education & Human Development
-
The History of Boston University
SED AP 555
How did Boston University evolve from a rural seminary to an elite research university? What implications could the study of BU history have on the practice of professional education? This course explores the intellectual and institutional changes that occasioned "the spectacular development" of BU and then uses this history as a reflexive tool. Students access archival materials, tour historic sites, and construct historical narratives. Students also reflect on both their experiences and the work of education to enhance future practice. Effective Summer 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Historical Consciousness, The Individual in Community, Creativity/Innovation. 4 cr.
-
The Adult Learner
SED AP 670
This course explores the ideals and realities of adult learning, the range of entities and opportunities that exist to accommodate this educational continuum, and the vast professional infrastructure this creates. 4 cr.
-
Leadership Seminar: Cultivating a Leadership Disposition: Growth Mindset, Perseverance, and Cultural Responsiveness
SED AP 705
The first of three summer two-credit seminars, this course helps students develop the personal and professional dispositions they need in order to exercise effective leadership in school- and district-based settings. Through an examination of classic and current literature, students explore the ways in which research and practice interact and inform each other. Theoretical studies are analyzed from the perspective of practitioners in a variety of educational settings, focusing on their real-life application to the challenges and opportunities educational leaders face every day. Class discussions, small group work, guest speakers, case studies, and presentations afford students the occasion to engage scholarship in an active and practical manner. 2 cr.
-
Leadership Seminar: Cultivating a Leadership Disposition: Growth Mindset, Perseverance, and Cult
SED AP 705
The first of three summer two-credit seminars, this course helps students develop the personal and professional dispositions they need in order to exercise effective leadership in school- and district-based settings. Through an examination of classic and current literature, students explore the ways in which research and practice interact and inform each other. Theoretical studies are analyzed from the perspective of practitioners in a variety of educational settings, focusing on their real-life application to the challenges and opportunities educational leaders face every day. Class discussions, small group work, guest speakers, case studies, and presentations afford students the occasion to engage scholarship in an active and practical manner. 2 cr.
-
Collaboration and Innovation
SED AP 707
The course engages a range of voices - in texts, articles, and guest speakers - that reflect contemporary issues in school/school district leadership. 2 cr.
-
Legal Issues in Higher Education
SED AP 755
This course is designed to assess issues that arise in the administration of higher education through the ethical and legal principles applicable to their resolution. Educational institutions experience difficult legal and policy decisions similar to every other industry, including, but not limited to, situations regarding freedom of speech, expression, and association; due process and right to privacy; discrimination on the basis of identity; use of alcohol; and, ownership and use of intellectual property. Students will examine the foundations of higher education law, analyze cases, and explore the application of the law in practice to help them make sound decisions in their roles in higher education. 4 cr.
-
School Improvement Science and Implementation
SED AP 759
This course, "School Improvement Science and Implementation," is about the heart of the educational enterprise -- schools in which each and every student is intellectually and socially engaged, finds areas of interest and passion, feels known and cared for, and deserves a dignified next step. This is no easy task because the issues are complex. We will carefully examine ways in which collaboration -- within schools, and between practitioners, university researchers, and policy makers -- becomes a fundamental school improvement strategy. We will be guided by the work of Anthony Bryk et al, Charles Kenney, and by the experience and reflections of successful and respected school and school district leaders. We will examine the relationship between practice, research, and policy. There will be an emphasis on collaborative problem-solving in "networked improvement communities." We will carefully explore the history of education reform, and too often, education reform that fails to achieve its inspiring goals. We will work to create new knowledge that can interrupt the failure of school reform, particularly with students from low-income families. 4 cr.
-
Advanced Budgeting, Finance and Labor Relations
SED AP 762
This course equips students with knowledge and skills needed to manage school finance, budgeting, labor and governance issues. Primarily through in-class case studies, supplemented by lectures, presentations, readings, assignments and other activities, students will learn about management and governance. 4 cr.
-
Applied Positive Psychology
SED CE 630
Focuses on the scientific study of psychological aspects of living a fulfilling and flourishing life. Topics include happiness, empathy, optimism, friendship, goal setting, achievement, emotion, creativity, humor, and mindfulness. Students become familiar with theory and research in this relatively new subfield and critically consider application to their teaching, coaching, leadership, and/or counseling. 4 cr.
-
Clinical Assessment: Psychological Testing
SED CE 726
Introduction to the major assessment techniques in the field: interviews and psychometric tests. Test construction, reliability and validity will be presented. The major standardized instruments for measuring intellectual abilities and achievement, personality traits and functioning, aptitudes and interests, will be surveyed. 4 cr.
-
Substance Abuse and Treatment
SED CE 769
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of substance abuse, its prevention practices, and treatment modalities. Using a biopsychosocial perspective, students learn the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol and other drugs, and the effects of substance abuse on individuals, families, and communities. 4 cr.
-
Theories of Group Counseling
SED CE 847
A conceptual and experiential introduction to group dynamics. Participation in ongoing training group while studying the dynamics of group development. Covers group counseling approaches and models, issues of small group leadership, and styles of leadership. Treatment of group counseling goals, composition, phases, and research. 4 cr.
-
A Practical Approach to Classroom Management
SED CT 534
Designed to support middle and secondary teachers in developing a practical, effective, and low-stress approach to classroom management. The course focuses on a classroom management system with four components: classroom structure, limit-setting, responsibility training, and back-up systems. Participants develop effective classroom management practices, break current "high cost" and ineffective strategies, and establish a proactive, positive classroom setting that maximizes time on learning and minimizes classroom disruptions. 2 cr.
-
Classroom Assessment
SED CT 556
Emphasizes principles and procedures of assessment that are of primary importance to educational practitioners. Includes diagnostic tests, construction of classroom tests, observation techniques, and performance measures; norm- and criterion-referenced assessment; uses of standardized tests, current issues, and controversies. 4 cr.
-
Classroom Assessment
SED CT 556
Emphasizes principles and procedures of assessment that are of primary importance to educational practitioners. Includes diagnostic tests, construction of classroom tests, observation techniques, and performance measures; norm- and criterion-referenced assessment; uses of standardized tests, current issues, and controversies. 4 cr.
-
Analysis and Design of Curriculum
SED CT 721
This course explores theoretical approaches to curriculum design. Students analyze and critique curricula through a critical lens, and develop their own original curriculum map and unit plan for a course in their area of teaching using principles of backward design. 4 cr.
-
American Sign Language I
SED DE 381
Introduces American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Culture, focusing on frequently used signs, basic rules of grammar, non-manual aspects of ASL, introductory fingerspelling, and some cultural features of the Deaf community. 4 cr.
-
American Sign Language 2
SED DE 382
This is the second level of American Sign Language (ASL). It is designed for the further development of students' proficiency in ASL, focusing on somewhat less frequently used signs, more complex lexical and grammatical structures, and more advanced conversational skills. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: The Individual in Community, Oral and/or Signed Communication. Prerequisites: SED DE 381 or SED DE 581. 4 cr.
-
Professional Seminar in Deaf Education
SED DE 501
The professional seminar serves as an orientation to Bilingual Deaf Education, and surveys current trends in the field as well as cutting edge scholarship. During the seminar, students will have an opportunity to learn from leaders in research, advocacy, curriculum development, Deaf literature and more. Students will also select a specialization during this course. 4 cr.
-
Digital Media Creation
SED DE 502
Sign language texts and instructional materials are typically documented via video. In this course students will learn the basic skills needed to create digital media and instructional resources. These skills include how to shoot video footage of people using sign language, how to a use green screen, how to edit footage to make various types of videos, and how to add captions and video descriptions. 2 cr.
-
American Sign Language I
SED DE 581
Introduces American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Culture, focusing on frequently used signs, basic rules of grammar, non-manual aspects of ASL, introductory fingerspelling, and some cultural features of the Deaf community. 4 cr.
-
American Sign Language II
SED DE 582
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (SED DE 381 or SED DE 581). - This is the second level of American Sign Language (ASL). It is designed for the further development of students' proficiency in ASL, focusing on somewhat less frequently used signs, more complex lexical and grammatical structures, and more advanced conversational skills. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Individual in Community, Oral and/or Signed Communication. 4 cr.
-
Introduction to Adolescent Development
SED DS 502
Develops important understandings of cognitive, social-emotional, and identity developing during adolescence, as well as the role that educators can play in fostering the mindsets, skillsets, character strengths, and contexts that adolescents need to grow into healthy and high-performing adults. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Social Inquiry I. 2 cr.
-
Equity and Democracy in Action
SED ED 679
Facilitates students' development of a digital capstone portfolio that reveals a plan for facilitating equity that implicates social, cultural, and political practices and policies reflective of a healthy democracy. 2 cr.
-
Thesis: Equity and Social Justice in Practice
SED ED 700
This course is relevant for students in their final stages of formatting and refining their Master's theses. It builds on the preparatory work begun in previous courses that examine or engage students in several aspects of the research process. 2 cr.
-
Introduction to Reading Development, Assessment, and Instruction
SED LR 551
For beginning graduate students without experience in the teaching of reading. Study of reading development in childhood and early adolescence, and the implications for teaching and learning. Discussion of theory and research on effective instruction and assessment, and the application of both to teaching. Not open to students who have completed SED LR 501 and/or SED LR 503. 4 cr.
-
Introduction to Language and Language Acquisition
SED LS 560
Introduction to the main aspects of first language acquisition from infancy through childhood. Topic areas include phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, discourse-pragmatics, language variation, multilingualism, child-directed speech, cognitive development, and theories of language acquisition. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Social Inquiry I, Critical Thinking. 4 cr.
-
Applied Linguistics: Language & Linguistics Survey
SED LS 565
An introduction to contemporary linguistics, including the study of language structure, language use and variation, and applied linguistics. Students will explore the systematic yet complex nature of language by taking a scientific approach to thinking about language. The technical knowledge about language gained in this course will serve as a foundation for more advanced courses in linguistics and/or for any future language-related career. 4 cr.
-
Graphic Novels
SED LS 632
Intended for graduate students and inservice teachers. Focuses on critical review of a wide variety of graphic novels appropriate for use with students across a range of grade levels, reading abilities, and content areas. As the basis for critical review, participants read and discuss theory and research related to visual literacy, illustration and design, and literary criticism. Examines approaches to classroom discussion, including a focus on challenging topics, that support their own students' development as active, engaged, and critical graphic novel readers. 4 cr.
-
Second Language Acquisition
SED LS 658
This course will provide an examination of approaches and major theories of second language acquisition (SLA). What can be observed about how people acquire a second language? How do the various SLA theories, models, and hypotheses explain each of these observations? How can an understanding of SLA theory inform language instruction? We will explore foundational theories and approaches in SLA, investigate contemporary thinking from a variety of perspectives, and form knowledge and ideas of how languages are acquired, based on empirical research. 4 cr.
-
Classroom Discourse
SED LS 690
Focuses on discourse as a central component of teaching and learning, and strategies for building on students' linguistic and cultural backgrounds as learning assets. Examines instructional contexts, pedagogical approaches, and teacher talk moves to support instruction and students' conceptual understanding. 4 cr.
-
Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Number Systems
SED ME 503
Designed for students who are preparing to become K-6 teachers. Students re-envision the teaching and learning of elementary mathematics by exploring these topics: place value, whole numbers and operations, fractions, decimals, and elementary number theory. 4 cr.
-
Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Algebra, Geometry, Statistics
SED ME 504
Graduate prerequisites: (SED ME 503). Designed for students majoring in elementary education, special education, and Deaf education preparing to teach children in grades 1-6. Students explore: pre-algebra, proportional reasoning, geometry, measurement, and statistics. Students also examine their own mathematical identity and connect these ideas to the elementary classroom. 4 cr.
-
Equitable Pedagogies in STEM Education
SED ME 530
Interrogates how race, class, language, and culture affect students' opportunities to learn mathematics and science. Different pedagogies (e.g., culturally responsive teaching, teaching for social justice) that target these opportunity gaps are introduced, discussed, and debated. 2 cr.
-
Problem Solving in Mathematics
SED ME 563
This course engages participants in collaborative problem solving and problem posing while exploring the role of productive struggle in the teaching and learning of mathematics. Effective Spring 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Oral and/or Signed Communication, Quantitative Reasoning I, Critical Thinking. 4 cr.
-
Problem Solving in Mathematics
SED ME 563
This course engages participants in collaborative problem solving and problem posing while exploring the role of productive struggle in the teaching and learning of mathematics. Effective Spring 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Oral and/or Signed Communication, Quantitative Reasoning I, Critical Thinking. 4 cr.
-
Methods of Coaching
SED PE 501
Principles and problems in coaching various individual and team sports. Theory and techniques in coaching including offensive and defensive strategy and scouting. Women's and men's sports. 4 cr.
-
Introduction to Research
SED RS 600
Designed to introduce students to social science research methods including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method approaches to education inquiry. Students will develop skills in conducting literature searches, reading empirical research studies, and applying these methods. Students leave the course better able to critically examine research presented in the mass media, critically engage with research in the workplace, and participate in research- based efforts to improve education. 4 cr.
-
Introduction to Research
SED RS 600
Designed to introduce students to social science research methods including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method approaches to education inquiry. Students will develop skills in conducting literature searches, reading empirical research studies, and applying these methods. Students leave the course better able to critically examine research presented in the mass media, critically engage with research in the workplace, and participate in research-based efforts to improve education. 4 cr.
-
Research for Equity and Social Justice
SED RS 630
This course is designed to introduce students to educational research with a focus on equity and democracy, and to complement research apprenticeship experiences in conducting research studies aimed at changing the systems of entrenched inequities in education. 4 cr.
-
Special Education: Curriculum and Instruction
SED SE 510
Designed to develop an understanding of the historical background and legal framework of special education, various disabilities (etiology, diagnostic criteria and process, and learner characteristics), and instructional practices and behavioral support strategies. For elementary and secondary content area teachers. 2 cr.
-
Classroom and Behavior Management
SED SE 534
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (SED SE 250 or SED SE 706).Designed to develop an understanding of strategies for effective behavioral support of students with/without disabilities. Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) will be used as the framework for school-wide, classroom, and individualized approaches to provide positive and preventative supports. 2 cr.
-
Understanding Autism
SED SE 535
Students will describe the defining characteristics, school experiences, and evidence-based practices for teaching and supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This course includes perspectives from individuals with ASD and their families. 2 cr.
-
Introduction to Special Education
SED SE 706
Students will examine various disabilities (etiology, diagnostic criteria/process, impacts on learning); analyze historical and contemporary ethical issues including, inclusive and culturally-/linguistically-responsive practices; learn federal legislation; and gain foundational understanding of instructional and behavioral management strategies. 4 cr.
-
Assessment In Special Education: Procedures
SED SE 751
Undergraduate Prerequisites: SED SE 706 - Designed to develop the knowledge/skills related to the assessment of students who are in or being referred to special education. Includes legal requirements, culturally-/linguistically-responsive practices, various assessments in multiple domains, and procedures for administering tests, scoring, interpreting, and reporting. 4 cr.
-
Teaching Media Literacy
SED SO 578
Students investigate research in (and develop classroom lessons for) media literacy. Students deepen their understanding of journalism and "fake news" (in the digital age) and how various forms of media can protect or undermine democracy. 4 cr.
-
Teaching English Language Learners in Middle/High Schools
SED TL 525
Focus on theory/research related to teaching English language learners and the implications for effective language, literacy, and content-area assessment and instructional practices in Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) classrooms in middle/high schools. For students seeking licensure at the 5-12 level. 4 cr.
-
Inclusive Principles & Practices in World Language Education
SED WL 514
Explores teaching for justice in world language education by developing intercultural citizenship and disrupting inequality. Policies of exclusion, barriers to access, and classroom practices are examined to support an inclusive classroom where all learners experience success. 4 cr.