UNCA Catalog: Courses of Instruction
UNCA Catalog: Table of Contents

Education (EDUC)

Associate Professor Sidelnick (Chair); Professor J.E. McGlinn; Associate Professors Cole, J.M. McGlinn; Assistant Professors Byrd, McCarthy, Ruppert; Lecturers Decatur, Hopper; Technology Coordinator Shepherd

The UNCA Teacher Education Program, approved by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI), requires completion of a disciplinary major and offers professional education courses necessary to qualify for North Carolina Class A Teaching Licensure in areas described below. UNCA's Teacher Education program has been granted "exemplary" status by the NCDPI.

Teacher Education Formal Admission and Continuing Requirements

All students interested in teacher licensure must meet with the appropriate advisor in the Department of Education upon first interest and at least once per semester thereafter. In addition, students must:

1. Have junior standing;
2. Have earned a 2.5 cumulative grade-point average on all UNCA course work;
3. Have achieved a grade of C or higher in EDUC 310;
4. Have received acceptable scores as established by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction on the PRAXIS I: Academic Skill Assessment/Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST). (See department chair or appropriate advisor in the department for more information.)
5. Have a satisfactory evaluation on each of the abilities/characteristics listed on the department's Requirements for Licensure Contract.

UNCA students seeking licensure should consult the Department of Education Policies and Procedures Manual for more specific information related to obtaining North Carolina Class A licensure through UNCA and should meet with an education advisor to develop an individual licensure plan.

Student Teaching

All students seeking licensure are to complete a student teaching experience. Exceptions may be granted by the department's Teacher Education Committee. Admission to the experience is contingent upon fulfillment of II­V, as noted above, in addition to successful performance in methods courses.

Recommendation for Class A Licensure Requirements

To receive this recommendation, all students must have fulfilled (1) the UNCA General Education requirements; (2) requirements of the major department; (3) requirements of the Education Department, including student teaching; (4) passing scores on the PRAXIS PPST and the PRAXIS Specialty Area Tests; (5) successful completion of a portfolio of advanced competencies in educational technology.

First Area of Licensure

Students fulfilling UNCA appropriate disciplinary major, General Education and other Department of Education requirements may receive recommendation for licensure in (a) Elementary Education (K­6); (b) Middle School (6­9) Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies; (c) Secondary Education (9­12) Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English, Latin, Mathematics, Physics, Science, Social Studies; and (d) K­12 Art, K­12 Reading, K­12 Theatre Arts, and K­12 Foreign Language in French, German and Spanish.

Second Area of Licensure

At UNCA, all 6­9 and 9­12 students must complete a specific disciplinary major, which is the core for the first licensure area. Those desiring to teach at the K­6 level must also complete a major, but the major may be in any department. A second area is required for middle school candidates.

The second area allows the candidate to teach full time in that area as well as the first. (See appropriate faculty in the Department of Education for details.)

Licensure for Post-Baccalaureate Students

The department offers opportunities for individuals holding bachelor's degrees or higher and desiring (a) initial North Carolina Class A Licensure, (b) licensure in another area, and/or (c) renewal credits. These individuals meet with an Education Department advisor to plan their course of study. To be licensed, post-baccalaureate students must meet the same or equivalent course requirements as other UNCA students seeking licensure in the same area.

Required Document Completion

All student must sign and date:

1. A Request for Advisor in the Education Department.
2. A Request for Formal Admission to the licensure program with the appropriate This is done following completion of EDUC 310 and satisfactory performance on PRAXIS I or the equivalent.
3. An Application to Student Teach, submitted to the Coordinator of Field Placements no later than the third week of the semester prior to student teaching. In addition, the student must insure that all appropriate request-for-licensure forms are submitted (See appropriate advisors for details).

Mandated Qualifying Examinations

Currently the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction mandates that all students pass: (a) PRAXIS I: Pre-Professional Skills Test before being granted formal admission to the teacher licensure course of study and (b) PRAXIS II: Specialty Area Tests, as appropriate, before recommendation for licensure. It is highly recommended that students take PRAXIS I during the semester in which EDUC 310 is taken. Normally, students take the PRAXIS II: Specialty Area tests during the student teaching semester.

Technology Requirement

The successful completion of a technology portfolio is required for teaching licensure in North Carolina. The various components of the portfolio address North Carolina's five major categories of advanced competencies and their sub-categories. The purpose of the portfolio is to help preservice teachers to integrate their technology skills and to display their best work in a manner which represents their abilities to use technology effectively. The portfolio of advanced technology competencies is an indication of the preservice teacher's ability to apply technology skills in areas associated with teaching.

Elementary School Licensure (K­6)

Any major may be selected. An endorsement in reading or licensure in a second area related to the chosen major is recommended. See the appropriate Education advisor for details.

1. Required courses in Education--39 hours, including: EDUC 310, 315, 317, 318, 319, 332, 340, 344, 345, 382, 396, 455, 496.
2. Required courses outside Education--19-25 hours, including; HIST 101 or 102, 151, 152, 315. The requirements of HIST 151 and 152 can be met through the 16-hour Humanities sequence. MATH 157,158; PSYC 101, 318. Recommended elective: ANTH 215 or SOC 240.
3. Other departmental requirements--Standard requirements outlined above for all licensure students must be met.

Middle School Licensure (6­9)

Students are required to complete an appropriate disciplinary major, and must complete two of the following four concentrations: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. See appropriate Education advisor for details.

1. Required courses in Education--24-30 hours, including EDUC 310, 314, 320, 396, 455, 496.

   In addition, Language Arts students must take EDUC 313 and 380; Social Studies students must take EDUC 130, 313 and 380; Mathematics students must take EDUC 383; Science students must take EDUC 382.

2. Required courses outside education--7­13 hours, including PSYC 101 and 318. Science students must also take SOC 240. Social Studies students who have not taken the 16-hour Humanities sequence must also take HIST 151 and 152.
3. Other departmental requirements as outlined above for all licensure students.

Secondary School Licensure (9­12)

All students must complete a major in an appropriate academic discipline, refering to catalog requirements as outlined by the major department. See appropriate Education advisor for details.

1. Required courses in Education--21­27 hours, including; EDUC 310, 314, 396, 455, 496. In addition, Literature/Language students must take EDUC 313 and 380; Social Studies students must take EDUC 130, 313 and 380; Latin students must take EDUC 385; Mathematics students must take EDUC 383; Science students must take EDUC 382.
2. Required courses outside Education--7­13 hours, including PSYC 101, 318.

   In addition, Science students must take SOC 240; Latin students must take PSYC 328. Social Studies students who have not taken the 16-hour Humanities sequence must also take HIST 151 and 152.

3. Recommended elective for all students; ANTH 215 or SOC 240.
4. Other departmental requirements as outlined above for all licensure students.

Reading Licensure (K­12)

Students must major in Psychology. (See Psychology section.) See appropriate Education advisor for details.

1. Required courses in Education--31 hours, including: EDUC 310, 313, either 314 or both 317 and 318, 332, 342, 380, 390, 455, 490.
2. Required courses outside Education--10 hours, including DRAM 103. As part of the Psychology major PSYC 312, 328 and 416 must be taken. Recommended elective: ANTH 215 or SOC 240.
3. Other departmental requirements as outlined above for all licensure students.

Art Licensure (K­12)

Students must major in Art and complete other teacher licensure requirements. (See Art section.)

See appropriate Education advisor for details.

1. Required courses in Education--21 hours, including: EDUC 310, 314, 380, 396, 455, 496.
2. Required courses outside Education--10 hours, including: ART 451; PSYC 101, 318.
3. Special departmental requirementsstandard requirements outlined above for all licensure students must be met.

Theatre Arts Licensure (K­12)

Students must major in Drama and complete other teacher licensure requirements. (See Drama section.) See appropriate Education advisor for details.

1. Required courses in Education--24-25 hours, including: EDUC 310, either 313 or both 317 and 318, 314, 380, 396, 455, 496. Recommended elective: EDUC 313, or 317 and 318.
2. Required courses outside Education--Eight hours, including: HF 137; PSYC 101 and 318. Recommended elective: ANTH 215 or SOC 240.
3. Special departmental requirements--Standard requirements outlined above for all licensure students must be met.

Foreign Language Licensure (K­12)

Students must complete a major in French, German or Spanish and complete other licensure require- ments. (See appropriate Foreign Language section.) See appropriate Education advisor for details.

1. Required courses in Education--21 hours, including: EDUC 310, 316, 317, 385, 396, 455, 496.
2. Required courses outside Education--10 hours, including: PSYC 101, 318, 328. Recommended elective: ANTH 215 or SOC 240.
3. Other departmental requirements as outlined above for all licensure students.

Education Courses

102 Reading and Critical Thinking in the Liberal Arts (3)

Students will develop the background knowledge necessary to read and interpret the works of great writers. Issues include the value of a liberal education, the individual in society and social justice. Critical thinking is learned through a survey of the humanities. The course focuses on identifying key vocabulary, major ideas and supporting details, analyzing text structure, evaluating arguments, distinguishing between fact and opinion, and solving problems. Students are also required to write summaries and participate in scholarly discussions. This course counts in determining students' records and contributes to GPA, but it does not count as part of the 120 hours required for graduation. Fall.

103 Academic Study of the Liberal Arts (2)

This course is designed to promote academic study of the liberal arts. It incorporates materials from the various disciplines requiring students to prepare for classroom discussions, written and oral reports, and tests. Students are taught study and self-regulatory skills: how to set goals, provide self-incentives and monitor behavior. In addition, they learn note taking and time management skills. This course counts in determining students' records and contributes to GPA, but it does not count as part of the 120 hours required for graduation. Fall.

130 General Geography, 6­12 (3)

A general survey of physical and cultural geography, the objectives, basic skills and study methods of the geographer as applied to the teaching of geography. Required for licensure in Social Studies 6­9 and 9­12. Others admitted by permission of instructor. Spring.

310 Introduction to Education, K­12 (4)

Comprehensive study of K­12 schooling, based upon philosophical and historical influences. Involves critical writings and discussions, analysis of materials and strategies, 14 hours of field experiences in K­12 schools, and a series of technology workshops. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and the completion of at least 45 semester hours. Fall and Spring.

313 Adolescent Literature, 6­12 (3)

Young adult literature, including genres, themes, authors and history; emphasizing methodologies for incorporating the young adult novel into the classroom. Instructional and motivational techniques examined. Prerequisite: EDUC 310. Spring.

314 Reading and Writing in the Content Areas, 6­12 (4)

Teaching reading and writing skills in content areas to a wide range of ability levels and skills in a classroom; methodologies to improve content area teaching; individualizing instruction; method of informal assessment and interpreting norm referenced and criteria referenced tests. Field experiences required. Prerequisites: EDUC 310. Fall and Spring.

315 Creative Arts, K­6 (4)

Integrated approach to the teaching of visual art, music and creative drama appropriate for development levels; culminates in the production and presentation of an integrated teacher resource unit. Formative assessment tools focus on portfolios. Fall and Spring.

316 Practicum in Teaching Foreign Languages, K­12 (1)

A series of focused classroom observations and discussions of teaching techniques applied to the teaching of a second language in K­12 curriculum. Field work required. Prerequisite: EDUC 310. See department chair.

317 Teaching Language and Literature, K­9 (3)

Teaching the language arts (reading, writing, speaking and listening) in elementary school and middle school with emphasis on children's language development including direct skills instruction and integrated approaches to literacy teaching and assessment. Prerequisite: EDUC 310. Fall and Spring.

318 Teaching Language and Literature: Children's Literature Lab, K­6 (1)

Study of a wide range of excellent children's literature in the various genres. Designed to develop students' skills of literary analysis and appreciation of the art of illustration in children's literature. To be taken simultaneously with EDUC 317. Prerequisite: EDUC 310. Fall and Spring.

319 Teaching of Health and Physical Education in the Elementary School, K­6 (3)

Development of understandings, skills and methods for teaching health education and physical education for elementary school pupils. Fall.

320 Middle School Principles, Practices and Materials (3)

Emphasizes the developmental goals of the middle school, curriculum and methods of instruction appropriate for middle-grade students, assessment of student learning, and materials appropriate for middle-grade students. Observation in the middle schools is required. Prerequisite: EDUC 310. Fall.

332 Foundations of Reading Instruction, K­12 (3)

Designed to develop competencies in teaching reading. The reading process, historical development, approaches, linguistics, word recognition, comprehension and current trends developed. Students are evaluated on development of holistic classroom reading program. Field work required. Prerequisites: EDUC 310, 317, 318; PSYC 318. Fall and Spring.

340 Methods of Teaching Mathematics, K­6 (4)

Examination of theoretical and practical issues related to teaching mathematics to elementary school children. Designed to prepare students to teach mathematics effectively at the elementary level, including the development and review of techniques for measuring, grading, analyzing and reporting student achievement. Involves lectures, discussions and demonstrations, and field experience. Prerequisites: EDUC 310; MATH 157, 158. Fall and Spring.

342 Methods and Materials for Diagnosing and Correcting Reading Difficulties, K­12 (4)

Student practicum in diagnostic and corrective teaching in reading. Students will learn formal and informal evaluation methods in reading, specific diagnostic and corrective practices for working with differentiated reading difficulties, and techniques for developing teacher-made tests, and materials for the tutorial field experience. Prerequisites: EDUC 310, 314, 332; PSYC 312, 318; formal admission to the department. Spring.

344 Teaching Social Studies in the Elementary School, K­6 (3)

Emphasizes curriculum standards, various methods and materials associated with Social Studies, short-term and long-range planning, use of technology, and integration of Social Studies with other disciplines. Field experience in a public school is required. Prerequisites: EDUC 310; HIST 101 or 102. Fall and Spring.

345 Geography Lab, K­6 (1)

Basic geographic skills and study of the methods of the geographer as applied in K­6 teaching. To be taken concurrently with EDUC 344. Prerequisites: EDUC 310; HIST 101 or 102. Fall and Spring.

365 Educational Assessment, 6­12 (3)

The course examines theoretical and practical aspects of classroom assessment, including the development and review of assessment methods, test construction, reliability, validity, item analysis, grading, reporting test scores, and basic statistics and hypothesis testing. Prerequisites: EDUC 310; PSYC 318. See department chair.

The Professional Year

380 Methods and Management in Teaching, 6­12 (4)

Planning, teaching, evaluation and management essential for classroom teaching; use of educational technology in designing lessons; application of methodologies appropriate to subject area; methods of informal and formal assessment and grading. Field experience required. To be taken as part of the Professional Year prior to the Student Teaching semester (EDUC 455 and 490 or 496). Prerequisites: EDUC 310, 313, 314, 320 (6­9 only); PSYC 318; formal admission to the department. Fall and Spring.

382 Methods/Management in Teaching of Science, K­12 (4)

Review and integration of basic scientific and mathematics concepts with emphasis on science; analysis of trends; laboratory experiences; classroom methods and management. Field experience required. To be taken as part of the Professional Year prior to the Student Teaching semester (EDUC 455, 496). Prerequisites: EDUC 310, 314 (6­9, 9­12 only), 320 (6­9 only); formal admission to the department. Pre- or corequisite: EDUC 332 (K­6 only). Fall and Spring.

383 Methods/Management in the Teaching of Mathematics, 6­12 (4)

Review and integration of basic mathematical and scientific concepts, with emphasis on mathematics; analysis of trends; significance of manipulative exercises; classroom methods and management. Field experience required. To be taken as part of the Professional Year prior to the Student Teaching semester (EDUC 455, 496). Prerequisites: EDUC 310, 314, 320 (6­9 only); formal admission to the department. Fall.

385 Teaching Foreign Languages, K­12 (4)

Methodology, teaching techniques and strategies, assessment strategies and instruments, organization and administration applied to the teaching of a second language in K­12 curriculum. To be taken as part of the Professional Year prior to the Student Teaching semester (EDUC 455, 496). Field work required. Prerequisites: EDUC 310, 316, 317; formal admission to the department. See department chair.

390 Research Methods in Reading, K­12 (1)

A seminar in research methods in reading education to culminate in individual school-based research during the student teaching semester. To be taken as part of the Professional Year prior to the Student Teaching semester (EDUC 455, 496). Prerequisites: EDUC 332; PSYC 318; formal admission to Teacher Education Program. See department chair.

396 Research Methods in Education, K­12 (1)

Emphasizes the modality and content essential to research through formulation of introductory sections, including the review of literature and design of the study. To be taken as part of the Professional Year prior to the Student Teaching semester (EDUC 455, 496). Corequisite: final methods courses in area of licensure. Fall and Spring.

The Student Teaching Semester

The Student Teaching Semester is designed as the culminating experience of the licensure program.

It consists of EDUC 455, 490 and 496.

455 Student Teaching and Seminar (6)

Emphasizes full-time involvement of students in a cooperating elementary, middle and/or secondary school as appropriate to area/level of licensure desired. This involvement requires reporting to the schools on opening day and includes observing, assisting the cooperating teacher and eventual full-time assumption of teaching duties which are gradually phased out near the end of the UNCA semester. The seminar meets once per week for two hours. Prerequisites: EDUC 390 or 396 and admission to the student teaching semester. Fall and Spring. (Grading: S/U)

490 Research and Seminar in Corrective Reading in the Curriculum, K­12 (2)

During student teaching, students implement the research design constructed in EDUC 390. Includes oral presentation of research study. Prerequisites: EDUC 390 and admission to student teaching experience. Fall and Spring.

496 Directed Research in Education, K­12 (2)

During student teaching, students implement the research design constructed in EDUC 396. Includes oral presentation of research study. Prerequisite: EDUC 396 and admission to student teaching experience. Fall and Spring.

499 Undergraduate Research in Education (1-6)

Independent research under the supervision of a faculty mentor. An IP grade may be awarded at discretion of instructor. May be repeated for a total of 6 hours credit. See department chair.

171-3, 271-3, 371-3, 471-3 Special Topics in Education (1-3)

Courses not otherwise included in the catalog listing but for which there may be special needs. May be repeated for credit as often as permitted and as subject matter changes. See department chair.

Return to the top of the page