& Student Handbook - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

170 Master Degree Programs
EDUC521
Science Methods: K-8 (2 cr.)
Prerequisite: EDUC515
This course is designed to help pre-service teachers develop knowledge,
methods, and evaluative tools to become competent in teaching science
in kindergarten through eighth grade. Students learn how to plan science
programs, to choose from a range of effective teaching techniques, and
to evaluate student learning using the Minnesota performance
assessment model (Science content standards for primary, intermediate,
and middle school).
EDUC522
Mathematics Methods: K-8 (2 cr.)
Prerequisite: EDUC515
This course covers the instructional methods which enable students to
learn the math concepts and skills taught in childhood and early
adolescence settings. National and state standards are studied in
relation to math instruction in kindergarten through eighth grade.
Students also learn to prepare lesson plans and performance
assessments using the Minnesota math content standards for primary,
intermediate, and middle school.
EDUC523
Artistic Expression Methods: K-8 (2 cr.)
Prerequisite: EDUC515
This course emphasizes the integration of art and music into various
curriculum areas to meet the needs of diverse learners in elementary
and middle school. Students are actively engaged in 1) understanding
the developmental characteristics of creativity in children and
adolescents; 2) designing and teaching appropriate lessons; 3) artistic
production; 4) using art and music as alternative assessment tools; and
5) the reflection process as a means of professional development.
EDUC524
PE and Health Methods: K-8 (1 cr.)
Prerequisite: EDUC515
This course presents learning activities and methodologies for teaching
children and early adolescents health, physical education, and outdoor
education.
EDUC528
Social Studies Methods: K-8 (2 cr.)
Prerequisite: EDUC515
This course is designed to help the student develop the skills to teach
social studies from kindergarten through eighth grade, and to evaluate
student learning. An emphasis is placed on developmentally appropriate
practices and addressing diverse needs of learners at primary,
intermediate, and middle school levels using the Minnesota social
studies standards for curriculum planning.
EDUC533
Technology in the Classroom: Grades K-8 (1 cr.)
Prerequisite: EDUC515
This course provides an introduction to technology-based learning. Major
topics include 1) information literacy, i.e., criteria for web-based research;
2) discipline-specific software and technology; 3) presentation systems
(Hyperstudio, projection microscopes, Power Point); and, 4) assessment
and grading tools.
EDUC550
Middle Level Education (2 cr.)
Prerequisites: EDUC520 and EDUC515
This course focuses on the philosophy, organizational structure, and
teaching methods central to middle level education. Particular emphasis
is placed upon interdisciplinary planning, team teaching, student
advising, and cooperative and exploratory learning. An emphasis is
placed on developmentally appropriate practices and addressing needs
of diverse learners.
EDUC551
Adolescence Literature (1 cr.)
This course is designed to familiarize communication arts teachers with
major genres, authors, and award-winning books for middle and high
school students. Methods for use of adolescent literature in the classroom
will be featured.
EDUC554
Clinical Practicum (0 cr.)
Students will work under a cooperating teacher in an area school for a
significant field experience. Translation of learning theory to classroom
practice and preparation for student teaching will be featured.
EDUC555
Student Teaching: Elementary Education
(K-6) with an Early Adolescence (5-8) Specialty (6 cr.)
Prerequisite: All other licensing coursework; must be taken concurrently
with EDUC570
While working closely with a cooperating teacher, the student gradually
becomes fully responsible for planning, organizing, and teaching
lessons, maintaining a conducive learning environment, and
implementing school routines and practices. Students student-teach for a
minimum of 15 weeks within a reasonable geographic area for
supervision.
EDUC565
Human Relations, Cultural Diversity and American
Indian Culture (2 cr.)
This course is designed to sensitize students to issues which can cause
discriminatory and prejudicial behaviors in students, teachers,
administrators, parents, and members of the community at large.
Emphasis is placed on developing the skills and dispositions of an
inclusive, multicultural teacher in today's diverse classrooms. A
particular focus is placed on American Indian cultures of the Upper
Midwest – Minnesota and Wisconsin.
EDUC570
Professional Capstone/Portfolio (2 cr.)
Prerequisite: All other licensing coursework must be taken concurrent
with EDUC555/560
The course is designed to assist students in integrating their professional
identity along program-based dimensions of theory and practice.
Candidates complete a professional portfolio that addresses their
mastery of the Standards of Effective Practice and outlines plans for
professional development.