READING COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

RDG 530 FOUNDATIONS OF LITERACY. This course provides historical and philosophical perspectives in literacy instruction. The results of research in such areas as emergent literacy, cueing systems and comprehension, reading interests, current literacy methodologies, and diversity of learners in schools are examined for application in classroom practice.

*RDG 532 PRACTICUM IN LITERACY ASSESSMENT AND INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES I. This course provides an opportunity for an in-depth study of current approaches to assessment as a foundation for literacy instruction. In supervised experiences teachers will learn how to use a range of formal and informal assessment tools and methods to diagnose and assess reading and writing development, to guide instruction, and to involve the learner in self-assessment. Prerequisite: RDG 530

*RDG 533 PRACTICUM IN LITERACY ASSESSMENT AND INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES II. This course offers an in-depth study of the assessment of struggling readers and writers. In supervised settings teachers will use various formal and informal individual assessment procedures and instruments. These assessments will direct instructional strategies and methodology. Candidates develop individual case studies. Prerequisites: RDG 532

*RDG 561 LANGUAGE ARTS: THEORY AND INSTRUCTION. This course provides theories and practices for teaching oral and written English, integrating the processes of reading, writing, listening, and speaking in classrooms, and the integration of language arts across the curriculum.
RDG 587 WORKSHOP IN READING. This course will provide the opportunity for relevant and timely workshops and independent research and study.

RDG 589 IMPROVEMENT OF LITERACY IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND ADULT POPULATIONS. This course is designed to prepare secondary classroom teachers and reading specialists for teaching reading to secondary school and adult populations. Content includes characteristics of secondary students and adult learners, language patterns and structures common to various subject-area texts and techniques to teach reading and study strategies in secondary and adult classrooms.

RDG 590 LITERATURE AND INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS IN READING PROGRAMS. This course prepares specialized reading professionals to teach classic and contemporary children’s and young adult’s literature and easy reading fiction and nonfiction at all levels. Theories and practices that stimulate student interest in reading, promote reading growth, foster appreciation for the written word and increase the motivation of learners to read widely and independently for information, pleasure, and personal growth are emphasized.

RDG 598 COGNITION AND EMERGENT LITERACY. This course provides an opportunity to examine language, cognition, and pre-reading skills of young children. It enables the student to understand, develop, and evaluate language and reading programs for young children.

RDG 638 ADVANCED STUDY IN LANGUAGE AND LITERACY. This course is designed to present current theories and research regarding aspects of literacy and oral and written language. This knowledge is related to instructional applications for classrooms for the literacy development of children and students. Prerequisite: RDG 530 or consent of the instructor.

RDG 675 THE ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION OF LITERACY PROGRAMS. This course examines the organization, development, implementation and improvement of reading and writing programs in public schools grade K through 12 at classroom, building and district levels. Prerequisite: RDG 530 or consent of instructor.

RDG 688 THE POLITICS OF LITERACY. This course will examine the connections among the psychological, sociological, cultural, and political aspects of literacy learning and teaching. Students will develop their own research, community service and/or professional exploration projects, present works-in-progress, and set goals for further development. Prerequisites: RDG 588, RDG 589, and BSL 571.