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The Wheeling University core curriculum provides all students, regardless of their major, with the skills that will allow them to pursue their own integral development and to contribute to the common good. All Wheeling University students must complete this Core Curriculum in addition to the requirements of their major. View Core Curriculum »
PSYC 110
General Psychology
3 cr
A survey of contemporary psychology, including the topics of conditioning and learning, sensation and perception, psychophysiology, motivation and emotion, memory and cognition, development, social behavior, psychological testing, personality, psychopathology and psychotherapy. Participation in research projects or an alternative exercise is required.
Course Offered: Every Fall, Every Spring
PSYC 212
Developmental Psychology
3 cr
An analysis of development throughout the life-span, with a special emphasis on various theoretical approaches to development. Designed for non-psychology majors. Students taking this course should not take PSYC 214, 216, or Prerequisite: PSYC 110.
Course Offered: Spring of every odd year
PSYC 220
Educational Psychology
3 cr
A study of the cognitive and affective dimensions of student behavior with an emphasis on the theoretical conceptions of learning which underlie education methods. Professional Education students should register for the section designated for them.
Prerequisite: PSYC 110. Course Offered: Every Fall
EDUC 210
Educational Technology
3 cr
Experiences in teaching in technology, with technology, and through technology by incorporating hands-on work with computers and associated peripherals, the Internet, and content software. Strategies for effective integration of technology and the security and ethical issues associated with technology are included.
EDUC 231
Schools and Communities
2 cr
Introduction to teaching as a profession with an emphasis on exploring various perspectives on education through dialogue and activities related to current issues relevant to today’s classroom teachers. Topics include teacher dispositions, challenges teachers and schools face, influence of the law on education, standards and assessment, and the global educational context. The field component involves tutoring and/or leading learning activities with children. (10 Hours Field Placement in Schools Required)
EDUC 232
Classroom and Teacher Roles
3 cr
Study of teaching, focusing on classroom pedagogical and management strategies, development of objectives, and lesson planning, as well as discussion of the various roles of a teacher. Attention also given to co-teaching and collaboration. The field component involves observation and teaching experience under the guidance of a K-12 mentor teacher. There is a focus on reflections related to planning, pacing, and teaching strategies. (30 Hours Field Placement in Schools Required)
EDUC 310, 311, or 312*
cr
EDUC 310*
Curriculum Development & Methods: Secondary English/Language Arts
3 cr
Study of English/Language Arts curriculum, incorporating specific methods to prepare students to teach secondary English/Language Arts. (40 Hours Field Placement in Schools Required)
Prerequisite: Admitted to Education Program.
EDUC 311*
Curriculum Development & Methods: Secondary Mathematics & Science
3 cr
117 Study of mathematics and science curriculum, incorporating specific methods to prepare students to teach secondary math and science. (20 Hours Field Placement in Schools Required)
Prerequisite: Admitted to Education Program.
EDUC 312
Curriculum Development & Methods: Secondary Social Studies
3 cr
Study of Social Studies curriculum incorporating specific methods to prepare students to teach secondary Social Studies. (20 Hours Field Placement in Schools Required)
Prerequisite: Admitted to Education Program
EDUC 320
The Special Education Process
3 cr
Study of the history of special education incorporating significant legislation, litigation, and trends. Important practices, including the referral process, functional behavior assessments, transition plans, 504 plans, IEPs, and the continuum of classroom services. (30 Hours Field Placement in Schools Required).
Prerequisite: Admitted to Education Program.
SPED 333C
Exceptionality and Diversity in the Classroom
3 cr
Overview of the characteristics and needs of exceptional and diverse learners. This course focuses on the curricular and instructional alternatives that address these needs. Emphasis will be on accommodations and modifications, data collection, assistive technology, and collaboration.
Co-requisites: In the event a teacher candidate is completing coursework leading toward a multi-categorical endorsement SPED 333C and SPED 333F are to be completed concurrently. (10 Hours Field Placement in Schools Required). Prerequisite: Admitted to Education Program. *Satisfies EXSL Core Requirement
EDUC 334
Reading in Content Areas
3 cr
Systematic introduction to current theory, research, and practice in the integration of literacy activities across content areas. Student work in cooperative groups to design, publish, and present a unit of study (or unit plan) using literacy strategies to address and assess content standards and objectives. The course involves simulated teaching discussion, position papers, reflective papers, and peer response. (30 Hours Field Placement in Schools Required).
Prerequisite: Admitted to Education Program
EDUC 473
WVTPA/Action Research
1 cr
Capstone activity in which students work with children in specific and assigned classes in a K-12 school in the licensure content and programmatic area(s), develop action research projects. They will prepare and present a summary of research-related activities and their results.
Prerequisite: Department approval.
EDUC 475
Student-Teaching Seminar
1 cr
Further development of knowledge and skills vital to successful teaching, examination of contemporary issues in education and development of a professional portfolio. This class is taken in conjunction with student teaching.
Corequisites: EDUC 475 and EDUC 481. Prerequisite: Department approval. *Satisfies EXSL Core Requirement.
EDUC 476
Evaluation
2 cr
Continuation of the development of the knowledge and skills needed to assess various aspects of teaching and achievement by all learners, the appropriate role of reflection and self-evaluation, the examination of research on assessment, and current reform movements. Also presented will be classroom, program, individual, formative, summative, traditional, and alternative assessment models.
Prerequisite: Senior standing.
EDUC 481
Student Teaching
Variable 3 [ACT] – 11 cr
A full semester (14 weeks) of teaching experience in specific and assigned classes in a K-12 school in the licensure content and programmatic area(s) under the direct supervision of a cooperating teacher selected by University faculty.
Prerequisite: Department approval.
COMM 115
Principles of Professional Speaking
3 cr
This course provides an overview of effective speaking techniques in a variety of settings and emphasizes communicating messages to different audiences. Students demonstrate public speaking concepts and principles to compose informative and persuasive speeches. While primarily performance based, students also critique memorable speeches through their observation and application of course content. Core: EC
Course Offered: Every Fall, Every Spring
ENGL 110
Process of Composition
3 cr
Elements of expository and persuasive essay writing; research techniques; revising prose for accuracy, precision and effective style. By placement. Core: EC.
Course Offered: Every Fall, Every Spring
ENGL 115W
Explorations in Literature: Fiction, Poetry, and Drama
3 cr
This course will introduce students to various concepts and techniques of literary study using the genres of fiction, poetry and drama. Applying these fundamental tools of literary analysis, students will produce a variety of writing assignments. Core: EC.
Prerequisite: ENGL 110. Course Offered: Every Fall, Every Spring
ENGL 286W
Life and Times of Famous Authors: Research Methods I
3 cr
This writing-intensive core course will rotate every two years among several single-author studies, focusing upon a selection of works by a famous literary author. Students will study the author’s social, cultural, historical, and literary contexts while engaging in ethical research methods and implementing advanced writing skills. Core: EC.
Prerequisite: ENGL 110. Course Offered: Every Fall
ENGL 425
Introduction to Literary Theory
3 cr
This course will introduce students to various literary theories and to strategies for applying these theories to specific literary texts. Survey will range from early writings on literature by Plato and Aristotle to the proliferation of theory in the twentieth century, including psychoanalytic criticism, formalism, reader-response theory, deconstruction and new historicism.
Prerequisite: ENGL 110; ENGL 115W; or permission of instructor. Course Offered: Every Fall
ENGL 275W
Shakespeare
3 cr
This course will center on the life and works of Renaissance poet and playwright William Shakespeare. Students will study selected works—including sonnets, tragedies, comedies, and histories—with a particular focus on the dramatic, literary, historical, and cultural dimensions of Shakespeare’s art.
Prerequisite: ENGL 110. Course Offered: Every Fall
One of the following courses:
cr
ENGL 215
Children’s Literature
3 cr
This course will focus on the historical and cultural exploration of the concepts of the child and childhood in literature written both for and about children. Survey of dominant trends in British and American literature as reflected in the writings of the Romantic Period, the Victorian and Edwardian “Golden Age” of children’s literature, and the multiculturalism of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
Prerequisite: ENGL 110. Course Offered: Spring of every even year
ENGL 216
Young Adult Literature
3 cr
This course will focus on the development of the young adult literary genre in the twentieth century. Readings will include primarily prose works related to gender, race, and cultural diversity, as well as thematic topics involving various issues such as coming of age, technology, and dystopia. The course will also explore critical approaches to identifying reading material determined to be appropriate for secondary English Language Arts classrooms.
Prerequisite: ENGL 110. Course Offered: Spring of every even year
British Lit Survey; One of the following courses
cr
ENGL 301
Topics in British Literature
3 cr
This course will examine the literary figures and movements from select periods within British literature, with a focus on the manner in which cultural, historical, and social elements influence the genres and themes within the literary period(s). It will rotate every two years between LIT 301 (Early British Literature) and LIT 302 (Later British Literature).
Prerequisite: ENGL 110
ENGL 302
Topics in British Literature
3 cr
This course will examine the literary figures and movements from select periods within British literature, with a focus on the manner in which cultural, historical, and social elements influence the genres and themes within the literary period(s). It will rotate every two years between LIT 301 (Early British Literature) and LIT 302 (Later British Literature).
Prerequisite: ENGL 110;
American Lit Survey; One of the following courses:
cr
ENGL 304W
Topics in American Literature
3 cr
This course will examine the literary figures and movements from select periods within American literature, with a focus on the manner in which cultural, historical, and social elements influence the genres and themes within the literary period(s). It will rotate every two years between LIT 303 (Early American Literature) and LIT 304 (Later American Literature).
Prerequisite: ENGL 110; Course Offered: Every Fall
ENGL 303W
Topics in American Literature
3 cr
This course will examine the literary figures and movements from select periods within American literature, with a focus on the manner in which cultural, historical, and social elements influence the genres and themes within the literary period(s). It will rotate every two years between LIT 303 (Early American Literature) and LIT 304 (Later American Literature).
Prerequisite: ENGL 110; Course Offered: Every Fall
World Lit Survey; One of the following courses:
cr
ENGL 270
Classical Myth
3 cr
Students will examine the nature and function of myth in the ancient Mediterranean world, focusing upon the narrative and symbolic structure of myths, the cultural contexts of myths and the influence of myth upon later literature. Texts will include Greek and Roman epic, Greek drama and myths as represented in ancient and modern art.
Prerequisite: ENGL 110 or permission of instructor. Course Offered: Every Spring
ENGL 271
Norse Myth
3 cr
Students will examine the nature and function of myth in the medieval Northern European world, focusing upon the narrative and symbolic structure of myths, the cultural contexts of myths (particularly in terms of religious and philosophical belief), and the influence of myth upon later literature. Texts will include the Poetic and Prose Eddas, as well as later works that draw directly and indirectly from Norse myth, such as Wagner’s Ring Cycle, Beowulf, and Tolkien’s The Hobbit. Core: H
Course Offered: Spring of every odd year
ENGL 305
World Literature
3 cr
Students will read significant works of world literature by a variety of writers that represent different geographical areas, authors, texts, contexts, and topics.
Prerequisite: ENGL 110. Course Offered: Every Spring
One of the following courses:
cr
ENGL 150
Culture and Conflict in Literature
3 cr
Students will examine selected topics related to global perspectives within literary studies. Assigned literary texts must include a variety of perspectives of characters and authors from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Course topics will vary by section. Core: GP.
Course Offered: Every Fall, Every Spring
ENGL 170
World Myth and Folktale
3 cr
Students will survey myths and/or folktales rooted in the oral tradition from a variety of world cultures representing broad regions in such places as Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, and Europe. The course will frame our contemporary understanding of world myth and folktale through an examination of literary works and/or films that have adapted earlier myth and folktale in order to appeal to a modern audience. Course topics will vary by section. Core: GP.
Course Offered: Every Fall, Every Spring
ENGL 205W
Thematic Topics in Literature
3 cr
This writing-intensive core course will rotate every two years among several topics, such as “Literature of the Supernatural” (a historical and generic survey of literature that features supernatural elements), and “Literature and Nature” (literature that focuses upon human relationships to the natural world from the classical to contemporary eras). Core: EC.
Prerequisite: ENGL 110; Course Offered: Spring of every odd year
ENGL 206W
Thematic Topics in Literature
3 cr
This writing-intensive core course will rotate every two years among several topics, such as “Literature of the Supernatural” (a historical and generic survey of literature that features supernatural elements), and “Literature and Nature” (literature that focuses upon human relationships to the natural world from the classical to contemporary eras). Core: EC.
Prerequisite: ENGL 110; Course Offered: Spring of every odd year
One of the following courses:
cr
ENGL 180W
Introduction to Creative Writing
3 cr
In this course, students receive an introduction to several forms of creative written expression through the study of outstanding examples of published craft and the drafting of original work. Creative media may include creative nonfiction, dramatic writing for the stage or the screen, fiction, and poetry. Core: EC.
Course Offered: Every Fall
ENGL 281W
Fiction Workshop
3 cr
Stephen King argues that to write well, one must first “read a lot.” This course and its requirements are divided roughly into two halves: reading exemplary works of fiction in order to learn the tools of the fiction writer’s craft and writing and revising original work in a workshop setting, where the work is discussed around a table with one’s peers. Core: EC.
Course Offered: Every Spring
ENGL 282W
Literary Nonfiction Workshop
3 cr
The first half of this course will be spent in studying exemplary works of creative nonfiction. In the second half of the course, emphasis will be placed on writing and revising original work in a workshop setting. Core: EC.
Course Offered: Every Fall
ENGL 283W
Poetry Workshop
3 cr
This course begins with an exploration of the various formal approaches the poet can take in creative composition. Students will be required to write in several different forms as a way of experimenting with the discipline of line and meter, ultimately compiling a small portfolio (3-5 poems) of revised, polished work. Core: EC.
Course Offered: Every Spring
ENGL 285W
Nature Writing Workshop
3 cr
This course focus on producing works of literary nonfiction and poetry that explore depictions of and ideas about the natural world. The emphasis of the course will be on writing and revising original work in a workshop setting. Core: EC.
Course Offered: Every Fall
ENGL 486
Senior Literature Thesis I: Proposal and Research
1 cr
In this course, students will undertake the beginning stages of a major project requiring extended research and writing. This initial segment of the project requires a written proposal, an annotated bibliography, a progress report, and a rough draft. All phases will be supervised and evaluated by a faculty member in the literature program.
Prerequisite: ENGL 110; ENGL 115W; ENGL 286W or 287W; and senior standing. Course Offered: Every Fall
ENGL 487
Senior Literature Thesis II: Revision and Presentation
2 cr
In this course, students will complete the major project they began in ENGL 487. This concluding segment of the project requires a second revised draft, a public presentation of the project’s results, and a final polished revision of the paper at the end of the semester. All phases will be supervised and evaluated by a faculty member in the literature program.
Prerequisite: ENGL 110; ENGL 115W; ENGL 286W or 287W; ENGL 486; and senior standing. Course Offered: Every Spring
EDUC 231
2cr
PSYC 110
3cr
ENGL 110W
3cr
COMM 115
3cr
WJUS 103
1cr
Elective
3cr
Total Credits
15cr
EDUC 232
3cr
PSYC 212 or PSYC 216
3cr
ENGL 115W
3cr
ENGL 215/16
3cr
Core (Global Perspectives)
3cr
Total Credits
15cr
SUMMER: Praxis CORE Exam or Exempt from Praxis with ACT=26 or SAT=1170
PSYC 220
3cr
ENGL 286/7W
3cr
Core (Effective Communication-Effective Speaking)
3cr
American Literature Survey
3cr
EDUC 210
3cr
Total Credits
15cr
Creative Writing Elective
3cr
MATH 109
3cr
Core (Global Perspectives)
3cr
Core (Foundations & Integration-Ethics)
3cr
ENGL 275W
3cr
Total Credits
15cr
EDUC 310/311/312
3cr
Philosophy/Theology Core
3cr
British Literature Survey
3cr
General Literature Survey
3cr
EDUC 320
3cr
Total Credits
15cr
World Literature Survey
3cr
EDUC 334
3cr
EDUC 333C
3cr
Core (Foundations & Integration-Humanities)
3cr
Core (Global Perspectives)
3cr
Total Credits
15cr
YEAR 3: Praxis Content Knowledge Exam testing
ENGL 425
3cr
ENGL 486
1cr
Core (Empirical Analysis-Natural Science)
3cr
Elective (EDUC 422)
3cr
Elective (Criminal Justice)
3cr
Total Credits
13cr
EDUC 475 Student Teaching Seminar
3cr
EDUC 476 Evaluation
3cr
EDUC 481 (Student Teaching)
11cr
EDUC 473 (WVTPA)
3cr
Senior Thesis II ENGL 487
2cr
Total Credits
17cr
**Year one must complete Praxis I-CORE tests or exempt with ACT=26 or SAT=1170 **Year three must complete Praxis II Content Student must pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Exams in order to be accepted into the Education Department. Additionally, students must possess and subsequently maintain a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 2.5 overall. Once admitted to the Education Department, students must maintain an average of a 3.0 GPA in the major, as well as in Education and Psychology courses. Prior to student teaching, students must pass the Praxis Content Exams. In order to obtain teacher certification, students must successfully complete all required national Praxis Examinations through the Educational Testing Service (ETS).