B.S. in Teacher Education/Interdisciplinary Studies – Pre-K-6

Introduction to the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures with an emphasis on biblical interpretation and application in the contemporary world. Importance and reliability of the Scriptures, genres of Scripture with representative readings, basics of biblical interpretation, and skills needed for application to the Christian life examined.

Exploration of core doctrinal and theological beliefs of the Christian faith. Emphasis placed upon the development of a Christian worldview in order to prepare students to face the challenges of their current culture. Prerequisite: BIBL 105.

Provides a broad overview of the historic roots and development of Christian thought.  Identifies and describes historical Christian doctrines, the basics of theological reasoning, significant Christian thinkers, and contemporary global trends and issues.

Introduction to plants, animals and microbes concerning cell structure and function, DNA and heredity, cell division, species diversity and history, tissue and organ systems, nutrition, reproduction, ecosystems, and the scientific method.  Christian perspectives as appropriate.  Three credit hours lecture with one credit hour lab.

Introduction to the principles and practice of effective oral communication. Through formal and informal speaking activities, students develop skills at framing and articulating ideas through speech.  Students learn strategies for speaking extemporaneously, preparing and delivering presentations, formulating persuasive arguments, refining critical clarity of thought, and enhancing general facility and confidence at oral expression. Students gain practice in various speech types—including expositive and informative forms.

Introduction to Earth science, including the sciences that explore Earth and its space environment.  Units on Earth structure, tectonics, rocks and minerals, geologic history, water resources, oceans, climate and weather, astronomy, and the scientific method.  Primarily for IDS majors.  Three credit hour lecture with one credit hour lab.

Survey of economic concepts and systems, including both micro- and macro-economics.  Students examine the American economic system while exploring the impact of the international market. Topics include markets and competition, price, supply and demand, aggregate performance, fiscal policy, and international trade and finance.  This course is not open to business majors.

Study and development of skills in planning, writing, and revising the expository essay, with attention given to developing a thesis, providing adequate support, and developing paragraphs with clear introductions and conclusions.  This course should be taken in the first year.

Introduction to research skills and academic writing.  Students learn and practice the common steps and formats in writing a university-level research paper, such as writing and submitting proposals, writing literature reviews, following general research paper formats, and using an annotated bibliography.  Prerequisite: Grade of "C-" or better in ENGL 101.

Great literary works in the Western tradition from the ancient to the present.

Explores the development of a Christian worldview and philosophy of life.  Studies some alternative worldviews from a Christian worldview perspective.  Investigates the sacredness of all spheres of human life and the relevance of a Christian worldview to all spheres of human life and action through the works of some of Christianity’s leading thinkers and writers.

Introduction to enduring questions of truth, goodness, and beauty through theological and philosophical investigation, including biblical apologetics and critical thinking.

Various aesthetic approaches for appreciating and evaluating visual art, drama, and music. Artistic creation in relation to a biblical understanding of the character of God and the image of God in human beings.

Explores a Christian worldview framework for leadership and studies the lives of exemplary Christian and non-Christian leaders from a global context and a wide spectrum of disciplines and professions.  Students participate in a ten (10) hour service-learning leadership experience.  Advisor approval required.  Pre-requisite: Senior Standing; IDS majors: Junior Standing.  Cross-listed with GENE 202.

Investigation of the spatial distribution of cultures and regions. Emphasis on defining key geographical concepts, identifying major political boundaries, illustrating current and recent national and ethnic conflicts, exploring economic and social processes that are leading to increasing global interaction, examining the variation religious practices and beliefs and assessing the basis for international disparities in economic development.

Study of the political, social, and economic development of American society from about 1607 through the end of the Civil War era in 1877.  Students consider native American perspectives and the interaction with Europeans.  Topics include the formation and establishment of the new nation as well as the international impact of the birth of a nation.

Study of the political, social and economic development of American society from the post-Civil War era to the present.  Students investigate the development of a party system of government, industrial development, labor issues, the impact of the reconstruction, American involvement internationally, and the present state of American society.

Study of the events, peoples, groups, ideas, institutions, and trends that shaped western civilization from the prehistoric era to 1650. Emphasis on the rise and fall of empires, the legacy those empires left and the impact of religion on the ancient, medieval, and early modern western world.  The multiple perspectives of gender, class, religion, and ethnic groups are explored.  Students investigate historical accounts of civilization and engage in personal reflection and response.

Study of the events, peoples, groups, ideas, institutions, and trends that shaped western civilization from 1650 to the present. The multiple perspectives of gender, class, religion, and ethnic groups are explored, including reference to the interaction among the peoples of the modern world.  Students investigate historical accounts of western civilization and its interaction with non-western cultures and engage in personal reflection and response.

Study of linear equations, systems of equations, inequalities, polynomials, rational expressions, quadratic functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and conic sections.  Emphasis on understanding and applying concepts in real-life settings.  Cannot be applied to the mathematics major.

Introductory study of basic descriptive and inferential statistics with an emphasis on real world applications and the use of current technology.  Topics include sampling, random variables, probability distributions, measures of central tendency and variation, and testing of hypotheses.  Cannot be applied to the mathematics major.

Provides learners with research-based knowledge and skills necessary to analyze exemplary curricula and appropriate assessment practices including familiarity with the Virginia Standards of Learning, informative feedback mechanisms, and school system implementation. Students consider proper selection and use of materials including media and computers while evaluating the process and implementation of school-based curriculum design, as well as the linkage between assessment data and instructional design. Cross-listed with ECUR 500.

Examines the complex nature of language acquisition.  Addresses instruction in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, including spelling and grammar, and the integration of these language modes across the curriculum. Special attention is given to reading comprehension in narrative and expository texts. Other related subject matter includes familiarity with Virginia Standards of Learning and attention to diversity within the classroom.  Cross-listed with EFND 505.

Provides students with strategies to provide instruction effectively while managing the classroom. Addresses the relationship between classroom environment and student behavior.  Presents effective intervention strategies and highlights the link between discipline and character development, while exploring various models, methods, and approaches for managing and modifying students' classroom behavior.  Explores instructional design principles that emphasize the Virginia Standards of Learning – such as flexible groupings, collaborative learning, and methods for gifted and talented students as well as for those students with disabling conditions – for instructional improvement.  Cross-listed with EFND 506.

Addresses the nature of reading, stages of reading development, approaches to reading instruction, and word identification strategies including explicit phonics, fluency development, and vocabulary, as well as comprehension instruction. Other course topics include fostering independent reading using a variety of literature, evaluation including familiarity with the Virginia Standards of Learning, and diversity within the classroom.  Cross-listed with EFND 508.

Explores the physical, cognitive, cultural, social/emotional, spiritual, and psychological development of children and adolescents with an emphasis on knowing and understanding theories of human development to incorporate children’s individual differences and guide learning experiences.  Considers individual differences (socio-economic, racial, ethnic, religious, physical and mental) with the approximate timing and effects of age-related changes and at-risk factors such as attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, child abuse and neglect, and family disruptions on normal development.  Analyzes children within the context of family, culture, and community.  Emphasizes the importance of partnership with families and communities in the teaching and learning process.  Cross-listed with UEC 441 and ETLC 541.

Study of the foundations of education in the U.S. Explores the historical, philosophical, and sociological development and organization of American education. A portion of the course is devoted to education and the law -- both federal and state -- and to the legal status of teachers and students. Establishes a philosophical foundation of education and surveys various worldviews that affect education today. Contemporary issues in education are examined, such as class management, as well as reflection of personal educational philosophies, attitudes, and aptitudes for teaching. Professional growth and a commitment to life-long learning are emphasized. Cross-listed with ETLC 542.

Learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, emotional disorders, and the characteristics of students with hearing, vision and/or physical impairments.  Survey the range of conditions, which contribute to students being eligible for special education services.  Presents an overview of identification, assessment, program options and intervention services. Cross-listed with EELM 551.

An observation and participation practicum taking place in a public or private school for at least 45 hours under the supervision of Regent faculty. Students will complete reflective journals and coursework demonstrating an understanding of the roles of teachers. (Middle school placement for secondary licensure candidates.)

Additional In-depth participation and micro-teaching practices in public or private school settings for at least 45 hours under supervision of Regent Faculty. Instruction and follow-up will occur. Prerequisite: UED 480A Practicum I. (High school placement for secondary licensure candidates).

One semester (500-hour) supervised student teaching field placement experience in an appropriate classroom setting. Cross-listed with EFND 595.

Use of electronic performance portfolios to document student learning and professional reflection (Taken concurrently with the Elementary Pk-6 internship experience.) Prerequisite: UIS 350.  Cross-listed with EFND 596.

Introduction to current issues in education and various facets of the Elementary educator’s role.  The course includes an observation of PreK-6 classes to assist students in evaluating their qualifications and motivation for teaching.  Students distinguish required state and national assessments as well as competencies necessary for licensure in Virginia.  Includes supervised field placement.  Prerequisite for upper level UIS and UED courses.  Pass/No Pass.

Ethics, ethical behavior, and moral decision-making. Explores the development of ethical and moral value systems and their impact on individual character growth within the context of historical and contemporary psychological theories and scientifically-based research.  Examines practical strategies and methodologies for supporting character development with an emphasis on the affirmation of the principles of truth, justice, and love.  Cross-listed with EFND 504.

Study of the English language and its structure including grammatical accuracy, usage, punctuation, spelling, and mechanics.

Presents selected topics in geometry relevant to the content identified in the Virginia Standards of Learning. Students explore topics such as geometric figures and their properties and relationships; application of the Pythagorean Theorem; deductive axiomatic methods of proof; perimeter, area and volume of two- and three-dimensional figures; and constructions, coordinate, and transformational geometry.

Technology integration with a macro-level framework: planning, implementation and evaluation. Virginia technology standards introduced Issues regarding usefulness and effectiveness of technology integration in education.

Presents the knowledge, skills and processes for physical science instruction in the elementary grades. Explores the competencies and skills necessary for a solid foundation in the areas of scientific investigation; reasoning and logic; force, matter and energy; interrelationships in Earth/space systems; and Earth patterns such as cycles and change. This course also addresses the perspectives of creationism (e.g. intelligent design) and evolution.

Presents selected topics in algebra relevant to the content identified in the Virginia Standards of Learning as well as arithmetic and geometric sequences and series; algebraic functions; trigonometric functions; transformations among graphical, tabular and symbolic forms of functions; and inductive reasoning.

Expansive study of content taught in UIS 360 regarding the development of scientific inquiry, experimental design, and research.  Includes the selecting appropriate experimental materials and the application of technology within the context of technical, social, and ethical issues.