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graduate interdisciplinary specialization (GIS)

elective course descriptions by concentration

Reading, Writing, and Language Studies

EDU T&L 901 Changing Perspectives in Language, Literacy, and Culture G 3
Introductory seminar highlights interdisciplinary nature of studies in language, literacy, and culture and provides historical perspective for theoretical shifts that influence research and teaching. Prereq: Admission to LLC PhD program.

English 789 Introduction to Graduate Studies in Digital Media G 5
Explores how scholars in English studies use computer technologies and multiple media to make meaning, represent and analyze information, teach, and conduct research. Prereq: Grad standing.

Language (See also "Orality and Literacy" and "Language Histories")
PSYCH 615 Psychology of Language U G 3
An introduction to high-level language processing, including word recognition, sentence understanding, and discourse processing. Prereq: Linguist 201 or 202 or 601 or permission of instructor. Cross listed as LINGUIST 615 Psycholinguistics U G 5

LINGUIST 661.01 Introduction to Sociolinguistics U G 5
Survey of approaches to the study of language in its social context: sociology of language, ethnography of speaking, discourse analysis, quantitative sociolinguistics.

EDU T&L 665 Applied Linguistics for Teachers of Reading/Language Arts U G 3
Structure of language, language acquisition, and language variation applied to language arts/reading principles, methods, and materials.

PHILOS 673 Advanced Philosophy of Language U G 5
Basic problems and results in the philosophy of language, concentrating on theories of reference, theories of meaning, and theories of language-use (speech-acts, implicature, etc.). Prereq: 250 and 10 credit hrs of philos course work at the 300 level or above (preferably 473); or grad standing in philos; or permission of instructor.

PSYCH 847 Language Development G 3
Survey of language acquisition, including phonemes, words, morphology, syntax. Considers universal grammar, linguistic input, social interaction, and statistical learning. Training in use of CHILDES database. Wi Qtr. 1 3-hr cl. Prereq: Grad standing.

EDU T&L 905 Research Methodologies in Language, Literacy, and Culture G 3
Examines recent research in the areas of language, literacy, and culture through a variety of lenses--epistemological, cultural, conceptual and ethical. Prereq: Edu P&L 785 and 800, and admission to LLC PhD program.

EDU T&L 925 Advanced Seminars Advanced graduate seminars focusing on educational scholarship related to each subject.

925.10 Language Education and Society G 2-5 Repeatable.

Theories of Learning
PSYCH 845 Cognitive Development G 3
Intensive survey of theory and research in cognitive development, including development of perception, language, memory, concepts, reasoning, academic skills, and social cognition. Sp Qtr. 1 3-hr cl.

EDU P&L 880 Educational Psychology: Cognition, Learning and Instruction G 4
Examination of theory and research about cognitive perspectives on classroom learning and instruction, particularly research on the teaching and learning of school subjects.

EDU PAES 932 Adult Characteristics and Learning Theory G 3
Examination of significant learning theories and their applicability to adult learning experiences. Prereq: 672 or permission of instructor.

EDU T&L 906 Language Learning Across Cultures G 3
Sociocultural research and theories of first and second language learners; learning of language and literacy across cultures.

Orality and Literacy (See also "Language")
NELC 648 Studies in Orality and Literacy U G 5
Examination of major theories of writing and of oral composition and transmission, in juxtaposition to case material deriving from a variety of Middle Eastern cultures. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for Comp Std 648. Cross-listed in Comparative Studies.

ENGLISH 771 Introduction to the English Language U G 5
Introduction to the structure of and variation in the English language, with emphasis on both oral and written English.

ENGLISH 770.03 The Ethnography of Communication G 5
Ethnographic approaches to social interaction and performance; the speech community; the communicative economy. Au, Wi, Sp Qtrs. Prereq: Grad standing.

LINGUIST 685 Languages in Contact U G 3, 5
Study of the effects of language contact on the structure of the involved languages, and of the characteristics of the individuals and communities involved in language contact. Prereq: One linguistics course at 500-level or above.

ENGLISH 870 Studies in Folklore G 5
Intensive study of some particular aspect of folklore. Prereq: 770 or equiv with written permission of instructor. Repeatable to a maximum of 10 cr hrs.

Reading (See also "History of the Book")
EDU T&L 921 Guided Survey of Research in Reading G 3
Designed to provide acquaintance with scientific studies relating to reading, methods used, results attained, including implications and limitations, and the problems meriting further investigation. Prereq: 6 cr hrs in grad reading courses. Repeatable to a maximum of 6 cr hrs.

PSYCH 602 Psychology of Listening and Reading U G 3
Introductory survey of work on reading and the perception of speech; emphasis is on reading with a focus on the underlying perceptual and cognitive processes. 2 1.5-hr cl. Prereq: 100 or grad standing or permission of instructor.

EDU T&L 911 Research in Emergent Literacy G 3
Focus on interpreting new research studies in emergent literacy in light of current research. Limited to Advanced MA or PhD students in LLC.

EDU T&L 908 The Development of Literary Understanding G 3
Provides background knowledge of the seminal research on children's literary understanding and the theories and perspectives that inform that research. Prereq: Admission to LLC PhD program or by permission.

English 873 Popular Culture and the Teaching of English G 3
Analysis of the role of mass media/popular culture in our society; values and themes in popular culture; development of critical skills to analyze popular culture.

EDU T&L 960 Analysis of the Reading Process in a Second Language G 5
Focus on the theoretical and data-based processes of comprehending natural written second language discourse. 2 2-hr cl, 1 hr lab.

EDU T&L 925 Advanced Seminars
Advanced graduate seminars focusing on educational scholarship related to each subject. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Students with permission of advisers may register for more than one section of 925 or for the same section two or more times.

925.56 Reading and Literacy in Early and Middle Childhood G 2-5
Reading and literacy in early and middle childhood. Repeatable.

Writing and Writing Systems (See also "Digital Media" and "Technology and Literacy")
English 574 History and Theories of Writing U G 5
Study of the origins, definitions, and development of writing, with varying perspectives on historical, technological, theoretical, and ideological issues.

Classics 611 Studies in Greek or Latin Epigraphy U G 5
2 2-hr cl. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for CLASSICS 811. Topics vary. Repeatable to a maximum of 10 cr hrs.

EDU T&L 912 Research in Writing Development and Instruction for Children G 3
Examination and critical analysis of research on children's writing development and on writing instruction in schools. Limited to Advanced MA or PhD students in LLC.

English 780 Current Theory and Practice in the Teaching of Writing U G 5
Modern theories of composition; topics include: invention, style, sentence combining, evaluation, the composing process. Prereq: Grad standing or permission of instructor.

EDU T&L 913 Research and Theory in Written Composition G 3
Explores the development of composition as an academic field and how research and theory might shape teaching. Prereq: Admission to grad program in LLC.

English 880 Seminar in Composition G 5
Invention; the composing process and revision; evaluating and responding to writing; discourse analysis. Topics vary. Repeatable to a maximum of 10 cr hrs.

EDU T&L 914 Writing and Learning Across the Curriculum G 3
Explores research and theory that explains when, why, and how writing can shape thinking and reasoning in the content areas. Prereq: Admission to grad program in LLC.

EDU T&L 970 English Curriculum: Language and Composition G 3
An evaluation of current trends and developments in linguistics and composition instruction and their relevance for the English curriculum.

Digital Media
ARTS COL 732 Critical History of Computer Graphics U G 3
An historical overview of the development of the discipline of computer-generated imagery, including CAD, computer animation, computer art, and scientific visualization. 2 1.5-hr cl. Prereq: Grad standing or permission of instructor.

English 889 Seminar on Digital Media Studies G 5
Advanced theoretical and practical approaches to digital media in English studies. Examines such intellectual questions as authorship, narrative, argument, and the nature of texts. Topics vary. Repeatable to a maximum of 10 cr hrs.

PSYCH 814 Psychological Issues in Knowledge Representation G 3
Psychological approaches to how knowledge is represented by humans, including empirical and architectural constraints, format differences, generalization abilities, and development of representations. 1 2-hr cl, 1 hr arr.

EDU P&L 895 Fundamentals of Instructional Materials and Media G 3
Theory in educational media applied to the process of instructional development. Prereq: 675 or practical experience in using educational media in school settings.

Social, Cultural, and Historical Studies

ENGLISH 883 Studies in Literacy G 5
Examination of the meanings of the term "literacy" and the historical, cognitive, social, economic, artistic, and political consequences of these definitions. Topics vary.

EDU T&L 930 Literacy Research and Issues of Diversity in the Classroom G 3
Examines literacy research and diversity issues (language and cultural factors) that influence classroom and school evaluations, instruments and instructional practices.

Social and Cultural Contexts
EDU T&L 803 Language and Society G 3

Focus on the history, sociology, and the politics of national policies involving second language throughout the world.

ANTHROP 703 Culture and Language U G 5
Development and range of anthropological concerns with language; emphasis on utility of linguistic approaches, methods, and theories to other subdisciplines of anthropology. Au, Wi, Sp Qtrs. 2 2-hr cl.

ANTHROP 630 Language and Culture in Education U G 5
Examination of the problems of educating children of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds in the U.S. school system. Au, Wi, Sp Qtrs. 2 2-hr cl. Prereq: ANTHROP 202 or equiv or grad standing.

EDU T&L 903 Teaching/Learning in Language, Literacy, and Culture G 3
Examines constructivist and sociocultural theories and approaches to teaching and learning. Epistemological roots, historical perspectives and approaches underlying these theories will be examined.

EDU T&L 910 Creating Effective Contexts for Literacy Learning and Teaching G 3
Designed to examine the role of social context in cognitive development and theories of learning/teaching and relate them to literacy development in preschool-grade 12.

EDU PAES 911 Theories of Workforce Development and Education G 3
A study of the theories and perspectives that support workforce development and education. Prereq: Enrollment as a doctoral student. Part of the required core for the PhD program in Workforce Development and Education.

ART EDUC 745 Museums and Teaching G 5
A theoretical and practical study of teaching and learning in and through museums. 1 2.5-hr cl, online interaction.

EDU PAES 648 Adult Literacy Education U G 3
Historical/social context of current adult basic education issues and practices related to participation, instructional processes, program planning, evaluation, and research needs.

EDU T&L 909 History of Theory and Practice in Literacy G 3
Explores the historical bases of current literacy practices and theoretical perspectives. Examines cultural and political ideologies that have influenced theory, research and instructional practice.

EDU PAES 722 Communication Skills for Children with Moderate/Intensive Needs U G 3
Examines current principles in the development of alternative communication programs for individuals with moderate/intensive disabilities who do not spontaneously use speech. Prereq: Admission to the Special Education Teacher Preparation Program or graduate student status.

Language Histories (See also "Language, Reading, and Writing Studies")
AFAM&AST 605 An Introduction to African-American English G 5
Introduction to the structure and history of the varieties of English used by African-Americans and the relationship between language use and socio-cultural context. Prereq: One linguistics course at 500-level or above. Cross-listed as Linguistics 605.

AFAM&AST 750 Language and Society in Africa G 5
A survey of the interplay between language and society in the African context. Prereq: Grad standing or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 650.

ARABIC 611 History of the Arabic Language U G 5
Survey of the evolution of the Arabic language in its cultural and historical setting. Prereq: Permission of instructor. GEC third writing course.

CHINESE 580 The Chinese Language: Description and Analysis U G 5
Important elements of the Chinese language, its structure, dialects, writing system, as well as language use and planning; taught in English. Au, Wi, Sp Qtrs. 2 2-hr cl. Prereq: 103 or equiv or permission of instructor. GEC third writing course.

EALL 683 Scripts of East Asia U G 5
A critical survey of writing systems that use Chinese characters, popular and scholarly myths about them, and their impact on the history of ideas. Au, Wi, Sp Qtrs. 2 2-hr cl. Prereq: Chinese or Japanese 103, or permission of instructor.

EDU T&L 754 Introduction to American Sign Language U G 3
Introduction to the use of signs and finger spelling in American Sign Language. Prereq: Written permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for Ed-S&R 738.

ENGLISH 774 History of the English Language G 5
The historical development of English and its place among the world's languages; emphasis on inner history and outer matrix.

FRENCH 692 The Romance Languages U G 5
Examines the socio-historical factors and the linguistic processes that contributed to the formation of the Romance languages and to their divergences. 3 1.5-hr cl. Prereq: One year of a Romance language or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for Italian 692 or Linguist 692. Cross-listed in Italian and Romance Linguistics. Offered bi-annually. Taught in English.

GERMAN 530 German Language Past and Present U G 5
Understanding the German language in its historical development and its contemporary manifestations. Prereq: 401 or equiv. Not open to students with credit for 705.

HEBREW 611 History of the Hebrew Language U G 5
Genealogical and typological relations within the Semitic family, a survey of Biblical, Mishnaic, and modern Hebrew. Prereq: 104 or permission of instructor. GEC third writing course.

ITALIAN 692 The Romance Languages U G 5
Examines the socio-historical factors and the linguistic processes that contributed to the formation of the Romance languages and to their divergences. 3 1.5-hr cl. Prereq: One year of a Romance language or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for French 692 or Rom Ling 692. Cross-listed in French and Romance Linguistics. Offered bi-annually. Taught in English.

JAPANESE 515 Japanese Language: Structure, Culture, and Communication U G 5
Critical and comprehensive survey of structural, cultural, and communicative aspects of the Japanese language. Wi Qtr. 2 2-hr cl. Prereq: 101 or permission of instructor. Taught in English. Counts as a choice on major/minor.

NELC 612 Languages and Cultures of the Middle East U G 5
Wide overview of languages spoken in the ancient, medieval, and modern Middle East: their linguistic affiliation; main periods of their history; their different writing systems.

PORTUGUESE 611 The Portuguese Language U G 5
Phonetic transcription from tapes of major continental and Brazilian dialects; the phonological pattern of modern Portuguese; general characteristics of its historical evolution from Hispano-Romance.4 cl, 1 lab hr. Prereq: 102 and jr standing, or permission of instructor.

RUSSIAN 720 History of the Russian Language U G 5
Survey of phonetic, morphological, and syntactic changes in Russian from prehistory to the present. Not open to students with credit for 820.

SLAVIC 760 Survey of the Slavic Languages U G 5
A general survey of all the Slavic languages and their common features. Not open to students with credit for 860. Knowledge of a Slavic language is helpful but not required.

SPANISH 736 History of the Spanish Language U G 5
Basic concepts of historical linguistics: the major factors of change in the history of the Spanish language from Latin to the present. 2 2-hr cl. Prereq: 730 or permission of instructor.

YIDDISH 611 History of the Yiddish Language U G 5
Linguistic history of Yiddish; Yiddish dialect formation; analysis of Yiddish documents from the 13th century to the present; Yiddish in the context of Jewish interlinguistics. 5 cl. Prereq: 402 or equiv or permission of instructor.

History of the Book (See also "Reading")
MEDIEVAL 611 History of the Book Studies U G 5
A study of the construction and transmission of books during the era of the hand press (c.1450-1800). Prereq: Jr, sr or grad standing or permission of instructor.

CLASSICS 712 Studies in Greek or Latin Paleography and Textual Criticism G 5
An introduction to the skills of paleography and textual criticism. 2 2-hr cl. Prereq: Latin 625 or Medieval 694 or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 812.

MEDIEVAL 610 Manuscript Studies U G 5
An examination of the development of Latin book production from late antiquity to the Renaissance in the cultural context of the Middle Ages. 2 2-hr cl. Prereq: Jr, sr; grad standing.

ART 695.05 Bookmaking U G 3, 5
Exploration of the history and aesthetics of photographic books with emphasis on structure, image sequence, and the relationship of images and text. Au Qtr. 2 3-hr cls. Prereq: ART 401 and written permission of instructor.

HIST ART 652 Medieval and Renaissance Manuscript Illumination U G 5
A chronological survey of medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts in the West. 5 cl. Prereq: 210 or 211 or permission of instructor.

EDU T&L 907 History of Children's and Adolescent Literature G 3
A seminar focusing on the history of English and American children's and young adult's literature from earliest times to the present century. Prereq: EDU T&L 817; grad standing.

LAW 625 Copyright Law G P 2-3
Protection of literary and artistic property under the federal copyright statute, related legislation and unfair competition law.

ENGLISH 799 Graduate Studies in Literary Bibliography G 5
An introduction to the materials and methods of literary bibliography for graduate students in literary studies. 2 2-hr cl. Prereq: Grad standing.

ENGLISH 980 Bibliography and Method G 5
For advanced grad students in the methods and tools of literary research.

Science, Technology, Health, and Medicine

ARTS&SCI 720 Graduate Seminar in Scientific Literacy G 5
Explores nature of scientific literacy, scientific thought, roots of western science and technology and the relationship between scientific and other forms of literacy. Wi Qtr. 2 2-hr cl.

ARTS&SCI 709 Health Literacy G 3
Examines the issues and challenges of low health literacy, including research; development and testing of information in plain language; health communication techniques; and organizational approaches to meet these challenges. Cross listed as Med Col 710 and Allied Med 710, Pharmacy 709, and Nursing 709.

Science and Literacy
COMP STD 730 Theorizing Science and Technology U G 5
Introduction to comparative and cultural studies of science and technology. Prereq: Grad standing or permission of instructor.

EDU T&L 876 Science, Mathematics, Technology and the Educated Mind G 3
Scientific literacy, numeracy, technological literacy, societal issues and implications for education.

COMM 640 Science Communication U G 5
Explores the structure, meanings and implications of "science communication" with an emphasis on how values, attitudes, social structure and communication affect public perceptions of science and technology.

EDU T&L 925 Advanced Seminars
Advanced graduate seminars focusing on educational scholarship related to each subject. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Students with permission of advisers may register for more than one section of 925 or for the same section two or more times.

925.23 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education G 2-5

925.27 Science Education G 2-5

Technology and Literacy
COMM 657 Technology of Communication U G 5
To obtain a basic understanding of the underlying technologies and operational principles of the information society. Prereq: Journal or Comm major, grad standing or permission of instructor.

EDU T&L 902 Multiple Literacies, Technology, and Communities of Learning G 5
Applies various theoretical perspectives and research tools to explore multiple literacy and technology uses in relationship to community development in different settings. Prereq: 901. Limited to doctoral students. Active e-mail account required.

EDU P&L 829 Technology, Society, and Schools G 3
Examination of theories and history of interaction of society and technology with implications for instructional technology and schooling. Resources for constructing personal definitions of technology.

EDU T&L 925 Advanced Seminars
Advanced graduate seminars focusing on educational scholarship related to each subject. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Students with permission of advisers may register for more than one section of 925 or for the same section two or more times.

925.21 Technology Education Seminar G 2-5

Health and Literacy
COMM 638 Communication and E-Health U G 5
Focuses on the current and future uses of technology in health communication, with an emphasis on technology in both patient-provider relationships and health campaigns. 2 2-hr cl. Prereq Journal or Comm major, grad standing or permission of instructor.

COMM 870 Media, Campaigns, and Health G 5
How mediated communication can influence human behavior and public policy in ways that can improve (or can negatively impact) human health and well-being. 2 2-hr cl. Prereq: 860 or J Com 860 or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for J Com 870.

EDU PAES 637 Health Agencies U G 3
Health agencies: purposes, location, affiliations, sources of funding, staff responsibilities, volunteer opportunities, services, educational materials, and media, with emphasis on writing materials. Addresses concerns affecting Allied Med professions. GEC course.

EDU PAES 652 Health Promotion in the Workplace U G 3
Theoretical and pragmatic aspects of conducting health promotion programs in the workplace; discussion of rationale and relative effectiveness of various health components. Prereq: Sr standing or above.

Visual, Spatial, Arts and Performance Studies

DESIGN Visual Literacy G 5 Under development

ARCH Spatial Literacy G 5 Under development

Visual and Spatial Literacy
PSYCH 603 Visual Perception U G 3
Principles, theories, and methods relevant to the study of visual perception; emphasis on the availability and usefulness of visual information. Prereq: 310 or grad standing or permission of instructor.

DESIGN 786 Design Research and Inquiry U G 4
Design as a mode of inquiry, including examination of communication process and models, and emphasizing general problem-solving as a goal-directed, value-laden activity. Wi Qtr. 2 2-hr cl. Prereq: DESIGN 785 or permission of instructor.

ART EDUC 755 History, Politics and Practices of Visual Culture in Art Education G 5
An examination of the antecedents, history, politics and practices of visual culture, with a specific focus on the literature in art education. Au, Wi, Sp Qtrs. 1 3-hr cl and hr arr. Prereq: Grad standing or permission of instructor.

EDU P&L 825 Visualizing the Curriculum G 3
Investigates questions relating to visual literacy with emphasis on the design and use of images in educational settings.

GEOG 580 Elements of Cartography U G 5
A study of the cartographic techniques of map compilation and presentation including generalization, symbolization, reproduction, and simple computer mapping with an emphasis on thematic mapping. Au, Sp Qtrs. 2 cl, 2 2-hr labs.

Arts and Performance Literacy
COMP STD 760 Theorizing Performance U G 5
Advanced introduction to field of performance studies; theory and practice of expressive social behaviors, including theatre, dance, ritual, sports, and embodied practices of everyday life. Prereq: Grad standing or permission of instructor.

ART EDUC 781 Arts Participation, Cultural Literacy, Audience Development G 5
Building on empirical and theoretical research, this course constructs a framework to understand audience participation, understanding and reception of specific art forms. Effective Winter 2009.

EDU T&L 915 Drama in Language, Literacy, and Culture G 3
Current educational assumptions about language, literacy, and culture are examined and critiqued through the lens of drama education pedagogy.

DANCE 707 Laban Movement Analysis U G 3
An examination of body articulation, spatial design, and qualities of movement in dance through Laban-based theories. Sp Qtr. 2 1.5-hr cl. Prereq: Dance major or permission of instructor.