graduate interdisciplinary specialization (GIS)
elective course descriptions by concentration
Reading
COMP STD 585 Studies in Literacy
This foundational course explores how our understanding of literacy and its relationships to ongoing societies, cultures, and social change has been challenged and revised.
COMP STD 585.01 Topics in Literacy Studies
Reconsiders the "great debates" about literacy--oral v. written, etc.--through the critical study of literacy's acquisition, practice or use, and consequences/concomitants.
COMP STD 585.02 History of Literacy
This course seeks to understand the history of literacy by examining literacy's contributions to making the modern world, and social changes' impacts on literacy.
EDU T&L 656 Literature for Adolescents
Literature for individual, group, and whole-class reading in junior and senior high schools; interest factor, readability, and literary value as criteria for selection; bibliographic aids.
EDU T&L 668 Reading Foundations
Introduction to basic concepts about the reading process, learning to read, social/cultural factors affecting literacy development and effective instruction. Prereq: Jr. standing or above.
EDU T&L 722
Non-fiction for ages 4-12 as it contributes to social studies, the sciences, language arts, and the creative arts; emphasis on identifying quality selections and planning related to learning experiences.
EDU T&L 806
Application of research, diagnostic, and program and curriculum development in field settings. School-wide evaluation of reading/language arts curricula. Prereq: Graduate standing.
EDU T&L 843 Literature for Middle Childhood
Analysis and study of fiction for children ages 8-12; emphasis on literary quality, strategies for classroom use, and relevant issues.
EDU T&L 853 Critical Reading in the Content Fields
Exploration of the problems of developing critical reading ability in a variety of curricular fields.
EDU T&L 854 Reading in its Social Setting
The influence of culture on the nature, quality, and quantity of reading development; the relationship of reading to language development and mass media.
EDU T&L 864 Multicultural Literature for Children
Values and uses of literature by and about Blacks, Asians, Hispanics, Native Americans, and other U.S. ethnic groups: theoretical perspectives, trends, issues, and controversies. Prereq: 817 or equivalent.
EDU T&L 923 Literary Theory and Adolescent Literature
Explores the use of young adult literature for in-depth literary study in secondary classrooms. Prereq: Admission to LLC PhD program. Designed for students in Language, Literacy, and Culture, particularly those with a focus on English Education or children's literature.
EDU T&L 925.45 Seminars
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. Research problems.
GEO 652 Cities, Cultures, and the Political Geography Difference
Geographies of meaning and difference in cities: meanings of the built environment, situated cultural politics, geographies of race, gender, and sexual identifies, multicultural cities.
NELC 612
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. Prereq: Permission of instructor.
Writing and Digital Media
COMP STD 585.01 Topics in Literacy Studies
Reconsiders the "great debates" about literacy--oral v. written, etc.--through the critical study of literacy's acquisition, practice or use, and consequences/concomitants.
DANCE 820 Labanotation
Five-week study of motif writing/description and five-week elementary course in Labanotation.
DANCE 821 Labanotation II
Continuation of 820. Prereq: 820 or permission of instructor
DANCE 822 Labanotation III
Prereq: 821
DANCE 823 Labanotation IV
Prereq: 822 or equivalent. Repeatable to a maximum of 20 credit hours.
EDU T&L 841 Poetry for Children
An in-depth study of poetry for children including children's interest in poetry, forms or poetry, and representative poets, classroom approaches for encouraging children's involvement and appreciation of poetry.
EDU T&L 913 Research and Theory in Written Composition
Explores the development of composition as an academic field and how research and theory might shape teaching. Prereq: Admission to grad program in LLC.
EDU T&L 925.45 Seminars
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. Research problems.
ENG 567 Rhetoric and Community Service: A Writing Seminar
The study of issues relating to rhetoric, community service, and intercultural communication while serving as volunteers and as writers for a local community service agency. Prereq: 110 and one of the 367 decimals. Repeatable to a maximum of 10 credit hours.
ENG 574 History and Theories of Writing
Study of the origins, definitions, and development of writing, with varying perspectives on historical, technological, and ideological issues.
ENG 789 Introduction to Graduate Studies in Digital Media
Explores how scholars in English studies use computer technologies and multiple media to make meaning, represent and analyze information, teach, and conduct research.
ENG 883 Studies in Literacy
Examination of the meanings of the term "literacy" and the historical, cognitive, social, economic, artistic, and political consequences of these definitions.
GEO 652 Cities, Cultures, and the Political Geography Difference
Geographies of meaning and difference in cities: meanings of the built environment, situated cultural politics, geographies of race, gender, and sexual identifies, multicultural cities.
MEDIVAL 611 History of the Book Studies
Course will study the construction and transmission of books during the era of the hand press (c. 1450 - 1800). Topics will include the medieval manuscript tradition, the advent of printing in Europe, the manual construction of books as material objects, book illustration, the marketing of books within the European book trade, reading habits, and censorship. Students will also consider broader cultural issues concerning orality, literacy, visuality, and artifactuality. This course is suitable to advanced undergraduate and graduate students in all fields.
WOM STDS 540 Studies in Women of Color Writing Culture
Interdisciplinary feminist study of selected historical and cultural movements through writing by women of color; topics vary by genre and by era. Prereq: 10 credit hours of women's studies course work or permission of instructor. Repeatable to a maximum of 10 credit hours.
Language and Culture
AFAM&AST 605
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. Not open to students with credit for Linguist 605. Cross-listed in Linguistics.
ANTHRO 630 Language and Culture in Education
Examination of the problems of educating children of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds in the U.S. school system. Prereq: 202 or equivalent or graduate standing
ANTHRO 703 Culture and Language
Development and range of anthropological concerns with language; emphasis on utility of linguistic approaches, methods, and theories to other subdisciplines of anthropology.
COMP STD 648 Studies in Orality and Literacy
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.
EDU PAES 722 Communication Skills for Children with Moderate/Intensive Needs
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.
EDU T&L 665 Applied Linguistics for Teachers of Reading/Language Arts
Structure of language, language acquisition, and language variation applied to language arts/reading principles, methods, and materials.
Sample Syllabi for EDU T&L 665.
EDU T&L 741 Teacher Decision-Making in Language, Literacy, and Culture: Issues Related to Diversity
Examines the analysis of literacy learning with culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
EDU T&L 754 Introduction to American Sign Language
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.
EDU T&L 803 Language and Society
Focus on the history, sociology, and the politics of national policies involving second language throughout the world.
EDU T&L 804 Trends and Issues in Language, Literacy, and Culture
Current issues such as national standards, multiple literacies, and phonic vs. whole language. Prereq: Grad standing. Required core course for LLC MA program of studies.
EDU T&L 860 Language Arts in the Early Childhood Program
The process of children's language acquisition leading towards development of reading skills; practical applications from theory and research on language processing. Prereq: Experience in working with young children or introductory level child development course.
EDU T&L 901 Changing Perspectives in Language, Literacy, and Culture
Introductory seminar highlights interdisciplinary nature of studies in language, literacy, and culture and provides historical perspective for theoretical shifts that influence research and teaching.
EDU T&L 903 Teaching/Learning in Language, Literacy, and Culture
Examines constructivist and sociocultural theories and approaches to teaching and learning. Epistemological roots, historical perspectives and approaches underlying these theories will be examined. Prereq: 901.
EDU T&L 905 Research Methodologies in Language, Literacy, and Culture
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 906 Language Learning Across Cultures
Sociological research and theories of first and second language learners; learning of language and literacy across cultures. Prereq: 901, 902, 903. One in a number of general section courses in LLD PhD that provides generic frameworks for courses within the PhD program.
EDU T&L 925.45 Seminars
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. Research problems.
EDU T&L 925.56 Drama, Language Arts, Literature and Reading Education
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.
EDU T&L 930 Literacy Research and Issues of Diversity in the Classroom
Examines literacy research and diversity issues (language and cultural factors) that influence classroom and school evaluations, instruments and instructional practices.
ENG 570 Introduction to the History of English
A study of the historical development of English giving attention to social factors associated with language changes in the phonology, morphology, syntax, lexicon, and discourse structure. Prereq: 10 credit hours of English at 200 or 300 level or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 274.
ENG 571 Studies in the English Language
Topic varies; examples: American English; the sociology of American dialects; language and style. Repeatable to a maximum of 10 credit hours.
ENG 572 Traditional Grammar Usage
An examination of terminology and structures traditionally associated with the study of English grammar and of usage rules, especially problematical ones, governing edited written American English.
ENG 770.03 The Ethnography of Communication
Ethnographic approaches to social interaction and performance; the speech community; the communicative economy. Prereq: Graduate standing.
ENG 774 History of the English Language
The historical development of English and its place among the world's languages; emphasis on inner history and outer matrix.
ENG 777 American English
Introduction to various aspects of the English language as it is used, and has been used in the continental United States. Prereq: 271 or 771 or equivalent or permission of instructor.
ENG 872 Seminar in the English Language
Advanced English language study; topics vary. Prereq: 771 or Linguistics 601 or equivalent with permission of instructor. Repeatable to a maximum of 10 credit hours.
LINGUIST 505 Language and the Black Experience
Introduction to the structure, history, and use of distinctive varieties of English used by an among many African American in the U.S. Prereq: English 110 or 110.01 or 110.02 or 110.03. Not open to students with credit for AfAm&ASt 505 or English 505. Cross-listed in African American and African Studies and English.
LINGUIST 605 An Introduction to African-American English
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. Not open to students with credit for AAAS 605. Cross-listed in African-American and African Studies.
LINGUIST 615 Psycholinguistics
An introduction to high-level language processing, including word recognition, sentence understanding, and discourse processing. Prereq: 601 or permission of instructor.
LINGUIST 661.01 Introduction to Sociolinguistics
Survey of approaches to the study of language in its social context: sociology of language, ethnography of speaking, discourse analysis, quantitative sociolinguistics.
LINGUIST 685 Languages in Contact
Study of the effects of language contact on the structure of involved languages, and of the characteristics of the individuals and communities involved in language contact. Prereq: One linguistic course at 500-level or above.
NELC 612 Languages and Cultures of the Middle East
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. Prereq: Permission of instructor.
NELC 648 Studies in Orality and Literature
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. Cross-listed in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures.
PSYCH 615 Psycholinguistics
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. Not open to students with credit for Linguist 615 or 671. Cross-listed in Linguistics.
PSYCH 847 Language Development
Survey of language acquisition, including phonemes, words, morphology, syntax. Considers universal grammar, linguistic input, social interaction, and statistical leaning. Training in use of CHILDES database. WI Quarter. Prereq: Graduate standing.
Social, Cultural, and Historical Studies
CLASSICS 611 Studies in Greek or Latin Epigraphy
Prereq: Permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 811. Repeatable to a maximum of 10 credit hours.
CLASSICS 712 Studies in Greek and Latin Paleography and Textual Criticism
An introduction to the skills of paleography and textual criticism. Prereq: Latin 625 or Medieval 694 or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 812.
COMP STD 585.01 CS 585 Studies in Literacy
This foundational course explores how our understanding of literacy and its relationships to ongoing societies, cultures, and social change has been challenged and revised.
COMP STD 585.01 Topics in Literacy Studies
Reconsiders the "great debates" about literacy--oral v. written, etc.--through the critical study of literacy's acquisition, practice or use, and consequences/concomitants.
COMP STD 585.02 History of Literacy
This course seeks to understand the history of literacy by examining literacy's contributions to making the modern world, and social changes' impacts on literacy.
COMP STD 648 Studies in Orality and Literature
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. Cross-listed in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures.
EDU PAES 648 Adult Literacy Education
Historical/social context of current adult basic education issues and practices related to participation, instructional processes, program planning, evaluation, and research needs.
EDU PAES 932 Adult Characteristics and Learning Theory
Examination of significant learning theories and their applicability to adult learning experiences. Prereq: 672 or permission of instructor.
EDU T&L 741 Teacher Decision-Making in Language, Literacy, and Culture: Issues Related to Diversity
Examines the analysis of literacy learning with culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
EDU T&L 803 Language and Society
Focus on the history, sociology, and the politics of national policies involving second language throughout the world.
EDU T&L 804 Trends and Issues in Language, Literacy, and Culture
Current issues such as national standards, multiple literacies, and phonic vs. whole language. Prereq: Grad standing. Required core course for LLC MA program of studies.
EDU T&L 876 Science, Mathematics, Technology and the Educated Mind
Scientific literacy, numeracy, technological literacy, societal issues and implications for education.
EDU T&L 901 Changing Perspectives in Language, Literacy, and Culture
Introductory seminar highlights interdisciplinary nature of studies in language, literacy, and culture and provides historical perspective for theoretical shifts that influence research and teaching.
EDU T&L 903 Teaching/Learning in Language, Literacy, and Culture
Examines constructivist and sociocultural theories and approaches to teaching and learning. Epistemological roots, historical perspectives and approaches underlying these theories will be examined. Prereq: 901.
EDU T&L 905 Research Methodologies in Language, Literacy, and Culture
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 925.56 Drama, Language Arts, Literature and Reading Education
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.
EDU T&L 930 Literacy Research and Issues of Diversity in the Classroom
Examines literacy research and diversity issues (language and cultural factors) that influence classroom and school evaluations, instruments and instructional practices.
ENG 570 Introduction to the History of English
A study of the historical development of English giving attention to social factors associated with language changes in the phonology, morphology, syntax, lexicon, and discourse structure. Prereq: 10 credit hours of English at 200 or 300 level or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 274.
ENG 770.03 The Ethnography of Communication
Ethnographic approaches to social interaction and performance; the speech community; the communicative economy. Prereq: Graduate standing.
ENG 774 History of the English Language
The historical development of English and its place among the world's languages; emphasis on inner history and outer matrix.
ENG 883 Studies in Literacy Examination of the meanings of the term "literacy" and the historical, cognitive, social, economic, artistic, and political consequences of these definitions.
2 2-hr cl. Prereq: Grad standing in English or permission of instructor. Repeatable to a maximum of 15 cr hrs.
ENG 884 Seminar in Literacy Studies: Past and Present
From the invention of alphabets to the electronic age: literacy's relationships with social, cultural, political, and economic changes; impacts and significance for individuals and collectives. Sp Qtr. 2 2-hr cl. Prereq: Grad standing or permission of instructor. Repeatable to a maximum of 10 cr hrs. Cross-listed with History 775.
GEO 652 Cities, Cultures, and the Political Geography Difference
Geographies of meaning and difference in cities: meanings of the built environment, situated cultural politics, geographies of race, gender, and sexual identifies, multicultural cities.
MEDIVAL 611 History of the Book Studies
Course will study the construction and transmission of books during the era of the hand press (c. 1450 - 1800). Topics will include the medieval manuscript tradition, the advent of printing in Europe, the manual construction of books as material objects, book illustration, the marketing of books within the European book trade, reading habits, and censorship. Students will also consider broader cultural issues concerning orality, literacy, visuality, and artifactuality. This course is suitable to advanced undergraduate and graduate students in all fields.
NELC 648 Studies in Orality and Literature
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. Cross-listed in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures.
WOM STDS 540 Studies in Women of Color Writing Culture
Interdisciplinary feminist study of selected historical and cultural movements through writing by women of color; topics vary by genre and by era. Prereq: 10 credit hours of women's studies course work or permission of instructor. Repeatable to a maximum of 10 credit hours.
Visual, Spatial, Arts and Performance
ART 694 Group Studies
Group studies for students in specialized programs. SU,AU,WI,SP. Prereq: Permission of instructor.
ART EDU 635 Photography Criticism
Readings, lectures, and discussions dealing with the study and practice of photographic criticism to facilitate and enrich the understanding of criticism and photography. SP. Prereq: Junior standing of above, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for Art 635. Cross-listed with Art.
DANCE 820 Labanotation
Five-week study of motif writing/description and five-week elementary course in Labanotation.
DANCE 821 Labanotation II
Continuation of 820. Prereq: 820 or permission of instructor
DANCE 822 Labanotation III
Prereq: 821
DANCE 823 Labanotation IV
Prereq: 822 or equivalent. Repeatable to a maximum of 20 credit hours.
DESIGN 570 Introduction to Image Graphics Techniques
Provides exposure to digital image capture, representation and manipulation from a design perspective. Not open to majors in design.
DESIGN 571 Fundamentals of 3D Design Visualization
Concepts of 3D modeling, rendering and animation for visualizing design forms. Prereq: 230 or permission of instructor. Not open to design majors.
DESIGN 573 Fundamentals of Multimedia Design
Electronic communication techniques related to the web and interactivity; web design and technology principles. Prereq: 230 or permission of instructor. Not open to design majors.
DESIGN 673 Interactive Visual Communication: Strategies for Web Communication
Application of visual communication design principles to interactive interface design and navigational elements. Prereq: 461.02 or equivalent, or permission of instructor.
EDU P&L 825 Visualizing the Curriculum
Investigates questions relating to visual literacy with emphasis on the design and use of images in educational settings.
GEO 652 Cities, Cultures, and the Political Geography Difference
Geographies of meaning and difference in cities: meanings of the built environment, situated cultural politics, geographies of race, gender, and sexual identifies, multicultural cities.
MEDIVAL 611 History of the Book Studies
Course will study the construction and transmission of books during the era of the hand press (c. 1450 - 1800). Topics will include the medieval manuscript tradition, the advent of printing in Europe, the manual construction of books as material objects, book illustration, the marketing of books within the European book trade, reading habits, and censorship. Students will also consider broader cultural issues concerning orality, literacy, visuality, and artifactuality. This course is suitable to advanced undergraduate and graduate students in all fields.
WOM STDS 576 Women and Visual Cultures of Latin America
Analysis of Latin American women visual artists of 20th and 21st centuries, with emphasis on contemporary feminist theories of visual culture. Prereq: 10 credit hours of women's studies course work or permission of instructor.
Science, Technology, Health, and Medicine
COMP STD 730 Theorizing Science and Technology
Introduction to comparative and cultural studies of science and technology.
COMP STD 597.01 Global Studies of Science and Technology U 5
Explores relations among culture, science, and technology in changing global contexts.Prereq: Completion of GEC second writing course, quantitative and logicalskills requirement, and natural science sequence; or permission of instructor; 367.02 recommended. Not open to students with credit for 597
EDU T&L 876 Science, Mathematics, Technology and the Educated Mind
Scientific literacy, numeracy, technological literacy, societal issues and implications for education.
PSYCH 503 Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
A study of cognitive processes from an information processing perspective; including attention, memory, language representation, reasoning, problem solving, and others. Prereq: 320 or 321, or Statistics 145 or 245, and 310 or 312, or permission of instructor.
PSYCH 513 Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience
Examination of the neuroscientific approach to the study of cognition; primary focus on the psychobiology of memory, attention, language, and spatial orientation.
PSYCH 615 Psycholinguistics
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. Not open to students with credit for Linguist 615 or 671. Cross-listed in Linguistics.
PSYCH 617 Neural Network Models in Psychology
Basic principles of neural network modeling and their applications in perception, memory, and language. Prereq: 221, or 321 and 608, or graduate standing or permission of instructor; calculus and matrix algebra; and working knowledge of PC or Macintosh computer.
PSYCH 808 Survey of Behavioral Neuroscience III
Behavioral neuroscience of cognition, learning, memory, and language. Topics include cognitive neurosciences and neuropsychology, cortical functions, consequences of brain damage, and the dementias. Prereq: 807.
PSYCH 847 Language Development
Survey of language acquisition, including phonemes, words, morphology, syntax. Considers universal grammar, linguistic input, social interaction, and statistical leaning. Training in use of CHILDES database. WI Quarter. Prereq: Graduate standing.
