Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | 48-51 | |
| Lutheran/Christian Teacher Certification Major | 62 | |
| Public Education Major | 56 | |
| Minor | 18-21 | |
| + Electives as needed to reach 120 credits | ||
| Total | 120 - 129 | |
NOTE: Check with the Chair of the Elementary/Middle Education Department for possible changes in the major
Core Curriculum - 48-51 Credits
Concordia Common Core - 18-21 Credits
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Theology - Public Education | ||
| REL 1000 |
The Bible
This course is an overview of the Bible intended to acquaint the student with its background, content, and messages. This introductory course satisfies the core curriculum requirement for Bible content for students who are not in a program that requires the enhanced church-work core. | 3 |
| REL 1100 |
Christian Faith
This course is an overview of Christian theology intended to acquaint the student with key theological concepts as they relate to everyday life. This introductory course satisfies the core curriculum requirement for Christian doctrine for students who are not in a program that requires the enhanced church-work core. | 3 |
| Theology - Lutheran (LTD) & Christian (CTC) | ||
| REL 2010 |
Old Testament
This course is an overview of the Old Testament intended to acquaint the student with its background, content, and messages. This introductory course satisfies the core curriculum requirement for Bible content, but students who take it must also take REL 2020 New Testament elsewhere in their programs. It is required for students in a church-work program. | 3 |
| REL 2020 |
New Testament
This course presents an overview of the New Testament intended to acquaint the student with its background, content, and messages. The New Testament is read with a focus on the life of Jesus, his teaching and miracles, death and resurrection. The other major people of New Testament are also studied through their writings, especially the apostles Paul, Peter, and John. | 3 |
| REL 2030 |
Biblical Theology
This course is a systematic study of major areas of Christian doctrine with an emphasis on what Scripture says, as well as how Lutheran doctrine reflects what Scripture teaches. This introductory course satisfies the core curriculum requirement for Christian doctrine, and is required for students in a church-work program. Note: For registration, enrollment in a church-work program or permission of the instructor is required. | 3 |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CCE 1010 |
Christian Citizen
This course serves as a Freshman Seminar and provides a common intellectual experience to all students by engaging students in important questions, discussions, and activities on responsible social action and civic engagement as a Christian citizen. The course defines citizenship broadly—-wishing to be good neighbors as well as good citizens—-while looking at citizenship from both a Christian and secular context. Based on readings and resources students will explore vocation and are encouraged to live out their vocations as student, citizen, neighbor, professional, and Christian in a thoughtful and constructive manner. As service is essential to citizenship, the course creates an opportunity for students to engage in moral discernment, active engagement and service at the local, national, and/or international level(s). This class is part of the Common Concordia Core required for all traditional students. | 3 |
| CCE 1020 |
Western Culture & Worldview
This course explores the underpinnings of Western Culture by focusing on crucial historical/cultural moments and the artifacts these civilizations produced. The Classical heritage and Christianity (at least as practiced in Europe and America) have both competed and cooperated for 2000 years, and the work in this class will highlight their interactions that define a Western Christian worldview in the present moment. Through a study of these developments, students will be able to situate themselves culturally and better engage worldviews and cultures other than their own. | 3 |
| CCE 1030 |
Western Thought & Worldview
This course is a Christ-centered reflection on the great conversation between the leading minds of Western philosophy. Mindful of Paul’s admonition to avoid captivity to ideas contrary to Christ, and equipped with the tools of logic and worldview analysis, students engage the great ideas of ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary philosophy. Along the way, students are trained to give clear definitions, to state worthwhile theses, and to defend them with cogent arguments. There is a particular emphasis on defending the merits of a biblical understanding of the world (apologetics), living a Christian life (ethics) and the relevance of philosophy (evaluating and applying worldviews) to our many vocations. This class is part of the Common Concordia Core required for all traditional students. | 3 |
| CCE 1040 |
Science & Humanity
This interdisciplinary course promotes scientific literacy by developing student understanding of how the natural sciences, social sciences, and technology are practiced, while at the same time providing the foundation for the required lab sciences and social sciences courses. By focusing on both the natural and social sciences, students will learn the types of questions asked by each, the ways knowledge is acquired in each, and how to evaluate the claims made by each. The increased impact of computer science (modelling, algorithms, big data) on science and society will also be covered. Ethical considerations of the uses of scientific knowledge form a key part of this course.
| 3 |
| Liberal Arts Dimensions - 30 Credits | ||
| ENG 1040 |
Introduction to Writing
This course is designed for the student with a good background in writing, focuses on the process of written expression, and gives practice in dealing with the various modes of discourse from free writing through research. | 3 |
| Communication and Language Elective | 3 | |
| Faith and Life Elective: Any course with REL prefix above REL 2030 | 3 | |
| ED 1102 |
Foundations of Education
This course is a critical examination of the forces that have shaped formal and informal education, especially as they affect American urban education. The course will review historical, philosophical, theological, social, scientific, and technological contributions that have influenced the American educational system. From this foundation, students will be encouraged to explore contemporary issues in American education as they consider their future roles in the teaching profession. This course will be taught with computer technology integrated throughout the course. This course serves as the first required professional course for teaching education students at Concordia University Wisconsin. | 3 |
| HHP 1100 |
Stewardship of the Body
This course explores how physical activity and exercise enhance wellness in our lives. | 1 |
| HHP Activity Course | 1 | |
| Human Creativity and Expression: Art, Music, Theater, Literature or Graphic Design activity course | 3 | |
| MATH 1190 |
Number Sense: Teaching Pre K-9
This course is the first course in a two-course sequence that presents an integrated approach to mathematics content and methods appropriate for early childhood, elementary, and middle school pre-service teachers. Emphasis is on constructing knowledge through problem solving, communication, reasoning, connecting mathematical ideas, representation, and generalization. Pre-service teachers will develop their conceptual understanding of ‘‘number’’. Specific number sense topics include numeration systems, number theory, concepts of numbers and operations (whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals, percents, and ratios), estimation, and proportional reasoning. Preservice teachers will invent strategies to solve computations. | 3 |
| MATH 1200 |
Data & Space: Teaching Pre K-9
This course is the second course in a two-course sequence that presents an integrated approach to mathematics content and methods appropriate for early childhood, elementary, and middle school pre-service teachers. Emphasis is on constructing knowledge through problem solving, communication, reasoning, connecting mathematical ideas, representation, and generalization. Pre-service teachers will develop their conceptual understanding of ‘‘uncertainty’’ and ‘‘geometry’’. Topics include collecting, representing and analyzing data; concepts of chance; strategies for determining probability of events; functions; properties of 2-D and 3-D figures; transformations, similarity and symmetries; measurement systems; perimeter, area, volume, and surface area; and topology. | 3 |
| SCI 1100 |
Introduction to Life and Physical Sciences
This course provides education and athletic training students with an understanding of the nature of science and how it coheres with a Christian worldview. Inquiry-based experiences in physical, life, earth space, and environmental sciences reinforce content areas and practices addressed by state and national science standards. Laboratory course. | 4 |
| ED 1103 |
Human Relations for Teachers
This course is an interaction laboratory course designed to help candidates improve their interpersonal relationship skills and acquire competence in facilitating human relations activities in the classroom. Candidates will examine their attitudes and values toward and improve their techniques in working with learners, parents, colleagues, and community and minority groups. This course serves as an introduction of human relations' components to education majors.
| 3 |
| Note: Two writing intensive courses are required for graduation. Electives may be added if under 120 credits. | 0/3 | |
Elementary Education Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education Curriculum | ||
| Theoretical Component | ||
| ED 1230 |
Nature of the Exceptional Child
This course is designed to introduce the education student to a study of the major characteristics of all disabilities and gifted students as defined by state and federal law in order to provide for their needs in the general education classroom. The course provides significant foundational theories and practices for understanding special education as a discipline, legal requirements for Special Education services including IEPs, and rights and responsibilities of parents, teachers, other professionals and schools related to children with exceptional needs. Students learn about characteristics of learners, assessments used to diagnose them, support services, and how to create instructional and behavioral strategies for exceptional learners in the general education classroom. This course includes a field experience component. | 3 |
| ED 1231 |
Best Practices in Engaging Children in Literacy
This course presents an overview of texts for children - early childhood through the early adolescent years - along with criteria for making appropriate literature selections. Attention is also given to authors and illustrators and the awards presented by various committees. Practical strategies for stimulating children’s interest in books will also be discussed. Additionally, students will also explore social issues as related to literature and develop an understanding of critical literary theories. | 3 |
| ED 1275 |
Human Learning
This course explores theories of human development, learning, and motivation from a brain-based perspective. Students will be actively engaged in the learning process through a variety of assignments and activities including clinicals, presentations, reflections, and other experiences to enhance understanding and application of brain-based learning theory in the classroom. This course includes a field experience component. | 3 |
| ED 4411 |
The Profession and Ethics of Teaching
This course is the capstone course of the education program, ideally taken just prior to student teaching. This course emphasizes key tenets of the profession: school law; ethics and judgment of educators, including conflict mediation and resolution; legal responsibilities of teachers; finding and securing a meaningful job, including the Call process to a Lutheran school; and ongoing professional development. | 3 |
| Seminar and Experiential Components (pass/fail) | ||
| ED 1000 |
Orientation Seminar
This course is a seminar for education majors who have not yet obtained Upper Division Status. This course orients students to the education program and the process of achieving Upper Division Status. Major components include an introduction to clinical experiences and program requirements. Students should register for ED 1000 their first semester in the education program and must pass this course. This course is pass/fail. | 0 |
| ED 2000 |
UDS Seminar
This course is a seminar for education majors who have obtained or are working toward obtaining Upper Division Status (UDS). UDS seminar orients students to required content knowledge exams, pre-student teaching, and completing degree requirements. Students should register for ED 2000 during the semester in which they plan to complete Portfolio II and apply for UDS. | 0 |
| ED 3000 |
Student Teaching Seminar
This course is a seminar for education majors who are preparing for the student teaching experience. Major components include Portfolio III, requirements and information for the student teaching experience, and edTPA. Students should register for ED 3000 in the semester prior to their planned student teaching experience. | 0 |
| Practical Component | ||
| ED 2204 |
The Art & Science of Teaching Reading
This course examines the science, research, and methodology behind literacy instruction. Effective literacy instruction involves an acute understanding of the reading process, which includes oral language development, concepts of print, phonological awareness, phonics/decoding, vocabulary, word knowledge, fluency, and comprehension. Pre-service teachers will assume responsibility for understanding this complex process and delivering an effective instruction using varied instructional approaches, curricular materials, and assessment tools. The results of successful instruction are readers who possess not only basic reading skills but also the ability to read for multiple purposes, including other curricular areas. This course will also consider how to support the reading development of English Language Learners, students with disabilities, students from low socioeconomic status, and students from diverse backgrounds. The practicum component of this course enables students to put some of these strategies and skills into teaching practice. ED 2204 and ED 2358 meet the requirements for Wisconsin Act 20 Reading and Language Arts compliance. | 3 |
| ED 2252 |
Best Practices in Engaging Adolescents in Literacy
This course provides an introduction to a variety of strategies for presenting adolescent literature in the classroom. The course includes an overview of genres along with an introduction to important early texts, as well as current adolescent/young adult texts appropriate for classroom use. Students will explore the issues of diversity, censorship, and privacy within relevant family and community situations. Attention is also given to authors in the field and also will identify criteria for selecting award-winning books. | 3 |
MATH 3130 |
Math in the Middle School
This course investigates methods and content appropriate for teaching mathematics to middle school students using the Common Core State Standards, Standards for Mathematical Practice Standards, and Content Standards, as a framework. Emphasis is placed on the application of mathematics in the STEM areas (science, technology, and engineering). Additionally, it provides real-world lesson planning and teaching experience. | |
| ED 2348 |
Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Play, Creativity, & Learning
This course prepares pre-service educators to implement developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate teaching approaches that enhance young children’s development and creative expression, with an emphasis on the nature and functions of play. Students explore current trends through the lens of established educational theory and research-based best practices. Topics such as planning and assessment, emergent curriculum, early childhood environments, and the use of centers are considered from a whole child development perspective. In this class, students explore, observe, and develop strategies to meet the social, emotional, physical, cognitive, spiritual, literacy, and executive functioning needs of diverse learners at each stage of development. Special emphasis is placed on the study of creativity as a central force in early childhood learning and development. This course prepares pre-service educators to consider how young children use various forms of creative expression including visual art, music, movement, storytelling, and dramatic play; and to provide developmentally appropriate classrooms and integrated play-based opportunities for young learners.
| 3 |
| ED 2358 |
Emergent Writing: Birth to Grade 3
This course examines the development of children as writers from ages birth to grade 3. This course includes a study of children’s language development, specifically the relationship between language and writing, stages of writing development, supporting the child as a writer through Writer's Workshops and Writing Conferences. The course explores the use of writing as a way to communicate to a variety of audiences for multiple, authentic purposes. A deep understanding of the process writing approach is developed through course work. The course will examine current research and instructional strategies. ED 2204 and ED 2358 meet the requirements for Wisconsin Act 20 Reading and Language Arts compliance. | 2 |
| ED 3400 |
Creativity for the Whole Child
This course is a study of creativity as a central force in early childhood learning and development (ages birth to age 8). With a strong emphasis on the visual arts, music, dance, movement, dramatic play, illustration, storytelling, and bookmaking; students are prepared to provide developmentally appropriate and integrated opportunities for young learners to be creative. Students will learn how to design meaningful and developmentally appropriate experiences that inspire imagination, curiosity, and joy in young children. Through exploration, reflection, and practice, students will develop the skills to create classrooms where creativity fuels discovery, where children see themselves in the world around them, and where every subject comes alive through the lens of creativity and imagination. | 2 |
| ED 3401 |
Reading Strategies for Engagement and Growth
This course provides students with multiple reading and learning strategies to use across the curriculum. Theoretical models of reading and instructional approaches to the teaching of reading are reviewed, including developmentally appropriate instructional methods for teaching phonics and spelling, and assessments for instruction and accountability. Students will learn evidence-based instructional methods for:
concepts of print, phonological awareness, phonics, word recognition, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.
| 3 |
| "The BLOCK" | ||
| Take these courses during the same semester | ||
| ED 4301 |
Data Driven Analysis of Classroom Practice
This course examines the research and methodology behind classroom management practices. It encourages the development of a personal philosophy to plan, implement, and assess the management, instruction, and student achievement occurring within a classroom. The course examines the use of formative assessment as a means for both developing and extending student understanding. Further, the course addresses a comprehensive framework for teaching that includes preparation, classroom environment, instruction, and professional responsibilities. | 2 |
| ED 4302 |
School, Family, & Community Partnerships
This course will focus on the broader function of the school within the community. The course highlights successful approaches for developing partnerships with community stakeholders, including the parents of students. Additionally, research and innovative partnership models will be explored. | 1 |
| ED 4303 |
Advanced Methods of Teaching Language Arts K-9
This course explores materials and methods in the study of the communication skills: speaking, listening, writing, and reading, and their interrelationships. Research-based practices in teaching students the many different types of literacy and becoming confident and independent readers and writers is emphasized. | 3 |
| ED 4304 |
Advanced Methods of Teaching Mathematics K-9
This course explores content, materials and strategies for teaching and assessing elementary and middle school mathematics. Current research in mathematics education and curriculum development is emphasized. Pre-service teachers will teach mathematics in local schools and develop a philosophy for teaching mathematics. | 3 |
| ED 4305 |
Advanced Methods of Teaching Science and Environment K-9
This course provides the Elementary (K-9) educator with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for facilitating scientific inquiry, developing STEM literacy, and promoting critical reasoning skills in Elementary learners. Through the lens of research-based best practices, this course addresses inquiry-based and playful exploration, cooperative learning experiences, a notice and wonder model, integration with other curricular areas, and how Elementary scientists construct evidence-based explanations about real-world phenomena. Specific emphasis is placed on Environmental Education and a consideration of place-based learning as essential for the Elementary learner. Students develop concepts about key content and skills of scientific inquiry; and use this information in planning, assessing, implementing, differentiating, and revising instructional strategies for diverse learners. | 3 |
| ED 4306 |
Advanced Methods of Teaching Social Studies K-9
This course examines the research and methodology behind successful social studies instruction at the elementary/middle level. The course introduces students to curriculum planning, methods, and materials in teaching social studies. Further, the course is designed to help you prepare to teach diverse populations of students. This course will develop your understandings of the thinking, reading, and writing required in the study of social studies and how to integrate literacy goals within your instruction. Teaching social studies at the elementary and middle school levels allows students to develop their inquiry, critical thinking, problem solving, and literacy skills. Locating and using resources is an integral component of social studies instruction. Included in this course are topics that address instructional philosophies, instructional strategies, assessment techniques, resource materials, and technology. Further, this course is designed to broaden one’s content knowledge in history, geography, economics, behavioral science, and political science as these key areas are essential for providing meaningful experiences for elementary/middle level students.
| 3 |
| Student Teaching Component | ||
| ED 4451 |
Grade K-9 Student Teaching
This course serves as the culminating clinical experience for students pursuing a teaching license for elementary and middle school (K-9). Teacher candidates are mentored in the responsibilities and expectations of K-9 educators through observations, reflections, discussions, and participation in professional development meetings. | 12 |
| ED 4412 |
Portfolio Completion - Elementary
This course includes the culminating portfolio presentation that provides verification that the teacher candidate has completed all Elementary Education program and Wisconsin licensure requirements. The final portfolio presentation provides evidence of the teacher candidate’s proficiency in and application of the Wisconsin Teaching Standards with artifacts from student teaching. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction can change licensure requirements at any time, so students should consider applying for the license shortly after receiving endorsement. Students will enroll concurrently in ED 4421 and/or ED 4422. | 1 |
| Lutheran (LCMS Members) Teacher Diploma Requirements | ||
| ED 2306 |
Teaching the Faith
This course helps the student develop knowledge of resources and skills necessary to teach religion in the elementary or secondary classroom. This course is required for Lutheran education majors. Students will explore theological, relational, social, and educational issues related to teaching the faith. While focusing upon topics and issues related to a Lutheran school setting, much of what is explored will be useful as one considers present and future vocations in parish, family or other educational settings. Note: Completion of Core theology courses is a requirement prior to taking this class. | 3 |
| REL 4000 |
Lutheran Confessions
This course is an overview of the historical background and major teachings of the documents of The Book of Concord, the confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Students will explore the confessional heritage of the Lutheran tradition as expressed in the ancient creeds and in confessions of the Lutheran Reformation, which serve as norm for contemporary teaching and practice among Lutherans and as a model for confessing the faith today. | 3 |
| Christian Teacher Certification Requirements | ||
| ED 2306 |
Teaching the Faith
This course helps the student develop knowledge of resources and skills necessary to teach religion in the elementary or secondary classroom. This course is required for Lutheran education majors. Students will explore theological, relational, social, and educational issues related to teaching the faith. While focusing upon topics and issues related to a Lutheran school setting, much of what is explored will be useful as one considers present and future vocations in parish, family or other educational settings. Note: Completion of Core theology courses is a requirement prior to taking this class. | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
REL 4000 |
Lutheran Confessions
This course is an overview of the historical background and major teachings of the documents of The Book of Concord, the confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Students will explore the confessional heritage of the Lutheran tradition as expressed in the ancient creeds and in confessions of the Lutheran Reformation, which serve as norm for contemporary teaching and practice among Lutherans and as a model for confessing the faith today. | |
REL 3860 |
Law and Gospel in the Life of the Church
Law and Gospel in the Life of the Church leads the student to see more clearly the significance of two major Christian doctrines and the correct relationship between them for a Christian’s life. Sections of Scripture, of the Lutheran Confessions, and of current theological literature are analyzed in the light of these fundamental teachings. | |
REL 3500 |
A Survey of Christian Thought
A Survey of Christian Thought examines how Christians have probed and presented the mystery and majesty of God's interaction with human beings, from early Christian writers to modern theologians. With a focus on close reading of primary sources, discussion, and writing, this course familiarizes students with some of the most influential thinkers of Christianity, allowing them to explore themes that have fascinated generations of Christians through the centuries. | |
PHIL 3250 |
Christian Apologetics
This course is an introduction to the art of defending the truth claims of the Christian faith. Students learn the biblical warrant for apologetics, the merits of rival methodologies, and study philosophical, scientific, and historical evidences. They are equipped to respond to the skeptical challenges of atheism and the contrary claims of rival religions. | |
PHIL 3340 |
Christ and Culture
This course examines the interaction between the Christian and the surrounding culture in both Western and non-Western settings. The classic typology of H. Richard Niebuhr is presented and critically evaluated. The implications of the doctrines of vocation and of the two kingdoms are explored. Public theology is defined, and students learn to appreciate the distinctive approaches to public theology within different denominations. A wide range of contemporary issues facing the Christian is studied. Throughout the course, there is particular emphasis of the merits of the Lutheran “paradox” model for interaction with culture, along with due consideration of the strengths and weaknesses of other models. | |
- 1
SCI 1100 Introduction to Life and Physical Sciences is recommended
- 2
Course Requires Upper Division Status
- 3
Course for the content GPA
- 4
ED 2252 Best Practices in Engaging Adolescents in Literacy and MATH 3130 Math in the Middle School are part of the English, Social Studies, Math, and Science Minors and Concentrations.
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Approved Minors
Elementary/Middle Education (Grades 4K-9)
Elementary Education majors are strongly encouraged to complete at least one concentration, certificate, minor, or an additional licensable major. Students with an interest in teaching at the middle school level are strongly encouraged to select a concentration or minor for the subject area that they would prefer to teach in a middle school setting.
Concentrations
- K-9 English Concentration
- K-9 Mathematics Concentration
- K-9 Social Studies Concentration
- K-9 STEM Concentration
- Special Education Concentration
Certificate
- Compassion Care Certificate
Minors
- Adaptive Education (licensable)
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Theology
Alternatives to the concentrations, certificates, and minors listed above include an additional major in special education or early childhood (please see the Elementary/Middle Regular and Cross-Categorical Special Education Dual Certificate Program or Early Childhood and Elementary Education Dual Major requirements).