Foundations | 9 Units
Applied Linguistics
Discussion of the concepts, principles, theories and research in selected major areas of linguistic studies. Focus is on language structure and language use (including the structure of English) and first- and second-language development.
Structure of American English
An increased awareness of the phonology, morphology, and syntax of contemporary American English through observation of the structure of language. Traditional and structural and generative transformational grammar, phonology, usage, and dialect are major topics.
Select one of the following four courses:
Discourse, Pragmatics and Language Teaching
Examination of several approaches to discourse analysis and pragmatics with application to the teaching of language arts, foreign languages and ESL. Emphasis mainly on oral communication with some work in approaches to teaching writing.
Theory and Methods in Bilingual Cross-Cultural Education
Examination and discussion of the theories and methods of bilingual/cross-cultural education in the United States in general, and California in particular. Course focuses on these aspects of bilingual education: historical development, legal evolution and bases, and empowerment and deficit issues; program types, characteristics, and effectiveness; placement of students in instructional programs; and instructional strategies.
Anthropology and Sociolinguistics
Study of the origin and development of language; the relation between language and culture; language and society; language diversity; language mobility and social theory. Implications of anthropology and sociolinguistics as well as the importance of language for all our public and social institutions are considered. Course aims to disambiguate the processes of communication, speech, nonverbal language and culture.
Language and Culture
Examination of the relationship between language and culture from a cross-cultural perspective. Focus on aspects of culture reflected in language and language use.
Methods | 6 Units
Teaching English as a Second Language
Examination of theory and methods of instruction for English language development and theory and methods of specifically designed academic instruction delivered in English. Language and content area assessment are also covered.
Preparation and Evaluation of ESL Instructional Materials
Discussion of the various commercial materials available to the ESL teacher: books, tapes, machines, kits, etc. Focus on evaluation of these and teacher-prepared materials.
Culture | 3 Units
Select one of the following courses:
Multicultural Curriculum and Instruction
Study of curricular and instructional guidelines for implementing multicultural education in pre-school and K-12 programs with provisions for post secondary multicultural education. Instructional and learning strategies cover planning, implementing, and evaluating classroom processes and materials in meeting specific and unique needs of students coming from diverse educational, cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Intergroup Similarities and Differences
Examination of similarities and differences in cultures and the implication for intergroup relations and communications. Identifies similarities and differences within and across groups. Course covers study of Asians, Europeans, Hispanics, African-Americans, Native Americans and mainstream Americans.
Pan-African Language and Culture
Educational equity demands that there be a systematic effort to provide an understanding of the linguistic, cultural and communication history of African descent Americans. This course seeks to provide some first steps toward that understanding.
Cross-Cultural Literacy
Examination of culture; its nature and manifestations, and the changing demographics and cultural diversity that make up California. Attention is given to aspects of culture that teachers should learn about their students, ways to learn about their students' cultures, and ways teachers can use cultural knowledge, cultural contact, and cultural diversity in California, and the U.S.
Introduction to the Study of Immigration, Migration, Refugees and Exiles
Study of immigration, migration, refugee status and their international dimensions. This course will seek to embark upon a more functional, applied understanding of who we are and who they are, as well as how we may enhance the educational experiences of newcomers from all parts of the world.
Asian Americans: History, Culture and Contemporary Issues
Study of the historical background and the early immigrant experience in the U.S.; their culture-traditional and contemporary; the socio-economic, political, educational and legal development of major Asian immigrant groups, including their contributions to American society; changes and adaptations made; and contemporary issues. Covers Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Asian Indian and the Vietnamese refugees.
The Educator as Author: Writing for Children and Adolescents
In a highly literate society writing conveys leadership and power. Modeling is a very effective teaching tool. By becoming authors themselves, educators can best inspire and guide their students to discover the joy and self-realization inherent in writing. They can also contribute to the wealth of literature for children and young adults in contemporary topics and issues of cultural identity, peace, equality and social justice.
Teaching Through Literature for Children and Adolescents
The good literature written for children and adolescents is one of the greatest educational gifts society has to offer any child in our schools. The awareness of the significant role good literature can play in the curriculum has continued to grow. This course offers an opportunity to learn how literature can be best used to support multiple educational goals.
Language and Culture
Examination of the relationship between language and culture from a cross-cultural perspective. Focus on aspects of culture reflected in language and language use.
Ethnicity and Cultural Identity
Critical examination of concepts of ethnicity beginning with the origin and development of notions of assimilation through melting pot notions to concepts of a pluralistic society. The roles that ethnicity and cultural identity play in education in particular, and society in general, will be explored. Basic definitions of Culture, Ethnicity and Identity will be developed.
Education for Inclusion
Exploration of Paulo Freire's philosophy of education and the educational history and needs of oppressed populations in the U.S. and other nations.
Latin American Thought and Society
The evaluation of the philosophical thought and ideological trends in Latin America from colonial times to the present. An analysis of present structures of Latin American society and the prevailing cultural values. Sections may be offered in Spanish.
African American Educational History in the United States
Course provides factual, functional information regarding the educational history of African ancestry Americans in the contiguous United States. Prior African educational history will be discussed to provide a framework for the consideration of the educational status of Black Americans today. African education in the diaspora, specifically the American Diaspora. Contemporary scholars perspectives on African American educational history and the conditions extant will be explored.
Digital Media and Learning Courses | 12 Units
Students with an emphasis in Digital Media and Learning are required to take four Digital Media and Learning courses.
Master's Field Project | 3 Units
TESL Field Project
Development of a comprehensive project in teaching or research.
