Courses

EDUC 750/850 - Introduction to Exceptionality
Instructor: Mary Schuh, Ph.D.
Credits: 4.0
When Offered: Spring
Description: A life span perspective of the social, psychological, and physical characteristics of individuals with exceptionalities including intellectual, sensory, motor, health, and communication impairments. Includes implications for educational and human service delivery.

EDUC 754/854 - Contemporary Issues in Developmental Disabilities
Instructor: Mary Schuh, Ph.D.
Credits: 4.0
When Offered: Fall every year
Description: This course explores the meaning of disability from historical and contemporary perspectives. The influence of a variety of disability paradigms –including deviance, deficiency, pity, and diversity – on educational programs and policies will be discussed. The course is co-taught by a university faculty member and a person with a disability and numerous guest speakers who live with disability will share their perspectives on education and adult life.

EDUC 757/857 - Contemporary Issues in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Instructor: TBD
Credits: 4.0
When Offered: Fall every year
Description: The goal of this course is to enhance students’ understanding of contemporary issues related to educating students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The course is grounded in a theoretical foundation that values the perspectives of individuals with ASD in academic, research, policy, and clinical endeavors. Learning outcomes focus on strategies for identifying opportunities for learning, communication, literacy, and social relationships in a variety of inclusive environments. May be repeated up to a maximum of 8 credits. Permission required. Prerequisite: Institute on Disability Autism Summer Institute.

EDUC 760/860: Introduction to Young Children with Special Needs
Instructor: Leigh Rohde, Ph.D.
Credits:
When Offered:
Description: The developmental characteristics and socio-cultural environment of children from birth to eight years who have disabilities, developmentally delays, or are at-risk for disabling conditions will be examined.  The course presents basic information on the physiological, social, and psychological causes and consequences of disabling conditions in young children.  Major themes considered include the early identification of disabilities and delays, the roles of multidisciplinary professionals, the concerns of family members, the role of community in child development, the design of model early intervention programs, and current research in the field of early childhood special education.

This course is intended for teachers, administrators, pre-service students, allied health professionals, and others concerned with the early development of children.  It is expected that students will have some prior knowledge of child development and general characteristics of children with special needs.

EDUC 900B - Internship and Seminar/Early Childhood Education
Instructor: Leigh Rohde, Ph.D.
Credits: 3.0
When Offered: Spring
Description: A two semester, supervised internship with a weekly seminar. Admission by application.

EDUC 944 - Inclusive Curriculum for Young Children
Instructor: Leigh Rohde, Ph.D.
Credits: 4.0
When Offered: Spring
Description:This course assumes a solid understanding of child development from birth through age eight, as well as knowledge of basic principles of developmentally appropriate practices, including practices and policies associated with Response-to-Intervention, in inclusive early childhood settings.  It builds upon principles of teaching and learning as explained by understanding a constructivist theoretical interpretation of the relationship between individuals and the larger socio-cultural context.  A major premise of this course is the view of the early childhood professional as a contributor to the a) negotiation of educational goals, b) the articulation of effective and ethical pedagogical theory, and c) advocacy on behalf of all young children and their families to an early childhood education that serves them well within the context of a pluralistic society.  Embedded within this premise is the value assigned to inclusive educational environments and curricula that interpret diversity as an asset rather than a liability.

EDUC 952 - Assessment, Curriculum, Instruction, and Supports for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Instructor: TBD
Credits: 4.0
When Offered: Fall every other year
Description: This class will present a model for planning instruction and supports that promote students’ full participation and learning of the general education curriculum within an inclusive general education classroom (preschool –high school). Students will learn how to design, implement, and evaluate supports in the categories of adapted materials, assistive technology, sensory, environmental, and emotional.