Course Descriptions By Program
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SEC210 - Introduction to Secondary Education
An entry-level course for prospective teachers designed to begin their professional development. Different instructional activities will allow the student to become proficient in the theories of modern secondary education instructional development, basic history and philosophy of secondary education and of pedagogy in general.
SEC220 - Standards-Based Education
The Pennsylvania Standards Aligned System (SAS) is a collaborative product of research and good practice that identifies six distinct elements which, if utilized together, will provide schools and districts a common framework for continuous school and district enhancement and improvement. There are many intangible components; however, research supports the notion that great schools and school systems tend to have six common elements that ensure Student Achievement: Clear Standards, Fair Assessments, Curriculum Framework, Instruction, Materials & Resources, and Interventions.
SEC310 - Instructional Strategies in Secondary Education
This course will allow the secondary education major to explore and develop many instructional strategies and methodologies that are accepted as valid. Instructional activities will allow the student to become proficient in the theories of modern secondary education instructional development, basic history and philosophy of secondary education and of pedagogy in general. Students will participate in observation at selected field sites, grades 7 – 12. Students will continue development of their professional portfolio.
SEC350 - Content Area Literacy
The purpose of this course is to help the prospective teachers of the secondary education academic subject areas develop an understanding and appreciation of the necessary reading skills needed by their students. Methods of establishing awareness of general reading needs as well as the special skills unique to their subject area will be stressed.
SEC360 - Technology Integration in Secondary Education
The purpose of this course is to help the teacher candidates learn how to effectively analyze, select, and integrate current educational technologies into the design, implementation and assessment of learning experiences to engage a diverse student population. The course includes collaboration with teachers in a field experience setting to develop applications for technology for learning.
SEC391 - Teaching of Art
This course is designed to provide insight into the teaching of general art, art history, ceramics, crafts, drawing, painting, and printmaking in grades K through 12. Students become aware of and use the resources and methods of instruction for teaching art at the elementary and secondary levels.
SEC392 - Teaching of English and Communications
This course is designed to provide insight into the teaching of general English, writing, literature, public speaking, communication, media and theater in grades 7 through 12. Students become aware of and use the resources and methods of instruction for teaching English and Communications at the secondary level.
SEC393 - Teaching of Foreign Languages
This course is designed to provide insight into the teaching of foreign language acquisition and cultural courses in grades K through 12. Students become aware of and use the resources and methods of instruction for teaching languages and cultures at the secondary level.
SEC394 - Teaching of Mathematics
This course is designed to provide insight into the teaching of general mathematics, algebra, geometry, probability, and statistics in grades 7 through 12. Students become aware of and use the resources and methods of instruction for teaching mathematics at the secondary level.
SEC395 - Teaching of Science
This course is designed to provide insight into the teaching of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, and Physics in grades 7 through 12. Students become aware of and use the resources and methods of instruction for teaching science at the secondary level.
SEC396 - Teaching of Social Studies
This course is designed to provide insight into the teaching of general social studies, history, political science, geography, economics, anthropology, psychology, and world cultures in grades 7 through 12. Students become aware of and use the resources and methods of instruction for teaching social studies at the secondary level.
SEC400 - Classroom Management
This course will allow the Secondary Education teacher education candidate to explore different instructional methodologies and classroom management plans, from the physical set-up of the classroom, classroom rules to procedures for dealing with problem students in your classroom. It includes issues related to adolescent development and school safety.
SEC420 - Assessments & Interventions
Part of this course is designed to provide insight into the design, implementation, and analysis of assessment instruments used in 7-12 education. The second part of this course is to allow the secondary education candidate to become aware of, and to gain experience in, the contemporary interventions that teachers use to prevent, minimize, or eliminate negative behaviors in the classroom.
SEC460 - Professional Practices in Secondary Education
The development and refinement of contemporary pedagogical skills constitute the primary learning purpose for student teachers. Specific teacher-learning skills that are developed are lesson planning, delivery methods, organizational procedures, class control, and educational measurement and evaluation. An integral component of the student teaching experience is a bi-weekly class. The class serves as a means of coordinating activities and exchanging ideas and experiences of the student teachers.
SEC461 - Student Teaching
This is the final and most extensive clinical experience. Students are assigned to a supervising teacher or teaching team at one of our clinical sites. The students spend full time in classroom teaching for a semester of 15 weeks.