Course Descriptions

For Master of Science in Education: Emphasis in Special Education course descriptions, please consult the EDUC 5400 Professional Level II series classes listed under Teaching Credentials – San Rafael campus in Graduate Degree Programs section of this Catalog. 

EDUC 5900  Research Methodologies in Education (3 units)

Introduction to necessary components and important issues related to conducting educational research, Emphasis on developing skills necessary to critique  research and to design research related to areas of interest. Prerequisite for EDUC 5901 Proposal Development. Fall, Spring Semesters; Summer Sessions. Hybrid: online and face-to face format. 

EDUC 5901  Proposal Development (3 units)

Introduction to proposal design. Students design a research proposal and submit it for review as a prerequisite to Directed Research for candidates in the MS in Education: Curriculum and Instruction. Prerequisite for EDUC 5998 Directed Research. Fall, Spring Semesters; Summer Sessions. Hybrid, online and face-to face format. 

EDUC 5910  Leadership and Change in Education (3 units) 

Students study theories of leadership and the history of change in education. They examine ways in which they assume responsibility as an agent of change. Fall, Spring Semesters; Summer Sessions. Hybrid: online and face-to face format. 

EDUC 5920  Cultural Pluralism in Education (3 units) 

Students will examine how socio-cultural, economic and political forces along with their own perspectives about diversity influences instructional practices. The course will have a practical emphasis on identifying and redesigning curriculum that is diverse, inclusive, and respectful. Fall, Spring Semesters; Summer Sessions. Hybrid: online and face-to face format. 

EDUC 5940  Literacy Assessment and Diagnosis (3 units) 

Overview of assessment and diagnosis of literacy with a practical understanding of formal and informal measures. The class will emphasize the link between assessment and instructional planning. Included is the ability to interpret standardized tests and their role in school and community decisions. Course availability subject to enrollment.

EDUC 5941  Children and Adolescent Literature (3 units) 

Overview of procedures for evaluation and selection of literature for inclusion in instruction and a study of the literature from historical and political perspectives. Emphasis is placed on literature that represents the changing demographics of the school-age population.  Course availability subject to enrollment.

EDUC 5942  Issues in Literacy (3 units) 

Historical, psychological and cognitive aspects of literacy development will be explored. Participants will select a topic for in-depth study, noting implications of their work in assuming a leadership role, and making policy recommendations in literacy development.  Course availability subject to enrollment.

EDUC 5943  Storytelling (3 units) 

Storytelling with an emphasis on its role in the development of a literacy program. Participants analyze storytelling history and literature, learn storytelling strategies, and link their understanding to performance. The course will focus on the development of imagination and creativity as well as the development of performance skills.  Course availability subject to enrollment.

EDUC 5950  Constructivist Theories and Educational Technology (3 units)

Students examine constructivist theory and compare with other models in order to develop an understanding of the role of constructivist philosophy in creating successful models for technology-based education.  Course availability subject to enrollment.

EDUC 5951  Multimedia Use in Education: Tier 1 (3 units) 

Course of study includes introduction to computer basics, media literacy, the role of technology in instructional design, and integration of technology into teaching and learning.  Course availability subject to enrollment.

EDUC 5952  Cognition and the Art of Instruction (3 units) 

The science of the mind emerging from contemporary cognitive psychology has much to offer education. It points to ways of teaching and learning that foster deep understanding, better thinking, and the flexible and practical use of knowledge.  Course availability subject to enrollment.

EDUC 5953  Multimedia Use in Education: Tier 2 (3 units) 

Students design a unit or learning system that can be applied to a discipline within a grade level. Students develop an electronic portfolio. Course availability subject to enrollment.

EDUC 5954  Leadership of Instructional Technology Systems (3 units) 

Students learn the primacy of the network in delivering curriculum today. The course begins with an investigation into the development of the World Wide Web and its expanding role in education. The logistics of school-wide and district-wide network systems.  Course availability subject to enrollment.

EDUC 5960  Excellence in Teaching (3 units) 

This survey of qualitative and quantitative studies in teaching will acquaint educational professionals with examples of important research and the varieties of methods and perspectives being pursued. Issues will be considered such as teacher learning opportunities at the pre-service, induction, and in-service levels; intended and enacted curriculum; sources of pedagogy; and their impact on teacher’s knowledge, skills, and attitudes.  Course availability subject to enrollment.

EDUC 5961  Teachers as Teacher Educators (3 units)

Experienced teachers contribute to the professional development of novice teachers by providing theoretical and technical assistance using the California Standards for the Teaching Profession. Issues such as confidentiality, evidence based decision making, and the application of research methods to data gathering and analysis are discussed. Course availability subject to enrollment.

EDUC 5963  Leadership in Teaching (3 units) 

This course focuses upon classroom-based inquiry so that experienced teachers may intensively study the many dimensions of pedagogy and what/how students learn. Using the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, experienced teachers will examine their practice against these high and rigorous standards of accomplished teaching. They will attend to issues of learner diversity, subject-matter knowledge, and building a learning community.  Course availability subject to enrollment.

EDUC 5998  Directed Research Project (3 units) 

Please note:  Students with no outstanding Incomplete course grades may enroll in EDUC 5998.  Admission to this course is subject to final approval of a plan of study as per requirements in EDUC 5901 Proposal Development.

Open only to students who have been admitted to candidacy for the Master’s degree.  Approval by candidate’s major professor required.  Fall, Spring Semesters. Online.

EDUC 5999  Independent Study in Education (1-3 units) 

Permission of instructor required. Faculty supervision. Fall, Spring Semesters. Online.