Master of Arts in Teaching, MAT

Dr. Dennis Attick, Assistant Dean

DennisAttick@clayton.edu

Charles Elfer, Coordinator, History Concentration

CharlesElfer@clayton.edu

Kelli Nipper, Coordinator, Mathematics Concentration

KelliNipper@clayton.edu

Amy Sanford, Coordinator, English Concentration

AmySanford@clayton.edu

Emily Surber, Coordinator, Biology Concentration

EmilySurber@clayton.edu

Mission and Goals

The Master of Arts in Teaching is designed for individuals who hold a Bachelor’s degree in a related area to the respective concentration and/or have a provisional teaching certificate in the discipline. The initial certification program will prepare interested persons to receive a Master’s degree and provide them the opportunity to become certified to teach secondary curriculum in grades 6-12.

The program consists of content and methods courses, professional studies classes, and field-based clinical experiences. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be awarded the MAT degree.

This degree offers students opportunities:

  • to develop or hone pedagogical skills for teaching English in a high school or college setting;
  • to create meaningful connections between subject matter and teaching methods through practice and reflection of the effects on student learning;
  • to discover new approaches and materials to reach diverse learners through Clayton State’s unique resources; and,
  • to study English through eighteen hours of intensive graduate coursework in the discipline.

Teacher Education Conceptual Framework

The Master of Arts in Teaching with concentration in Secondary Education will embrace the tenets of our conceptual framework. The theme of Clayton State University’s Teacher Education Conceptual Framework is to prepare teacher candidates who become professional educators who engage in reflective practice and are competent, caring, collaborative, committed, and culturally responsive.  In particular, program graduates should be able to:

  • diagnose student needs;
  • plan for student learning;
  • facilitate student learning;
  • demonstrate appropriate content knowledge;
  • foster student well-being to promote learning; and,
  • assume the role of professional teacher.

General Requirements for Program Admission

To be considered for MAT admission, applicants must submit an application for admission to Graduate Studies at CSU. Admission to the MAT program requires an earned baccalaureate degree in the respective concentration (or a closely related field which includes at least twenty-one (21) hours of coursework) from an accredited college or university. In addition to the general requirements as outlined in this catalog, applicants:

  • Must submit a sample of at least two (2) five to ten (5-10) page upper division course writings which show potential for graduate work in English if you are applying for the English concentration.
  • All students interested in the mathematics concentration are expected to have the following undergraduate courses: Calculus I, Calculus II, Calculus III, Linear Algebra, and at least two (2) additional upper-division mathematics courses. Individuals without the required prerequisite courses are expected to complete undergraduate course work to compensate for any deficiencies. However, upper-division mathematics courses can be taken at the undergraduate or graduate level to satisfy these prerequisite requirements.
  • Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) criminal background check is required for admission to the certification program.

Applicants should contact Program Coordinators for individual program requirements.

Degree Requirements

Each student will complete 36 semester hours of MAT coursework with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. At least 27 of these credits must be taken at Clayton State University. The curriculum is generally delivered over four - 6 semesters when students follow the planned sequence, depending upon semester of entry. The MAT program is designed to provide courses and field experiences to support candidates’ educational foundation theory and knowledge during the first semester with content and pedagogical knowledge, skills, and dispositions with practica and internship experiences provided during the following semesters.  Students will also complete an action research project.

Faculty in the respective departments teach the content and methods courses; faculty from the Department of Teacher Education will teach the professional education courses.  Both faculty will supervise the clinical and internship experiences along with public school mentor teachers. Our partnership school districts will serve as collaborative sites for field experiences and internships for the certification track.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Diagnoses Learning Needs: The graduate uses a variety of assessment techniques and utilizes appropriate technologies to gather information about students and integrates this information to determine learners' strengths and areas to be developed.
  2. Plans for Student Learning: The graduate integrates knowledge of discipline content, of the nature of the learners, of learning theories, of instructional strategies and of state /local curriculum guides to plan instruction.
  3. Facilitates Student Learning: The graduate implements instructional plans with flexibility and is guided by knowledge of discipline content, of the nature of the learners, of the learning theories and of instructional strategies.
  4. Demonstrates Appropriate Knowledge: The graduate has general knowledge across a broad spectrum of liberal arts and sciences and possesses discipline specific knowledge at a level appropriate for the chosen teaching field.
  5. Fosters Student Well-being to Support Learning: The graduate interacts with students, school colleagues, parents, and agencies in the larger community to foster student well-being and learning.
  6. Assumes the Role of Professional Teacher: The graduate acts in accordance with structure, standards and responsibilities of the profession and recognizes the role of the school in supporting a democratic society.

Program Requirements

Required Education Coursework18
EDUC 5100Social & Cultural Awareness3
EDUC 5101Exceptionalities/Cognitive Dev3
EDUC 5200Curriculum & Instruction3
EDUC 5102MAT Practicum2
EDUC 5300Internship Seminar1
EDUC 5301Secondary School Internship4
EDUC 5400Action Research1
EDUC 5401Action Research1
Concentration Requirements18
Choose one concentration from the following:
Total Credit Hours36

Concentration Requirements

Biology Concentration*

Required Biology Methods Course3
BIOL 5901Methods Teach Sec Bio3
Required Biology Content Course3
BIOL 5400Science and Society3
Biology Elective Content Courses12
Choose 12 hours from the following:
Advanced Evolutionary Biology
Adv. Cell & Molecular Biology
Microbial Ecology
Special Topics in Biology
Special Topics in Biology
Special Topics in Biology
Special Topics in Biology
Conservation Biology
Plant Ecology
Research in Bio Sciences
Total Credit Hours18

English Concentration

Required English Methods Courses6
ENGL 5020Methods of Teaching English I3
ENGL 5030Methods of Teaching English II3
English Content Courses
Studies in American Literature and Culture6
Choose two from the following: 1
Great Books
Lit of the Adolescent Experien
19th Century Amer Lit&Culture
Studies in Southern Lit.
Studies Mod Amer Lit&Culture
Literature by American Women
Studies in Gender & Sexuality
African American Lit & Culture
The African American Novel
Race & Ethnicity in Literature
Modern and Contemporary Poetry
Contemporary American Lit
Modern Drama
Special Topics
Studies in British Literature and Culture6
Choose two from the following: 1
Great Books
Lit of the Adolescent Experien
Studies in Shakespeare
Studies in Renaissance Lit.
19th Century British Lit
20th/21st Century British Lit
Postcolonial Theory & Lit
Modern Drama
Special Topics
Total Credit Hours18

History Concentration

Required History Methods Course3
HIST 5601Adv. Methods Teaching History 3
History Content Courses15
Studies in United States History
Choose two or three graduate U.S. History courses totaling 6 or 9 credit hours
Studies in World History
Choose two or three graduate World History courses totaling 6 or 9 credit hours
Total Credit Hours18

Mathematics Concentration

Required Mathematics Methods Course3
MATH 5010Mod. Meth. of Teaching Math3
Mathematics Content Courses15
Choose five from the following:
History of Mathematics
Applied Algebra
Applied Statistics
Modern Geometry
Elementary Number Theory
Factoring & Primality Testing
Introductory Probability
Graph Theory
Combinatorics
Applied Combinatorics
Introduction to Analysis
Topology
Selected Topics in Mathematics
or MATH 5801
or MATH 5802
Selected Topics in Mathematics
Total Credit Hours18
*

Students must pass the Basic GACE prior to admission (unless exempt); prior to entering the internship, students must pass the GACE Biology Content Tests 026 and 027.

1

Candidates may choose ENGL 5600 Composition Theory or ENGL 5700 Response to Writing in place of up to 6 credits of Literature coursework.

Education (EDUC)

EDUC 5100. Social & Cultural Awareness (3) 

An examination of multicultural and social concerns that influence the teaching and learning process. Study current issues and trends impacting American public schools as related to preparing pre-service teachers to teach diverse learners in a cross-cultural society. Technology will be used to perform word processing, Internet research, software reviews and electronic portfolio assignments.

EDUC 5101. Exceptionalities/Cognitive Dev (3) 

A survey of basic characteristics and educational needs of learners with physical, emotional, intellectual disabilities. Additional study will concentrate on the cognitive and learning developmental aspects of teaching adolescents and young adults with a variety of abilities and disabilities. Course will focus on learning theories and models used in education. Technology will be used to conduct word processing, Internet research, software reviews and electronic portfolio assignments.

EDUC 5102. MAT Practicum (2) 

This course will be the fall semester portion of the field experiences for this program. It is designed for candidates to observe and participate in experiential learning in public school classrooms where diverse groups of adolescents are engaged in the teaching and learning process. The practicum experiences will allow candidates to observe, reflect and/or work with learners based on topics presented in EDUC 5100-5101. Candidates will be required to spend approximately ten hours per week in the field and must have proof of liability insurance to participate in the course.

Prerequisites: EDUC 5100 and EDUC 5200

EDUC 5200. Curriculum & Instruction (3) 

This course is designed to teach candidates the theory and best practices for developing and delivering instruction in high school settings. Focus will be on instructional strategies, motivational and classroom management techniques, pedagogical knowledge, skills and dispositions for effective teaching and learning, and the construction and administration of learning assessment instruments. Technology will be used to perform word processing, Internet research, software reviews and electronic portfolio assignments.

EDUC 5300. Internship Seminar (1) 

This seminar is designed to discuss common issues, concerns and successes that candidates are having as teaching interns. Some topics will include developing curriculum and instruction for diverse and special needs learners, designing and implementing thematic units using Georgia Performance Standards (GPS), using classroom management techniques, developing and using data from student assessments, interpreting standardized testing data, using instructional technology to facilitate student learning, and recognizing legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities. Technology will be used to perform word processing, Internet research, software review, and electronic portfolio assignments.

Prerequisites: EDUC 5301 (may be taken concurrently)

EDUC 5301. Secondary School Internship (4) 

This course is a clinical experience in high school settings for teaching the major concentration during the Spring semester. Candidates will be responsible for two weeks of observations and reflections before eight weeks of taking full-time responsibility for classroom instruction, and end with two final weeks of observations and reflections. School-based mentor teachers will work with interns in meeting program outcomes through teaching assignments. University field supervisors will observe and assess performance. Candidates must have proof of liability insurance to participate in course.

Prerequisites: EDUC 5300 (may be taken concurrently)

EDUC 5400. Action Research (1-2) 

This hybrid online course is part two of a two-part course in which teacher candidates develop and implement an action research project based on research, coursework, practice, and clinical experience. Here, candidates will study qualitative and quantitative research methods, practice data collection, expire the influence of researcher positionally, study research ethics and institutional review boards, and write a proposal describing their intended research project.

Prerequisites: EDUC 5300 and EDUC 5301

EDUC 5401. Action Research (1-2) 

This hybrid online course is part two of a two-part course in which teacher candidates develop and implement an action research project based on research, coursework, practice, and clinical experience. Here, candidates will study qualitative and quantitative research methods, practice data collection, expire the influence of researcher positionally, study research ethics and institutional review boards, and write a proposal describing their intended research project.

Prerequisites: EDUC 5300 and EDUC 5301

EDUC 5701. Characteristics Gifted Learner (3) 

This course is an introduction to the characteristics, development and needs of the gifted learner. Here, candidates will explore, the unique academic, cultural, social, and emotional challenges that gifted students and their teachers face; and, theories, research, and practice concerned with recognizing and developing the gifts and talents of children from diverse cultural backgrounds. The course requirements include presentations on special gifted populations and the completion of literature reviews. Also included is a history of gifted education. Students will be required to partake in field experiences.

EDUC 5800. Special Topics in Education (3) 

This course will involve a detailed examination of selected topics in the field of education.

EDUC 5801. Special Topics in Education (3) 

This course will involve a detailed examination of selected topics in the field of education.

EDUC 5802. Special Topics in Education (3) 

This course will involve a detailed examination of selected topics in the field of education.

EDUC 5803. Special Topics in Education (3) 

This course will involve a detailed examination of selected topics in the field of education.

EDUC 5804. Special Topics in Education (3) 

This course will involve a detailed examination of selected topics in the field of education.

EDUC 5805. Special Topics in Education (3) 

This course will involve a detailed examination of selected topics in the field of education.

EDUC 6999. Education Thesis Preparation (1-3) 

Thesis preparation while enrolled for a master’s degree in Education under the direction of faculty members in the Department of Teacher Education. The candidate works under the direction and advice of a thesis director to produce the thesis.

Prerequisites: EDUC 6995

Biology (BIOL)

BIOL 5380. Advanced Evolutionary Biology (3) 

This course is an advanced study of evolutionary biology including discussions of topics from recent primary literature. The course will help students develop an understanding of the current state of research in the field as well as its applications in areas of conservation biology medicine, and agriculture.

BIOL 5400. Science and Society (3) 

This course will focus on the influence of science on society from a historical and modern perspective. Exploration of societal issues and informed decision-making will be emphasized.

BIOL 5620. Microbial Ecology (3) 

This course emphasizes the roles of microorganisms in ecosystems, including, microbial physiology, nutrient cycles, methods of microbial analysis, and the functional roles of microorganisms. Laboratory component is integrated within this course.

Prerequisites: (BIOL 3250 or BIOL 3200 or CHEM 4202)

BIOL 5640. Adv. Cell & Molecular Biology (3) 

This course will cover selected topics in cellular biology and study them from an experimental approach. Students will read literature, participate in discussions and/or write papers, grant proposals and give presentations.

Prerequisites: BIOL 3200

BIOL 5700. Special Topics in Biology (3) 

Selected advanced topics of current interest in biology. This course will be offered as fits the needs and interests of the student and faculty.

BIOL 5701. Special Topics in Biology (3) 

Selected advanced topics of current interest in biology. This course will be offered as fits the needs and interests of the student and faculty.

BIOL 5702. Special Topics in Biology (3) 

Selected advanced topics of current interest in biology. This course will be offered as fits the needs and interests of the student and faculty.

BIOL 5703. Special Topics in Biology (3) 

Selected advanced topics of current interest in biology. This course will be offered as fits the needs and interests of the student and faculty.

BIOL 5820. Conservation Biology (3) 

This course will explore the fundamentals and theory behind conservation biology. Threats to biodiversity and approaches to conserving and restoring biodiversity will be explored.

BIOL 5840. Plant Ecology (3) 

This course explores the interactions between plants and their environment, between individuals within the same species and various species of plants, and between plants and other species. The effects of anthropogenic influences on plants, as well as Piedmont ecology, will also be investigated.

Prerequisites: (BIOL 2500 and BIOL 3500)

BIOL 5901. Methods Teach Sec Bio (3) 

This course will explore theory and pedagogy of secondary biology instruction with a focus on teaching methods across varied topics. Appropriate integration of technology into science teaching and learning will be emphasized. This course is cross listed as SCI 4901.

BIOL 6222. Research in Bio Sciences (1-6) 

Research experience for students in Biology. Specific research topics will be determined by the student in consultation with major advisor.

English (ENGL)

ENGL 5000. Great Books (3) 

A course exploring the concept of "Great Books," including history and definition of the concepts both of "book" and of "greatness." Many texts (fiction and nonfiction, as poetic) will be read closely in probing these definitions. The texts will range globally, from the earliest examples of writing (including pre-literate, oral traditions) through the present. Texts will be read in English translation necessary. Both canonic writers (e.g., Homer, Mary Shelley) and writers outside conventional definitions of the canon will be considered.

ENGL 5015. Writing Fiction (3) 

A practical study of the techniques and craft of writing the short story to grasp literary writing from the writer's point of view.

ENGL 5020. Methods of Teaching English I (3) 

Methods of Teaching English I: Teaching Literary Genres. This course prepares teacher candidates to become effective teachers of literature at the secondary level. Students will explore the methods and literary texts vital to a secondary school curriculum in Language Arts. Students will also develop teaching materials appropriate for use in the high school classroom.

ENGL 5025. Writing Creative Nonfiction (3) 

A practical study of the techniques and craft of writing the creative nonfiction essay while questioning the ambiguous nature of experience.

ENGL 5030. Methods of Teaching English II (3) 

Methods of Teaching English II: Principles of Writing Instruction. This course prepares teacher candidates to become effective teachers of writing at the secondary level. Students will explore the theory and methods of teaching writing vital to a secondary school curriculum in language arts. With emphasis on writing process and studies of language, candidates will develop teaching materials appropriate for use in the high school classroom.

ENGL 5035. Writing Poetry (3) 

A practical study of the techniques and craft of writing poetry to grasp literary writing from the writer's point of view.

ENGL 5040. Playwriting (3) 

A practical study of the techniques and craft of playwriting to grasp literary writing from the writer's point of view.

ENGL 5045. Digital and Multimedia Writing (3) 

This course introduces students to basic design principles and tools for writing in digital media. In this course, students will consider how the Internet lets different kids of communities create meeting spaces and the role that digital writing plays in constructing those spaces.

ENGL 5050. Advanced Document Design (3) 

This course focuses on the principles of graphic design as well as theory and practice of multimodal composition to explore advanced techniques of layout/design, desktop publishing, and typesetting. By reconceiving print and digital texts as multimodal, we will read, analyze, and create products in a variety of contexts so that students may craft deliverables such as posters, flyers, cards, brochures, magazines, journals, books, and ebooks using word processing and layout/design software.

ENGL 5105. Am. Colonial & Federal Lit. (3) 

Major works of American literature from 1588 to 1820, including captivity narratives, poetry, and other writings that illustrate the early development of America as a nation.

ENGL 5110. American Romanticism (3) 

Major works of American literature from 1820-1860, including Emerson, Fuller, and Douglass, as well as writers outside the traditional canon.

ENGL 5114. Lit of the Adolescent Experien (3) 

This course emphasizes thematic connections between contemporary adolescent literature and traditional literature from various literary perspectives. Course topics for study will include application of literary theory representation of adolescence in diverse cultural contexts, and connections to middle and secondary English classrooms. This course is recommended for English majors in the teaching certification program.

ENGL 5120. 19th Century Amer Lit&Culture (3) 

A graduate-level survey of early modern English literature and literary culture, ca. 1500-1700. Typical areas of emphasis will include significant literary movements within the era, major authors, and/or attention to a specific genre. Course content will include some attention to historical context, research methods, and applied critical theory.

ENGL 5125. American Realism & Naturalism (3) 

Major works in American literature from 1860-1914, including canonical writers such as Chesnutt, Chopin, Twain, Crane, Norris, and Howells, as well as writers outside the traditional canon.

ENGL 5130. Studies in Southern Lit. (3) 

An expansive course focusing on the major movements, issues, or themes in the study of nineteenth and twentieth century Southern American literature. Topics may include nineteenth century slave narratives, the Southern Renaissance, Southern fiction since 1945, Civil Rights literature, poetry, and/or major authors.

ENGL 5140. Studies Mod Amer Lit&Culture (3) 

A course focusing on issues or authors in the American Modern period, beginning around 1905 and concluding around 1945. Topics may include the Harlem Renaissance and the Southern Renaissance as well as major authors.

ENGL 5150. Studies in Shakespeare (3) 

A graduate-level survey of Shakespeare's dramatic works before and after 1600, with primary emphasis on the major comedies and tragedies and some attention to the histories, problem plays, and romances. Course content will include some attention to research methods and critical theory in the context of Shakespeare studies.

ENGL 5210. Studies in Renaissance Lit. (3) 

A graduate-level survey of early modern English literature and literary culture, ca. 1500-1700. Typical areas of emphasis will include significant literary movements within the era, major authors, and/or attention to a specific genre. Course content will include some attention to historical context, research methods, and applied critical theory.

ENGL 5220. Medieval Literature (3) 

This course explores the major works and cultural influences of the medieval time period between 600 AD and 1500 AD. Readings will include works from Old and Middle English, ranging from Old English poetry, Chaucer, the Gawain-poet, Langland, to Malory.

ENGL 5221. Studies in 17th Century Lit. (3) 

This course is a graduate-level examination of the major literary movements in English literature during this time period. Readings will include fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama from the early Stuart period through the Restoration.

ENGL 5222. Eighteenth-Century British Lit (3) 

Influential authors and cultural issues in Britain from 1689 to 1780. Topics may include the scientific Enlightenment represented in literature, religious and social conflicts, gender and sexuality, nationalism and imperialism, and authors ranging from Alexander Pope to Charlotte Smith and Samuel Johnson.

ENGL 5230. Grammar for Professional Writ. (3) 

This course teaches the structure of English grammar and the options students have when presenting their ideas in formal and informal writing. The course will provide a brief survey of the most common dialects of American English with the purpose of comparing standard and nonstandard dialects. The goal of the course is to show how English grammar works and to present the attitudes and social implications of using grammar in standard and nonstandard usage. Students will become more proficient in writing the language by recognizing the patterns of English used in various contexts.

ENGL 5240. Grant Proposal Writing (3) 

This course focuses on the fundamentals of proposal writing. Students will explore social, political, and economic contexts driving grant proposal development, as well as common processes in writing grant proposals, such as identifying a project for funding, researching funding sources, tailoring research to write proposals appropriate for their selected sources, and post-award or rejection follow-up with funders.

ENGL 5241. Romantic British Literature (3) 

Influential authors and cultural issues in Britain from 1780 to 1837. Topics may include the French Revolution represented in literature, the technological transformation of industry and commerce, nationalism and imperialism, Romantic Orientalism, and authors ranging from William Blake to Percy Shelley and Letitia Landon.

ENGL 5250. 19th Century British Lit (3) 

A graduate-level survey of nineteenth century British literature and literary culture, ca. 1780-1900. Typical areas of emphasis will include significant literary movements within the era, major authors, and/or attention to a specific genre. Course content will include some attention to historical context, research methods, and applied critical theory.

ENGL 5260. 20th/21st Century British Lit (3) 

An in-depth study of major movements, issues, or themes in British literature from 1900-1965. Topics may include but are not limited to modernism, war literature, literature between the wars, and minor literary movements such as Angry Young Men.

ENGL 5262. Victorian Literature (3) 

A rigorous study of literary works of major English writers from 1830-1900, with attention to the social, political, economic, and cultural contexts.

ENGL 5300. Literature by American Women (3) 

A study of traditions in texts by women authors, including British, American, or world texts. The course may cover a wide range of texts or focus on a single theme, genre, period, or literary movement.

ENGL 5350. Studies in Gender & Sexuality (3) 

A variable topics course that utilizes fictional and/or non-fiction texts. This course may focus on, but is not limited to, one or more themes, issues, or literary movements in American, British, or world cultures related to the studies of gender and/or sexuality.

ENGL 5400. African American Lit & Culture (3) 

A course focusing on the major movements, issues, or themes in the study of African American literature and culture from the 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. Topics may include but are not limited to modernism, postmodernism, African American womanism, Africana womanism, and other literary movements such as The Harlem Renaissance, The Black Arts Movement, The New Black Aesthetic, and/or major authors.

ENGL 5410. The African American Novel (3) 

A course focusing on the major movements, issues, or themes in the study of the African American Novel from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. Topics may include but are not limited to modernism, postmodernism, slave narrative, neo-slave narrative, the blues novel, and other literary movements such as The Harlem Renaissance, The Black Arts Movement, The New Black Aesthetic, and/or major authors.

ENGL 5450. Race & Ethnicity in Literature (3) 

An expansive course focusing on the major movements, issues, or themes in the study of race and ethnicity in literature and culture. Topics may include African American literature, post-war Jewish fiction, Native American literature, whiteness studies, Chicano/a Latino literature, Asian American literature, literature and racism, double consciousness, migration narratives, and comparative studies of racial and ethnic experience.

ENGL 5600. Composition Theory (3) 

This course is designed as an introduction to composition theory. It is designed for graduate students who wish to prepare for teaching in secondary and college educational settings and for those who wish to know more about composing theories and applications. Students will be introduced to bibliographical resources and research problems in composition; the interdisciplinary nature of college English teaching; the major texts and professional journals in rhetoric and composition studies; influential authors, teachers, leaders in the field; the history of writing instruction; the relationships between composition studies and literature/rhetoric/literary theory; writing across the curriculum; basic writing; computers and composition; pedagogical matters; and social, political, and cultural issues that shape the field.

ENGL 5620. Postcolonial Theory & Lit (3) 

A study of postcolonial literary theory and literature. Texts written in English from a variety of formerly colonized regions will be studied; including, but not limited to, Africa, the Caribbean, South and Southeast Asia, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. The focus will be on such topics as imperialism, race, gender, ethnicity, nation, language, and representation.

ENGL 5650. Writing for Nonprofits (3) 

This course focuses on the fundamentals of communication practices in non-profit organizations by managing a client-based project with a real non-profit organization. Students will explore social, political, and economic contexts driving strategic communication to meet the organization's social mission. This also includes learning common processes in writing professional documentation such as memos, proposals, and reports, usability testing, primary and secondary research methods, developing marketing and promotional material, and crafting a communication message for target audiences.

ENGL 5700. Response to Writing (3) 

An introduction to one-on-one writing instruction (both online and face-to-face), classroom based writing consultancy, and theories that guide these practices. Students will write many kinds of documents, including essays about tutoring and consulting, and they will apply what they have learned in peer review situations. Additional readings will cover the history, theory, and practice of peer tutoring and its role in composition studies scholarship.

ENGL 5710. Modern and Contemporary Poetry (3) 

This course examines post-1900 poetry and focuses on the poets who represent major developments in traditional and non-traditional poetics along with a consideration of the styles, trends, and influences that inform contemporary poetry in any tradition in American, British, or World texts.

ENGL 5720. Contemporary American Lit (3) 

This course examines the major movements, issues and themes in the study of modern American literature. Topics may include Postmodernism; individual identity; race, class, and gender; dualism and pluralism; magic realism, and/or major authors. Genres may include fiction, drama, memoir, and creative non-fiction.

ENGL 5730. Modern Drama (3) 

A detailed study of selected English and American plays from 1900-1965, with attention to literary backgrounds and technical experimentation.

ENGL 5800. Special Topics (3) 

A graduate-level seminar on special topics important to professional, postgraduate liberal studies. Typical areas of emphasis will include significant literary movements within a particular era of American, British or post- colonial cultures, major authors, and/or attention to a specific genre. Course content will include some attention to historical context, research methods, and applied critical theory.

ENGL 5801. Special Topics (3) 

A graduate seminar on a special topic in English studies. The course can be offered as a seminar course or as an independent study.

ENGL 5802. Special Topics (3) 

A graduate seminar on a special topic in English studies. The course can be offered as a seminar course or as an independent study.

ENGL 5803. Special Topics (3) 

A graduate seminar on a special topic in English studies. The course can be offered as a seminar course or as an independent study.

ENGL 5900. Professional Writing (3) 

This courses focuses on the study and application of principles and practices for effective professional writing. Students will gain knowledge of context analysis to communicate for a variety of specialist and non-specialist audiences and genres. Students will put principles into practice by writing, editing, and designing a range of professional texts.

ENGL 5910. Professional Editing (3) 

This course focuses on editing fundamentals for a variety of genres, including editing substantively for organization, content, style, and design, as well as copyediting and proofreading. Students will learn how to develop professional language for discussing editing principles and practices, as well as adapt editing practices specific to task, audience, and medium.

ENGL 6300. Internship Teaching Col. Eng. (3) 

Practicum in teaching college writing and/or literature. English department faculty will work with interns as they develop and teach lessons in a college classroom. Participants may enroll for up to two semesters but must teach composition and literature if the course is repeated.

ENGL 6400. Directed Research in English (1-3) 

Individuals will develop their own research project and complete the research and writing by working with a graduate faculty member. Students will be guided in research methods and practical applications for academic writing and publishing.

ENGL 6995. Thesis Research (1-3) 

Research while enrolled for a master's degree in English under the direction of faculty members in the English Department. The candidate works under the direction and advice of a thesis director to produce a thesis research proposal including an in-depth review of literature.

ENGL 6999. Thesis Preparation (1-3) 

Thesis preparation while enrolled for a master's degree in English under the direction of faculty members in English Department. The candidate works under the direction and advice of a thesis director to produce the thesis.

History (HIST)

HIST 5050. Historical Meth.&America Hist. (3) 

The practicum will constitute an independent (individual or small group) project in historical methodology, research and analysis. The student will prepare and submit a significant historical paper and or project. Requires the approval of the history experiential learning coordinator and the department head.

Restrictions: Liberal Studies - Graduate

HIST 5100. African-American History (3) 

An examination of the formation of African-American cultural identity from the early national period to the present, with emphasis on major formative events: slavery, the early development of cultural institutions, the reconstruction of life after slavery, northern migration during the world wars, the civil rights and black power movements of the 1950s and 1960s, and urbanization and class structure in the 1980s and 1990s.

Restrictions: Liberal Studies - Graduate

HIST 5120. Estab. of US, 1607-1800 (3) 

Cultural, social, economic, and political development of Anglo-America through the War for Independence, the formation of state and national constitutions and governments, the Federalist years, and the "Revolution of 1800."

HIST 5125. Age of Jefferson and Jackson (3) 

The history of the U.S. from the Early Republic through 1845. Major themes include territorial expansion, the market revolution, the rise of social reform movements, constitutional developments, the first and second party systems, and the growth of sectional tensions.

HIST 5130. The Civil Wa Era (3) 

The origins and course of the American Civil War. Emphasis on the political, economic, social, and cultural background to the war, its military aspects, its impact on American society.

HIST 5135. US in the Gilded Age (3) 

This course explores the emergence of the United States as a modern, industrial nation with an increasingly important role in world affairs. It will cover the political, social, economic, and technological changes associated with this process

HIST 5140. U.S. History, 1914-1945 (3) 

Close examination of major themes in U.S. history from the start of World War I to the end of World War II. The course covers and analyzes politics, economy, culture, race, gender, and other pertinent factors during the era of major changes in American life.

HIST 5200. History of the American South (3) 

An in-depth look at the special contributions of he South to the evolution of the United States, and an analysis of the major themes of Southern History in the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the role of ideas and values in the making of Southern history.

Restrictions: Liberal Studies - Graduate

HIST 5400. Twentieth Century US History (3) 

Special topics in 20th century American history.

HIST 5500. Twentieth Century World Hist. (3) 

An intensive investigation of the political, social and cultural developments of the twentieth century world. Topics to be discussed include the birth of the twentieth century, the emergence of global industrialization and imperialism, the worldwide depression, the first and second World Wars, the end of the European world order, the Cold War, postcolonial Africa and Asia, the demise of European communism, and the arrival of globalization.

Restrictions: Liberal Studies - Graduate

HIST 5520. Themes in World History (3) 

Special topics in World History.

HIST 5530. Themes in 20th Century World (3) 

A course on a particular aspect of world history in the twentieth century. The topic will be chosen by the instructor.

HIST 5601. Adv. Methods Teaching History (3) 

This course explores methods and strategies for teaching history at the secondary level in U.S., European, and World History courses. The course begins with an historical evaluation of the purposes of history/social studies education and then shifts to consider the relationship between history education and the historical field itself. A central objective of the course is to highlight contemporary, research-based pedagogies that will position teacher candidates to be successful in the secondary classroom.

Restrictions: Teaching History

HIST 5800. Modern American Pop Culture (3) 

An exploration of several institutional aspects of the vast, pervasive, complex, and fascinating phenomenon of American popular culture in the 20th century, in particular the rise of mass entertainment as a form of communication and community formation. Course readings will introduce students to the cultural history of comics, feature films, music, literature, radio, television and sports as commodities and as expressions of identity in a diverse nation.

Restrictions: Liberal Studies - Graduate

HIST 5850. Directed Readings in History (3) 

A directed readings course on a special topic in history agreed upon by the student, instructor, and the MALS director.

HIST 5900. Environmental History (3) 

Explores the complex and ever-changing interrelationship over time between human society and the natural environment, the differing perceptions of nature held by people and how those ideas and human activities regarding nature combined in ways that reshaped the American landscape.

HIST 6950. Selected Topics in History (3) 

A graduate course on a special topic in history. The course can be offered as a regular term seminar course or as independent study.

HIST 6951. Special Topics in History (3) 

A graduate course on a special topic in history.

HIST 6952. Selected Topics in History (3) 

A graduate course on a special topic in history.

HIST 6953. Selected Topics in History (3) 

A graduate seminar on a special topic in history.

HIST 6954. Selected Topics in History (3) 

A graduate seminar on a special topic in history.

Mathematics (MATH)

MATH 5000. History of Mathematics (3) 

This course is an exploration of the historical development of mathematics in various civilizations, ranging from the antiquity of Babylonia and Egypt through classical Greece, the Middle and Far East, and on to modern Europe. Topics may include the development of areas such as arithmetic, geometry (practical, deductive, and axiomatic), number theory, trigonometry, syncopated and symbolic algebra, probability, statistics, and calculus.

MATH 5010. Mod. Meth. of Teaching Math (3) 

This course will explore theory and pedagogy of mathematics instruction with a focus on teaching methods across a variety of topics. Appropriate integration of technology into mathematics teaching and learning will be emphasized.

MATH 5130. Applied Algebra (3) 

This course is an investigation of the use of theoretical concepts of abstract algebra in order to solve non-theoretical problems, with an emphasis on applications. Topics are selected from symmetry groups, exact computing, linear codes, Boolean algebras, cryptography, and geometric constructions. Other topics may be covered according to time and student interest.

MATH 5220. Applied Statistics (3) 

This course extends the concepts of introductory statistics through the study and exploration of advanced inferential methods. Analysis of variance using simple experimental design, and multiple regression analysis (including model building, checking, and analysis of residuals) are introduced. Additional topics covered in the course are multifactor analysis of variance, chi- square testing, and non-parametric statistical methods. Throughout the course real data are utilized. Applications include the use of a statistical software package.

MATH 5221. Fnd.s of Business Analytics (3) 

This course covers intermediate principles of the statistics, probability, and analytics required for applications to supply chain analytics. Case studies and real-life applications in supply chain analytics will utilize industry standard computer applications. Students completing this course will understand the broad directions of statistical approaches to analytics and the practical use and interpretation of data.

Prerequisites: BUSA 5200

MATH 5231. Modern Geometry (3) 

This course is a study of Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometries. Topics will be explored through historical perspectives, formal geometric proofs, technology-based investigations, and modern applications.

MATH 5250. Elementary Number Theory (3) 

An introduction to the mathematical treatment of concepts related to the integers. Topics include divisibility, prime numbers, numerical functions, congruence classes and Diophantine equations. Other topics, such as rational and irrational numbers may be addressed.

MATH 5255. Factoring & Primality Testing (3) 

This course is a study of deterministic and probabilistic methods for factoring large integers and testing whether an integer is prime or composite. Topics to include Pollard's algorithms, Pseudoprime tests, the Rabin-Miller test, the Quadratic Sieve, Lucas Sequences, Pratt Certificates, and other methods according to time and student interest. Computer technology will be used heavily in this course.

MATH 5261. Introductory Probability (3) 

This is an introductory course in Mathematical Probability. It explores the topics of probability, random variables and their distributions, mathematical expectation, moment generating functions and sampling distributions.

MATH 5350. Graph Theory (3) 

This course is a study of graph theory and graph theoretical problem solving techniques. Topics are selected from connectivity, Eulerian graphs, Hamiltonian graphs, algorithms, properties of trees, counting trees, planar graphs, Euler’s formula, graphs on other surfaces, dual graphs, infinite graphs, coloring vertices, Brook’s Theorem, coloring maps, coloring edges, chromatic polynomials, Eulerian digraphs and tournaments, Markov chains, Hall ‘marriage’ theorem, transversal theory, Application of Hall’s theorem, Menger’s theorem, and network flows.

MATH 5360. Combinatorics (3) 

This course is a study of combinatorial problems and solving techniques. Topics are selected from counting principles, enumeration, generating functions, recurrence relations, Polya’s theory of counting, Ramsey Theory, extremal graph theory, probabilistic methods, and the Szemeredi Regularity Lemma.

MATH 5365. Applied Combinatorics (3) 

This course is a study of some applications of combinatorics. Some of the topics that are explored in this course are: Pólya theory of counting, combinatorial design, coding theory, existence problems in graph theory, matching and covering, optimization problems for graphs and networks.

MATH 5520. Introduction to Analysis (3) 

This is a rigorous introduction to analysis of functions on Euclidean space. Topics include limits, continuity, sequences, series, differentiation, integration, and sequences and series of functions.

MATH 5525. Topology (3) 

This course is an introduction to topology via a variety of different techniques and applications involving point set, geometric, and algebraic topology. Topics include, but are not limited to: continuity, open and closed sets, compactness and connectedness, identification spaces, the fundamental group, triangulations, and surfaces. Further topics may include: simplicial homology, degree and Lefshetz number, knots, and covering spaces.

MATH 5800. Selected Topics in Mathematics (3) 

Topics of interest in mathematics not covered in courses in current graduate catalog.

MATH 5801. Selected Topics in Mathematics (3) 

Topics of interest in mathematics not covered in courses in current graduate catalog.

MATH 5803. Selected Topics in Mathematics (3) 

Topics of interest in mathematics not covered in courses in current graduate catalog.

MATH 5804. Selected Topics in Mathematics (3) 

Topics of interest in mathematics not covered in courses in current graduate catalog.

Dennis Attick
Scott Bailey
Brigitte Byrd
Susan Copeland
Michael Dancs
Keith Driscoll
Charles Elfer
Barbara Goodman
Gwendolyn Harold
Weihu Hong
E. Joe Johnson
Sipei Klein
Elliot Krop
Mary Lamb
Gregory McNamara
Eugene Ngezem
Kelli Nipper
Christopher Raridan
Kathryn Pratt-Russell
Amy Sanford
Patricia Smith
Anthony Stinson
Emily Surber