EDC 400 Literacy Development I

3 Credit(s) W-II

This course focuses on children’s literacy development and the processes involved in becoming readers and writers. Topics include the interrelationship of oral language and foundational skills, such as concepts of print, phonological and phonemic awareness, and principles and research-based practices to support word analysis, spelling, vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and writing. Students will apply their developing knowledge to case studies of diverse learners, including multilingual learners and children with exceptional learning needs, to practice diagnostic thinking, consider implications for instruction, and foster curiosity about how children become skilled and motivated readers and writers. Ongoing debates in the field of literacy, including the benefits and drawbacks of programs/approaches used to teach literacy in schools will be explored so candidates can become critical consumers and advocates of literacy information within their respective communities. This is a writing intensive course. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: EDC115 or EEC105, and ENL110 or equivalent W-I course.