This required orientation course introduces all graduate students in the Gwen Ifill College of Media, Arts, and Humanities to the full range of academic, administrative, and social expectations for students, and the environment in which they must meet those expectations. This course describes program requirements; university, college, and program policy; and offers information about the full range of resources available to the students in support of their program. It also offers basic tutorial and instruction related to the use of Moodle (our learning management system), library resources, and other key tools used to support student learning.

Studies contemporary theories of gender, race, indigeneity, class, ability, and sexuality, with a focus on theorists whose works have practical applicability. Specific topics are likely to include: critical feminist theories, queer theory, race studies, settler colonialism, neoliberalism, fat activism, post-feminism, trans formations, and feminist legal theory. The course will stress understandings of the practical applications of theoretical innovations in these areas.

Offers an opportunity to complete research, internship, or fieldwork projects related to the GCS program. Requires consent of a supervising faculty member; approval of the program director; and a brief proposal outlining the focus, purpose, and projected outcome, to be submitted to the program director during the semester prior to registration.

Involves a year-long independent research and writing project culminating in a paper of approximately 60-80 pages under the supervision of one reader with expertise in the subject area. Requires permission from the GCS director and advisory board and a proposal approved during the semester before the course is taken.

This course is an interdisciplinary exploration of ways of feminist thinking, knowing, listening, and speaking in the interest of producing scholarship that instigates change. Together we will grapple with feminist approaches, theories, and epistemologies that form the intellectual bases necessary to conduct feminist research both within and across the disciplines.

Accompanies GEDUC 488. Addresses topics and issues that align with students classrom experiences. Covers topics including the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks; development of lesson plans; development of curriculum and curriculum units, classroom organization, routines, and procedures; classroom management, behavior and discipline; formal and informal assessment; issues around grading, record keeping, communication, and conferences with parents; developing professional portfolios, school culture, and teaching strategies; modifying and adapting curriculum; and techniques for children with special needs.

Develops integrated curriculum units and explores different models of curriculum design, lesson plans, and interdisciplinary teaching; teaches strategies to modify curriculum to accommodate different developmental levels and learning styles; and addresses issues of classroom management and parent communication. Develops appropriate assessment and evaluation procedures, measuring student progress. Requires practicum placement.

Considers methods of assessment and instruction in creating comprehensive literacy programs with reference to the ELA Frameworks throughout; decoding strategies including phonemic awareness and phonics skills; comprehension strategies; guided reading; literature circles; the writing process; and the integration of children's literature and poetry. Requires two mornings a week of fieldwork if taken concurrently with GEDUC 467.

Assigns supervised teaching responsibilities in an inclusive classroom at the first-grade to sixth-grade level. Involves demonstrating effective classroom management procedures, implementing daily class lessons, developing long-range curriculum materials, and demonstrating effectiveness in serving students who are below the expected classroom instructional level. Requires documentation of a minimum of 135 hours of direct instructional time.

Requires students to observe, assist, and teach in a 1-12 classroom under the supervision of a professionally licensed supervising practitioner at the field and level of the license sought. Offers an opportunity to develop and teach lesson plans and a mini-curriculum unit, provide service to one student requiring modification in his/her educational program, and demonstrate effective classroom management skills.