MA (Multicultural  Option) Course Descriptions 

MUL 520

The Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages

Course Description

Issues and problems, techniques, procedures, and materials for teaching the dominant language (standard English) to the bilingual and the bidialectal. 

MUL 525

Bilingual-Multicultural Teaching Methods

Course Description

The study of selected bilingual approaches to and methods of teaching social studies, science, mathematics, and language arts. Techniques for developing bilingual and multicultural teaching materials.

MUL 511

Cultural Diversity In America

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to examine contemporary diverse populations in America.  The analysis of the historical contributions and cultural influences on the macro culture will provide insight into our multicultural society.  The influence of this diverse population will be used as the basis for investigation of the American educational institutions.  The course is intended to acquaint the student with both the educational system and the cultural diversity of America. Teaching credential required or permission of instructor.

MUL 505

Assessment Of Second Language Learners

Course Description

Study of basic concepts, principles and practices associated with the assessment of second language learners linguistic proficiency (i.e., first and second languages)  and subject-matter knowledge. This will include and not be limited to the following areas: (1) basic concepts and terminology, (2) standardized test score interpretation, (3) the evaluation of state‑mandated tests and placement of students, (4) classroom test construction (i.e., linguistic sub-skill and authentic assessment).  Prerequisite: Multiple subject credential or consent of instructor.

MUL 508

Language  Acquisition In An Urban Setting

Course Description   

This course will present current theory and research impacting the development of the language of urban learners. This will include an introduction to the subsystems of linguistics, the developmental stages of language development, seminal works and major research findings in first and second language acquisition.    A variety of factors impacting the language acquisition process will also be examined.  During class meetings, particular emphasis will be placed upon the relevance and applicability of theory and research to the development of language in an urban setting. Prerequisite: Preliminary credential or consent of instructor.

MUL 533

Action Research For Urban Educators

Course Description

Development of research skills needed to conduct  both quantitative and qualitative "action research" in an urban multicultural setting. Action research is a systematic method of inquiry used by educators to study and improve classroom practices, processes or problems.  Topics include research question formation, research design identification, data gathering techniques, display and analysis of data,  creating an action plan, dissemination of information.

MUL 544

Urban Materials Design & Development

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to develop the skills necessary to design effective instructional materials for urban learners.   Students will create materials tailor-made to meet the needs of ethnically and linguistically diverse learners, by using principles of the “Systems Approach” and building upon research, theory and best practices.  The Systems Approach is a procedure used to achieve a specific goal in the most time and energy-efficient manner. Needs are analyzed, then a solution is designed, developed, implemented and evaluated. 

No prerequisite courses required.  

MUL 591

Advanced Multicultural Studies

Course Description

This course is specifically designed for students completing the M. A. in Education, Multicultural Option. Students will be required to synthesize and interrelate the diverse areas of study, which comprise the Master’s degree by conducting research and writing critical essays. This course is designed to assist individuals in preparing for the comprehensive examination in the Multicultural Option.