May 20, 2024  
Graduate Academic Catalog 2012-2013 
    
Graduate Academic Catalog 2012-2013 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Graduate Education


Seeking Initial License and Master of Education

The programs in this section are designed for students who have completed a baccalaureate degree in a liberal arts field and do not yet hold the Initial License. Before beginning the practicum, students will need to have passed the MTEL (Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure) in communication and literacy and in the applicable content areas.

Programs for Initial Teacher Licensure

  • Early Childhood with and without Disabilities (PreK-2)
  • Elementary (1-6)
  • Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8, 5-12)
  • Middle School/Secondary
    • Arts (PreK-6, 5-12)
    • Biology (5-8, 8-12)
    • Chemistry (5-8, 8-12)
    • English (5-8, 8-12)
    • History (5-8, 8-12)
    • Mathematics (5-8, 8-12)
    • Modern Foreign Languages-French (5-12), Spanish (5-12)
    • Physics (5-8, 8-12)

The total master’s degree program of 36-39 credit hours is composed of 21 credit hours of core courses and 15-18 credit hours of concentration courses. Upon completion of the specially designated (**) courses and the practicum, the student will be eligible for recommendation to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the Initial License. This may enable the student to be eligible for a full-time teaching position while continuing study in the master’s degree program. At the completion of all the required courses, students will be recommended for graduation with the degree Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.

The College reserves the right to alter program requirements as necessary to remain in compliance with Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education licensure standards.

Prepracticum Field Experiences

Prior to the practicum all graduate students seeking the Initial License are required to complete a minimum of 100 documented clock hours of monitored, field-based experience. These field experiences will prepare candidates by acquainting them with the school and classroom environment at the appropriate grade level and content area(s) with a variety of typical and atypical students of different gender, racial, linguistic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Gordon College places graduate students for their prepracticum and practicum field experiences. Students seeking licensure in Early Childhood, Elementary and Moderate Disabilities are required to complete an additional 20 hours of field experience observing reading instruction.

Practicum

Eligible graduate students file a completed practicum application form with the Graduate Office the term before they plan to enroll in the practicum. Before the application is approved, academic records are reviewed to determine that candidates have completed all academic and field requirements and have been accepted into the graduate program, and have passed all applicable tests of the MTEL (Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure).

Prior to the practicum a meeting is held with the supervising practitioner, the teacher candidate and a college supervisor. Information and paperwork is given to the supervising practitioner and teacher candidate. This first three-way meeting provides opportunity to discuss roles, responsibilities, and expectations of the practicum, the evaluation forms of the practicum, the licensure regulations and the Practicum Manual.

The practicum evaluation forms for the graduate student are required for the Initial License. Specific time and site requirements of the practicum are as follows:

The teacher candidate must complete:

  • A practicum of 12 weeks for a minimum of 360 clock hours-3 credit hours
  • At least 180 clock hours of teaching, taking on direct instructional responsibilities
  • The practicum at an approved school site, at the appropriate grade level, teaching the appropriate field of knowledge for the license sought:
    • Early Childhood requires a practicum of 240 hours in grades 1-2 and 120 hours in preK-K; At least one of two setting must include children with disabilities.

The teacher candidate is observed by college supervisors a minimum of four times. After each of the observations a conference is held with the candidate to critique the lesson, to discuss the progress of the practicum and review the contents of the reflective log which each candidate is required to keep. A copy of the written evaluation by the college supervisor is given to the candidate after each observation.

Three of the conferences must include the College supervisor, supervising practitioner and the teacher candidate. At the midterm three-way conference, the teacher candidate must have completed half of the Preservice Performance Assessment, and it is reviewed by the supervising practitioner and College supervisor at that time. By the final three-way conference, all evidence and license-specific questions must be completed for the Preservice Performance Assessment.

Candidates are required to attend seminars during the practicum. These seminars, along with individual advising sessions, are designed to help candidates reflect on their teaching and make appropriate pedagogical adjustments. Additionally, they will have opportunities to dialogue with other professionals in their fields, gain help as they enter the job market, and be guided through the licensure process.

Assigning the final grade for a practicum is the responsibility of the supervisors and the college supervisor. The grade is based on the following:

  • Cooperating practitioner’s assessment using rubric
  • Log presentation throughout the teaching experience
  • Overall assessment of growth
  • Seminar participation
  • Comparison with College standard for grading practica teachers

Seeking Additional or Professional Licensure and Master of Education

The programs in this section are designed for students who already possess the Massachusetts Initial License and who wish to pursue additional licensure through the completion of the appropriate master’s degree program.

Programs for Initial Licensure

The M.Ed. prepares students to obtain the appropriate master’s degree and an additional Initial Licensure in the following specialist areas:

  • Math Specialist (PreK-8)
  • Reading Specialist (all levels)
  • Educational Leadership
    • Supervisor/Director
    • Principal (PreK-6, 5-8, 9-12)
    • Special Education Administrator
    • School Business Administrator
    • Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent

Upon completion of the course of study, candidates must also pass a content area test for Massachusetts licensure. To obtain the Reading Specialist License, candidates must have taught a minimum of one year under the initial teaching license.

Programs for Professional Licensure

The M.Ed. prepares students to obtain the appropriate master’s degree and Professional License in the following areas:

  • Early Childhood with and without Disabilities (PreK-2)
  • Elementary (1-6)
  • Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8, 5-12)
  • Teacher of English as a Second Language (PreK-6, 5-12)
  • Middle School/Secondary
    • Arts (PreK-6, 5-12)
    • Biology (5-8, 8-12)
    • Chemistry (5-8, 8-12)
    • English (5-8, 8-12)
    • History (5-8, 8-12)
    • Mathematics (5-8, 8-12)
    • Modern Foreign Languages-French (5-12), Spanish (5-12)
    • Physics (5-8, 8-12)

The appropriate master’s degree requires that 12 credits of the degree coursework be in the content area appropriate to the student’s teaching field. Students in this program have completed a baccalaureate degree in a liberal arts field or its equivalent in an appropriate content field. The candidates already possess the Initial License or its equivalent and are pursuing the M.Ed. degree and/or an additional license.

The College reserves the right to alter program requirements as necessary to remain in compliance with Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education licensure standards.

Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)

The Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) is an advanced degree program designed for students who have earned a master’s degree to obtain additional expertise in another area of teacher licensure. The Ed.S. consists of 30 credit hours and offers the following content areas:

Educational Leadership

Supervisor/Director
Principal (PreK-6, 5-8, 9-12)
Special Education Administrator
School Business Administrator
Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent

Specialist

English as a Second Language
Mathematics
Reading

The capstone of the Ed.S. is either a practicum, if licensure is desired, or a research project.

Prerequisites for the Ed.S. include a passing score on the MTEL if student is seeking licesensure. The Ed.S. program will follow the same schedule as the current master’s degree in the respective content areas offered, with classes taught on evenings, weekends and summers.

Programs

Master of Education and/or Initial Teacher Licensure

Master of Education and Additional/Professional Teacher Licensure

Education Specialist

Additional Initial Licensure

Courses

English

  • ENG 639 - Literature of WII in Europe

    Credits: 3
    Examines a variety of experiences of people in Europe: resistance workers in Germany and occupied countries, Holocaust rescuers, Hitler youth, Holocaust survivors-particularly those who kept hope.

  • ENG 661 - History of the English Language: Advanced Content in English

    Credits: 3
    Studies history of English language, from its earliest beginnings up to 21st century; includes several different activities: study of “prehistory” of English—its ancestors and closest relatives; reading of various texts from different periods; and advanced examination of kinds of linguistic changes that have occurred—and are still occurring—as the language continues, including different types of changes English has undergone: historical, phonological, morphological, syntactic, semantic, etc.

  • ENG 670 - Chaucer and Medieval Traditions

    Credits: 3
    Examines literary, linguistic and historical aspects of Chaucerian texts. Students investigate genre, style, structure and themes of various stories in Canterbury Tales and Troilus and Criseyde. Students explore meaning of Chaucerian texts in context of social history, examining such topics as religion, gender, class and commerce. Includes how to pronounce and translate medieval English by reading Canterbury Tales in original form.

  • ENG 672 - Literature of Immigrant Communities in the U.S

    Credits: 3
    Answers the needs of teachers who understand multicultural literature is important but have no familiarity with resources that one could use. Literature covers a diverse cross-section of readings appropriate for middle and secondary audiences.

  • ENG 673 - Selected Topics

    Credits: 3
    Research, analysis and investigation of appropriate topic or issue of discipline not covered elsewhere.

  • ENG 675 - Advanced Writing

    Credits: 3
    Provides personal direction and group critique of substantial individual writing projects across genres. Integrates use of children’s literature.

  • ENG 684 - World Literature

    Credits: 3
    Investigates several of great works of world literature from Middle Ages to Renaissance which have influenced Western literature and culture for centuries. Students explore defining characteristics of wide range of genres (epic, poetry, drama, romance, novel and others) and develop proficiency about such topics as influence of classical culture, conceptions of the individual, definitions of love, Humanism, intertextuality, literary structure, and class and gender formation.

  • ENG 686 - Poetics

    Credits: 3
    Explores theories of poetics, starting with Greeks and Romans, and continuing through medieval period, Renaissance, and eventually to contemporary developments in English and other theories of poetics. Students consider historical and contemporary analysis of art of poetry, including both close examination of technical features of the art, and a study of application of such concepts as intertextuality (allusion, reference between poems and other art forms) and what Harold Bloom has called “The Anxiety of Influence.”

French

  • FRE 638 - French African “Coming of Age” Novels

    Credits: 3
    Studies French Africa and novels written depicting the coming of age.

  • FRE 671 - Cinema

    Credits: 3
    Explores effects of French movies on culture.

  • FRE 673 - Selected Topics

    Credits: 3
    Research, analysis and investigation of topic or issue of discipline not covered elsewhere.

  • FRE 676 - The Literature of the Old Regime

    Credits: 3
    Surveys early masterpieces of French literature in historical and cultural settings from Middle Ages to Revolution.

  • FRE 678 - French Literature of the 19th and 20th Centuries

    Credits: 3
    Study of modern French literature in historical and cultural settings. Conducted in French.

History

  • HIS 614 - The History of Massachusetts: 1620–1865

    Credits: 3
    Covers history of Massachusetts with emphasis on colonial era through American Civil War, including rise of world-famous Massachusetts leather and textile industries.

  • HIS 637 - History of the Postwar American Presidents

    Credits: 3
    A detailed overview of four main postwar U.S. presidencies, focusing especially on U.S. foreign relations during administrations. Presidents are Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon. Significant attention given to Cold War, war in Vietnam, and Arab-Israeli conflict.

  • HIS 638 - Modern Europe: 1914 to Present

    Credits: 3
    Studies 20th-century Europe, focusing on World War I, rise of Fascism and Communism, World War II, Holocaust, Cold War, intellectual and cutural trends, European unity, decolonization and collapse of Communist Bloc and U.S.S.R.

  • HIS 639 - World War II in Europe: History as Represented in Literature

    Credits: 3
    This course will look at a variety of experiences of people in Europe: resistance workers in Germany and in occupied countries, Holocaust rescuers, Hitler youth, Holocaust survivors–particularly those who kept hope.

  • HIS 640 - Europe 1300–1700

    Credits: 3
    Examines history of Europe during important transitional period from Late Middle Ages to Enlightenment (c.1300–1700), including transformation of Latin Christendom into our Modern European (Western) world.

  • HIS 645 - Ancient Israel

    Credits: 3
    Examines history of ancient Israel against cultural, geographical and literary background of ancient Near East. Archaeology, comparative history and literature used to supplement and explain primary biblical source materials bearing on our understanding of history of ancient Israel. Special attention given to origin of moral and ethical values shaping Western civilization and foundational to three great monotheistic world religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

  • HIS 646 - Roma Aeterna: History and Language of the World’s Greatest Empire

    Credits: 3
    Focus on the 200 years from 100 BC to 100 AD. Readings provide significant historical and cultural insights into daily Roman life. Connections to modern English will be made at every opportunity. Spoken Latin will be incorporated as well, engaging in pedagogical discussions for teachers interested in incorporating some Latin (or English derivatives) into curriculum. Instruction will be differentiated according to prior knowledge of the language.

  • HIS 650 - History of the Reformation

    Credits: 3


     

     

    From the roots of the Reformation in Late Medieval/Renaissance Europe, we will begin our exploration of Martin Luther’s angst, his 95 Theses and subsequent writings. We will then consider expression reforms in the first three generations of the Reformation, including the views of leading figures such as Zwingli, Calvin, and those in the English Reformation. We will consider both the “magisterial” and “radical” branches of the Reformation, as well as the Catholic “Counter-Reformation.” Particular topics will vary depending on student interest.

  • HIS 665 - U.S. History, 1974-2000: The Post-Watergate Presidents

    Credits: 3
    Explores the U.S. presidents of Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush and Clinton during the post-Watergate period, 1974-2000.

  • HIS 670 - 19th-Century American Thinkers

    Credits: 3
    Examines key ideas, movements and texts in American social thought in 19th century, with background from Puritans, focusing on relationship between the individual and society.

  • HIS 671 - Introduction to Syriac: Language and Literature

    Credits: 3
    Introduces students to Syriac grammar. Readings will include passages from New Testament and early Christian literature. Highlights important figures and themes of the Syriac Christian tradition with translated readings.

  • HIS 672 - U.S. History

    Credits: 3
    Reading and research in American history using both historiographic and primary sources. Key topics differ per session offered.

  • HIS 673 - Selected Topics

    Credits: 3
    Research, analysis and investigation of appropriate topic or issue of discipline not covered elsewhere.

  • HIS 675 - The Darwinian Revolution

    Credits: 3
    Examines advent and impact of Charles Darwin’s evolution theory. Surveys life and earth sciences, religion and views on human origins before, during and after upheaval brought by Darwin’s On the Origin of Species (1859). Includes recent debates on intelligent design and teaching of evolution.

  • HIS 678 - Using Museums in the Classroom

    Credits: 3
    Focuses on professional applications of historical methodology of archives, museums, documents conservation, government and corporate record management. Substantial field work and on-site observations of operation of museums and challenges faced in current field of public history.

Kinesiology

  • KIN 610 - Motor Control and Learning

    Credits: 3
    Examines perceptual, memory and motor functions in acquisition, retention and control of motor skills. Explores central and peripheral nervous system mechanisms involved in control of movement. Weekly lab. Lab fee.

  • KIN 620 - Modeling and Simulation of Human Movement

    Credits: 3
    Examines application of advanced kinematic and kinetic analyses in assessment of human motion. Concepts of data processing, three-dimensional analysis, mechanical modeling and energy and power analysis applied in sport and rehabilitation contexts. Special emphasis on analysis of locomotion.

Mathematics

  • MAT 601 - Mathematics

    Credits: 3
    Reviews and strengthens basic algebra and precalculus concepts in context of understanding and using functions to analysis and model real world data, focusing on functions (including linear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic functions) and exploring them with and utilizing them for graphing, data analysis, problem investigation and problem solution.

  • MAT 605 - Quantitative Reasoning: Mathematics and the Greeks

    Credits: 3
    Explores significance of Greeks in development and application of mathematics. Includes Pythagoras, Euclid and the “Great Theorem.” Follows historical and philosophical underpinnings of discipline of mathematics.

  • MAT 614 - Mathematical Methods I

    Credits: 3
    Examines mathematical skill, sophistication and confidence in application of mathematical topics commonly used in physical science and engineering, including complex algebra, vector algebra, matrices, vector spaces, systems of linear equations, vector differential and integral calculus, Fourier series and Fourier transforms.

  • MAT 619 - Statistics

    Credits: 3
    Theory of statistics with some exposure to practice. Estimation, hypothesis testing, linear regression, multivariate distributions, nonparametric methods, Bayesian estimation.

  • MAT 620 - Discrete Mathematics

    Credits: 3
    Introduces notion of proof, induction, sets, relations and functions, basic combinatorial analysis, graphics, trees, and basic probability. Emphasizes notions of proof and mathematical rigor, thinking mathematically.

  • MAT 621 - Modeling Mathematics

    Credits: 3
    Acquaints preK–8 classroom teachers with development of mathematical concepts in curriculum through use of manipulatives. NCTM Curriculum Standards and Massachusetts Math Curriculum Framework assume manipulatives are an integral part of instruction in preK–8 classroom, where learning of mathematics is an active process. Variety of manipulatives utilized.

  • MAT 627 - Investigating Mathematical Concepts

    Credits: 3
    Explores ways to expand teacher’s knowledge of strategies used to teach mathematics. Topics include: number and operation, algebraic thinking, geometry, measurement, problem solving, justifying and reasoning.

  • MAT 635 - Calculus with Precalculus

    Credits: 3
    From the invention of Isaac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, calculus provides framework and language for change. Introduces study of calculus, a study of continuous functions. Calculus is composed of two main branches: differential calculus and integral calculus. Differential calculus is primarily concerned with problems involving rates of change of a relationship between two variables, particularly instantaneous rate of change.

  • MAT 636 - Mathematical Inquiry

    Credits: 3
    Furthers knowledge of mathematics. Problem-centered approach. In-depth knowledge of algebra, geometry and measurement. Mathematical appropriate for any current or future teacher of mathematics or for math specialist.

  • MAT 637 - Number Theory

    Credits: 3
    Study of whole numbers is one of the oldest mathematical subjects as well as perhaps the easiest to understand. Also one of the most difficult and newest branches to study at the highest level. Course reviews main topics in number theory of last 2,500 years, such as primes, congruences and residues. Also explores ways in which it connects to other areas (like calculus, geometry, algebra, and computer science) today.

  • MAT 638 - Real Analysis

    Credits: 3
    After Newton and Leibniz discovered the amazing power and flexibility of calculus, a lot of work was left to understand why it works. Over two centuries, mathematicians had to define what it means to get “close to” something. In the 20th century, this depended on the notion of being open, as in the open interval (0,1). Course reaps fruit of all that labor by proving that calculus in one real variable works—from a modern perspective.

  • MAT 640 - The Mathematics of Science

    Credits: 3
    Examines connections between and integration of secondary mathematics and science. Focuses on the content of secondary science classes that use math.

  • MAT 673 - Selected Topics

    Credits: 3
    Research, analysis and investigation of appropriate topic or issue of discipline not covered elsewhere.

Physics

  • PHY 603 - General Physical Science

    Credits: 3
    Foundations of physical sciences with in-depth understanding of atom, matter, mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, electromagnetism and circuitry. Students increase knowledge base and become more confident and resourceful teachers as well as gain thorough understanding of MA Curriculum Frameworks.

  • PHY 614 - Mathematical Methods I

    Credits: 3
    Examines mathematical skill, sophistication and confidence in application of mathematical topics commonly used in physical science and engineering, including complex algebra, vector algebra, matrices, vector spaces, systems of linear equations, vector differential and integral calculus, Fourier series and Fourier transforms.

  • PHY 615 - Statics

    Credits: 3
    Examines and demonstrates analysis of forces acting on any static and rigid object. Enhances engineering intuition, mathematical facility and computational skill (using MATLAB).

  • PHY 625 - Electronic Circuits

    Credits: 3
    Examines and explains concepts of electronics, calculating numerical quantities related to analog electronics, such quantities as voltage, current, impedance, power, bandwidth and gain.

  • PHY 636 - Modern Physics

    Credits: 3
    Study of special relativity, following historical trajectory of modern physics, breakdown of classical physics and development of quantum physics.

  • PHY 673 - Selected Topics

    Credits: 3
    Research, analysis and investigation of topic or issue of discipline not covered elsewhere.

Spanish

  • SPN 673 - Selected Topics

    Credits: 3
    Research, analysis and investigation of topic or issue of discipline not covered elsewhere.

  • SPN 691 - Contemporary Spanish Theatre

    Credits: 3
    Examines contemporary Spanish theatre from 1940s to 1990s. Playwrites include Antonio Buero Vallejo, Alfonso Sastre, Fernando Arrabal, Lauro Olmo and Paloma Pedrero. Class conducted in Spanish.

  • SPN 692 - La Guerra Civil: Spanish Women—The Voice of Silence

    Credits: 3
    Examines and contrasts women’s roles in literature during and after Spanish Civil War. Spanish female authors include Josefina Aldecoa, Carmen Laforet, Dulce Chacon and Carmen Martin Gaite. Class conducted in Spanish.

  • SPN 693 - The Spanish-American Story

    Credits: 3
    Examines role of Spanish-American story from its origins moving to a particular focus on 19th century until present day. Analyzes influential themes and works, real events and mythical components aiding development of this great story. Class conducted in Spanish.

  • SPN 694 - The Contemporary Spanish-American Novel

    Credits: 3
    Analyzes contemporary Spanish-American novel through lens of such authors as Carlos Fuentes from Mexico and Isabel Allende from Chile. Class conducted in Spanish.

Other Courses

  • MON 545 - Foundations of Montessori Education

    Credits: 6


     

     

    Provides students with an overview of theories and practices in the field of early childhood education.  Specifically reviews the history and philosophy of the Montessori method of education.  As observation is key to implementing Montessori philosophy, students will learn commonly used observation theories and techniques, and will implement them in an assessment portion of the class.  Pre-practicum requirement.

  • MON 546 - Math and Instructional Strategies in the Montessori Classroom

    Credits: 6


     

    Presents materials and activities for children 2 ½ through 6 years, in the area of mathematics and best practice strategies for the classroom across all subject areas.  Practice labs included.

  • MON 547 - Language and Literacy Across the Curriculum

    Credits: 6
    Presents materials and activities for children 2 1/2 through 6 years on the refinement of sensorial abilities, language enhancement, and cultural education.  Practice labs included.

  • MON 548 - Human Development and Learning

    Credits: 3


    Presents a concentrated review of child development from conception through the early years until age 7.  Includes a review of relevant theories of various education al and developmental theorists, and relates this curriculum specifically to Dr. Maria Montessori’s theory of child development.

  • MON 560 - Montessori Practicum and Seminar

    Credits: 3


    Provides student with practical skills of designing an aesthetic classroom environment and tools for running a classroom. Highlights the significance of understanding this aged child as a basis for effective classroom management and for educating the child within a social curriculum. Includes a practicum supervised by a certified Montessori teacher at an approved site.

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