2013 - 2014 Graduate Catalogue 
    
    May 10, 2024  
2013 - 2014 Graduate Catalogue [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions | 4


Abbreviation of Courses

Anthropology (AN)
Biology (BY)
Chemistry (CH)
College Student Development (CSD)
Cooperative Education (CEP)
Early Childhood Education (CE)
Earth Science (ES)
Education (ED)
Educational Psychology (EP)
Elementary Education (EE)
English (EH)
Environmental Science (EN)
History (HY)

Instructional Leadership (IL)
Journalism (JN)
Library Media (LM)
Mathematics (MH)
Physical Education (PE)
Political Science (PS)
Psychology (PY)
School Counseling (SC)
Sociology (SY)
Special Education (SE)
Speech (SH)
Teacher Leader (TL)
Theatre (TH)

The Unit of Credit

The unit of credit at the University of West Alabama is the semester hour. One semester hour represents one hour of class work or two hours of laboratory work each week throughout the semester. Two hours per week of out-of-class preparation is usually required for each semester hour of credit.

The Numbering System

The University of West Alabama uses a three-digit numbering system. The first digit designates the level of the course, as follows:

500-599 — courses for masters-level students
600-699 — courses for Education Specialist-level students

The second digit is reserved to the department to designate relevant classifications of courses within the respective disciplines. The third digit is used to designate sequence of courses (but not necessarily prerequisites) or to distinguish a special type of course, such as independent study.

 

EDUCATION (ED)

  
  • ED 506 . Educational Statistics (3)


    Incorporation of computer usage in the principles and practices of psychological and educational assessment. Inferential and descriptive statistics, formal and informal methods of assessment, designing assessment programs, interpretation of test results, and analysis of research results are explored.
  
  • ED 508 . Technology Portfolio (1)


    Students will prepare a portfolio that provides evidence of technology abilities as required by the State of Alabama. Much of the documentation is to be completed in a K-12 setting. Prerequisites: ED 505 .
  
  • ED 509 . Internship in Teaching: P-12 (3)


    Fourteen weeks of full-time teaching in a public school setting. Designed for the Non-Traditional Fifth-Year pre-school through grade twelve teacher education program. Prerequisites: Must provide documentation of fingerprint clearance by ABI and FBI. Passing score on Praxis II. Unconditional admission to TEP and completion of all field experiences.
  
  • ED 514 . Techniques of Educational Research II (3)


    Major concepts and techniques of educational research to include research application, data interpretation, use and development of data collection instruments related to the field of study. Prerequisites:  .
  
  • ED 515 . Educational Technology 2.0 (3)


    Overview of methods and techniques in Web 2.0 tools, computed assisted instruction and current issues in educational technology as they relate to educational processes. Prerequisites:  .
  
  • ED 516 . Educational Statistics II (3)


    Introduction to qualitative statistics and quantitative research methodology. Consideration to mainstream qualitative research traditions, including case study, phenomenology, ethnography, grounded theory, and participatory/action research. Introduction of computer software used for coding textual data and exploration of various analytic approaches. Students will conduct observations, interviews, basic data analysis, and reporting. Prerequisites:  .
  
  • ED 518 . Professional Portfolio (1)


    Develops reflective practices that assist students to explore professional growth and demonstrate technological abilities related to experiences in the current field of study. Prerequisites:   or  .
  
  • ED 533 . Reading Methods Secondary/P-12 (3)


    An overview of reading methods and techniques of teaching reading as related to different content areas. This course will prepare students for successful preparation of integrated unit planning and lesson planning. Students will be exposed to the components of Educate Alabama to better ensure success in the classroom.
  
  • ED 582 . Methods of Teaching Language Arts (3)


    Students will develop competencies in methods of teaching language arts. This course will prepare students for the successful preparation of integrated unit planning and lesson planning. Student will be exposed to the components of Educate Alabama to better ensure success in the classroom.
  
  • ED 583 . Methods of Teaching Mathematics (3)


    Students will develop competencies in methods of teaching mathematics. This course will prepare students for the successful preparation of integrated unit planning and lesson planning in mathematics. Student will be exposed to the components of Educate Alabama to better ensure success in the classroom.
  
  • ED 584 . Methods of Teaching Physical Education (3)


    Students will develop competencies in methods of teaching physical education. This course will prepare students for the successful preparation of integrated unit planning and lesson planning in physical education. Student will be exposed to the components of Educate Alabama to better ensure success in the classroom.
  
  • ED 585 . Methods of Teaching Science (3)


    Students will develop competencies in methods of teaching science. This course will prepare students for the successful preparation of integrated unit planning and lesson planning in science. Student will be exposed to the components of Educate Alabama to better ensure success in the classroom.
  
  • ED 586 . Methods of Teaching Social Science (3)


    Students will develop competencies in methods of teaching social science. This course will prepare students for the successful preparation of integrated unit planning and lesson planning in social science. Student will be exposed to the components of Educate Alabama to better ensure success in the classroom.
  
  • ED 597 . Independent Study in Education (1-3)


    Offers the qualified graduate student an opportunity for independent study in education. Specific content and nature of course determined by student needs and interests. Research papers required.
  
  • ED 598 . Selected Topics in Education (3)


    Critical readings, lectures, discussion, and laboratory experiences in education not generally included in course offerings. Specific content and nature of course determined by student needs and interests. Prerequisites: Permission of the Dean. May be repeated for six semester hours credit.
  
  • ED 599 . Selected Topics in Education (3)


    Critical readings, lectures, discussion, and laboratory experiences in education not generally included in course offerings. Specific content and nature of course determined by student needs and interests. Prerequisites: Permission of the Dean. May be repeated for six semester hours credit.
  
  • ED 601 . Curriculum Design (3)


    This course focuses on an examination of principles, problems, and practices influencing curriculum planning; and research in general curriculum problems.
  
  • ED 604 . Advanced Educational Research (3)


    The focus of this course is to provide advanced graduate students knowledge and skills to combine the theoretical aspects of research with the knowledge base of their specialty areas of study. Students are expected to define acceptable questions for study, determine an appropriate research design based on the questions asked, and develop methodically acceptable analytic procedures. It is expected students will have the requisite knowledge of research and statistics, and acceptable skill in writing.

EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (EP)

  
  • EP 500 . Advanced Educational Psychology (3)


    A systematic approach to the application of psychology to the learning process.
  
  • EP 506 . Life-Span Development and Learning (3)


    Physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development during the life-span of human beings.
  
  • EP 510 . Advanced Theories of Learning (3)


    A systematic approach to the application of psychology to the learning process and the theories of learning. Prerequisites:  .
  
  • EP 597 . Independent Study in Educational Psychology (1-3)


    Offers the qualified graduate student an opportunity for independent study in educational psychology. Specific content and nature of course determined by student needs and interests. Research papers required. One to three semester hours per semester, may be repeated for a maximum of six semester hours credit. Prerequisites: Permission of the Dean.
  
  • EP 598 . Selected Topics in Educational Psychology (3)


    Critical readings, lectures, discussion, and laboratory experiences in educational psychology not generally included in course offerings. Specific content and nature of course determined by student needs and interests. Prerequisites: Permission of the Dean. May be repeated for six semester hours credit.
  
  • EP 599 . Thesis in Counseling/Psychology (1-3)


    A thesis evidencing research capacity, independent thought and ability to interpret materials is required of students pursuing the thesis option. Normally students enroll in this course continuously from the inception of their thesis project until the final document is approved by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. A maximum of six semester hours in this course will be counted toward the Master’s degree. Prerequisites: Permission of Dean of College of Education.

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION (EE)

  
  • EE 500 . Teaching Reading (3)


    A variety of approaches to reading instruction emphasizing developmental reading and reading in the content areas.
  
  • EE 503 . Teaching Basic Skills in Reading (3)


    Intensive study of reading skills and techniques for evaluating reading proficiency. Prerequisites: One course in reading at graduate or undergraduate level.
  
  • EE 504 . Corrective and Remedial Reading (3)


    Causes of disability, procedures in diagnosis, and classroom remedial treatment of reading programs.
  
  • EE 506 . Literature for Children and Young Adults (3)


    Evaluation of major literary genre, motivational techniques for encouraging life-long reading habits in children and young adults.
  
  • EE 520 . Current Trends in Elementary Education (3)


    Critical review of prominent issues and practices affecting program organization, management and instruction in grades K-6.
  
  • EE 523 . Mathematics in the Elementary School (3)


    Survey of materials and methods used in teaching K-6 mathematics, with emphasis on mathematics content, use of manipulatives, problem-solving and incorporation of calculators and computers in teaching.
  
  • EE 524 . Social Studies in the Elementary School (3)


    Materials and procedures of unit teaching in primary and intermediate grade social studies programs.
  
  • EE 525 . Science in the Elementary School (3)


    Survey of materials and methods used in teaching K-6 science, with emphasis on a hands-on, inquiry-oriented approach to teaching product and process.
  
  • EE 526 . Language Arts in the Elementary School (3)


    Objectives, content, and instructional procedures in teaching language arts including oral and written expression. Emphasis on student needs.
  
  • EE 527 . Directed Studies in Elementary Teaching (1-3)


    Independent study and research in an area of elementary education. Individual needs and interests determine content and nature of course. Research and/or critical paper required. Maximum six semester hours. Prerequisites: Permission of Dean.
  
  • EE 528 . Directed Studies in Elementary Teaching (1-3)


    Independent study and research in an area of elementary education. Individual needs and interests determine content and nature of course. Research and/or critical paper required. Maximum six semester hours. Prerequisites: Permission of Dean.
  
  • EE 529 . Internship in Elementary Education (3)


    Meets requirements of State Department of Education for Alternative A programs and add-on certification in grades K-6. Requires 4-14 weeks of full-time internship at cooperating public school.
  
  • EE 597 . Independent Study in Elementary Education (1-3)


    Offers the qualified graduate student an opportunity for independent study in elementary education. Specific content and nature of courses are determined by student needs and interests. Research papers are required. May be repeated for a maximum of six semester hours credit. Prerequisites: Permission of the Dean.
  
  • EE 598 . Selected Topics in Elementary Education (1-3)


    Critical readings, lectures, discussion, and laboratory experiences in elementary education not generally included in course offerings. Specific content and nature of course determined by student needs and interests. May be repeated for a maximum of six semester hours credit. Prerequisites: Permission of the Dean.
  
  • EE 599 . Thesis in Elementary Education (3)


    A thesis evidencing research capacity, independent thought and the ability to interpret materials is required of students pursuing the thesis option. Normally students enroll in this course continuously from the inception of their thesis project until the final document is approved by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. A maximum of six semester hours in this course will be counted toward the Master’s degree. Prerequisites: Permission of Dean of the College.
  
  • EE 620 . Teaching the Diverse Learner (3)


    The focus of the course is on adjusting the school curriculum to create and manage a positive learning environment for a diverse population of elementary students.
  
  • EE 621 . Teaching Reading in the Content Areas (3)


    The focus of the course is on theory, research, and methods for teaching elementary school students to use literacy as a tool for learning.
  
  • EE 622 . Learning Theory and Instructional Practice in Elementary Mathematics and Science (3)


    This course is a seminar type course to include research, trends, and methods in science and math instruction in the elementary school.
  
  • EE 623 . Best Practices in Language Arts (3)


    This course is a seminar type course that focuses on trends, innovations, policy, and the function of research in the teaching of language arts in the elementary school.
  
  • EE 624 . Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood Programs (3)


    The focus of the course is on historical and contemporary early childhood programs and the theoretical foundation for early childhood education.
  
  • EE 627 . Educational Assessment (3)


    The focus of this course is on student performance and includes the identification of learning goals, the diagnosis of student needs, the provision for effective instruction with feedback, and the use of assessment results to improve teaching and learning.
  
  • EE 628 . School Reform Models in Elementary Schools (3)


    The focus of the course is on analyzing current school reform models; researching school improvement plans; and devising a school improvement plan. Prerequisites: EE 627. Educational Assessment (3) 

ENGLISH (EH)

  
  • EH 501 . Research in Literary Studies (3)


    A survey of contemporary literary theory and criticism, as well as advanced instruction in research techniques and library resources, through the investigation of a specific problem in English or American literature.
  
  • EH 510 . Twentieth-Century Poetry (3)


    A study of works of major American and British poets of the twentieth century from Thomas Hardy to the present, including Yeats, Eliot, Auden, Frost, Stevens, Williams, and Plath.
  
  • EH 521 . Chaucer and Selected Medieval Literature (3)


    Focus on the Canterbury Tales, with additional readings of poems, mystery plays, and romances by other authors.
  
  • EH 522 . Shakespeare (3)


    A study of Shakespeare’s works, with a focus on the tragedies from Romeo and Juliet through Macbeth.
  
  • EH 523 . English Literature of the Seventeenth Century (3)


    A study of the poetry of John Donne and the Metaphysical poets, Ben Jonson and the Cavalier poets, and John Milton, primarily Paradise Lost.
  
  • EH 524 . Restoration and Eighteenth-Century British Literature (3)


    British prose, poetry, and drama from 1660 to 1800, including such writers as Dryden, Swift, Pope, and Johnson.
  
  • EH 525 . Nineteenth-Century English Poetry (3)


    Selections from the poetry of major Romantic and Victorian poets.
  
  • EH 526 . The English Novel (3)


    Examination of six to eight works of various periods and types in the development of the English novel.
  
  • EH 527 . Seminar in Nineteenth-Century English Literature (3)


    Intensive study of three or four nineteenth-century British writers related by such factors as period, theme, technique, or gender. May be repeated for a maximum of six semester hours credit.
  
  • EH 528 . Seminar in Twentieth-Century English Literature (3)


    An intensive study of four or more twentieth-century writers related by such factors as period, theme, technique, or gender. May be repeated for a maximum of six semester hours credit.
  
  • EH 533 . Seminar in Nineteenth-Century American Literature (3)


    An intensive study of three or four nineteenth-century American writers related by such factors as period, gender, theme, or technique. May be repeated for a maximum of six semester hours credit.
  
  • EH 534 . Seminar in Twentieth-Century American Literature (3)


    An intensive study of three or four twentieth-century American writers related by such factors as period, gender, theme, or technique. May be repeated for a maximum of six semester hours credit.
  
  • EH 536 . The American Novel (3)


    A study of the novel in the United States, as revealed in close examination of six to eight novels.
  
  • EH 540 . Literary Criticism (3)


    A study of traditional and contemporary criticism and theory.
  
  • EH 550 . Contemporary Fiction (3)


    A study of fiction written in English, as revealed in an examination of 6-8 works written from 1955 to present.
  
  • EH 560 . Advanced Grammar and Linguistics (3)


    Survey and analysis of traditional, structural, and transformational systems of grammar.
  
  • EH 570 . Advanced Creative Writing (3)


    For students who have earned credit in EH 370 Creative Writing (see Undergraduate Catalog at catalog.uwa.edu) and other qualified students, an opportunity to continue their writing.
  
  • EH 580 . Teaching Composition (3)


    Preparation for the teaching of writing, emphasizing the presentation of content in an organized, well-developed, and stylistically correct manner.
  
  • EH 588 . Field Experience in English Language Arts Teaching (3)


    Tutoring of students in English Language Arts classes or in the Writing Center under the supervision of a classroom teacher; observation and assistance to the classroom teacher, two to three days a week.
  
  • EH 589 . Tutorial Practicum for Teachers (1)


    Tutoring in Writing Center under supervision of the Director. May be repeated for maximum of three semester hours.
  
  • EH 597 . Directed Studies in English (1-3)


    Independent study and/or research in literature or English language. Course content and format determined by student needs and interests. A maximum of six hours may be earned in this course. Prerequisites: Permission of the Dean.
  
  • EH 598 . Selected Topics in English (1-3)


    Critical readings, lectures, and discussions of selected topics not generally included in course offerings. Course content and format determined by student needs and interests. Prerequisites: Permission of the Dean.
  
  • EH 599 . Thesis Research (1-3)


    A thesis evidencing research capacity, independent thought and the ability to interpret materials is required of students pursuing the thesis option. Normally students enroll in this course continuously from the inception of their thesis project until the final document is approved by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. A maximum of six semester hours in this course will be counted toward the Master’s degree. Prerequisites: Permission of Dean of the College.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (EN)

  
  • EN 501 . Research Seminar in Environmental Sciences (1)


    Lectures, discussions, and reviews of environmental topics by staff, students, and guest speakers. Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
  
  • EN 504 . Research Design and Data Analysis (3)


    A study of the planning, organizing, and implementing of scientific research experiments. Computer based data treatment, graphing, and analysis methods are covered in detail. Prerequisites: Computer proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word is critical.
  
  • EN 508 . Teaching College Environmental Science (3)


    The role of environmental science in the curriculum, types and levels of courses, and techniques of teaching. Development of teaching materials and teaching observation required.
  
  • EN 541 . Environmental Toxicology (4)


    Overview of concepts and terminology combining several diverse disciplines to investigate how society creates, regulates, and perceives the effects of toxic substances in the environment. Health issues and approaches to control the major environmental health problems associated with various occupations in industrialized and developing countries will also be examined. Three lecture hours and two laboratory hours per week. Prerequisites: Sixteen hours in biology or environmental science or permission of the Dean.
  
  • EN 550 . Environmental Health and Safety Management (3)


    Environmental features and policies necessary for responsible health and safety management from perspective of the environmental manager. One or more research projects and/or papers are required. Three lecture hours per week. Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
  
  • EN 551 . Industrial Hygiene (3)


    Planning and implementation of programs to minimize occupational health hazards. Procedures and methods to recognize, evaluate, and control occupational health hazards are emphasized. One or more research projects and/or papers are required. Three lecture hours per week. Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
  
  • EN 553 . Appalachian Ecology (4)


    A study of the biodiversity and geology of the Appalachian Mountains with particular focus on unique biological communities and the impact of natural and anthropogenic events on the landscape and ecology.
  
  • EN 554 . Conservation Biology (3)


    This course provides an introduction to the field of conservation biology and examines the relationship between human populations and biodiversity. Graduate project required. Three lecture hours per week.
  
  • EN 556 . Ecological Restoration (3)


    Exploration of basic principles of ecological restoration including physical, chemical, and biological manipulations required for restoration success. Additionally, this course will provide a detailed examination of practical aspects of restoration in selected ecosystems. Three lecture hours per week. Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
  
  • EN 558 . Subtropical Ecology (4)


    This course will provide an introduction to habitats and ecosystems of subtropical Florida. Students will gain insight into the natural and cultural history of some of the most unique and diverse habitats in North America. The course will include weekly meetings to discuss subtropical habitats, followed by a 7 day field trip. Upon return, students will develop a research paper and a presentation on a topic related to these habitats. A graduate research project is also required.
  
  • EN 570 . Environmental Chemistry (4)


    The application of chemical and biochemical principles to environmental problems and their solutions. Emphasis is placed on the behavior of pollutants in the natural ecosystem and their management. One or more research projects and/or papers are required. Three lecture and two laboratory hours per week. Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
  
  • EN 580 . Environmental Law (3)


    Governmental regulations that seek to insure the quality of the environmental and the safety of the work place. One or more research projects and/or papers are required. Three lecture hours per week. Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
  
  • EN 597 . Independent Study in Environmental Sciences (1-8)


    Content and nature of the course determined by the individual needs and interests of the student. One or more research projects or papers are required. One to four semester hours per semester. May be repeated for a maximum of eight semester hours. Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
  
  • EN 598 . Selected Topics in Environmental Sciences (1-4)


    Requirements and interests of students determine the topics and format of the course. One of more research projects and/or papers are required. Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
  
  • EN 599 . Thesis in Environmental Sciences (1-3)


    A thesis evidencing research capacity, independent thought and the ability to interpret materials is required of students pursuing the thesis option. Normally students enroll in this course continuously from the inception of their thesis project until the final document is approved by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. A maximum of six semester hours in this course will be counted toward the Master’s degree. Prerequisites: Permission of Dean of the College.

FINANCE (FI)

  
  • FI 511 . Behavioral Finance and Organizational Decisions (3)


    This course is a study of the key psychological obstacles to value-maximizing behaviors and methods of mitigating their effects. Topics include the underlying factors and processes that result in non-optimal decisions; perceptions about risk and reward and financial decision making in the areas of investing, trading, valuation, capital budgeting, capital structure, dividend policy, agency conflicts, corporate governance, and mergers and acquisitions.
  
  • FI 513 . Managerial Finance and Organization Decisions (3)


    Topics include cost of capital, value of the firm, derivative securities, efficient capital markets, capital structure, capital budgeting, forecasting, financial statement analysis, mergers, leasing versus purchasing, financial ratio analysis, and other relevant topics are covered in the contexts of value and wealth maximization.
  
  • FI 514 . Non-Profit Financial Management (3)


    This course provides an overview of finance from the perspective of public entities, non-profit and not-for-profit organizations, and government organizations. Topics include incorporation, funding and funding proposals, grants, taxation, financial decisions, responsibilities of financial officers to stakeholders, principal-agency issues, financial fraud, financial constraints, financial decisions, ethics, and the use of limited financial resources to maximize the fulfilling of organizational mission and societal benefit.
  
  • FI 550 . International Finance and Capital Markets (3)


    This course is an analysis of operation and regulation of international financial markets for derivatives (options, futures, and swaps), equities, debt, and currencies. Topics include financial aspects of multinational enterprises emphasizing balance of payments, foreign exchange risk management, international money and capital markets, multinational treasury functions, and political risk analysis.

HISTORY (HY)

  
  • HY 500 . The Historian’s Craft (3)


    A readings-based introduction to the leading historical schools, the development of the historical profession, and the research methodologies employed by professional historians.
  
  • HY 503 . The First World War (3)


    A study of the origins of the First World War emphasizing the evolution of strategy, operations, and tactics.
  
  • HY 504 . The Second World War (3)


    A study of warfare from 1931 through 1945, emphasizing strategy, operations and tactics.
  
  • HY 505 . War of the Modern Age (3)


    The study of war and warfare from 1859 through September 11, 2001, with an emphasis on the evolution of strategy, operations, and tactics.
  
  • HY 506 . Film and History (3)


    A survey of the history of film and development of film within its cultural context. The course will include frequent discussions of the proper use of film in the classroom.
  
  • HY 507 . Directed Studies in History (1-3)


    Independent study and/or research in history. Course content and format determined by student needs and interests. A maximum of six hours may be earned in this course. Prerequisites: Permission of the Dean
  
  • HY 508 . Meaning of the First World War (3)


    An examination of the intellectual and cultural background of “the Great War,” and its continuing impact on intellectual and cultural life of the modern world.
  
  • HY 509 . Internship (3)


    Supervised internship with a departmentally-approved public history facility, archival institution, or historical journal. May be repeated for a maximum of six semester hours. Prerequisites: At least six hours of graduate-level history courses, letter of agreement from the host institution, and approval of both the supervising faculty member and the department chair.
  
  • HY 510 . American Diplomatic History (3)


    A study of the diplomatic events and foreign policy decisions in American history, with special emphasis on the United States as a world power.
  
  • HY 511 . Colonial/Revolutionary America (3)


    A survey of the history of Colonial America from the age of discovery to the adoption of the Constitution.
  
  • HY 512 . The Early National Period (3)


    The development of the American Republic from 1789 to 1824.
  
  • HY 513 . Jacksonian America (3)


    The development of the United States from 1820 through 1845.
 

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