Secondary Education: Speech and Theatre Certification

Required Courses for the Secondary Education: Speech and Theatre Certification

• PER 415

  Contemporary Theories of Theatre

  3 credits

  Students will study the intersections of Theatre and
  Anthropology, Theatre and Ritual, Post-modern theory
  and performance, and Theatre for Social Change.
  Prerequisite: PER 314.

• EDU 500

  Behavior Management Techniques

  3 credits

  This course addresses theories and principles of behavior management for classrooms. Models of discipline and motivation and their applications to classrooms are a central focus with an emphasis on establishing positive learning environments through use of appropriate behavior management techniques. The student chooses one approach to classroom/behavior management to explore in depth. Topics and activities apply to all levels, regular and special education, from preschool through secondary.

• PER 518

  Advanced Directing

  3 credits

  Students will produce directing plans in which they explore style, concept, composition, and language in a variety of plays. A complete director’s promptbook and the production of a full-length or one-act play will be the final project.

• PER 530

  Theatre Synthesis

  3 credits

  Students will attend and critique productions in the St. Louis area and meet for seminars with local professional actors, directors, stage managers, and artistic directors.

• EDU 531

  The Contemporary Classroom

  3 credits

  This course offers an intensive overview of the contemporary classroom. The student will  observe classrooms at the level of certification sought and reflect on those observations. Students will gain an understanding of the overall context of the classroom and its  relationship to the role of education in society. The course is calculated to assist post-BA students, aspiring to enter the teaching profession, to arrive at an informed decision regarding this career choice. Thirty (30) hours of observation are required in addition to class attendance. Background Check Required.

• EDU 541

  Frameworks for Learning

  3 credits

  This course deals with the application of psychological principles that promote the learning of individuals and groups. Knowledge from previous classes is built upon through an emphasis on the application of theories of learning into the classrooms, the importance of meeting individual differences in today’s diverse classrooms, incorporating classroom assessment into the learning process, and the implications for instruction, development, and design.

• EDU 542

  The Teacher as Leader

  3 credits

  This course will examine the changing role of the teacher in contemporary schools.  Students will learn leadership skills and methods for impacting educational organizations. Students will be introduced to strategies for creating a climate for new ideas.

• EDU 550

  Reading and Writing across the Curriculum

  3 hours

  This course provides strategies for teaching vocabulary,
  concepts, comprehension, reasoning, and organization in
  specialty subject areas. Included are theoretical bases and
  methodologies for incorporating reading and writing skills
  within content areas of instruction.

• EDU 586

  Studies in Disability and Exceptionality

  This course is based on extensive study in areas of
  disability and society, disability and the media, and the
  civil rights quest of people with disabilities. Students will
  attend speaker forums of experts in disabilities, will be
  involved in meetings of a conference or organized
  advocacy group, and prepare their own presentations on
  appropriate topics to gain multiple perspectives of
  ability/disability and an understanding of exceptionality
  and disability culture.

• EDU 597

  The Instructional Process

  3 hours

  This course, taken the last semester prior to student
  teaching/field experience, will build upon the previous
  work in the MAT program related to curriculum/
  instructional planning; understanding diverse learners and
  differentiating instruction; the use of technology, behavior
  management; reading strategies, etc. into a coherent
  method for planning, delivering and assessing instruction.
  Candidates will be provided instruction in the
  instructional processes and products needed to complete
  the culminating project for teacher certification.
  Candidates will be required to present a model unit plan
  which incorporates all factors of the instructional process
  and work with a classroom teacher at the appropriate level
  of certification to validate that model.

• CIS 103

  Microcomputer Applications in Education

  3 credits

  Provides an introduction to the uses of technology in an educational setting. Emphasis of the course will be on integrating technology with classroom instruction. Students will learn skills related to word processing, spreadsheets and presentations as well as to evolving internet-based technologies. Promoting life-long learning and an understanding of the legal and ethical use of computer/technology resources will be an integral part of the course.

• COM 102

  Public Speaking

  3 credits

  Acquaints the student with a sound approach to the preparation and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. Students will study the fundamentals of organization, outlining, and supporting materials and apply these principles in the planning and delivery of several speeches before the class. Open to all students.

• COM 103

  Interpersonal Communication

  3 credits

  A study of the different methods of analyzing the self and
  one-on-one relationships within the context of
  interpersonal communication. Application of theory
  through written analysis and small group interaction.
  Examination of practical methods of improving our
  communicative effectiveness in interpersonal
  relationships. Open to all students.

• COM 260

  Media, Technology, and Culture

  3 credits

  An introduction to the theory and function of the mass media, with emphasis on the media’s cultural, ethical, and economic dimensions. Students will examine radio, television, newspapers, magazines, and computer as parts of an evolving information society.

• COM 430

  Argumentation, Advocacy, and Debate

  3credits

  A study of the various formats and strategies of argument. Development of debate techniques through research and classroom debate presentation. Prerequisite: COM 102.

• PER 101

  Theatre Appreciation

  3 credits

  An introduction to an awareness and appreciation of the
  arts of the theatre and to an understanding of the play as a
  literary form as well as a theatrical experience. Open to
  all students.

• PER 111

  Performance Techniques

  3 credits

  Through creative drama exercises, students will develop
  the tools of acting (concentration, observation, emotional
  recall, rhythm, sense memory, and characterization).
  These tools will be used in the development of characters
  and the presentations of both improvised and scripted
  scenes. Students will also develop physical and vocal skills
  necessary for performers. Open to all students.

• PER 121

  Stagecraft

  3 credits

  An introduction to backstage organization, scenic
  construction, lighting, painting, and all related areas
  involved in the physical mounting of a theatrical
  production. Lecture and lab experience. Open to all
  students.

• PER 318

  Directing

  3 credits

  An introduction to the principles and techniques of direction for various spaces. Students will study the fundamentals of script analysis and the basic tools a director employs to communicate a performance event to an audience through the performers. In-class directing exercises and public performance of student-directed projects. Prerequisite: PER 111.

• PER 386

  Methods of Teaching Speech & Theatre

  3 credits

  Procedures, materials, applications, and problems of the curriculum in middle and high school with special emphasis on the basic course.

• PSY 200

  Developmental Psychology

  3 credits

  A study of the nature of human development across the life span. The course covers the  physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development of the individual for each of the major  developmental periods: infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. The  psychosocial experience of aging and death is also examined.

• EDU 223

  Introduction to Classroom Assessment

  3 credits

  This course will introduce a variety of educational
  assessment strategies used to inform instructional
  decisions. Students will explore the many forms of
  assessment including authentic/embedded assessment,
  formal and informal assessment tools, group achievement
  measures, and the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP).
  Special attention will be given to the use of assessment
  data to improve classroom teaching, to enhance
  instructional planning for a diverse student population,
  and to share information with various constituencies.
  Prerequisites: EDU 203; EDU 200.

• EDU 451

  Student Teaching at the Secondary Level

  10-16 credits

  A minimum of twelve weeks of full-day sessions in directed observation and teaching in a secondary school setting, to include conferences with principals, cooperating teachers, and college supervisors. Those seeking K-12 certification in Art must complete four weeks in an elementary placement. Students may enroll for additional weeks for additional credit, up to sixteen credits. Prerequisite: Admission to teacher certification candidacy. Background Check Required