Language, Literature, and the Schools

CRN: winter: 20202 (8 cr), 20203 (12 cr); spring 30207 (8 cr), 30208 (12 cr)
Note: This 8 or 12-credit program will meet from 6 to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on five Saturdays each quarter (winter: Jan. 9, 23, Feb. 6, 20, Mar. 6; spring: Apr. 3, 10, May 1, 15, 29). First class in spring meets in SEM 2 E3105.

As external pressures on schools increase—through such forces as standardized testing and public accountability—many people concerned about education would argue that the arts are marginalized and at times completely excluded.

This program will explore the question: In what ways are the arts valuable in the education of children? Focusing primarily on the medium of language and the literary arts, this course will examine the psychological, social, and philosophical foundations of language development; the teaching of writing within constructivist pedagogy; literature and literary theory as they relate to all levels of elementary and secondary education; and the historical tensions between philosophy of education and educational practice in the past century. Students will also participate in weekly writing groups as one way to observe closely the interaction between language, writing, and learning.

In spring quarter, we will draw together these strands in studying the current political battle between traditional and constructivist education, with particular attention to the teaching of writing and literature in the schools and to arts education in general. In addition, students will conduct classroom observations (in elementary or secondary classrooms) and/or significant research-based projects on topics in language, literature, the arts, and public education.

The 12-credit option in spring quarter will enable students to meet specific requirements for Washington State teacher certification. Students may earn the additional four credits in any of the following areas: children’s literature, adolescent literature, or multicultural literature. Students will earn these credits through small-group seminar and significant independent work in coordination with the curriculum of the 8-credit core of the program. Students will meet for a weekly 3-hour seminar at a time to be determined by each subject-area group.