LITR 500 New Literacies for New Learning 3 Credits

As we consider the rapid expansion of information and text it is timely to take a critical view of what literacy means and how it is influencing children’s literacy development and the work of educators. Many argue that the rapidly evolving use of technology is potentially shifting the ways in which we construct and comprehend information, or is it? In this hybrid/online course, we aim to explore these sometimes competing conceptions of text as we consider what these new literacies mean for children’s literacy development as well our own work as educators.

LITR 501 Psychology and Pedagogy of Literacy Processes 3 Credits

Studies the communication process from a componential point of view, including language acquisition and development, perception, comprehension and cognition, composition, and language systems. A review of the literature in each area as well as a survey of models of reading and language is included.

LITR 502 Curriculum, Instruction and Supervision in Literacy 3 Credits

Reading and literacy pedagogy for ALL learners, gifted, average, and diverse learners is the course content. Current strategies for teaching comprehension, composition, vocabulary, language study, and independence skills are learned in a workshop setting. How to manage literacy instruction through content areas for all aged children in mainstream classrooms is studied. Parent education and inservice training are also included in course content.

LITR 504 Diagnosis and Correction of Literacy Abilities and Challenges: Seminar and Practicum 3 Credits

Studies reading/language arts abilities and challenges and assessment measures. Observational techniques and diagnostic teaching for assessment are stressed. Students will apply concepts learned in seminar to their associated practicum/field experience.

LITR 508 Literacy and the Bilingual/Bicultural Child 3 Credits

Presents multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives on bilingual/bicultural children and their reading process. Strategies and materials for second language reading instruction are suggested and discussed.

LITR 510 Research and Survey of Texts for Children and Adolescents 3 Credits

This course surveys developmental trends in texts for children and adolescents. Students will become knowledgeable about the theoretical and practical aspects of the study of the texts (both digital and print) available for youth and adolescents. Candidates will explore their own assumptions about text and the relationship to literacy development. Course participants will explore strategies for integrating print and non-print texts into the school curricula in ways that support youth and adolescent literacy development.

LITR 560 Writing Project at Rider 3 Credits

Examines theory, research, and practices in the teaching of writing K-12, with emphasis on improved practices in teaching writing as well as the personal writing of participants. Students investigate relevant local and national standards and curriculum, design, present, and respond to peer demonstration lessons in writing, and publish to the National Writing Project e-anthology. Further participation in NWP activities is encouraged and supported. This Invitational Summer Institute is part of the National Writing Project network. Project participants, called Summer Fellows, become Teacher Consultants upon completion of the Institute and are expected to maintain affiliation with the Project and to participate in the dissemination of professional development in writing instruction K-12 for all subject areas.

LITR 600 Independent Research and Study in Literacy Education 1-3 Credits

Course content is designed specifically to meet specific academic needs or interests of students who wish to engage in independent study related to literacy education.