B EDUC 591 B SLN 19482 Special Topics: Cultivating Literacy (3 cr)
Wednesdays, 4:30-7:00 pm
Karen Gourd, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
The focus of this course will be on instructional strategies designed to cultivate all aspects of literacy (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) interests and skills. The aim will be to design curriculum and instruction that engages students (including but not limited to reluctant and struggling readers and writers, English language learners, and students who appear resistant). Strategies will include using art forms (e.g., drama, music, illustrations), cultural repertoires of knowledge, themes that emerge from K-12 students’ environments, and pop cultural.
(Note: Although many course readings will use examples from secondary and middle level classrooms, we will regularly discuss how strategies can be used across the life span.)