Sample Course Descriptions
 Curriculum Studies and Reflective Practice
This course delineates major curricular orientations in education (dominant ideas and practices, as well as those that confront mainstream orientations and beliefs) and investigates their pedagogical, social and political origins within American culture. Students also examine critiques of these orientations, particularly from the perspectives of children and adolescents from non-dominant American cultures.
Diversity and Equity
In this course students examine a critical, historical, and philosophical context for today's issues of race, class, and gender, sexuality, disability, and other identity markers, attending closely as well to culture and how it affects education and learning. The perspective of equity focuses on recurring public policy, ethical and legal issues concerning access to schools, allocation of resources, social and cultural relationships, and educational outcomes. How questions of equity must be sensitive to the circumstances of a variety of social groups is emphasized, especially in relation to groups holding relatively less power, status, and wealth. Finally, the course addresses how students and teachers from diverse backgrounds can egage cultural differences in the classroom toward the goals of enduring multicultural learning and equitable outcomes.
Inquiry and Research
Students in this course will learn about and be able to practice a broad range of research methods and strategies for inquiry applicable to education. Utilizing personal and collective experiences, and in reference to the current state of education in American society, participants will call upon theories and relevant methodologies to inform their creation of a compelling question for study and development of a related literature review. A strong emphasis is placed upon how research may be carried out in different educational and social cultures and how a proposed project may address important needs of the community in which it is conducted. Throughout the work of the course, the role of multicultural perspectives in inquiry and diverse possible representations of those connected with any project are considered carefully.
Special Education in Inclusive Settings
Designed for the practicing teacher, this course helps students develop systematic strategies and techniques to support the behavioral and emotional needs of individuals with mild learning and behavior problems in inclusive classrooms. The course covers theories of behavior management, functional analysis of behavior, positive methods of strengthening and reducing behavior, and classroom management tips. The course also addresses proactive instructional strategies that serve as a preventive approach to behavioral support. Students examine how their classroom management techniques fit into a more comprehensive school-wide behavior support system.
Critical Issues in Native American Education
This course offers an exploration of educational issues, from birth through adulthood, in Native American communities, particularly those in the Northwest. Emphasis is on solutions for current educational issues and how to involve families and communities to work together with schools and other educational institutions.
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