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Plymouth State University
MSC 11
17 High Street
Plymouth, NH 03264-1595
Course Descriptions
For a full list of graduate course descriptions, go to our course descriptions page.
Reading and Writing
RL 5020 Supervision of Reading Programs - 3 credits
Examination of the relationship of general school administration to reading programs. Focus is on the unique aspects of reading/language arts supervision to long and short range planning for comprehensive services, organization and implementation of specialized services, staff development, data collection and evaluation procedures, and personnel and community relations. Fall and summer.
RL 5110 Issues and Trends in Reading and Writing - 3 credits
An overview of current practices in the teaching of reading and writing, and K-12 adult literacy. Discussion of topics in a variety of areas, such as literacy, language arts, reading and writing processes, historical perspectives and curriculum, goals, theoretical models, vocabulary and comprehension. Survey of technological trends, methods of assessment and portfolio models, cross-cultural practices and bilingual issues, reading and writing disabilities, and methods of teaching the gifted reader and writer. Emphasis on application of current research to classroom practice through seminars that highlight "what's new, what's old and what has not changed" in reading and writing. A practicum experience may be included as part of this course of study. May be repeated with permission of instructor. Fall, spring and summer.
RL 5170 Reading and Writing in the Content Area - 3 credits
Develops the importance of language in integrating all curricula through listening, speaking, reading, writing and viewing processes. Students will evaluate current research, creative practices and new technologies reference and study skills. They will explore methods and materials to promote reading and writing across the curriculum content areas. Students will develop and present an interdisciplinary curriculum. Summer.
RL 5300 Advanced Children's/Young Adult Literature - 3 credits
This advanced literature course will survey prose, poetry and wordless books for school age students. Genres to be discussed include: picture books, traditional literature, modern fantasy, contemporary realistic fiction, historical fiction, multicultural and diversity literature, informational books and biographies. The course is designed to help the educator evaluate and select appropriate literature to develop literature-based reading and language arts programs, as well as choosing literature for content subjects. Students will work cooperatively on research with a current issue novel and independently write and present a novel unit. Summer.
RL 5560 Special Topics in Reading, Writing and the Language Arts - 1-3 credits
An in-depth study of a particular topic, contemporary issue or concern. The course will be taught by a specialist within the field being studied or as an alternative methodology. A faculty member will coordinate a series of guest speakers who will meaningfully address the topic. Since topics vary, the course may be repeated with permission of the instructor. Offered according to demand.
RL 5710 Advanced Diagnostic Testing and the Improvement of Reading and Writing - 3 credits
Diagnostic and instructional issues presented include: reading and writing development; factors related to reading and writing disabilities; varied approaches to individual diagnosis and proven emergent reading, corrective, standardized tests and authentic assessments currently used in reading and special education programs. Seminars in conjunction with the practicum emphasize peer coaching and the application of current literacy research. May be repeated with the permission of the instructor. Winterim and summer.
RL 5750 Independent Research in Reading and Writing - 1-3 credits
An in-depth study of a particular topic, contemporary issue or concern. The student will propose a topic, issue or concern to the program advisor for approval.
RL 5760 Linguistic Principles and Methods of Teaching English as a Second or Other Language - 3 credits
In this course, participants will examine the nature of language, language systems and language in context. The focus will be on the relevance of linguistic and sociolinguistic knowledge to teaching languages, the nature of language development, and the theory and practice of various teaching methods for different age groups and classroom situations.
RL 5770 Developing Language & Literacy for Diverse Learners - 3 credits
An overview of the theories of reading acquisition, the grapho-phonological system, the foundations of literacy and the reading and writing process, with an emphasis on kindergarten through third grade. Topics include early literacy, orthographic knowledge, phonemic awareness, phonics instruction, and the ecology of language and literacy learning. This course includes a practicum with the development of a portfolio of literacy experiences.
RL 5810 Practicum in Reading Diagnosis - 3 credits
Experiences in assessment and correction of reading difficulties. Use of developmental corrective and remedial techniques. Analysis of problems, materials and methods. Unscheduled. Prerequisites: ED 5140 and consent of instructor.
RL 5820 Practicum in Reading and Writing - 1-3 credits
Seminar in the effective teaching of language arts, K–12. Discussion of literacy program planning, operation, management, budget, curriculum and evaluation. Emphasis on the role of the reading and writing specialist as researcher, leader and change agent. Study of collaborative consultative skills, supervisory skills, staff development services and community activities. Field-based experiences at the elementary, middle and high school. This is the capstone course for students in the reading and writing specialist program. Winterim and summer.
RL 5830 Practicum in Reading Diagnosis and Remedial Reading - 3 credits
Analysis of the factors contributing to reading disability. Diagnosis, teaching, curriculum planning and use of informal and formal assessments with small groups of readers in K–12 settings and supervised tutorial situations. Discussions with literacy professionals and paraprofessionals, and participation in professional development workshops. Seminars promote reflection on instructional practices and the range of services available for readers across the developmental continuum.
RL 5910 Independent Study in Language Arts and Literacy - 1-3 credits
Enrichment of the background of students in education through the pursuit of a special topic pertinent to their interests and abilities. An opportunity for an in-depth study of a problem in the field of education. Consent of a faculty supervisor, department chair and the Associate Vice President is required.
RL 6120 Connecting Reading, Writing and Mathematics in the Elementary Classroom - 3 credits
This course will focus on the integration of reading and writing with mathematics. Methods and activities for integration will be explored. Students will be involved in a comprehensive study of ways to use reading and writing to strengthen the mathematics curriculum. Students will develop their own integrated unity plan to use in their classroom. Also presented as ED 5100.
