TGS Course Descriptions

ED 5001 Foundations for Integrative Thought in Education - 3 Hours

This course surveys the Bible from the standpoint of its unfolding history of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration, with special attention given to Scriptural applications of pedagogical thought and ramifications for godly stewardship in the classroom. The course considers how precedents, themes, truths, and strategies that established God's will in earlier times provide direction for God's people today. Students will practice interpreting scripture responsibly and thinking creatively about current educational issues in the light of biblical principles. Offered online, and face to face at the Deerfield and Florida campuses.

ED 5002 Foundations for Cultural Engagement in Education - 3 Hours

This course introduces the student to pivotal Christian doctrines as a framework within which to evaluate the working assumptions of contemporary culture in regard to teaching and education. In addition to investigating several models for Christian engagement with culture, the course encourages the positive formation of a Christian worldview as a foundation for wise interaction with contemporary educational thought. Offered online, and face to face at the Deerfield and Florida campuses.

ED 5200 History and Philosophy of Education - 3 Hours

An introduction to teaching, including an overview of the historical, philosophical, and cultural foundations of American education with a focus on current issues of educational reform and debates about 'best practice.' Candidates work throughout the course to develop their own educational philosophy. Offered face to face at the Deerfield campus.

ED 5201 Professional Skills in Teaching - 1 Hour

A course that intentionally focuses on the skills necessary to be a teacher, including oral and written communication as well as dispositions. Also emphasizes the requirements of the Illinois State Board of Education as implemented by TIU's Division of Education. Offered face to face at the Deerfield campus.

ED 5350 Advanced Educational Psychology - 3 Hours

An integrated examination of learning theory, including the physical, cognitive, social, and psychological development of children and adolescents. This course addresses the Social and Emotional Learning Standards set forth by PA93-0495. Offered face to face at the Deerfield campus.

ED 5390 Adolescent Psychology - 3 Hours

An interdisciplinary study of human development from puberty to early adulthood. Physical, cognitive, and personality development will be examined, both from the social and research point of view while application will be encouraged for candidates who will be teaching adolescents. Offered face to face at the Deerfield campus.

ED 5400 Foundations of Special Education - 3 Hours

A survey of the history, practices, and challenges of special education, including an overview of the court cases and laws leading to IDEA and how these laws affect children with disabilities. Consideration of the cognitive, emotional, physical, and sensory needs of students with disabilities. Emphasis is placed on identification of individual needs, including tiered support systems and appropriate resources, collaborative teams, concerns of families and appropriate planning for the Individualized Education Program. Includes methods of instruction for cross-categorical special education environments and the use of assistive technology and digital tools to address student needs and maximize learning. Includes a minimum of 12 clock hours of special education field experience. Prerequisite: Admission to Field Experience (Gate 2). Offered face to face at the Deerfield campus.

ED 5500 Differentiating Instruction for All Learners - 3 Hours

Rooted in an awareness of the values and challenges inherent within a diverse school community, this course examines concepts of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and differentiation, as they relate to the individual instructional needs of students. Utilizing research and current practice, participants develop an understanding of effective teaching strategies and professional dispositions for working with all students. Enrollment limited to students in the MEd or by permission of the TGS Education Department. Offered from the Deerfield campus.

ED 5551 Teaching in Diverse Settings I - 1 Hour

This course offers the opportunity to connect theory with experience as candidates consider effective educational practice for all students, including those from diverse ethnic, racial, gender, linguistic, and socioeconomic groups. The relationship between both the teacher's and student's' prior life experiences with learning is considered. Concurrent registration with ED 5552 and ED 5553. Offered face to face at the Deerfield campus.

ED 5552 Teaching in Diverse Settings II - 1 Hour

A continuation of ED 5551. Candidates trace the sociopolitical factors, school structures, and demographic trends that have brought us to our current understanding of multicultural education. After exploring effective and less effective teaching strategies and professional dispositions within under-resourced K-12 settings, candidates consider ways to integrate a culturally relevant and equitable curriculum for all students. Concurrent registration with ED 5551 and ED 5553. Offered face to face at the Deerfield campus.

ED 5553 Diversity Field Experience - 1 Hour

Candidates apply relevant knowledge and skills to actual classroom practice through 18 clock hours of pre-clinical (school) experience with children from diverse ethnic, racial, gender, linguistic, and socioeconomic groups. The experience seeks to expose students to the inequities of educational delivery in America. Concurrent registration with ED 5551 and ED 5552, Prerequisite: Admission to Field Experience (Gate 2). Offered from the Deerfield campus.

ED 5580 Cultural Diversity in the Classroom - 3 Hours

Founded in a theology of justice and social responsibility, this course provides historical, social, political and cultural background for the unique challenges of the culturally diverse classroom. An emphasis will be placed on practical pedagogical methods for addressing the culturally diverse needs of today's students, including race, ethnicity, gender and language. Enrollment limited to students in the MEd or by permission of the TGS Education Department. Offered from the Deerfield campus.

ED 5800 Characteristics and Identification of Learners with Disabilities - 3 Hours

This course focuses on the characteristics and identification of students with specific learning disabilities, emotional disturbance, intellectual disability, autism, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic or other health impairment. Also considered are current legal issues and the impact of disabilities on learning and behavior. Emphasis is placed on the development of the IEP. Registration limited to students in the MEd or by permission of the education (TGS) department. Offered from the Deerfield campus.

ED 5830 Psychoeducational Assessment of Learners with Disabilities - 3 Hours

This course covers current issues in assessment of learners with specific learning disabilities, emotional disturbance, intellectual disability, autism, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic or other health impairment. Candidates will develop competencies in administration, interpretation and reporting of norm-referenced academic tests. Candidates will also examine the progress monitoring of scientifically based instructional interventions based on tiered support systems. Registration limited to students in the MEd or by permission of the education (TGS) department. Offered from the Deerfield campus.

ED 5850 Methods of Teaching Learners with Disabilities - 3 Hours

This course covers the development of specialized instruction for learners with specific learning disabilities, emotional disturbance, intellectual disability, autism, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic or other health impairment for the purposes of encouraging cognitive and skill growth development through active engagement. Consideration will be given to evidence-based interventions that meet students' educational needs in supportive learning environments. Also included will be the appropriate uses of assistive technology, the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and strategies for the improvement of the social and emotional functioning of students. Enrollment limited to students in the MEd or by permission of the TGS Education Department. Offered from the Deerfield campus.

ED 6000 Topics in Education - 1 Hour

Select and specialized topics relevant to educational ministry. Offered face to face at the Deerfield campus.

ED 6260 Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum - 3 Hours

Examines theory and best practice in content area reading, writing, and oral communication for middle grade and high school students including factors related to reading comprehension strategies, vocabulary development, and motivation. Emphasis is upon interactive teaching methods that support the strategic reading of content materials and that address academic, linguistic and cultural diversity. Prerequisite: Admission to the Division of Education (Gate 1).

ED 6300 Differentiating Instruction for Learners who are Gifted - 3 Hours

This course focuses on the unique needs of students who are gifted, whether or not they have been formally identified as such. Emphasis will be on using differentiating with pedagogical methods in the classroom to accommodate their needs as well as creating authentic and challenging assessments for the gifted. Enrollment limited to students in the MEd or by permission of the TGS Education Department. Offered from the Deerfield campus.

ED 6400 Foundations of Teaching English as a Second Language - 3 Hours

This course provides an introduction to the historical, philosophical, political, and social issues that have contributed to public policy regarding services for language minority students. Historical trends and legal issues specifically related to bilingual education in the United States will be discussed. A comprehensive focus will be placed on the theoretical foundations of English as a second language, both linguistic as well as non-linguistic factors. Registration limited to students in the MEd or by permission of the education (TGS) department. Offered from the Deerfield campus.

ED 6420 Linguistics for the Classroom Teacher - 3 Hours

This course provides an introduction to the nature and functions of written and oral language; phonetics and phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and variation. The relationship of language to culture and application in meeting educational goals will be explored. Registration limited to students in the MEd or by permission of the education (TGS) department. Offered from the Deerfield campus.

ED 6450 Assessment of Learners who are Bilingual - 3 Hours

This course will provide participants with a comprehensive knowledge foundation in the selection, administration and interpretation of measurement instruments appropriate for English Language Learners (ELLs). Participants will investigate a variety of language assessment tools used to identify, place, and monitor students receiving services in bilingual and ESL programs. Emphasis will be placed on instruments and approaches used to determine and monitor ELLs' English proficiency and academic development in English. Enrollment limited to students in the MEd or by permission of the TGS Education Department. Offered from the Deerfield campus.

ED 6470 Methods and Materials for Teaching English as a Second Language - 3 Hours

Methodologies and current approaches for teaching English as a Second Language in the areas of reading, writing, listening, and speaking will be covered in this course. Review of published materials and selection, adaptation, and creation of appropriate ESL materials for various levels of proficiency will be included. Enrollment limited to students in the MEd or by permission of the TGS Education Department. Offered from the Deerfield campus.

ED 6690 General Teaching Methods - 3 Hours

A research-based, comprehensive, and practical introduction to pedagogical methods. Areas of focus include: aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessment; writing objectives tied to Illinois Learning Standards and the Common Core Standards; planning effective lessons that scaffold instruction; differentiating instruction for the individual needs of students; creating authentic assessments; and integrating technology. Prerequisite: Admission to the Division of Education (Gate 1). Offered face to face at the Deerfield campus.

ED 6702 Literacy Methods for Emerging Readers - 3 Hours

First of a two-course sequence that examines and applies the basic theories, issues, methods, and materials for an effective developmental, constructivist, balanced literacy approach for emerging readers. Included are the methods used to assess reading and writing, with a focus on the needs of at-risk students caused by cultural/linguistic, economic and developmental diversity. Parent/community involvement is reviewed. Prerequisite: ED 6690. Offered face to face at the Deerfield campus.

ED 6703 Methods of Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School - 2 Hours

Methods for teaching elementary mathematics, focused on concept development and a problem-solving approach. Additionally, candidates will explore effective learning environments for mathematics, teaching mathematics to the English Language Learner, the development of mathematical dispositions, and current issues in math education. Integration of appropriate technology in teaching and learning mathematics is emphasized. Prerequisite: ED 6690. Offered face to face at the Deerfield campus.

ED 6705 Literacy Methods for Upper Elementary Grades - 2 Hours

Second of a two-course sequence that examines the basic theories, issues, methods, and materials for an effective upper elementary language arts program. Emphasis is placed on comprehension strategies, and the development of vocabulary and fluency. Course continues to address cultural, linguistic, economic, and developmental diversity of students and teacher methods used to assess and address students' needs. Prerequisite: ED 6702. Offered face to face at the Deerfield campus.

ED 6706 Integrating Science, Social Studies, and the Arts in Instruction - 2 Hours

A study of the methods of integrating science, health, social science, physical education and the arts in the elementary school with particular emphasis on infusing these subjects into the language arts and mathematics curriculum. Effective use of current and emerging technologies and digital tools to support research and learning appropriate to the discipline is included. Prerequisite: ED 6690. Offered face to face at the Deerfield campus.

ED 6750 Middle School Methods - 2 Hours

A study of the pedagogy unique to teaching in middle schools with particular emphasis on middle school philosophy, curriculum, and instructional methods for designing and teaching developmentally appropriate programs in the middle grades. Prerequisite: ED 6690.

ED 6810 Teaching Biology in the Middle and High School - 2 Hours

A course focusing on standards-aligned biology content being taught in today's middle and high schools. Effective use of discipline-appropriate technologies and digital tools to support instruction, research, and learning is included. Candidates learn and practice a variety of pedagogical strategies specific to the discipline, including the development of lessons, materials, and assessments. Includes a segment on laboratory safety. Prerequisite: ED 6690. Offered face to face at the Deerfield campus.

ED 6820 Teaching Language Arts & Literature in the Middle and High School - 2 Hours

A course focusing on standards-aligned language arts and literature content being taught in today's middle and high schools. Effective use of discipline-appropriate technologies and digital tools to support instruction, research, and learning is included. Candidates learn and practice a variety of pedagogical strategies specific to the discipline, including the development of lessons, materials, and assessments. Prerequisite: ED 6690. Offered face to face at the Deerfield campus.

ED 6830 Teaching History & Social Studies in the Middle and High School - 2 Hours

A course focusing on standards-aligned history and social studies content being taught in today's middle and high schools. Effective use of discipline-appropriate technologies and digital tools to support instruction, research, and learning is included. Candidates learn and practice a variety of pedagogical strategies specific to the discipline, including the development of lessons, materials, and assessments. Prerequisite: ED 6690. Offered face to face at the Deerfield campus.

ED 6840 Teaching Mathematics in the Middle and High School - 2 Hours

A course focusing on standards-aligned mathematics content being taught in today's middle and high schools. Effective use of discipline-appropriate technologies and digital tools to support instruction, research, and learning is included. Candidates learn and practice a variety of pedagogical strategies specific to the discipline, including the development of lessons, materials, and assessments. Prerequisite: ED 6690. Offered face to face at the Deerfield campus.

ED 7001 Field Experience Practicum - 1 Hour

Candidates spend five full days in an elementary or secondary school for a minimum of 40 hours of evaluated field experience. This placement is connected to the methods course/s taken during the concurrent semester and is intended to demonstrate the candidate's ability to apply best methodological practices, including the integration of technology. Verification of completion of field component is required for education candidates to pass this course. Prerequisites: ED 6690 and Admission to Field Experience (Gate 2). Offered from the Deerfield campus.

ED 7410 Practicum in Teaching English as a Second Language - 3 Hours

Students will work with ESL students in a school setting for a minimum of 100 clock hours. This field experience will culminate in a comprehensive project that will draw from the other ESL courses in the Master of Education program. Enrollment limited to students in the MEd or by permission of the TGS Education Department. Offered online from Deerfield campus.

ED 7449 Classroom Management - 1 Hour

A study of communication structures and classroom management in elementary and secondary schools, including a review of theory and practice and the identification of appropriate applications in the school setting. Must be taken concurrently with clinical practice. Offered face to face at the Deerfield campus.

ED 7450 Clinical Practice for Elementary Licensure - 6 Hours

A classroom teaching experience under the direction of a qualified cooperating teacher. Candidates must meet all requirements for clinical practice as outlined in the Division of Education Handbook and the DOE Clinical Practice Handbook which includes passing the Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA). Prerequisite: Admission to Clinical Practice (Gate 3). Course Fee. Offered from the Deerfield campus.

ED 7451 Clinical Practice for Subsequent Elementary Licensure - 3-6 Hours

A classroom teaching experience under the direction of a qualified cooperating teacher. As arranged with the school director or designate and completed by candidates for subsequent licensure. Candidates must meet all contracted requirements. Offered from the Deerfield campus.

ED 7455 Clinical Practice for Secondary Licensure - 6 Hours

A classroom teaching experience under the direction of a qualified cooperating teacher. Candidates must meet all requirements for clinical practice as outlined in the Division of Education Handbook and DOE Clinical Practice Handbook, which includes passing the Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA). Prerequisite: Admission to Clinical Practice (Gate 3). Course Fee. Offered from the Deerfield campus.

ED 7456 Clinical Practice for Subsequent Secondary Licensure - 3-6 Hours

A classroom teaching experience under the direction of a qualified cooperating teacher. As arranged with the school director or designate and completed by candidates for subsequent licensure. Candidates must meet all contracted requirements. Offered from the Deerfield campus.

ED 7460 Advanced Seminar in Education - 2 Hours

This course includes discussion of current critical issues in American education and is designed to support the goals of clinical practice. The seminar format of the course provides a forum for peer and supervisory support and for the exchange of viewpoints. Scheduled on selected evenings throughout the Professional Semester. Concurrent registration with ED 7449 and clinical practice. Offered face to face at the Deerfield campus.

ED 7478 MA/T Capstone Project - 1 Hour

Independent study leading to completion of a master's research project or an applied project. Candidates completing a master's research project work with an academic reader to write a detailed research proposal, including introduction, literature review, and description of research methodology. Candidates completing an applied project work with an academic reader as they plan, develop, and complete their project. MA/T Capstone must be taken for a letter grade.

ED 7486 MA/T Capstone Extension - 0 Hours

A total of three semesters extension for ED 7478 may be granted when progress is being made on the capstone. Extension fee when not enrolled in other courses. Counts as half-time student status when registrant affirms a minimum of 20 hours per week are invested on the capstone. Zero credit.

ED 7501 Guided Research in Education - 1-3 Hours

Independent research on an approved selected topic under a faculty member in the department bearing the course prefix. May be repeated for credit as the subject matter changes. Available in all departments. Letter grade or Credit/No Credit as arranged with faculty member.

ID 5001 Foundations for Integrative Thought - 3 Hours

This course surveys the Bible from the standpoint of its unfolding history of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation, with special attention to Scriptural applications and ramifications for ethical behavior. The course considers how precedents, themes, truths, and strategies that established God's will in earlier times provide direction for God's people today. Students will practice interpreting scripture responsibly and thinking creatively about current issues in the light of biblical principles.

ID 5002 Foundations for Cultural Engagement - 3 Hours

This course introduces the student to pivotal Christian doctrines as a framework within which to evaluate the working assumptions of contemporary culture. In addition to investigating several models for Christian engagement with culture, the course encourages the positive formation of a Christian worldview as a foundation for wise interaction with contemporary thought.

ID 6000 Current Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies - 1-3 Hours

Selected topics of general or interdisciplinary interest.

ID 6910 Research Methods - 1 Hour

The techniques for conducting competent graduate-level bibliographic research, as well as attention to the planning, preparation, and writing of theses, will be covered in this course, which is required of all students completing the MA degree with the thesis option. Course will not count toward the 30-hour program requirement. (CR/NC only; not available for Audit).

BE 6200 Ethical Theory - 3 Hours

An analysis of the principal theories and problems of philosophical ethics, including the meaning of ethical language, alternative theories of the right and the good, and the implications of moral issues for the concept of God and other theological questions. This course replaces PR 7220 Ethical Theory. Offered online and face-to-face at the Deerfield campus.

LR 5001 Foundations for Integrative Thought in Leadership - 3 Hours

This course surveys the Bible from the standpoint of its unfolding history of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration, with special attention given to Scriptural applications of leadership theory and godly stewardship in the workplace. The course considers how precedents, themes, truths, and strategies that established God's will in earlier times provide direction for God's people today. Students will practice interpreting scripture responsibly and thinking creatively about current issues in leadership in the light of biblical principles. Offered face to face at Deerfield and Florida, and online.

LR 5002 Foundations for Cultural Engagement in Leadership - 3 Hours

This course introduces the student to pivotal Christian doctrines as a framework within which to evaluate the working assumptions of contemporary culture regarding influence, transformation, and effectiveness in leadership. In addition to investigating several models for Christian engagement with culture, the course encourages the positive formation of a Christian worldview as a foundation for wise interaction with contemporary thought about leadership. Offered face to face at Deerfield and Florida, and online.

LR 5010 Introduction to Leadership Dynamics and Perspectives - 1 Hour

This course defines leadership and develops an initial set of skills for the study, research, assessment, and development of learning within the leadership arena. Offered face to face/remote.

LR 5570 Organizational and Team Communication - 3 Hours

A study of communication in the context of informal and formal teams, as well as organizations of various sizes and different degrees of complexity. The course will include research about communication in nonprofit and for-profit settings.

LR 5820 Global and Cultural Leadership - 3 Hours

Students in this course explore the variety of ways our world has become, and is increasingly becoming, interconnected while simultaneously remaining fragmented and how these two forces impact leadership dynamics.

LR 5890 International Practicum - 3 Hours

The fieldwork in this practicum is designed to provide supervised experience in an international Christian setting to help students develop and reflect on leadership. The opportunity is intended to provide exposure to different cultural, philosophical, and practical bases for functioning effectively in an international leadership setting.

LR 6100 Topics in Leadership - 1-3 Hours

Selected topics as announced. Course may be repeated with different topics.

LR 6130 Leadership Research - 2 Hours

This course is designed to equip learners with the basic skills in both qualitative and quantitative research techniques, including assessing initiative outcomes in applied organizational contexts.

LR 6150 Applied Leadership Project - 1-3 Hours

This course is used as the applied project component of either a previously taken undergraduate course or a graduate course without an included project. Students will conduct an approved mentor-directed project in a leadership role related to course. Leadership program director approval required. May be repeated for credit.

LR 6520 Developing, Coaching and Empowering Leaders - 3 Hours

Course provides the opportunity for students to acquire a clear understanding of coaching and mentoring as leadership tools. Students learn coaching skills, become familiar with coaching models, are exposed to a variety of assessment techniques, and reflect on ethical and other professional issues in the world of coaching and mentoring. Another vital element of this course is to empower and release leaders to grow in effective delegation and increased responsibilities. Offered spring semester.

LR 6720 Followership - 2 Hours

This course is a study of leadership through understanding the leader-follower relationship. This increasingly important dynamic to the leadership domain will examine the significance of how subordinates can and should ethically relate to their superiors and the impact this relationship dynamic has on an organization.

LR 6811 Social and Cultural Understanding for Leadership - 2 Hours

This course will equip students to investigate diverse social and cultural contexts with attention to macro level issues such as globalization, ethnicity, and poverty, as well as the more interpersonal dynamics of culture-based differences regarding communication, values, lifestyles, and leadership. Special attention is paid to critical self-awareness and the impact of cultural difference within an organization.

LR 6920 Transformational Leadership and Nonprofit Social Enterprises - 3 Hours

The content of the course focuses on helping learners develop the skills and abilities for effective human resource management including developing job descriptions, interviewing and selection, development, and separation. Special attention will be given to using volunteers in nonprofit organizations. Offered spring semester.

LR 6940 Essentials of Nonprofit Financial Management - 3 Hours

This course helps students address the financial needs specific to nonprofit organizations including bookkeeping, cash management, budgeting, financial statement interpretation, fundraising, capital campaigns, grant writing, and donor relationships. Offered spring semester.

LR 6960 Driving Operational Excellence in Nonprofit Organizations - 3 Hours

The specifics of working for a nonprofit organization are presented. Content includes strategic planning and various issues in nonprofit constituency management. These include the development and utilization of volunteer boards of directors, volunteer recruitment and management, and media and crisis management. Offered fall semester.

LR 7468 Leadership Capstone Literature Review - 1-2 Hours

This is a guided research course in the area of a student's particular interest and is intended to facilitate the research process of the capstone project or integrative paper. This would generally be taken the semester before the capstone or integrative paper and would help to facilitate the proposal process. Offered every semester.

LR 7478 Leadership Capstone Project - 2-3 Hours

A student may choose to do a final project in a research-based practicum requiring a practical leadership component or an integrative paper for their capstone. This should be chosen in collaboration with a faculty advisor. The research and project or integrative paper will be presented before student colleagues and faculty readers. The capstone will reflect approximately eighty-four clock hours of work (for 2 credit hours) or 126 clock hours of work (for 3 credit hours). Counts as half-time academic status in Florida. Offered every semester.

LR 7486 Leadership Capstone Extension - 0 Hours

A one-semester extension for LR 7478. Enrollment with consent of the faculty member of record. Extension fee. No Credit.

LR 7501 Guided Research in Leadership - 1-3 Hours

This elective provides an opportunity to conduct a major project (typically writing a major paper) on a leadership topic of special interest. Students may arrange such a course in any term with an appropriate faculty advisor. May be repeated for credit.