CLDE 5030 - Language/Literacy Acquisition Part I

This course is designed to help teachers understand the relationship between language and literacy acquisition. The focus is on both first and second language acquisition and the interaction of two languages and its impact on the acquisition of literacy in young children. The course lays the foundation for an understanding of the nature of the relationship between cognition and language; language acquisition from the perspective of the individuals within their respective linguistic communities and how literacy is acquired within increasingly broader sociolinguistic contexts. Students explore areas of literacy (reading and writing) and responsive teaching, particularly in diverse school settings with the understanding that diversity of culture, language, gender orientation, abilities and economics is the growing norm in our schools. Topics of interest to the lab are literacy development, language acquisition, assessment, culturally responsive teaching practices, professional development and school reform. Semester Hours: 3 to 3