EDUC - 261. Foundations of Language and Literacy

3 credit(s)
The acquisition and development of language is examined as the foundation of literacy. Three populations are studied: native English speakers with intact abilities and with impairments; speakers whose dominant language is not English; and speakers of variants of English. Children and early adolescents are viewed as applying cognitive strategies actively in processing spoken language and in deriving meaning from print. Topics include environmental influences on language and literacy, discourse theory, pragmatics, participation structure, literacy at home and in school, use of writing and of literature to enhance learning, and the impact of technology on literacy. A twenty-hour field experience is required (transportation is the responsibility of each student). For those pursuing Siena’s certification sequence, the field experience must be at the secondary level (grades 7-12) in a “high needs” school.

Attribute: ARTS, CFD, FSAM