Educational Studies

Educational Studies is a Pre-Professional Program for students interested in teaching at the elementary or secondary level and those wishing to prepare for educational work in business or other organizations.

The educational studies major allows students to obtain a broad liberal arts education while learning the theory and social foundations of education. The curriculum provides time for completing a major in another field of study, such as the discipline the student intends to teach.

The major does not lead directly to teacher licensure, however; faculty and staff in the Department of Education assist students in creating individually designed plans for obtaining licensure after graduation through a range of programs.

The mission of the department is to help students understand:

• the history of education
• the roles of schooling in contemporary U.S. society
• theories of learning
• theories of interpersonal exchange.

We expect our students to become leaders in education, knowing how to solve problems and create new approaches for schools.

 

Educational Studies Major

• PSYC 100: Introduction to Psychology (4 credits)
• EDUC 213: The U.S. Education System (4 credits)
• EDUC 249: The Learner and the Teacher--Childhood, or EDUC 250: The Learner and the Teacher--Adolescence (4 credits)
• PSYC 200: Research Methods (4 credits)
• EDUC 312: Literacy and Learning (4 credits)
• EDUC 390: Critical Pedagogy (4 credits)
• EDUC 421: Senior Seminar (4 credits), or two semesters Senior Research (8 credits)
• Two 300-level EDUC courses, one of which must be cross-listed with Black Studies, Queer Studies, or Women's Studies (8 credits)

Prerequisites

• PSYC 100 for PSYC 200, EDUC 249, EDUC 250
• EDUC 213 for all 300-level EDUC courses
• EDUC 249 or EDUC 250 for EDUC 312
• Senior standing for EDUC 421

In addition to coursework the proposed major includes the following requirements. Both
are avenues for helping students articulate an understanding of liberal education and the
logic of our curriculum.

1. Students should complete a course trajectory, educational philosophy, and interview with department faculty before declaring the educational studies major;  optimally this should occur by the end of the sophomore year.
2. Students must complete an approved internship, in schools or other educational settings.

 

Educational Studies Minor

• PSYC 100: Introduction to Psychology (4 credits)
• EDUC 213: U.S. Education System (4 credits)
• EDUC 390: Critical Pedagogy (4 credits)
• Three EDUC electives, one cross-listed w/ Black Studies, Queer Studies, or Women's Studies (12 credits)

 

What do educational studies majors do after Denison?

Many of our students go on to teach in public and private schools and businesses. Some continue on to graduate school to earn teacher licensure, continue in some area of education (for example: special education, or counseling & school psychology ) or to learn more about their other major. Some go to law school. Some become teachers for programs such as  Teach for America. Preparing oneself in education at Denison does not limit one to just one sort of job or career. Our graduates report to us that they have found their education background useful in whatever career they choose.

 

Who are our professors?

• Associate Professor Lyn Robertson joined the faculty at Denison in 1979. She earned a B.A. at Denison University, an M.A. at Northwestern University and a Ph.D. at Ohio State University. Her research interests include reading education, students in academic difficulties, the treatment of language development in education, the role of hearing impairment in reading and writing achievement and feminist pedagogy.

• Department Chair and Professor Karen Graves joined the faculty at Denison in 1993. She earned her B.A., M.Ed. and Ph.D. at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Her research interests include the history of U.S. education, the history of women's education and gay and lesbian studies in education.

• Instructor Suzanne Baker joined the faculty at Denison in 1998. She earned a B.Mus. at St. Norbert College, an M.Mus. at the University of Minnesota and an M.E.E. at Ohio State University, Newark. Baker has been a voice teacher and elementary school music teacher.

• Assistant Professor Jerrell Beckham joined the faculty at Denison in 2005. He earned a B.A. at Denison University and an M.A. and Ph.D. at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

For more information about the department and curriculum, go to:

Education Department

Karen Graves
Department of Education
Blair Knapp Hall, Room 107
Denison University
Granville, Ohio 43023

Phone:  (740) 587-6680
Fax:  (740) 587-8499
E-mail: graves@denison.edu