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Learning and Developmental Disabilities Minor

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Learning and Developmental Disabilities Minor

This minor enhances understanding of learning and developmental disabilities, and explores an interdisciplinary approach to the health, education and care of infants, children and adults with disabilities.

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Program Structure
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PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Lower Division Requirements

Students complete one of:

Introduction to Educational Psychology

EDUC 220

A survey of educational research and theories concerning motivation, learning, development, and individual differences in classroom settings. May be applied towards the certificate in liberal arts. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Introduction to Developmental Psychology

PSYC 250

Considers the psychological and physical aspects of human development from conception through middle childhood. Topics include social, emotional, language, cognitive, perceptual and physical development. Prerequisite: PSYC 102.

The following are not required but recommended courses:

Introduction to Linguistics

LING 220

Explores how language works. Introduces students to the systematic nature of language by exploring the patterns of sounds, words, sentences and meanings in English and other languages. Develops problem-solving and critical thinking skills through hands-on training in pattern recognition and language data analysis. Open to all students. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Introduction to Cognitive Psychology

PSYC 221

Introduction to the study of cognitive and perceptual processes. Topics include memory, perception, attention, language, mental imagery, creativity, judgment and decision-making, and an introduction to cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, dyslexia, aphasia and attention-deficit disorder. Prerequisite: PSYC 100.

Upper Division Requirements

Students complete a minimum total of 15 units, including both of:

Learning Disabilities

EDUC 422

A study of conceptual and historic foundations of learning disabilities and an introduction to the methodologies of diagnosis and of learning disabilities. Prerequisite: PSYC 250 or corequisite of EDUC 315 or 473. Students may be required to successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.

Learning Disabilities: Laboratory

EDUC 424

Supervised experience in analysis and evaluation of treatment strategies to be used with classroom students having learning disabilities. Prerequisite: Prerequisite or corequisite: EDUC 422. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.

and one of:

Individual and Developmental Differences in Language Acquisition

EDUC 315

A review of theories of language acquisition and their relationship to child communication disorders. Topics include: theories of language acquisition; individual and developmental differences in language acquisition; language structure and use in children with diverse disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, sensory disabilities and emotional and behavioral disabilities, interdisciplinary approaches to early intervention in the home, school and community. Prerequisite: EDUC 220 or PSYC 250 or LING 100. Students may be required to successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.

Designs for Learning: Reading

EDUC 473W

Offers theoretical and practical information about teaching reading in K-12 general education settings. Students with credit for EDUC 473 may not take this course for further credit. Prerequisite: EDUC 401/402 or corequisite EDUC 403. Writing.

and at least one of (ensuring a minimum of 15 upper division units are taken):

Teaching Children and Youth with Special Needs

EDUC 426

An introduction to the field of special education including studies of the definitional criteria and characteristics of major categories of special need, and the distinctive instructional challenges associated with these categories. The course focuses on the special learning needs of school age students, both elementary and secondary school levels, and emphasizes both the analysis of issues and treatment needs across the array of special needs. Prerequisite: Students may be required to successfully complete a Criminal Record Check. 60 units including EDUC 220 or PSYC 250, or EDUC 401/402 or Corequsite: EDUC 403.

Teaching Students with Special Needs in Inclusive Settings.

EDUC 427

A review of classroom teaching practices that support learning for children with high-incidence disabilities (e.g., learning disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorder, mild intellectual disabilities, moderate behavior disorders). Topics include: introduction to inclusive teaching, collaboration partnerships and procedures, teaching students with high-incidence disabilities, developing effective teaching skills, improving classroom behavior and social skills, promoting inclusion with peers, enhancing motivation and affect, assessment and teaching in the content areas. Prerequisite: Co-requisite EDUC 422 plus one of the following: Prerequisite EDUC 401/2 or co-requisite EDUC 403 or experience working with children with high-incidence disabilities. The last option would require instructor approval.

Nature and Nurture of Gifted Students

EDUC 428W

Conceptions and misconceptions related to the nature and education of individuals with extraordinary abilities will be introduced. Implications for teaching and learning will be examined. The nature and feasibility of curriculum differentiation, flexible pacing, and other educational options for these students will be critiqued. Grading will be on a pass/fail basis. Prerequisite: EDUC 401/2 or EDUC 403. Students must successfully complete an SFU Criminal Records Check. Writing.

Designs for Learning: Elementary Mathematics

EDUC 475

Focuses on teaching elementary school mathematics. Students explore mathematical learning, their own mathematical thinking, and curriculum; and plan mathematical instruction within a consistent framework using appropriate instructional materials and methods. Prerequisite: EDUC 401/402 or corequisite EDUC 403. Students must successfully complete an SFU criminal records check. Quantitative.

Development of Children's Thinking

PSYC 354

Examines research and theory concerning the origins and development of cognition in humans. Traces the development of language and children's thinking about the physical and social world from birth to adulthood, with a focus on infancy and childhood. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 and 250.

Adolescent Development

PSYC 355

Considers human development from the end of childhood to the beginning of the adult stage, from a bio-social point of view. Included among the topics are psychological effects of sexual maturation, choice of vocation and marriage partner, effects of participation in the gang and youth organization, cultural variations in the patterns of growth. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 and 250.

Developmental Psychopathology

PSYC 356

Examines theoretical approaches, research findings, and treatment outlooks concerning problems and disorders in childhood development. Prerequisite: PSYC 201, 241 and 250.

Advanced Topics in Psychology

PSYC 491

Course can be repeated for credit. Students may not take this course for further credit if similar topics are covered. See Psychology department website for course description. Prerequisite: PSYC 201, 210, 60 units, a CGPA of 3.0. Other prerequisites vary by topic offering.

QUESTIONS?

For questions about the Education minors, contact the advisor below:

Sarah Lison (on Leave) Advisor/Administrator
Undergraduate Studies
Kimberly Risso Advisor/Recruiter
Undergraduate Studies 778-782-3436 krisso@sfu.ca EDB 8626
April Zhao Advisor/Recruiter
Undergraduate Studies 778-782-8247 april_zhao@sfu.ca SRYC 5203