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The Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in English prepares you to become a junior high or high school English teacher, who is seeking initial teacher licensure. This degree will provide you with significant content knowledge to meet the needs of 21st Century learners by specializing in English. The format and courses of this regionally accredited and Arizona State Board of Education approved program are designed to maximize the content knowledge that the teacher candidate will possess upon graduation.
As a teacher of secondary education, the coursework may include topics such as: curriculum development, classroom management, cultural diversity, English as a Second Language, methods of teaching technology in education, and educational psychology. All core courses are directly aligned with professional teaching standards and the associated national content standards.
To become a high school English teacher, this degree program requires additional coursework that includes a study of English and American literature, Shakespeare and how his works are received cross culturally, British and American novels, and a study of English grammar and linguistics. Content courses are aligned to the professional standards of the National Council of Teachers of English.
Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within many of the courses guide students through 120 hours of practicum/field experiences prior to student teaching, and the final semester of the program includes a full-time, 16-week student teaching component.
After successfully completing this degree, additional content areas may be added post-graduation through supplemental coursework and/or through passage of a state-developed content area test.
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University‛s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
| Competency | Requirements | GCU Course Options | Total Credits |
| University Foundations | Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community. Students with fewer than 24 credits will fulfill the University Foundations requirement with a specified lower-division course. An upper-division selection will be made available to students that enter the university with more than 24 credits. | UNV-103/303, University Success: 4 credits UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4 credits |
4 credits |
| Effective Communication | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition. | UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4 credits ENG-105, English Composition I: 4 credits ENG-106, English Composition II: 4 credits |
9-12 credits |
| Christian Worldview | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV 101. | CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4 credits | 4 credits |
| Critical Thinking | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher. | PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4 credits MAT-134, Applications of Algebra: 4 credits BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4 credits |
11-12 credits |
| Global Awareness, Perspective and Ethics | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, crosscultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). | HIS-221, Themes in U. S. History: 4 credits PSY-100, Psychology in Everyday Life: 4 credits SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4 credits If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course. |
6-8 credits |
| Course # | Course Title | Course Description | Credits |
| EDU-210 | Foundations of Education | This course is designed to provide an overview of the education profession for students who are inspired to be teachers. A brief survey of the philosophical, historical, and sociological influences upon which educational theories and practices are constructed is presented. Students explore a variety of the common issues, trends, and opportunities that professional educators face in the field. No practicum/field experience required. No Fingerprint Clearance necessary. | 4 |
| ENG-358 | Introduction to English Grammar and Linguistics | This course is a review of basic English syntax, form, and mechanics. It also introduces principles of grammar and linguistics and explores the historical development of English and its variations across social contexts. Prerequisites: Grade of 2.00 or higher in ENG 105 and ENG 106, or satisfactory completion of GCU‛s written communication competency. | 4 |
| EDU-225 | Instructional Technology | This course provides future teachers the opportunity to examine the use of technology in the 21st century classroom. In addition to studying and utilizing a variety of technologies, such as computer software and hardware, students develop a personal technology philosophy and classroom technology plan designed to enhance and shape their teaching skills and knowledge in order to better utilize emerging technology. No practicum/field experience required. No Fingerprint Clearance necessary. | 4 |
| SPE-226 | Educating the Exceptional Learner | This writing-intensive course is a survey of the unique learning needs of exceptional students. Special focus is given to the referral process, appropriate instructional modifications and accommodations for exceptional students, hot topics and trends, and IDEA law. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Prerequisite: Fingerprint Clearance. | 4 |
| EDU-230 | Cultural Diversity in the Classroom | This course examines the relationship of cultural values to the formation of self-concept and learning styles. The roles of prejudice, stereotyping, and cultural incompatibilities in education are also evaluated. No practicum/field experience required. No Fingerprint Clearance necessary. | 4 |
| EDU-213 | Educational Psychology | This course provides a thematically arranged study of the theories and principles of psychology that have influenced instructional practices. Behavioral and cognitive approaches to learning, motivation, and instruction are explored. No practicum/field experience required. No Fingerprint Clearance necessary. | 4 |
| ENG-260 | English Literature I | This course is a survey of English Literature from the Old English period through the Enlightenment. Prerequisites: ENG 105 and ENG 106, or satisfactory completion of GCU‛s written communication competency; and ENG 250 for English majors. | 4 |
| ESL-223N | SEI English Language Teaching: Foundations & Methodologies | The historical, legal, theoretical, and sociological foundations of programs of instruction for students with non-English language backgrounds are presented. The study of models, prototypes, and methodologies for ESL instruction is included. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Prerequisites: Fingerprint Clearance. | 3 |
| POS-301 | Arizona and Federal Government | This course is a survey of Arizona history and government, as well as American government. It meets the teacher certification requirement for Arizona government and American government. | 2 |
| ENG-350 | American Literature I | This course is a study of outstanding authors, their works, and the literary movements from the Colonial Age to Romanticism (1850). Prerequisites: ENG 105 and ENG 106, or satisfactory completion of GCU‛s written communication competency; and ENG 250 for English majors. | 4 |
| ENG-450 | Shakespeare | This course is a study of Shakespeare‛s major plays and his development as a dramatist, including some consideration of Shakespeare‛s cross-cultural reception. Prerequisite for English majors only: ENG-260 | 4 |
| ENG-460 | The Novel | This course is a study in the development of the novel focusing primarily on the reading and discussion of 19th and 20th century British and American works. Prerequisites: ENG 105 and ENG 106, or satisfactory completion of GCU‛s written communication competency, and ENG 250 for English majors. | 4 |
| SED-444 | Secondary Methods & Data Driven Pedagogy | This course is designed to help teachers and prospective teachers of young adults find their own teaching styles and recognize the different learning styles of their students in order to make appropriate decisions about all aspects of the teaching profession. Emphasis is given to teaching methodology that encourages problem solving, active participation, and assessment. Course content is strategically planned to enable participants to make informed educational decisions about student learning based on data. This course focuses on the principles and practices involved in various models of educational assessment, evaluation, and testing. Practicum/field experience hours: 30. Prerequisite: Fingerprint Clearance. | 4 |
| SED-435 | Adolescent Literacy | This course is designed to assist teacher candidates in understanding, evaluating and implementing effective pedagogy in adolescent literacy. A graduate in adolescent literacy should be able to recognize and assess the defining elements of literacy, from decoding skills to higher level critical thinking applications. Subsequently, teachers should be able to understand, evaluate, and promote effective literacy pedagogy as it relates to the adolescent learner. Practicum/field experience hours: 30. Prerequisite: Fingerprint Clearance. | 4 |
| SED-454 | Reading & Learning Strategy for Middle & Secondary Schools | This course develops a broad range of reading (from decoding skills to higher level critical thinking applications), teaching, and learning strategies to effectively enhance the learning of middle and secondary school students. A major emphasis is given to utilization of these strategies in the midst of today's socially and culturally diverse classrooms. Subsequently, teachers should be able to understand, evaluate, and promote effective adolescent literacy pedagogy. Practicum/field experience hours: 30. Prerequisites: Fingerprint Clearance, EDU 230 and one of the following: 1) EDU 215; or 2) EDU 210. | 4 |
| EDU-450 | Classroom Engagement and Management | This course is designed to allow prospective teachers the opportunity to learn techniques involved in the successful engagement and management of a learning environment. Major emphasis is given to the establishment of a realistic discipline plan to manage student behavior, as well as engagement and management techniques and strategies to maximize instructional time, classroom procedures, and physical space. Prerequisites: EDU 215 and EDU 230. No Fingerprint Clearance necessary. | 4 |
| SED-455 | Secondary Curriculum Development & Assessment | In this study of secondary school curriculum development, major emphasis is given to planning instructional objectives and lessons, assessing objectives, and developing a model curriculum. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Prerequisites: Fingerprint Clearance and SED 444. | 4 |
| ESL-433N | Advanced Methodologies of Structured English Immersion | In this course, students continue to examine the fundamentals of the legal, historical, and educational foundations of Structured English Immersion and other instructional programs for English Language Learners. Theoretical principles of language acquisition and the role of culture in learning are examined. Methods of assessment are identified and analyzed. Students identify strategies to promote English language development and improve student achievement. They plan, deliver, and evaluate instruction for English language learners. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Prerequisite: Fingerprint Clearance and ESL 423N or ESL 223N. | 3 |
| SED-480NA | Student Teaching: Secondary Education: Session A | Session A is the first of two 8-week sessions of the student teaching experience that includes practical classroom experiences, research and analysis, and teaching to support compilation and creation of a Teacher Work Sample (TWS). Prerequisites: Fingerprint Clearance; successful completion of all courses in POS and content area; senior status; a 2.8 GPA; successful completion of state mandated basic skills and content area exams or Praxis I® (Basic Skills) and Praxis II® (Content Area); and approval and placement by Office of Field Experience. Arizona residents will be required to take the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA). All paperwork for student teaching must be submitted by the due date the semester prior to student teaching. | 6 |
| SED-480NB | Student Teaching: Secondary Education: Session B | This session is a continuation of Session A. Prerequisite for B: SED 480NA. | 6 |
| Required Course Total Credit: | 80 | ||
| General Education Requirements: | 34 - 40 credits |
| Courses: | 80 credits |
| Open Elective Credits: | 0 - 6 credits |
| Total Degree Requirements: | 120 credits |
This program is offered in the following formats or locations:
Enjoy Grand Canyon University's traditional campus experience. Nestled on over 90 acres in the heart of Phoenix, over 6,500 students live and attend class on the GCU campus. New modern classrooms, suite style dorms and a focus on creating a rich student life make GCU a top choice for high school graduates.
An online education allows you the flexibility to fulfill your educational goals without distracting you from your career. Full-time faculty members support our online students while our dynamic tools allow for engaging and challenging discussions with classmates. Classes start every month.
Program Disclosure
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* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.
Grand Canyon University © 2012 - All Rights Reserved. GCU is an accredited university founded in 1949. We are a Christian university and offer online degree programs and campus based classes. As a private university in Arizona, GCU has six colleges offering business degree programs including an Executive MBA, health science degrees, liberal arts degrees, doctorate degrees, nursing programs, and teaching programs. Our Performing Arts College offers fine arts and production degree programs. GCU is a military friendly school and offers military tuition rates.
