Early Childhood Education | Earth Science | Economics | Education

Earth Science (Also see NSC 106)

EAS 100                                                                                                                               4:3:3
Introduction to Earth Science

Course introduces students to various fields of earth sciences. Content includes some aspects of astronomy and oceanography. Focus is on terrestrial-oriented processes that shape and have shaped our planet, and on interrelationships among the hydrologic cycle, the tectonic cycle, and the rock cycle. Credit cannot be received in both EAS 100 and EAS 121.                                             Fee $35
IAI P1 905L  

EAS 101                                                                                                                               4:3:3
Physical Geology

Course introduces major physical and chemical processes that operate to produce Earth’s structural environment. Content includes examination of dynamics of Earth’s rock and water cycles, examination of other geologic features of the moon or one of the other planetary bodies in the solar system. Focus is on sea-floor spreading, plate tectonics and underlying causes that generate physical features of our world.    Fee $35

IAI P1 907L  

EAS 102                                                                                                                               4:3:3
Historical Geology

Course investigates evolution of Earth and its inhabitants throughout five billion years of history. Content includes two major areas: (1) physical evolution of planet with focus on processes of plate tectonics, volcanism, sedimentation and erosion as applied to specific regions primarily, but not limited to, North America; (2) biological evolution of life forms and its significance in interpreting prehistoric events. Lectures and laboratory investigation.     Fee $35
IAI P1 907L 

EAS 105                                                                                                                               3:3:0
Introduction to Weather and Climate

Course introduces weather and climate. Content includes atmosphere and processes which are responsible for spatial and temporal variations of weather and climate across Earth’s surface; survey of climatic types of the world. IAI P1 905

EAS 121                                                                                                                               3:3:0
Physical Geography

Course looks at physical environments of representative areas. Content includes land form, climatic vegetation, soil regions, and water supply; distribution of these resources and their significance for man. Credit cannot be received in both EAS 121 and EAS 100. IAI P1 909

EAS 125                                                                                                                               3:3:0
A Survey of Oceanography

Course introduces oceanography. Content includes study of the ocean and how it works, nature of the sea bottom, causes and effects of currents and tides, animal and plant life in the sea. IAI P1 905

EAS 205                                                                                                                               3:3:0
Environmental Geology

Course studies geology as it affects man and his environment. Content includes problems created when geologic information is disregarded (earthquakes, volcanic destruction and floods), problems of geologic conservation of mineral resources, rivers, groundwater and energy sources, proper use of geology in any land use program. Prerequisite: EAS 101, EAS 100 or consent of instructor.

EAS 290                                                                                                                     1-4:0-4:0-4
Topics in Earth Science

Course designed to meet special interest needs of Earth Science students. Topics will be offered for variable credit from one to four semester credit hours. Students may repeat EAS 290 up to three times on different topics for a maximum of nine semester credit hours. Prerequisite may vary by topic.                                                                                                                                    Fee varies

Early Childhood Education

ECE 102                                                                                                                               3:3:0
Child Growth and Development

Course provides an overview of the theory and principles of human development. Content includes in-depth study of physical, social, emotional and cognitive aspects, from conception to adolescence. Special emphasis placed on child development theories of Piaget, Erikson, Vygotsky, Skinner, etc., and significance of family, peers, culture and school. Field observations required.    Fee $10

ECE 104                                                                                                                               4:3:2
Introduction to Early Childhood Education

Course introduces students to the field of early childhood education. Content includes historical and philosophical influences, current theories, professional responsibilities, roles, and family. Different types of early childhood programs studied and observed. Students placed in an approved early childhood center for a 20-hour/10-week affiliation. Students must successfully complete both the academic and field placement components of this course.    Fee $25

ECE 105                                                                                                                               3:3:0
History and Philosophy of Early Childhood Education

Course presents historical development and social philosophies of early childhood education. Field experiences included for observation and comparison of various philosophies of education.    Fee $10

ECE 106                                                                                                                               3:3:0
Guidance of the Young Child

Course covers a study of developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive guidance practices that support the development of the young child. Content includes analysis of child behavior and the development of professional guidance techniques. Students will explore the relationship between careful communication and effective interaction with young children. Field observations required.    Fee $15

ECE 107                                                                                                                               3:3:1
Observation and Assessment of the Young Child

Course explores developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive observation and assessment strategies for studying the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children birth through eight years. Students will develop skills in using systematic observation and documentation strategies to develop trusting relationships with children and to plan appropriate programs, environments, and activities in early childhood settings. Field observations required.    Fee $15

ECE 108                                                                                                                               3:3:2
Nutrition, Health and Safety for the Young Child

Course provides overview of early childhood practices that ensure children’s physical and emotional well-being. Content includes basic health, safety and nutritional needs of children and methods to effectively meet these needs in early childhood settings.    Fee $10

ECE 125                                                                                                                               3:3:0
Play and Creative Expression for the Young Child

Course provides an overview of play as it relates to the development of the young child. Students explore wide variety of methods for developing self expression and creativity in art, music, movement and drama.    Fee $20

ECE 128                                                                                                                               3:3:0
Language Development of Young Children

Course provides in-depth knowledge of typical and atypical language development in children from birth to school age. Additional topics explore language and literacy, bilingualism, and the influence of culture. Language observations required.    Fee $10

ECE 151                                                                                                                               1:1:0
Communicating With Parents and Children

Short-term course designed to provide basic understanding of positive relationships among parents, children, and teachers. Topics examine strategies for effectively meeting diverse family needs.

ECE 152                                                                                                                               1:1:0
Principles of Child Growth and Development

Short-term course designed to provide overview of aspects of growth patterns. Topics examine physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language development from conception to age five.

ECE 153                                                                                                                               1:1:0
Guiding Children and Managing the Classroom

Short-term course designed to provide an overview of management of the classroom. Content includes positive child guidance, prevention techniques, and strategies for creating pro-social classroom atmosphere.

ECE 154                                                                                                                               1:1:0
Activities and Resources for the Young Child I

Short-term course designed to provide an overview of developmentally appropriate, anti-bias curriculum. Specific focus on curricular areas of art, music, language arts, and movement.

ECE 155                                                                                                                               1:1:0
Activities and Resources for the Young Child II

Short-term course designed to provide an overview of developmentally appropriate, anti-bias curriculum. Specific focus on topics of curricular areas of math, science and social studies.

ECE 156                                                                                                                               1:1:0
Effective Teaching

Short-term course designed to explore effective teaching and communication strategies. Focus on staff-parent relations, advocacy, and professionalism.

ECE 157                                                                                                                               1:1:0
Introduction to Home-Based Care and Education

Short-term course examines the professional role of the home child care provider. Special focus on legal and ethical principles and practices required for successful management of a home-based program.

ECE 158                                                                                                                               1:1:0
Intergenerational Programming

Short-term course introduces the field of intergenerational programming. Focus on inclusion of older adults in early childhood setting, and necessary elements for designing successful intergenerational programs.

ECE 159                                                                                                                               1:1:0
Care for School-Age Children: Theory and Practice

Short-term course explores concepts of school-age programs. Content includes concepts and practical applications for designing appropriate environments for school-age children in before-school and after-school programs.

ECE 160                                                                                                                               1:1:0
Inclusion in Early Childhood Care and Education

Short-term course introduces students to history and models of inclusion. Content includes methods for developing appropriate curricula, strategies for working effectively with parents.

ECE 161                                                                                                                               1:1:0
Introduction to Infant and Toddler Care and Education

Short-term course focuses on patterns of growth and development in the child from birth to age three. Content includes strategies for designing safe, healthy, learning environments and creating appropriate learning activities.

ECE 165                                                                                                                               3:3:0
Home Child Care Provider

Course explores the professional role of the home child care provider. Content includes legal and ethical responsibilities of provider; relationship with families and the local community; effective group management; creating a healthy learning environment and workable daily schedule; planning appropriate activities.

ECE 180                                                                                                                               3:3:0
The Exceptional Child

Course provides an overview of exceptionalities in development. Content includes federal and state laws, characteristics and etiologies of mental retardation, learning disabilities, emotional disturbance; speech and language disorders, hearing and vision impairments, physical disabilities, and giftedness. Field observations required. Prerequisite: ECE 102 with a minimum grade of C or consent of instructor or department chair.    Fee $10

ECE 184                                                                                                                               1:1:0
Food Service Sanitation for Early Childhood Programs

Course introduces theory and practice of food and environmental sanitation in food-production areas of early childhood education programs. Content includes providing safe food, safe food storage, and maintaining safe, sanitary equipment. Students must pass the NRA’s Food Sanitation Certification Examination with a minimum score of 75%.

ECE 215                                                                                                                               3:3:0
Infant/Toddler Techniques

Course examines patterns of growth and development in the child from birth to age three. Content includes specific needs of infants and toddlers in light of current research; safety measures; and planning developmentally appropriate activities. Prerequisite: ECE 102 with minimum grade of C or consent of instructor or department chair.    Fee $10

ECE 216                                                                                                                               3:3:0
Infant/Toddler Programming

Course investigates overall classroom and school functioning in infant/toddler settings. Content includes curricular models, daily operational procedures, and evaluative devices. Prerequisite: ECE 215 with minimum grade of C or consent of instructor or department chair.

ECE 226                                                                                                                               3:3:0
Language Arts and Social Studies for the Young Child

Course examines language development theory and appropriate language arts and social studies activities for young children. Topics emphasize design and evaluation of developmentally appropriate, anti-bias activities and instructional materials. Prerequisites: ECE 102, ECE 104, ECE 125, all with minimum grades of C, or consent of instructor.    Fee $20

ECE 227                                                                                                                               3:3:0
Math and Science for the Young Child

Course introduces theory and practice related to curricular areas of mathematics and science for young children. Content includes design and evaluation of developmentally appropriate, anti-bias activities and instructional materials. Students will conduct math assessment on a young child. Prerequisites: ECE 102, ECE 104, ECE 125, all with minimum grades of C, or consent of instructor.    Fee $20

ECE 241                                                                                                                               3:3:0
Group Dynamics

Course examines the group as a vehicle for promoting constructive individual and collective growth. Topics explore individual’s relationship with other staff, children, and parents, with focus on achieving group goals, effective classroom management through team communication, and positive relationships with parents.    Fee $10

ECE 242                                                                                                                               3:3:0
Multicultural Perspectives in Early Education

Course introduces culturally responsive/anti-bias practices in early education. Focus on developing conceptual framework and practical application of these practices. Content includes race and gender identity, development of bias and stereotyping in young children, the impact of racism and sexism on young children, and developmental differences.    Fee $10

ECE 255                                                                                                                               3:3:0
Curriculum Design for Early Childhood Programs

Course focuses on relationship among developmental theory, philosophy, and practice. Content includes analysis of wide range of early childhood curriculum models. Emphasis on teacher’s role in planning and creating appropriate learning environments for young children. Students will write a personal philosophy of education. Prerequisites: ECE 102, ECE 104, ECE 106, ECE 125, all with minimum grades of C, or consent of department chair.    Fee $20

ECE 257                                                                                                                             5:2:15
Practicum I

Course is first-semester capstone experience for students pursuing the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Education. Emphasis on practical application of early childhood principles and theories in a supervised early childhood setting. Students supervised by qualified professionals and college instructor, and required to work in approved center for a minimum of 4 days/15-18 hours per week, in addition to 2-hour weekly seminar. Prerequisites: ECE 102, ECE 104, ECE 107, ECE 106, ECE 125, and ECE 226 or ECE 227, all with minimum grades of C, or consent of department chair. Satisfactory health as certified by a physical examination.    Fee $50

ECE 258                                                                                                                             5:2:15
Practicum II

Advanced course is second-semester capstone experience for students pursuing the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Education. Students continue practical application of early childhood principles and theory. In addition, more long-term curricular planning, parent involvement activities, and portfolio required. Students supervised by qualified professional and college instructor, and required to work in approved center for a minimum of 4 days/15-18 hours per week, in addition to 2-hour weekly seminar. Prerequisites: ECE 257 with a minimum grade of C or consent of department chair.    Fee $50

ECE 270                                                                                                                               3:3:0
Child, Family and Community Relations

Course focuses on teacher’s role in working with child, family and community, in an early childhood setting. Emphasis on contemporary family life, communication, diversity, professionalism, national public policy, legal responsibilities, and family involvement. Prerequisites: ECE 102, ECE 104 and ECE 106, all with minimum grades of C, or consent of department chair.    Fee $10

ECE 273                                                                                                                               3:3:0
Introduction to Early Childhood Administration

Courses examines current early childhood administrative practices and procedures. Focus is on the administrator’s relationships with governmental, legal, business/finance, medical, social service and educational agencies in managing a program.    Fee $10

ECE 274                                                                                                                             3:2:15
Early Childhood Director Practicum

Course provides hands-on experience for students pursuing the ECE Advanced Administration Certificate. Focus is on practical application of early childhood administrative principles and theories. Students are supervised by qualified early childhood program director and a college instructor, and required to work in an approved center a minimum of 4 days/15-18 hours per week, in addition to attending a 2-hour weekly seminar. Prerequisite: ECE 273 or consent of department chair.    Fee $50

ECE 280                                                                                                                               1:1:0
Legal Aspects of Early Childhood Administration

Course stresses knowledge and application of legal responsibilities required by a director of an early childhood program. Focus is on the various legal structures and licensing standards required by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Prerequisite: ECE 273 or consent of department chair.    Fee $15

ECE 281                                                                                                                               2:2:0
Fiscal Management in Early Childhood Administration

Course designed to help the early childhood director successfully manage fiscal responsibilities in the daily operation of a center. Emphasis is on budget and financial report development, cash flow management, grand writing and fund raising. Prerequisite: ECE 273 or consent of department chair.    Fee $15

ECE 282                                                                                                                               2:2:0
Marketing and Public Relations for the Early Childhood Program Director

Course provides knowledge of fundamentals of effective marketing, public relations and community outreach for the early childhood director. Focus is on developing a market plan and useful promotional literature, handbooks, newsletters and press releases. Prerequisite: ECE 273 or consent of department chair.    Fee $15

ECE 283                                                                                                                               1:1:0
Staff Management and Human Relations in Early Childhood Programs

Course examines different supervisory and group facilitation styles. Focus is on developing skills in consensus building, team development, and staff performance appraisals. Additional Content includes group dynamics, communication styles, and conflict resolution. Prerequisite: ECE 273 or consent of department chair.    Fee $15

ECE 284                                                                                                                               1:1:0
Leadership and Advocacy for the Early Childhood

Program Director
Course presents information on organizational theory and leadership styles in relation to early childhood and school-age work environments. Focus is on developing a center philosophy and mission statement and effective advocacy activities. Prerequisite: ECE 273 or consent of department chair.    Fee $15

ECE 285                                                                                                                               1:1:0
Communications for the Early Childhood Program Director

Course provides information on communications to be carried out by the early childhood director. Focus on mechanics of written materials, oral communications, various styles of modern business documents. Prerequisite: ECE 273 or consent of department chair.    Fee $15

ECE 290                                                                                                                     1-4:0-4:0-4
Topics in Early Childhood Education

Course designed to meet special interest needs of ECE students and in-service needs of early childhood teachers. Special topics offered for variable credit. Students may repeat ECE 290 up to three times. Prerequisite may vary by topic. Fee varies

Economics

ECO 110                                                                                                                              3:3:0
Elements of Economics

Course surveys economics systems with reference to the market system, capitalism, government policy, money and banking, and international trade. Topics covered through examination of current economic and political issues. (Not recommended for business or economics majors.)

IAI S3 900

ECO 201                                                                                                                              3:3:0
Principles of Macroeconomics

Course introduces macroeconomics, utilizing modern economic theory to analyze fiscal and monetary policies by. Content includes inflation, taxes, full employment, gross domestic product (GDP), economic growth; money and banking. Extensive use of graphical analysis. IAI S3 901

ECO 202                                                                                                                              3:3:0
Principles of Microeconomics

Course introduces microeconomics, concentrating on the basic price theory of the firm; focus is on operation of supply, demand, cost and revenue functions in perfectly and imperfectly competitive markets; analysis of markets for both products and factors; examination of theory and practice of International trade and finance problems. Extensive use of graphical analysis. . IAI S3 902

ECO 203                                                                                                                              3:3:0
Money and Banking

Course covers both economic history and the current operation of the American monetary and banking systems. Content includes money and credit markets; interaction between these markets and fiscal policy as they affect the business cycle, the Federal Reserve System and the international financial system. ECO 203 transfers to most schools as a liberal arts elective. Prerequisite: BUS 101 or ECO 110 or ECO 201 or concurrent enrollment in BUS 101 or consent of instructor.

ECO 211                                                                                                                              1:1:0
Computer Applications of Macroeconomic Theory

Course introduces computer-assisted applications of macro-economic principles. Content includes concepts of choice and scarcity; national income accounting; aggregate supply and demand analysis; and the evaluation of the effects of fiscal and monetary policy on full employment, price stability and economic growth. Microcomputer use will involve graphics based tutorials and simulations. Fee $10

ECO 212                                                                                                                              1:1:0
Computer Applications of Microeconomic Theory

Course introduces computer-assisted applications of micro-economic principles. Content includes supply and demand; decision making in input and output markets; and international economics. Microcomputer use will involve graphics-based tutorials and simulations.               Fee $10

Education

(Also see Psychology/PSY 201 and Early Childhood Education)

EDN 101                                                                                                                               3:3:0
Introduction to Education

Course provides overview of American professional and a public education. Content includes perspectives of social, historical, and philosophical foundations for examination of current issues, policies; trends in education, including cultural diversity, organizational structure, finance, law and ethics. Course includes fifteen hours in local school setting.

EDN 103                                                                                                                               1:1:0
Paraprofessional Pre-Clinical Observation

Course provides opportunity for observations in local schools, for Associate of Applied Science-Paraprofessional Educator majors. Content includes ten hours of hands-on experience in local schools through service learning opportunities; initial class meeting to prepare for pre-clinical experience; final class meeting to reflect upon pre-clinical experience.

EDN 104                                                                                                                               1:1:0
Pre-Clinical Observation in Education

Course provides opportunity for observation in local school, for Associate of Arts in Teaching majors, and students planning on transferring to a four-year College of Education. Content includes thirty hours of hands-on experience in local schools through in-school experiences and service learning; initial class meeting to prepare for pre-clinical experience; final class meeting to reflect upon pre-clinical experience. Prerequisite: EDN 101 or concurrent enrollment in EDN 101.

EDN 180                                                                                                                               3:3:0
Diversity of Schools and Society

Course explores how schooling is shaped by the social contexts in which it occurs, particularly in multicultural and global contexts. Students investigate aspects of their own cultural identity and biases alongside comparative explorations of various culturally distinct groups in the United States and globally.

EDN 210                                                                                                                               3:3:0
Technology in Education

Course provides hands-on experience in using technology for education majors, while considering historic interplay of education and new technologies. Content includes finding, analyzing, organizing, presenting and implementing information related to use of technology in education; analyzing role of technology in education in society; developing strategies to compensate for possible digital divide among students. Focus is on increasing technological fluency, and developing creative and meaningful integration of technology into teaching in today’s inclusive classrooms. Mandatory ten hours of experience in local school. Hands-on experience using personal computer recommended.

EDN 250                                                                                                                               3:3:0
Literature for Children and Young Adults

Course introduces variety of literature available to children and young adults (ages 8-18). Content includes exploring issues relevant to children’s and teen’s reading. Focus is on child development, cultural diversity, reading ability and preferences, and censorship. Wide range of literature read. Service project in local school.

EDN 260                                                                                                                               3:3:0
Introduction to the Foundations of Reading

Course builds repertoire of methods encompassing balanced, insightful approach to reading program. Content includes learning needs and learning styles of all students, theoretical frameworks, and practical applications for teaching and improving reading. Five hours tutoring children included. Prerequisite: EDN 101 and either PSY 211 or PSY 201.

EDN 280                                                                                                                               3:3:0
Students with Disabilities in School

Course surveys historical, philosophical and legal foundations of K-12 special education. Content includes overview of the characteristics of individuals with disabilities, programs that serve them under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and diversity of the populations of individuals with disabilities. 20-hour field experience included. Prerequisite: EDN 101 and PSY 201.

EDN 290                                                                                                                        1-4:1-4:0
Topics in Educational Foundations

Course explores selected topics in educational foundations. Content included varies, and may focus on particular aspects of history, sociology, and philosophy of education, and comparative education. EDN 290 may be repeated up to three times on different topics for a maximum of twelve credit hours. Prerequisite: EDN 101 or consent of instructor.                                                    Fee varies.