Education

PROFESSOR

Mark V. Smith. 2001. Distinguished Service Professor of Education and Program Director. B.S., The University of Tennessee; M.Ed. and Ed.D., The University of Memphis.

Rhodes College offers a Minor in Educational Studies which subscribes to the following principles:
  • That students enrolled in strong liberal arts programs are best prepared to teach in the PK-12 setting by first earning a baccalaureate degree in their chosen teaching field.
  • That for students seeking licensure, the next step should be completion of a graduate degree in a professionally oriented teacher licensure program.
  • That by completing the Minor in Educational Studies, students will be more prepared to select and complete a graduate program in education that is most appropriate for their desired career in education or will be prepared to enter one of the many alternative pathways to a teaching position.

Based upon these principles, the Education Program at Rhodes has integrated the following attributes into the program:

  • The strengths of the liberal arts curriculum of Rhodes College;
  • The Vision and traditions of Rhodes College;
  • Opportunity for a variety of field experiences in the diverse Memphis and Mid-South Community;
  • Engagement with current practitioners in classes and in field experiences;
  • The flexibility to tailor the Minor in Educational Studies to fit student interest and career goals (e.g., elementary education, secondary education, higher education, counseling, school psychology, etc.);
  • Opportunity for a smooth and successful transition into graduate education programs (for licensure); and,
  • A required cumulative experience for research and/or internship in education with the possibility of doing this through a study abroad experience.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN EDUCATIONAL STUDIES

The Minor in Educational Studies requires a minimum of 18 credits:
  1. Education 201, 355, and 2 or 4 credits selected from Education 451, 460, or an approved study abroad experience in education.
  2. Psychology 222 or Philosophy 270.
  3. One course selected from: Psychology 229, 230, 311; Anthropology/Sociology 307; History 244; or Religious Studies 232.

LICENSURE TO TEACH

Licensure to teach is a function of state government offered through colleges and universities approved by their respective state departments and boards of education. Rhodes College has recently elected not to offer a teacher licensure program and recommends that students enrolling in liberal arts colleges like Rhodes seek licensure to teach through enrollment in professionally oriented graduate education programs. Rhodes students interested in earning licensure should meet with the Program Director to explore both traditional and non-traditional paths to licensure.

It should be understood that licensure programs nationwide are currently undergoing numerous and significant changes. Thus, students interested in earning licensure should stay abreast of changes in the requirements of any state in which they plan to teach. Licensure is generally transferable from one state to another, usually without additional requirements.

See www.rhodes/academics/education.edu. for additional information and for links to state licensing offices and selected graduate education programs.

COURSE OFFERINGS

201. Foundations of Education.
Fall, Spring. Credits: 4
Degree Requirements: Social Science.
Foundations of Education provides an overview of the system of American education and the development and application of current educational practices. Specific course topics include: history and philosophy, legal and political aspects, school finance, professional expectations, best practices, and specific challenges related to teaching and learning in today’s society.

355. Principles of Curriculum and Instruction.
Spring. Credits: 4.
This course focuses on the development of the pedagogical knowledge, skills, and dispositions appropriate for successful teaching and provides opportunities for the student to apply the principles learned in the course. Special attention is given to the Ten Core Principles developed by the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC). The Curriculum and Instruction course is a service learning course in that each student is required to serve as a tutor in a PK-12 setting.
Prerequisites: Education 201 and junior standing.

451. Directed Research.
Spring. Credits: 2 or 4.
Degree Requirements: F11.
Students enrolling in the Directed Research course propose a research topic to the Education Program Director and once approved, conduct appropriate research on the topic. The course serves as a cumulative experience for the Minor in Education. Requirements will vary as to the selected topic and will include: regular meetings with the assigned faculty member, scholarly research, a mid-term report, and a final written report. An oral presentation will be made to an appropriate group or class.
Prerequisites: Education 201 and 355, junior/senior standing, and presentation of an acceptable prospectus for the research project.

460. Internship in Education
Spring. Credits: 2 or 4.
Degree Requirements: F11.
The Internship in Education is arranged on an individual basis and is designed to meet the identified needs and/or interests of the student. The internship serves as a cumulative experience for the Minor in Education. The internship will have a specific focus and the enrolled student will complete a minimum of 40 hours of field experience per credit earned as well as a scholarly reflective paper. An oral report will be made to an appropriate class or group.
Prerequisites: Education 201 and 355, junior/senior standing, and presentation of an acceptable prospectus for the internship.  
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