Bachelor of Science in Middle School Education

at Shorelight Group - Towson University USA

The program provides advanced study in the theory of writing, writing techniques and style, principles/techniques of editing, and the functions of written communication within the professional/occupational setting. Courses aim to develop the communication skills of people seeking to enter or to advance in occupations requiring extensive writing and/or the analysis and reporting of data. Students choose from tracks in writing for the public and private sectors, technical writing and information design, teaching writing, journalistic writing, scientific writing and creative writing.

The Asian Studies Concentration within the Interdisciplinary Studies major is designed to offer students an interdisciplinary program of study of various dimensions of the Asian world. Students may plan a course of study that concentrates on a particular aspect of Asian civilization or on a particular sub-region of Asia. One might, for example, focus on the art and philosophy of various Asian peoples, or instead, one might concentrate on Chinese, Indian or Japanese civilization, studying both the traditional and modern society, its physical setting, and its political and economic development. In order to build a sound program of study, which meets both the individual student’s needs and the Interdisciplinary Studies requirements, it is essential that students work closely with an adviser in planning the program and selecting courses.

• READ: Interpret written materials flexibly: understand that although multiple meanings are possible, textual evidence needs to support individual interpretations of the literature being read as well as the implications drawn from it.
• WRITE: Write in a variety of forms (e.g. expository, argumentative, imaginative, business/technical) as appropriate to audience, purpose, and occasion, using evidence to support interpretations.
• RESEARCH: Use research skills that include understanding of methods, technology and conventions.
• REFLECT: Be reflective and lifelong learners.
• INFORMATION LITERACY AND TECHNOLOGICAL COMPETENCE: Use software as appropriate to writing and research.
• GLOBAL AWARENESS: Engaging intellectually in the experiences and views of people with different cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

Towson University offers an undergraduate degree program leading either to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Gerontology. The course work is multidisciplinary and provides students with an understanding of the scope of gerontology, the issues that are central to the study of aging, and a perspective from which students may understand the phenomenon of human aging and its implications for families and society. The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level professional positions in the field of aging, social services, and aging policy, as well as provide the knowledge and skills necessary for graduate and professional schools.

Majors must complete 54 units. The program is divided into four parts, and writing skills are emphasized throughout.

• First, students must complete two introductory courses, one each in political science and economics, which acquaint students with the nature of law and its role in American society.
• Second, students will take four required courses: one at the lower-division, two at the upper-division level and an advanced writing course. These courses further situate students in American culture, politics, judicial policymaking and logical thinking.
• Third, students will have several options in choosing electives, which will be offered by several departments: Accounting, Mass Communication and Communication Studies, English, History, Philosophy and Religious Studies, and Political Science.
• Fourth and finally, students will undertake a 6-unit capstone experience of their choice and, if possible, design. Advanced students may wish to undertake a project in the workplace and then write an evaluative essay on that experience as it fits into the overall program. Other students will participate in a senior seminar, in which they will write a research paper on some aspect of the law or develop a thesis supervised by the program director.

The field of Health Education and Promotion (HEP) explores the complexities of human behavior and identifies ways to promote healthy behaviors. Health Education and Promotion prepares students to educate and empower the public to understand their health, to make healthy choices, to improve their quality of life, and to reduce disease and disability. Health educators design, market, implement and/or evaluate health education and health promotion programs. The settings in which community health educators work include, but are not limited to health departments, voluntary health agencies, hospitals, universities, nonprofit organizations, government agencies and schools.

The Health Education and Promotion major gives students the foundation needed to be effective health professionals based on principles from the behavioral, biomedical and social sciences. Through coursework and a 12-unit internship, students will graduate with a solid foundation in a variety of health topic areas including public health, health education theory and practice, and program planning and evaluation.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the physical, social, economic and political factors that shape the development of metropolitan areas.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the array of current challenges facing metropolitan areas.
• Critically analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of policies designed to address the challenges facing metropolitan areas.
• Conduct and present sound research on metropolitan issues.

The Department of Theatre Arts offers a B.A./B.S. in Theatre Arts with a track in either Design and Production or Theatre Studies.

Design and Production Track

The Design and Production track provides a broad foundation in all areas of theatre design and technical production, while preparing the student for graduate study or entry-level professional work in scenic, costume, lighting, or sound design, or technical direction, construction and support. Faculty mentors guide qualified students through design and production projects of increasing responsibility, ­culminating in mainstage designs and leadership production positions for the most advanced students.

The Design and Production Track has an excellent record of preparing students for internship, graduate programs and career opportunities.

Theatre Studies Track

The Theatre Studies track integrates academic inquiry and performance exploration through a comprehensive study of the art of theatre in relation to multiple communities, from local to global. This well-rounded curriculum will provide a strong foundation for graduate study or entry-level professional work to students with interests in areas such as directing, dramaturgy, playwriting, theatre administration or stage management. It is also an excellent choice for students who wish to apply their theatre skills to other fields such as education, law or business.

The program is designed to prepare the degree candidate to:

• Provide specialized literacy instruction and assessment, in cooperation with other professionals, to students at all levels.
• Provide literacy services individually or in groups.
• Communicate with colleagues, parents and the community about literacy issues, including conducting professional development workshops on literacy topics.
• Coach and/or mentor colleagues.
• Advocate for literacy development among all populations.
• Read and interpret literacy research.
• Continue to grow professionally by reading professional journals and by participating in reading conferences and workshops.
• Master essential dispositions of educators (caring for all students, collaboration with stakeholders, and commitment to professional practice).