Majors

Effective beginning with the Class of 2013:

The education studies major must successfully complete the following courses:
 

1. ED 115 ,  ED 200 ,
   ED 213
    ,
   ED 231
    ,
   ED 233
    , ED 334 , ED 335 , ED 336 , and ED 350 .

     2.  A minor in a liberal arts and sciences discipline.
         
 Education studies majors are required to complete a minor or a second major in a liberal arts and sciences discipline. The New York State Department of Education recommends that the liberal arts and sciences minor or second major be in an area that will ensure that prospective teachers possess content knowledge in the major curriculum areas.  Liberal arts and sciences minors and majors approved by the NYS Department of Education:

• Anthropology
• American Studies
• Art History
• Asian Studies
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Classics
• Computer Science
• English
• Environmental Studies
• Exercise Science
• Foreign Languages and Literatures (e.g. French, German, Italian, Spanish)
• Gender Studies
• Geosciences
• Government
• History
• Latin American Studies
• Mathematics
• Music
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Psychology (see additional information) 
• Religious Studies
• Sociology
• Theater  (see additional information) 

 

     3.  Liberal arts and sciences courses; one course from each of the following three categories: American history; mathematics and sciences; social sciences and humanities.

WRITING REQUIREMENT IN THE MAJOR: The Education Studies faculty are committed to helping students enhance their writing skills in preparation for their professional careers, because we believe that written communication skills are an essential part of being a successful educator. The Education Studies Department maintains a strong commitment to writing and the process of revision and expects all Education majors to write at a high level of proficiency. Writing occurs in all Education Studies courses and includes the following writing conventions:

The conventions of writing in the discipline of education include:

1. Critical writing and research, with attention to the social context of of education and schooling
2. Development and writing of one’s educational philosophy
3. Observation and assessment techniques with systematic documentation (i.e., observation tools, writing Individualized Education Plans, etc.)
4. Critical written analysis of policy documents and academic journal articles
5. Development of curriculum through written content overviews, annotated bibliographies to develop critical assessment of teaching resources, development of thematic units and literature studies, and lesson plan writing
6. Reflective writing on planning and practice (e.g., the development of the reflective practitioner)

Students in Education will fulfill the Department’s writing requirement by successfully completing writing components in required courses for the EDS major beginning with a 100-level introductory course (

 ) and continuing at the 200-level with a foundation course ( ). Two required courses for Junior Block ( ,  ) and Student Teaching ( ) include culminating experiences in which students develop and implement curricula and become reflective practitioners. The Department expects students to demonstrate writing competence in all departmental courses.

The education studies major supports the New York State Education Department guidelines, and it is approved by the New York State Education Department. Prospective majors should consult with Skidmore’s Department of Education during the spring of their first year to discuss the major and plan a course program. Declaration to the program is made in the sophomore year. Students going abroad should explore the possibility of going abroad during the spring of the sophomore year or in the fall of their junior year.

Education studies majors must receive a grade of C or better in five required foundation courses: ED 115 - School and Society , ED 200 - Child Development and Learning ,

 ,  , and  . All candidates for student teaching placements must earn a C or better in each of the junior year required courses and the recommendation of the department. Students must demonstrate proficiency during the student teaching experience in knowledge and performance skills with a grade of C or better in each placement in order to be recommended for certification.

If interested in the major, students are urged to obtain material from the Education Studies Department office providing information concerning procedures, criteria, and a detailed program description.

See Education Studies