This course provides a general introduction to human relations, cultural diversity and Indian cultures as these concepts relate to teaching and learning in the K-12 classroom. Emphasis is placed on providing the students with additional knowledge, expertise or skills in creating a classroom learning climate conducive to supporting differences in cultural, ethnic, racial and gender backgrounds. Special emphasis is placed on gaining as understanding of Minnesota and Wisconsin Indian cultures.

The initial focus of this course emphasizes historical, philosophical, and sociological foundations of education. Students examine connections between theory and practice on topics within the above mentioned areas. Topics include today’s students, teachers, school, teacher effectiveness, current issues, school reform, and professionalism. A second focus of the course is an extensive filed experience where students observe and participate in elementary, middle, and secondary classrooms. Throughout the course an emphasis is placed on developing skills in human resources and the use of reflective practice in teaching.

This course is a general introduction to the effects of substance abuse and provides basic familiarization with chemical and public health education programs in the school and community. The course is designed to meet the Minnesota statue for obtaining a teaching license.

This phase of the teacher education program focuses on the K-12 student as learner. The concept of learner is examined from a variety of applied areas in educational psychology. Principles of teaching and learning are developed in the context of learning theory, teaching effectiveness, learner differences, and child and adolescent development. Students engage in the central question: “What do highly effective teacher leaders know, think and do with respect to learning, development and learner differences?” Students also observe, participate and engage in a clinical field experience for five weeks in a single classroom translating theories of learning and development into methods of classroom practice while continuing to work on professional identity and dispositions.

This course is designed to prepare future teachers to utilize technology in the classroom as a tool for improving student learning. Pre-service teachers learn how to identify and apply technology resources to enable and empower learners with diverse backgrounds, characteristics and abilities in order to deliver instruction at different levels and paces and to stimulate advanced levels of learning. The courses focuses on management of technology resources within the context of learning activities and develops strategies to manage student learning in a technology-integrated environment.

Middle and secondary school philosophy, classroom management, motivation, and student developmental differences are examined. An emphasis also is placed on unit development, daily lesson planning, interdisciplinary planning, teaming, student advising, cooperative learning, exploratory learning and a variety of teaching strategies appropriate for grades 5-12. In addition, teaching to the needs of exceptional learners is examined in the teaching/learning context. An emphasis is placed on developmentally appropriate practices, integrating learning, and addressing diverse needs of learners. Students participate in guided teaching experiences at the middle/high school level.

This course explores the tenets and practices of theology through the study of the interpretations of Christian doctrines noted in the Nicene Creed and select catechetical texts. Issues of method, authority, and the interface of faith with modern culture are highlighted.

Students survey examples from the Pentateuch, Prophetic, Historical and Wisdom texts, their forms, settings and theology. This survey incorporates an appreciation for some basic contemporary interpretive methods. Methods encouraged by Vatican II’s Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation are studied.

Students survey examples of texts from the Pauline, Catholic and Pastoral Epistles, the Gospels and Acts; Hebrews and Revelation are also introduced. Working with the interpretive strategies gained in TH210 Introduction to Old Testament, students begin to assess the dynamics of interpretation through the completion of an exegetical paper.

• TH210 Introduction to the Old Testament

This course explores the set of Catholic Christian doctrines and interpretation surrounding the question "what does it mean to be a human person?": for example, the creation to the image of God, sin, redemption, sacramentality, and vocation. There is a focus on modern questions of the mind, conscience, embodiment, gender, and sexuality.

Through comparison and contrast, students define and articulate how the Christian, especially Roman Catholic, world view relates to those of others. Prior to such comparisons students focus on being able to articulate the basic world view of several mainstream religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and the religions of the Far East, especially Shinto, Dao and Confucian thought.

Students consider the history, theology, and practice of Christian sacramental life as they address the questions of ritual, celebration, and worship. The course also examines general principles of liturgy and ritual, as well as guidelines for planning and implementing pastorally effective liturgy.

This course acquaints students with the modern history and current application of Catholic social teaching, focusing on the themes of economics and work, life and death, and war and peace issues. Students engage both primary and secondary literature and examine how Christians critically think through social issues. A service learning component is offered.

As the foundational class in moral theology, this course addresses the different moral theologies in the Catholic tradition, from Scriptural ethics to natural law. Contemporary issues are addressed as a means of explicating schools of ethical method and applying moral reasoning.

Defining moments in Catholic tradition from earliest Catholicism up to the First Vatican Council (1869–70) are investigated. Official Catholic teachings, major thinkers and cultural movements are considered for their insights into Christian faith and human development.

After establishing familiarity with the history and texts of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), students consider theological and pastoral thought from the 20th and 21st centuries. Special attention is paid to ecclesiological innovations concerning lay and clerical leadership, the local and universal Church, and the universal call to holiness and justice.

Students understand, apply, and evaluate theoretical and practical approaches to catechesis, adult faith formation, and teaching theology. Theoretical and practical elements are be drawn from the disciplines of education, religious education, and theology. While providing a sampling of theoretical frameworks for educating within the Catholic faith tradition, the course also allows students to develop basic skills according to their interests within the spectrum of faith formation opportunities within the Church.

• TH209 Foundations of Catholic Theology

This writing intensive course studies the development and interpretation of Christian theological doctrine on the person of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ. The course treats issues from the various interpretations of the Gospel tradition to the development of doctrine (particularly in the councils of Nicaea and Chalcedon) to modern interpretations of the role of Christ in systematic theology.

• TH209 Foundations of Catholic Theology

Majors prepare professional credentials as well as collaborate with a professor to conduct research within an area of their interest and the professor’s expertise. Preparation of credentials may include development of a personal mission statement, resume, and certifications relevant to national standards for Catholic lay ecclesial ministry. Research approximates graduate-level study of classical and contemporary perspectives that are doctrinal, academic, and/or pastoral.

Pastoral and youth ministry majors and religious education majors test their aspirations and apply their knowledge in professional and pastoral contexts. Students and the department’s internship coordinator facilitate placement, planning, and assessment through the university’s internship office. The internship usually involves a weekly group theological reflection. This internship is also coded as high school teaching for religious education majors.  This course requires the completion of a professional portfolio and is ordinarily graded pass/no credit.