George Mason University > University Catalog > Course Descriptions
2003-04 University Catalog George Mason University


College Teaching (CTCH)

College of Arts and Sciences

601 The Community College (3:3:0). Studies the institutional character of the community college including a review of its history, purpose, clientele, organization, finance, and social function. Attention is given to issues currently faced by community colleges.

602 College Teaching (3:3:0). Familiarizes students with issues that affect teaching and learning and provides basic tools to use in the college classroom. Students learn how to plan a course and develop a syllabus, how to promote learning among a diversity of students, and how to implement a variety of classroom assessment techniques.

603 Teaching with Technology (3:3:0). Prerequisites: Basic familiarity with computer operations. Basic skills in word processing, spreadsheets, and electronic presentation software applications. Basic Internet and electronic database research skills. Provides students with an overview of and hands-on experience with technology tools available to enhance classroom and online learning. Examines issues related to the use of technology in teaching and learning and guides students in the development of effective technology-enhanced learning activities for undergraduate students.

604 The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (3:3:0). Provides students with an overview of the movement in higher education in the scholarship of teaching and learning. Focus on ways that students learn, how learning can be improved, and different methods of conducting research into teaching and learning.

605 Curriculum and Program Design and Assessment (3:3:0). Prerequisites: CTCH 601 or 602, and 603.Prepares students to design, implement, and assess new courses, curricula, and programs. The relationships of courses and curricula to larger programs and institutional goals are examined. Explores issues of program planning and implementation, such as documenting need, generating cost estimates, and assembling a strong case for new programs.

606 Diversity in Higher Education (3:3:0). Explores instructional interactions and communication strategies for diverse learner populations. Includes discussion of sociological, behavioral, and cognitive theory on culture.

607 Communication Skills for Teaching (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Admission to certificate or doctoral program. Studies principles and practices underlying effective lecturing and leading of instructional discussions. Application of the student's field of study is encouraged as a way of establishing the teaching environment.

885 Internship in Community College Teaching (3:01:0). Prerequisites: Admission to the certificate or doctoral program; approval of advisor and internship coordinator; CTCH 601 or 602; 6 additional credits of core requirements and 3 in the knowledge area. Students must contact the program at least one semester prior to enrolling. Supervised internship at a community college or in a nonteaching higher education setting such as a government agency or administrative office in higher education. Purpose is to develop skills applicable to college-based teaching or higher education administration or policy. A minimum of 200 hours of work and participation in an internship seminar. Graded S/NC.

892 Special Topics in Community College Education (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Admission to the doctoral program or permission of instructor. Covers a variety of current issues in teaching and learning in higher education. May be repeated for credit when topic is different.

897 Directed Readings in Community College Education (1-6:0:0). Prerequisite: Admission to the doctoral pro gram and permission of program. Independent reading on a topic agreed on by the student and instructor.

998 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal (1-3:0:0). Prerequisite: Completion of at least one internship and all other course work and qualifying exams. Contact program for permission to register. Work on a research proposal that forms the basis for the doctoral dissertation. Graded S/NC.

999 Doctoral Dissertation (1-12:0:0). Prerequisite: CTCH 998, two internships, and an appointed dissertation committee. Doctoral dissertation research and writing under the direction of a dissertation committee. Graded S/NC.