Required Courses for Your Major

Select your major to see required courses

Art Education K-12  Spanish K-12 Religious K-12

Art Education K-12

You must fulfill all requirements in the major and all general education requirements to complete your degree program. Components listed here include only courses required in the major/emphasis/endorsement areas.

Introduction to Education

You will survey the historical development of education and analyze the role of personnel and career opportunities, problem areas and contemporary issues with an emphasis on the cultural diversity of American schools today.

Technology in the Classroom

You will learn strategies for integrating instructional technology in curriculum planning and implementation. After receiving instruction in their use, you will plan learning activities that include instructional media, the Internet, web page construction, production and organizational software and multimedia programs in classrooms. In addition to computers, you will use video equipment, digital cameras and scanners in preparing your lessons.

Adolescent Psychology

You will develop a meaningful workable concept regarding the adolescent period by studying the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of the normal adolescent from puberty to young adulthood.

Educational Psychology and Measurement:

You will study the teaching/learning processes to learn the nature of educational psychology and applications of major learning theories.

Assessment of Learners

You will be introduced to key concepts and issues in classroom assessment and large-scale, standardized educational assessment.

Teaching Reading — Middle and Secondary School

You will gain an understanding of developmental processes of reading and study techniques in middle grades and secondary education and identify Nebraska and National Standards and assessment techniques used in middle and secondary settings.

Teaching Middle School and Secondary Students

You will address the intellectual, physical, emotional and social needs of the changing early and later adolescent learners. You will develop skills and understandings that result in the creation of effective learning environments for adolescent students. You will  explore teaching methods, learning styles, motivation, teaming and classroom management, planning and presenting techniques and student evaluation.

Integrating Fine Arts Instruction into the Classroom

You will learn practical ways to integrate fine arts including art, music, drama and dance into your classroom curriculum. You will examine basic concepts and instructional techniques of each area with an emphasis of infusion into the academic curriculum.

Human Relations in a Multicultural Society

You will identify characteristics of various ethnic groups that relate to learning, working and living and develop strategies for assisting people in living jointly in our pluralistic society.

History, Philosophy and Trends in Education

You will compare philosophical foundations of historical and contemporary education and consider current issues using an informed discussion-centered approach. You will also assess political and social trends, laws, proper conduct and penalties for teachers and shifts and technological changes related to contemporary and future educational planning.

Student Teaching — Primary or Intermediate/Middle

Supervised teaching experience under the direction of a college faculty member and a classroom art teacher.

Student Teaching — Secondary

Supervised teaching experience under the direction of a college faculty member and a classroom art teacher.

Student Teaching Seminar

You will have an opportunity and environment with fellow student teachers and your college faculty to share and discuss problems, success, teaching methods and innovations of mutual interest. You will learn strategies for career planning and seeking professional employment with an emphasis on professionalism, organizational skills and ethical behaviors for a successful teaching career.

Intro to Special Education

You will survey various areas of exceptionality — high ability learners, mental disability, behaviorally impaired, visually impaired, hearing impaired, learning disable, orthopedically impaired, speech language impaired, autistic, Asperger’s, traumatic brain injury, multiple and severely handicapped, physically disabled, and health impaired. You will discuss the history, philosophy and future trends of special education as they are relevant to educational implications.

Survey of Art History

You will survey the development of the visual arts from prehistoric period to the 15th century.

Survey of Art History

You will survey the development of the visual arts from the 15th century to the early 20th century.

American Art History

You will study the evolution of American art within a historical context. Artistic movements as well as the work of individual artists are presented in light of historical and cultural trends.

Color and Design

You will be introduced to the basic elements and principles of visual expression both for the design student and for the individual who wishes to develop an understanding of art.

Basic Drawing

Designed to expand your conceptual range and capacity for critical and personal vision. Basic problems are designed to experiment with a wide range of materials and techniques.

Beginning Painting

You will be introduced to the basic techniques of painting with acrylic with an emphasis on representational subject matter, primarily landscapes and still life.

Ceramics

You will learn techniques in hand building, wheel throwing, glazing and decoration with an emphasis on functional and aesthetic design.

Printmaking

You will study the materials and techniques involved in the fundamental processes of silk-screening and relief printmaking.

Jewelry

You will learn techniques of metal work adapted to three-dimensional design including cutting, soldering and casting techniques. Students work with silver, bronze and copper.

Sculpture

You will explore different materials, such as wood, clay, plaster and plastics. Emphasis is placed on learning various casting techniques and use of tools.

Photography

You will be introduced to the basic concepts, processes and techniques of black and white photography including camera use, exposure, darkroom procedures, lighting and the controlled application of lighting.

Production Art

You will learn about the various aspects of preparing art for reproduction (primarily lithoprinting), including layout, design, typography and actual production (keyline, paste-up).

Advanced Drawing

You will work out problems with the instructor that will use sound drawing skills with thought-provoking problems in composition and individual expression.

Advanced Painting

You will have the opportunity to study in-depth, working closely with the instructor in developing a structured experience, balanced with an opportunity for personal exploration.

Introduction to Computer Graphics

Senior Thesis

Directed study in a major area, culminating with an art exhibit in the Hillmer Art Gallery.

Art Electives

You will take an additional six hours of art courses.

Spanish K-12

SPN 211 Intermediate Spanish I

Spanish 211 is designed as a continuation and extension of the materials introduced in the first year of Spanish. It offers a study of grammatical structures and an expansion of vocabulary through an introduction to the command form, and the present subjunctive, present perfect, conditional, and future verb tenses. All skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking), as well as culture will be emphasized during the course.

SPN 212 Intermediate Spanish II

Spanish 212 is designed as a continuation and extension of the materials introduced in the first year of Spanish and in Spanish 211. It offers a further study of grammatical structures and an expansion of vocabulary through an introduction to cultural and literary readings. All skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking), as well as the three basic fields (grammar, literature, and culture) will be emphasized during the course.

SPN 321 Conversation

This course is designed primarily for those students whose native language is not Spanish. Students develop their Spanish speaking skills, enhance their vocabulary, and improve their fluidity through the discussion of a variety of topics from Latin America and Spain. Texts and audiovisual materials explore a variety of issues (education, food, housing, entertainment, healthcare, etc.) from the different societies of the Spanish speaking world. Class discussions, oral summaries, debates, and class presentations will be part of this course.

SPN 421 Advanced Conversation

The primary goal of this course is to accommodate the oral competency needs of those students whose first language is Spanish or have an advanced knowledge of the language. This course will prepare students to speak Spanish in professional settings such as schools, clinics, law offices, business meetings, etc. Students develop their Spanish speaking skills through the discussion of a variety of materials from Latin America and Spain. Class discussions, oral summaries, debates, and class presentations will be part of this course.

SPN 322 Grammar and Composition

This course will develop and improve Spanish writing skills. Students will explore Spanish morphology, sentence structure, and grammar applied to a variety of written discourses such as description, narration, and exposition. Special emphasis will be given to the study of Spanish punctuation, capitalization, transitions, prepositions, and accents. Writing assignments will focus on historical, literary, and pop-culture topics from the different societies that form the Spanish-speaking world. 

SPN 333 Literature for Child & Youth

This course is a survey of traditional and contemporary children's and adolescent literature from Spain and Latin America written originally in Spanish. We will examine short stories, folktales, poetry, theater and novels from a literary/artistic point of view and for their value in education and cultural development.

SPN 495 Research Seminar

Students evaluate educational research in the Spanish Language Teaching and analyze procedures, logic, and strategies implemented by scholars. Students complete projects demonstrating effective research designs. Presentation of papers to faculty members and the public is required. Appropriate use of instructional technology is integrated into instruction of content and pedagogy. Papers may be written in English or Spanish.

SPN 499 Independent Study

This course provides an opportunity for students to engage in independent research and writing under the supervision of a faculty member

12 HOURS FROM THE FOLLOWING:

SPN 351 Civilization & Culture I

An introduction to the culture and civilizations of Latin America. A study of physical and human geography, historical development, and major aspects of contemporary Latin American society. Among other topics, students will learn about the Aztec, Maya, and Inca civilizations, the Colonial Period, the Wars of Independence, and many important historical and cultural figures from this part of the world.

SPN 352 Civilization & Culture II

An introduction to the culture and civilizations of Spain. A study of physical and human geography, historical development, and major aspects of contemporary Spanish society. Among other topics, students will learn about the Reconquista, the Golden Age, the Spanish Civil War, the Franco Era, and many important historical and cultural figures from this part of the world.

SPN 411 Survey Literature I

This course is a panoramic study of Spanish literature from its origins to the present. Students will be exposed to a variety of texts including poetry, short story, novel, and drama, and will become acquainted with major Spanish authors and their works. By reading and analyzing these texts, students will expand their vocabulary, and become familiar with important Spanish cultural aspects and historical events. In addition to gaining knowledge on the subject, students will have an opportunity to improve their Spanish language skills as all class discussions and written assignments will be done in Spanish.

SPN 412 Survey Literature II

This course is a panoramic study of Latin American literature from its origins to the present. Students will be exposed to a variety of texts including poetry, short story, novel, and drama, and will become acquainted with major Latin American authors and their works. By reading and analyzing these texts, students will expand their vocabulary, and become familiar with important Spanish cultural aspects and historical events. In addition to gaining knowledge on the subject, students will have an opportunity to improve their Spanish language skills as all class discussions and written assignments will be done in Spanish.

SPN 444 Study Abroad

Students can take part in faculty-led Study Abroad experiences organized by the Spanish Program or participate individually in Study Abroad programs in a Spanish-speaking country. Individual programs need to be pre-approved by Directors of Study Abroad and the Spanish Program.

Religious Education K-12

You must fulfill all requirements in the major and all general education requirements to complete your degree program. Components listed here include only courses required in the major/emphasis/endorsement areas.

Introduction to Education

You will survey the historical development of education and analyze the role of personnel and career opportunities, problem areas and contemporary issues with an emphasis on the cultural diversity of American schools today.

Technology in the Classroom

You will learn strategies for integrating instructional technology in curriculum planning and implementation. After receiving instruction in their use, you will plan learning activities that include instructional media, the Internet, web page construction, production and organizational software and multimedia programs in classrooms. In addition to computers, you will use video equipment, digital cameras and scanners in preparing your lessons.

Child Psychology

You will study the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of a child from conception through adolescence.

Adolescent Psychology

You will develop a meaningful workable concept regarding the adolescent period by studying the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of the normal adolescent from puberty to young adulthood.

Educational Psychology and Measurement

You will study teaching and learning processes to learn the nature of educational psychology and applications of major learning theories.

Assessment of Learners

You will be introduced to key concepts and issues in classroom assessment and large-scale, standardized educational assessment.

Teaching Reading — Middle and Secondary School

You will gain an understanding of developmental processes of reading and study techniques in middle grades and secondary education and identify Nebraska and National Standards and assessment techniques used in middle and secondary settings.

Teaching Middle School and Secondary Students

You will address the intellectual, physical, emotional and social needs of the changing early and later adolescent learners. You will develop skills and learn to create effective learning environments for adolescent students. You will explore teaching methods, learning styles, motivation, teaming and classroom management, planning and presenting techniques and student evaluation.

Children’s Literature

You will interact with a variety of children’s literature representative of ethnic and cultural diversity, emphasizing critical appraisal of significant authors and illustrators, quality of writing and appropriateness of topic to age and/or experience level.

Literature for Young Adults

You will study some traditional and contemporary works written for or about young adults and evaluate those works for their artistic merit and for their insights into the adolescent stage of human development.

Human Relations in a Multicultural Society

You will identify characteristics of various ethnic groups that relate to learning, working, and living and develop strategies for assisting people in living jointly in our pluralistic society.

History, Philosophy and Trends in Education

You will compare philosophical foundations of historical and contemporary education and consider current issues using an informed discussion centered approach. You will also assess political and social trends, laws, proper conduct and penalties for teachers, and shifts and technological changes related to contemporary and future educational planning.

Student Teaching — Primary or Intermediate/Middle

Supervised teaching experience under the direction of a college faculty member and a classroom teacher.

Student Teaching — Secondary

Supervised teaching experience under the direction of a college faculty member and a classroom teacher.

Student Teaching Seminar

You will have an opportunity to share and discuss problems, success, teaching methods and innovations of mutual interest. You will learn strategies for career planning and seeking professional employment with an emphasis on professionalism, organizational skills and ethical behaviors for a successful teaching career.

Intro to Special Education

You will survey various areas of exceptionality — high ability learners, mental disability, behaviorally impaired, visually impaired, hearing impaired, learning disabled, orthopedically impaired, speech language impairments, autistic, Asperger’s, traumatic brain injury, multiple and severely handicapped, physically disabled, and health impaired. You will discuss the history, philosophy and future trends of special education as they are relevant to educational implications.

Guidance and Classroom Management

You will learn techniques, models and psychological theories related to managing individual and small and large group learning activities including practical methods that enhance self-control and provide healthy classroom environments. You will learn the common behavior problems for pre-K through grade 12 students and exceptional children, along with assessment techniques.

Scripture: Old Testament

This course will introduce you to the Hebrew Bible as well as the extra books found in the Catholic Old Testament. There will be emphasis on the content of the scriptures as well as on the study of the ancient world in which they were produced.

Scripture: New Testament

You’ll learn about the content of the New Testament as well as the 1st century Middle East world which produced it. There will be historical analysis and an exploration of the text as a document of the Christian faith.

Church and Social Justice

Church and Social Justice explores the social teachings of the Church and its application to the concrete economic, social and political problems of the contemporary world. The course focuses on social issues such as poverty, hunger, racism, immigration, war, the environment and workers’ and human rights.

Spirituality

This course is an academic study of the nature of Christian spirituality as both religious and lived experience. You will be exposed to the biblical and theological foundations of Christian spirituality, its overall origins and development, and the varieties of Christian spiritualities that have appeared throughout history in both groups and in specific individuals who have been viewed as exemplary of Christian spiritual life.

Women in the Christian Tradition

The course examines some of the major doctrines of Christian theology in light of female experiences and theological reflection. These major doctrines include Christology, creation, sin, redemption, theological anthropology and the church.

Theology Research and Seminar

Through focused and extensive study on an approved topic of interest, you will demonstrate your cumulative ability to research, reflect critically and think theologically.

Theology Electives

You will also take 18 credit hours of theology electives.