Houston Christian University Catalog

Early Childhood (EDEC) Course Descriptions

  • EDEC 2320 Learning and Development

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This is a comprehensive study of child and adolescent development (cognitive, social, physical, and emotional development) combined with examination and analysis of learning theory and other factors and principles that affect learning. Observation and experience in schools is included. (Offered also as EDUC 2320.)

  • EDEC 4160 Wellness & Fitness for Children

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This course prepares students to effectively teach health and P.E. in grades PK-6. In addition to PK-6 health content and methodology, it includes exploration of developmentally appropriate movement education methods for PK through grade 6 as well as ways to use movement activities to help children learn academic content areas other than health and P.E. (such as math, science, social studies and language arts). (Offered also as INDC 4160.)

  • EDEC 4181 Special Topics/Independent Study

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be include

  • EDEC 4281 Special Topics/Independent Study

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included.

  • EDEC 4290 Early Childhood Practicum

    Prerequisite(s): EDEC 4304 and EDEC 4306 and EDEC 4313 and EDEC 4330 and EDEC 4351

    This is a field-based course in which students are placed in a pre-school situation for observation and application of concepts learned in course work.

  • EDEC 4304 The Young Child

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This course includes an in-depth study of growth and development during infancy and early childhood. The behavioral science foundations of early childhood education are studied in this course.

  • EDEC 4313 Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood Education

    Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Educator Preparation Program and (EDUC 4301 or EDUC 4311)

    This course is focused on the study of research-based curriculum, instruction, and assessment for early childhood. All areas of study are focused on developmentally appropriate practices for children of preschool and kindergarten age and are supported by national standards and state standards-National Association for the Education of the Young Child (NAEYC), Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and guidelines. Topics include learning about the specific characteristics and expectations for this age group, becoming knowledgeable of early childhood programs, planning learning activities and facilities, developing positive school/home relations, being aware of the diverse needs of the learner, and other aspects of creating and maintaining rich learning experiences.

  • EDEC 4330 Psychology of Learning

    Prerequisite(s): None

    A course stressing the contributions of major learning theories to understanding behavior. Particular attention is paid to human learning and the applicability of learning theory to the educational process as well as to goal attainments. (Offered also as PSYC 4330 and EDUC 4330.)

  • EDEC 4351 Emergent Literacy

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This course includes an analysis of the development of reading, speaking, listening, thinking and writing, visualizing, and visually representing as it applies to the young child. The five critical components of reading instruction (phonemic awareness, phonics and the word study, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension) frame the study of the emergent learner. The course also includes a multi-tiered approach to classroom instruction: being able to differentiate instruction as needed and gather assessment data that will inform instructional decisions. (Offered also as EDRE 4351.)

  • EDEC 4381 Special Topics/Independent Study

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included.

  • EDEC 4385 Essential Elements of Fine Art

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This course explores EC-6 fine arts content and methodology. It includes development of knowledge, skills and dispositions identified in the art, music and theatre Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) as well as ways to integrate fine arts into learning in other content areas. (Offered also as INDC 4385.)

  • EDEC 5181 Special Topics/Independent Study

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included.

  • EDEC 5281 Special Topics/Independent Study

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included.

  • EDEC 5310 Preschool Curriculum and Instruction

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This course is designed to provide an in-depth study of developmentally appropriate curriculum and instruction for three and four year old children. Fieldwork is required.

  • EDEC 5311 Kindergarten Curriculum and Instruction

    Prerequisite(s): EDEC 5306

    This course includes the study of and experiences with instructional strategies; planning and evaluation of learning activities; selection and planning of physical facilities; and the skills necessary for management of kindergarten programs.

  • EDEC 5351 Emergent Literacy

    Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Educator Preparation Program

    In this course students examine emergent literacy and explore ways to encourage the development of initial literacy. A wide variety of topics pertaining to the emergent reader and writer are included. (Offered also as EDRE 5351 and EDSP 5351.)

  • EDEC 5381 Special Topics/Independent Study

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included.

  • EDEC 6181 Special Topics/Independent Study

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included.

  • EDEC 6281 Special Topics/Independent Study

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included.

  • EDEC 6381 Special Topics/Independent Study

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included.