Core courses create a foundation for the field of education.  

Students take a total of 21 credits of core courses.  This equates to six, 3-credit courses.  

EDUC 203:  Foundations of Education*

Content components include history of education, structure of American education, educational philosophies, legal and ethical issues in teaching, basic learning theory, lesson planning, and use of technology applications. In addition, 40 hours (10-week period) of in-school teaching experience in Des Moines area schools are required. 

EDUC 208:  Student Development and Learning

This course is focused on human growth and development and learning theory, with special attention paid to motivation, classroom management, human behavior, and mental health, and their implications for curriculum and classroom teaching. 

EDUC 211:  Education Planning and Assessment 

This course contains major components of a professional educator's knowledge base. This course will provide students with opportunities to learn about student diversity, instructional planning, and classroom and large-scale assessment. During the course, students will engage in a variety of activities that will enable them to demonstrate and apply their learning. 

EDUC 213:  Arts Integration in Education (3 credits)

This course is designed to acquaint prospective teachers with methods that integrate the arts in meaningful and authentic learning experiences. Participants will experience a variety of art forms, explore ways to nurture the arts climate in the classroom, experience a model of artful learning, and plan integrated experiences.

EDUC 261:  Technology Integration in the Classroom

Technology Integration in the Classroom explores the use of instructional technology within K-12 education, including research on effective use of technology in the teaching and learning process, and location and evaluation of grade-and content-specific resources. Hands-on experience in multimedia technology is provided through the laboratory component of the course. Students will gain experience with (1) personal and professional use of technology, (2) production of multimedia and online materials, and (3) recognition of the role of technology in student learning and future success.

EDUC 264:  Perspectives - Race, Ethnicity, Gender

An historical, social, and cultural analysis of the interrelationships among racial, ethnic, class, and gender experiences, in conjunction with an examination of the individual, institutional and social constructs of prejudice discrimination, and stereotyping. The course will, through its comparative approach, aim to increase understanding of race, ethnic, and gender identity, and sensitize students to the subjective experience of marginalized groups. Case studies will augment the course content for direct application to the development of instructional programs. There will be an emphasis on African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans, gender, sexual orientation, class structure, and the disabled. A 10-hour service-learning component in a social service organization is required. 

SPED 220:  Introduction to Exceptional Children & Adults

This course orients the learner to the etiology, learning and behavioral characteristics of exceptional children and adults. The history, philosophy, and legal foundations underlying instructional programs and services to accommodate exceptional persons in the schools and community are examined. Techniques appropriate for regular classroom instruction of exceptional children and youth, including individualized instruction, behavior management, and consultative and diagnostic services are described and illustrated.

* Includes 40 practicum hours

Methods courses focus on content area specialty.  

Students take a total of 24 credits of methods courses.

EDUC 222:  Curriculum and Pedagogy* (3 credits) 

Study of basic principles and skills for effective planning, instruction, and classroom management in the elementary school.

EDUC 223:  Physical Education and Health in the Elementary School (2 credits) 

Methods and materials for teaching elementary school physical education and health.

EDUC 224:  Literature of Children and Youth (3 credits) 

Designed to acquaint students with the world of children's and young adult literature and to explore the many roles it plays in the elementary and middle school classroom. 

EDUC 225:  Methods of Teaching Elementary Science* (3 credits) 

This course focuses on proven National Science Education Standards and methods for the effective teaching of science in the elementary grades. "Constructivist" learning theories are examined and applied through peer lesson planning and teaching. Drake students also develop science lessons and teach them to elementary students in Des Moines area schools. Following reflection and enhancement, the lessons are then converted to web-based portfolios and shared with the teaching profession. 

EDUC 226:  Methods of Teaching Elementary Math* (3 credits)

Study of research in the teaching of mathematics. Survey and evaluation of programs and new methods of teaching. 

EDUC 228:  Methods of Teaching Elementary Social Studies* (3 credits) 

Strategies, methods, and materials for effective social studies instruction in the elementary school. 

EDUC 237:  Teaching Reading in the Elementary Classroom* (3 credits)

This course will focus on the reading process and reading instruction for students in elementary classrooms. Topics covered include the five essential components of reading, effective literacy instructional methods and assessment. 

EDUC 239:  Teaching Communicative Arts in the Elementary Classroom* (3 credits)

This course explores the teaching of the communicative language arts in the elementary classroom including listening, speaking, writing and visual literacy. Special focus is given to the writing process, writing development and writing instruction.  

* Includes 10 practicum hours

Student teaching allows you to apply your learning.  

Students take a total of 10 credits of methods courses.

EDUC 263:  Student Teaching Seminar (1 credit)

School curriculum development and organization, instructional planning, and classroom management. To be taken concurrently with EDUC 266.

EDUC 266:  Student Teaching - Elementary Education (8 credits)

Supervised teaching experience for students in graduate programs. To be taken concurrently with EDUC 265.

EDUC 269:  ePortfolio Seminar (1 credit)