Curriculum, Aesthetics, and Teacher Education

Curriculum, Aesthetics, and Teacher Education (CATE) Division

Students and faculty in Curriculum, Aesthetics, and Teacher Education (CATE) have a major focus in one or more of six areas: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Social Studies Education, Aesthetics, Curriculum, and Teacher Education. While each of these is a distinct area of study, most of the faculty and students have affiliations with more than one area. In addition, there are several shared interests and commitments to interdisciplinary, integrated approaches rather than one disciplinary focus. These include the importance of: (1) reflection in teaching, (2) inquiry as an approach to teaching and learning to teach, and (3) diversity broadly defined to include culture, learning, social context, etc. Our course offerings and research interests highlight these themes. In addition, the division offers courses in research methodology, serving the college as a whole, and in many cases drawing in students from across the university.

Aesthetic Education

The study of aesthetic elements in the curriculum and how they are taught. Specific areas include music, visual art, dance, and drama education.

Curriculum

The study of planning, developing and evaluating curriculum; curriculum development in clinical settings, school reform.

Early Childhood Education

The study of early childhood education programs; early childhood curriculum development; principles of classroom practices; issues, developments and trends in early childhood education; methods of child study; parent involvement techniques.

Elementary Education

The study of elementary school programs, methods of teaching in the elementary school; evaluating programs; policy making; staff development.

Social Studies Education

The study of the social studies curriculum, methods and materials in elementary, middle and/or secondary schools.

Teacher Education

The study of the theory and practice of educating teachers in pre-service and post-certification programs.