Exploratory Studies (EXPS)

EXPS 218     Topics in Exploratory Studies     1 to 3 Credit Hours

An examination, at the freshman and sophomore level, in the selected areas of general study. The title as listed in the Schedule of Classes may change according to content. Course may be repeated for credit when specific topics differ.

EXPS 220     Science in the Elem School     2 to 3 Credit Hours

This course is designed for people intending to become elementary school teachers and who have had little or no previous experience in science. The course utilizes a laboratory approach to the study of the concepts, processes, and value of elementary and middle school science.

EXPS 250     Elem Ed Vis & Perf Arts     3 Credit Hours

This course will teach the elementary education student how to incorporate the various visual and performing arts into everyday elementary education curricula. The course will cover the fundamental and formal elements, the major periods, styles and philosophies, as well as the functions and processes of the visual and performing arts, and how to effectively employ those creative processes through collaboration, communication, cooperation and interaction in the elementary classroom.

Restriction(s):
Cannot enroll if Level is

EXPS 270     Inclusion & Cultural Immersion     1 Credit Hour

The seminar is modeled after New Detroit’s Multicultural Leadership Series. The format offers a highly innovative approach to building competences to address (ethnic, racial, gender, and sexual orientation) topics relevant to the metropolitan Detroit region. Students attend off-campus sessions where they spend the day immersed in that culture. Each session offers an in-depth look at (but not limited to) the history, culture, and socioeconomic issues that are germane but also transcend regional barriers. Goals of the course: 1) Bridge communication gaps; promote better understanding and appreciation among all people. 2) Develop a greater understanding of the distinctive and subtle differences within our community. 3) Explore various tools to enhance communication and collaborations geared towards closing our regional divide.

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Freshman or Sophomore or Junior or Senior

EXPS 282     History & Civics Elem Schools     3 Credit Hours

A survey of Michigan and United States history and government through Reconstruction. U.S. historical and political topics taught in grades K-8 are explored. Students also examine families, schools, and local communities.

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Level is Undergraduate

EXPS 283     Geography & Econ Elem Schools     3 Credit Hours

A survey of the geography and economics taught in grades K-6. Particular attention will be paid to the geography of Michigan and the Great Lakes region. Market and other types of economics will be examined in the light of core economic principles. (F,W,S)

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Level is Undergraduate

EXPS 298     Exploring Writing to Communicate, Learn, & Teach     3 Credit Hours

This course provides a theoretical foundation for using writing as teachers to communicate and learn for personal and professional purposes. Students will learn about writing development Birth to Grade 6. Emphasis will be placed on learning effective pedagogical content knowledge of writing including modeling, using mentor text (high-quality writing examples to emulate), conferencing with others about one's writing, and peer-and self-assessing writing to support all writers' development. For the first half of the course, students will focus on developing their own writing skills using the writing process with three genres (narrative, informational/explanatory, and argument). Additional application of course knowledge will be demonstrated during the second half of the semester through academic service learning projects (when possible) designed to tutor writers (e.g., After-School Writing Clinic). Students must submit the following clearances as prerequisites in order to register for this class (e.g., Blood Borne Pathogen test, Criminal Background Consent, Video Recording Consent). (F, W, YR).

Prerequisite(s): Infect Disease/Blood Born Path with a score of 1 and Criminal Background Check with a score of 1 and Video Recording Consent with a score of 1

EXPS 360     Effectve Comm with Eng Lng Lrn     1 Credit Hour

This course provides students with a structured experience with an international student in the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s English Language Proficiency (ELP) Program. Students are paired with an ELP student to meet on a weekly basis to provide opportunities to engage in conversation appropriate for academic settings. In this course students will have the opportunity to develop their understandings of the complexity of aural/oral language communication for English language learners.

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Level is Undergraduate

EXPS 400     STEM Teaching and Learning     3 Credit Hours

The content of this course and the pedagogy employed will provide students with experiences in topics related to the integration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Students will experience examples of STEM activities and will explore how STEM disciplines impact society. (YR).

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Undergrad Certification only or Post-baccalaureate NCFD or Post-baccalaureate Cert only or Junior or Senior

EXPS 401     STEM2 Teach/Learn Internship     1 Credit Hour

This internship will provide students an opportunity to gain experience with K-8 students in a educational setting such as a K-8 classroom, an afterschool program, museums, etc. Requires a minimum of 45 clock hours spread over the semester at the placement site working with the students and the assigned instructor/supervisor on STEM2 activities. Students must submit the following clearances as prerequisites in order to register for this class (Blood Borne Pathogen test, Criminal Background Consent, Video Recording Consent). (YR).

Prerequisite(s): EXPS 220 and MATH 385 and Infect Disease/Blood Born Path with a score of 1 and Criminal Background Check with a score of 1 and Video Recording Consent with a score of 1

Corequisite(s): EXPS 400

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Undergrad Certification only or Post-baccalaureate NCFD or Post-baccalaureate Cert only or Junior or Senior
Can enroll if College is Education, Health, and Human Services

EXPS 407     Inquiry-based Math and Science     3 Credit Hours

This inquiry-based laboratory course intends to support the learning of early childhood educators (birth to grade 2) in foundations of science and mathematics. The course integrates concepts and processes that arise in both disciplines, such as classification; units and measurements; shapes and structures and their properties; patterns; problem solving; representation; cause and effect; use of evidence (three credits). Elective for Children and Families Students. Students cannot receive credit for both EXPS 407 and 507. (YR).

Restriction(s):
Cannot enroll if Class is Freshman
Can enroll if College is Education, Health, and Human Services
Cannot enroll if Major is

EXPS 410     Multicult in School and Soc     3 Credit Hours

Examines ways to address the needs of diverse student populations. Issues of race, ethnicity, class, gender, and language are explored. Historic and ongoing issues of equity, particularly in school settings, are considered. The focus is on providing an education of high quality to all students.

Restriction(s):
Cannot enroll if Class is Freshman

EXPS 415     Evolution for Teachers     1 to 3 Credit Hours

Course is designed to meet the needs of grade K-12 teachers teaching about evolution. The Michigan Department of Education requires students to be able explain how scientists construct and scientifically test theories concerning the origin of life and evolution of species.

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Undergrad Certification only or Post-baccalaureate Cert only or Junior or Senior
Can enroll if College is Education, Health, and Human Services or Arts, Sciences, and Letters

EXPS 420     Science Capstone     3 Credit Hours

A capstone course for pre-service elementary teachers with a laboratory component designed to assist students in achieving deep understanding of a broad scientific concept and a discussion component designed to introduce and provide practice in classroom research. Students will use the classroom research to prove misconceptions about the scientific concept explored in the laboratory. Students must submit the following clearances as prerequisites in order to register for this class (Blood Borne Pathogen test, Criminal Background Consent, Video Recording Consent).

Prerequisite(s): NSCI 231 and NSCI 232 and NSCI 233 and EDD 485* and Infect Disease/Blood Born Path with a score of 1 and Criminal Background Check with a score of 1 and Video Recording Consent with a score of 1

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Undergrad Certification only or Post-baccalaureate Cert only or Junior or Senior
Can enroll if Level is Undergraduate

EXPS 443     Family/School/Community Collab     2 Credit Hours

Characteristics, roles, and functions of contemporary families are described. Various communication and training strategies designed to promote collaboration and teamwork within and between the school staff, the families, and community are described and practiced through discussion, problem-solving activities, and role playing. Family effectiveness assessment instruments and strategies are also described and practiced.

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Undergrad Certification only or Post-baccalaureate Cert only or Junior or Senior

EXPS 450     Issues in STEM2 and STEM2 Ed     3 Credit Hours

The content of this course will provide students with experiences in issues related to STEM2 education (STEM2: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine). Topics addressed will include definitions of STEM2, the value of STEM2 to society, the integration of STEM2 fields, developmentally appropriate STEM2 activities for K-12 students, misconceptions of STEM2, STEM2 careers and local issues related to STEM2 in Michigan. Students will experience examples of STEM2 activities and will explore how STEM2 disciplines impact society. (YR)

Prerequisite(s): (MATH 104 or MATH 105 or MATH 113 or MATH 114 or MATH 115 or MATH 116 or MATH 131) and (NSCI 101 or NSCI 120 or NSCI 121)

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Level is Undergraduate

EXPS 460     Capstone: Trnds & Iss Literacy     3 Credit Hours

This course is for pre-service teachers in the elementary certification program majoring in reading. In this course students will explore topical issues relevant to the teaching of literacy in preparation for becoming participating members in the professional community of literacy teachers.

Prerequisite(s): EDD 468 and EDD 471 and EDD 467

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Undergrad Certification only or Post-baccalaureate Cert only or Senior
Can enroll if College is Education, Health, and Human Services

EXPS 493     Simulation and Gaming     1 to 3 Credit Hours

This course focuses on simulation and gaming as approaches to learning which are fundamentally different from methods traditionally used in education, industry, business, and psychology. Students will have the opportunity to examine many different types of simulations and games and to participate in selected ones. They will also be able to design one to use in their own area of interest.

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Undergrad Certification only or Post-baccalaureate Cert only or Junior or Senior

EXPS 498     Exploring Writing/Chld&Yng Ad     3 Credit Hours

This course provides a theoretical foundation for writing instruction of children/adolescents in grades K-8. Emphasis is placed on modeling, instructional strategies, and assessment for supporting student writers that pre-service and in-service teachers can use to facilitate students’ development of written language across various genres. TB clearance, criminal background check, and bloodborne pathogens/infectious diseases training required.

Restriction(s):
Cannot enroll if Class is Freshman or Sophomore or Graduate

EXPS 499     Individ Res in Lit in Educ     1 to 3 Credit Hours

Requires the student to initiate and carry to completion a literature in education-based research project under the supervision of a faculty member. May be elected more than once for a total of not more than 3 credits as approved by advisor. Written permission of instructor. (F,W,S).

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Undergrad Certification only or Junior or Senior
Can enroll if Level is Undergraduate