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EDUCATION 464-4

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EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Intersession

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Instructor: Janice Leyland

Tuesday and Thursday

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Location: MPX 7610

8:30 - 12:20

OBJECTIVES:

Students will gain basic knowledge about the historical, philosophical,

and psychological foundations of early childhood education. Through combining

the study of major theories of childhood with practice in observation, students

will examine the stages of growth and the development of consciousness in the

young child. An examination of how children perceive their world will serve

as a foundation for the development of programs for young learners.

OUTLINE OF TOPICS

I. Foundations and Perspectives in Early Childhood Education:

Historical, Philosophical, Cultural, Psychological

II. Theories of Child Development and Approaches to Observation

a.

Perceptual Development

b.

Role and Value of Play

c.

The Role of Fantasy

d.

The Development of Oral Language

e.

Self-expression as Seen Through Childrens' Art

III. The Guidance of Young Children

IV. Issues and Trends in Early Childhood Education

REQUIREMENTS

1.

A term paper on an early childhood education topic

2.

Observational reports of young children

3.

An in-class presentation on a current issue in Early Childhood Education

READINGS

Required readings will be available from the instructor or on reserve

at the library. Readings will include works by:

Mellor

Montessori

Bettleheim

Harwood

Tough

Arnheim

Piaget

Donaldson

Trevarthen

Pepler and Rubin

Cherfas

Egan

ELIGIBILITY

Education 464 is open to Early Childhood Education students and also to

others who have a general interest in the field. Students should have a basic

course in psychology or developmental psychology prior to registration.

Students lacking such a background may contact the instructor for suggestions

for self-study prior to registration.