View course descriptions for
General Education
ED 101 Philosophy of Christian Education (3) Offered on campus: Fall, Spring; online: Interterm, Summer. Students will learn the history, principles, and philosophy of education in general and the distinctives of a Christian-traditional philosophy of education in particular. Guidance in identifying the personal and educational qualifications for teaching on preschool, elementary, and secondary levels is given in order to help students determine their individual interests and aptitudes. Observation is an integral part of this course. Required for ED 219, 251, 260; EE 201, 205; SE 201.
ED 102 Personal and Community Health (2) Offered on campus: Fall, Spring; online: Interterm, Summer. Students will acquire basic knowledge in proper and personal health practices and habits. Students will also discuss community health issues and safety practices affecting homes, schools, and daycare facilities.
ED 210, 310, 410 Early Childhood Education Practicum (1 each) Offered Interterm. Prereq.: At least “C-” in EE 201; early childhood concentration or education minor; and approval from chair of education. This course has been designed to expose the elementary education major with an early childhood concentration or education minor to practical experience in an approved local Christian kindergarten under the supervision of a classroom teacher. The course requires spending a minimum of 45 hours working at the school in actual kindergarten teaching responsibilities along with a variety of other projects. This course is offered during Interterm and normally can be taken in the vicinity of the student’s home. Required for ED 310 (each level required for the next one), EE 450.
ED 211, 311, 411 Education Field Experience (1 each) Offered Summer. Prereq.: At least “C-” in EE 201 or SE 201. This course is required of all education majors and can be elected by education minors. The student participates in a teaching experience in his hometown on a grade level appropriate to his major (early childhood—preschool–kindergarten; elementary—grades 1–6; secondary—grades 7–12) during one summer of his enrollment as an education major. Various teaching responsibilities such as Sunday school classes, children’s church, youth groups, sports teams, etc., may be acceptable in meeting the requirements of this course. Required for ED 311 (each level required for the next one), 469; EE 420, 450; SE 420.
ED 216 Special Education Practicum (1) Offered Interterm. At least “C-” in ED 260 and EE 201; special education major or education minor; and approval from chair of education. This course has been designed to expose the special education major and minor to practical experience in an approved local Christian school under the supervision of a classroom teacher. The course requires spending a minimum of 45 hours working at the school in actual teaching responsibilities along with a variety of other projects. This course is offered during Interterm and normally can be taken in the vicinity of the student's home. Required for ED 469.
ED 219 Teaching the Reluctant Learner (2) Offered Fall, Spring. Prereq.: At least “C-” in ED 101. Students learn effective instructional strategies to increase academic achievement in unmotivated and reluctant students who potentially “fall through the cracks.”
ED 251 Introduction to Music Education (3) Offered Fall. Prereq.: At least “C-” in ED 101 and sophomore or
above with a major in music education or education minor. This course is designed as a foundational teaching skills course and involves the student in current reading, various methods of instruction, and the operation and use of classroom visuals and equipment. Observation and peer teaching are important elements of this course. This course is a prerequisite to all 300- and 400-level music education courses. Required for ED 259, 351, 362, 363.
ED 259 Music Education Practicum (1) Offered Interterm. Prereq.: At least “C-” in ED 251; music education major or education minor; and approval from chair of education. This course has been designed to expose the music education major to practical experience in an approved local Christian elementary or secondary school under the supervision of the music faculty. This course requires spending a minimum of 45 hours working at the school in actual teaching responsibilities along with a variety of other projects. This course is offered during Interterm and normally can be taken in the vicinity of the student’s home. Required for ED 450.
ED 260 Introduction to Special Education (3) Offered Fall, Spring. Prereq.: At least “C-” in ED 101; or credit for or concurrent enrollment in ED 430. Students learn the history, legal aspects, and current trends of special education including characteristics of K–12 exceptional learners and examine assessment and intervention strategies for intellectual, emotional, and physical disabilities. Required for ED 216, 361, 461, 462.
ED 301 Tests and Measurements (1) Offered Fall, Spring. Prereq.: Elementary education major, education minor or emphasis, or concurrent enrollment in SE 420. After students study the nature, principles, and use of testing as an appraisal of learning, they will be able to develop formal and informal measurement tools for classroom use on the elementary and secondary levels. Required for SE 420.
ED 306 Computer Applications in Education (1) Offered Fall, Spring. Prereq.: Credit for or concurrent enrollment in: CS 101 [or proficiency], and either EE 201 or SE 201. Future teachers will learn how to enhance personal productivity and classroom instruction with computer applications specific to educational use. Meets 2 hours a week.
ED 322 Educational Psychology (3) Offered on campus: Fall, Spring; online: Interterm, Summer. Prereq.: Junior or senior. Students examine the development of the learner, the learning process, and the learning environment and apply this to areas such as classroom management, methodology, and motivation. Students will analyze historical and progressive theories of learning and contrast them with a Christian-traditional philosophy of education. This course may be taken as a social science elective.
ED 351 Teaching Elementary Music (2) Offered Fall. Prereq.: At least “C-” in ED 251 or SE 201, junior or senior music education major or second teaching field, and 12 hours of music with at least “C-.” Students learn concepts and methodology for successful private and group teaching at the elementary level. Required for ED 352, 450.
ED 352 Teaching Secondary Music (2) Offered Spring. Prereq.: ED 351. Students learn concepts and methodology for successful private and group teaching at the secondary level. Required for ED 450.
ED 361 Instructional Methods for Exceptional Learners (3) Offered Fall. Prereq.: ED 260. Students apply a biblical perspective of Christian-traditional education when developing instructional objectives and methods for the exceptional learner. Required for ED 364.
ED 362 Classroom and Behavior Management (3) Offered Spring. Prereq.: ED 251, 430, EE 201, or SE 201. Students examine causes and correlated factors of emotional and behavioral difficulties and develop preventive and corrective classroom management techniques including functional behavior assessments and intervention plans. Required for ED 364.
ED 363 Family and Professional Partnerships (3) Offered Fall. Prereq.: ED 251, 430, EE 201, or SE 201; and junior or senior. Students examine family and professional partnership practices designed to help children, adolescents, and exceptional learners in the Christian-traditional classroom.
ED 364 Special Education Assessment and Planning (3) Offered Spring. Prereq.: ED 260. Students learn to identify behavioral and learning difficulties through informal and formal assessment instruments and to develop individualized student plans based on assessment results. Required for ED 469.
ED 413 Child Growth and Development (3) Offered Fall, Spring. This course presents an overview of mental, spiritual, physical, and social aspects of childhood development from beginners to juniors (ages 6–12). Students apply this knowledge to the classroom by also learning effective techniques for teaching the developing learner and for training godly character in relation to current social and cultural influences. This course may be taken as a social science elective. Required for ED 462.
ED 415 Adolescent Growth and Development (3) Offered on campus: Fall, Spring; online: Interterm, Summer. This course limits itself to the study of the adolescent period of development. The student will learn the psychological challenges and changes experienced by adolescents. Topics studied include friends, dating, discipline, authority, responsibility for decision making, communication, home, church, and society. This course may be taken as a social science elective. Required for SE 420.
ED 419 Teaching Internship Orientation (1) Offered Pre-term. Prereq.: Approval from chair of education; must be taken the same academic year as teaching internship. This course is required of all education majors and is prerequisite to EE 420, EE 450, MU 420, and SE 420 Teaching Internships. Through classroom observations and participation in beginning-of-the-year meetings and activities at Pensacola Christian Academy, the senior education major is prepared for the teaching internship as well as the first year of teaching. Required for ED 450, 469; EE 420, 450; SE 420.
ED 430 Instructional Methods (2) Offered Fall, Spring. Prereq.: Senior non-education major or minor. Students receive training and experience in classroom teaching methods and materials for non-education majors. Required for ED 260, 362, 363.
ED 448 Early Childhood Administration (3) Offered Fall, Spring. This course equips the student to administer a traditional early childhood program with emphasis on the practical aspects of the daily operation, organization, and supervision. Students learn how to make policies based on regulations and sound finances as well as to recognize well-designed facilities, create promotional materials, and plan special events.
ED 450 Music Teaching Internship (7) Prereq.: ED 259, 351, 352, 419; major emphasis methods course; senior; at least “C-” in all education courses; 2.00 cumulative GPA or higher; and approval from chair of education. In this capstone course, music education majors spend one semester in supervised teaching at Pensacola Christian Academy in the private studio, rehearsal hall, and classroom. A weekly support seminar is included with the internship experience. Begins Pre-term in the fall.
ED 461 Characteristics of Learning Disabilities (3) Offered Fall. At least “C-” in ED 260. Students learn theories and conditions associated with learning disabilities and the instructional strategies, accommodations, and modifications to develop Individualized Student Plans for K–12 students. Required for ED 469.
ED 462 Characteristics of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (3) Offered Spring. ED 413 and at least “C-” in ED 260. Students learn theories and conditions associated with emotional and behavioral disorders and learn to develop Individualized Student Plans for K–12 students with these conditions.
ED 469 Special Education Teaching Internship (12) ED 211, 216, 364, 419, 461; EE 301, 306, 311, 317, 321, 325, 330; senior; and approval from chair of education. In this capstone course, special education majors spend one semester in supervised classroom teaching at Pensacola Christian Academy. A weekly support seminar is included with the internship experience. Begins Pre-term in the fall.
Elementary Education
EE 201 Materials and Methods (3) Offered Fall, Spring. Prereq.: At least “C-” in ED 101 and sophomore or above; elementary education major or broad field, special education major or minor, education minor or emphasis, or teaching English broad field. This course is an introduction to the materials and general methods employed in teaching elementary school. The student learns practical techniques and skills used in lesson planning, classroom management, parent/teacher conferences, and the effective use of instructional technology in the elementary school. Multi-level classroom observation and peer teaching are included. This course is a prerequisite to all 300- and 400-level elementary education courses. Required for ED 210, 211, 216, 306, 362, 363; EE 210, 301, 306, 308, 311, 317, 321, 325, 330, 343.
EE 205 Intensive Phonics Instruction (2) Offered Fall, Spring. Prereq.: ED 101; sophomore or above; elementary education major or broad field, special education major, education minor or emphasis, or teaching English broad field. This course is an introduction to the content and techniques used in intensive phonics instruction. Students master the phonics sounds and practice teaching in preparation for teaching reading. Required for EE 317.
EE 207 Early Childhood Development (2) Offered Spring. This course is a study of the development of the preschool child including physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual aspects. Students will learn techniques for promoting maturation in each of these areas. Emphasis is placed on the characteristics of infants through five-year-olds and guiding the preschool child’s development to his fullest capacity.
EE 210, 310, 410 Elementary Education Practicum (1 each) Offered Interterm. Prereq.: At least “C-” in EE 201; elementary education major or education minor or emphasis; and approval from chair of education. This course has been designed to expose the elementary education major, education minor, or emphasis to practical experience in an approved local Christian elementary school under the supervision of a classroom teacher. The course requires spending a minimum of 45 hours working at the school in actual teaching responsibilities along with a variety of other projects. These courses are offered during Interterm and normally can be taken in the vicinity of the student’s home. Required for EE 310 (each level required for the next one), 420.
EE 215 Arithmetic Skills for the Elementary School (2) Offered Fall, Spring. Prereq.: Elementary education major or broad field or special education major. This course is a review of the arithmetic concepts taught in kindergarten and elementary grades. Students will master arithmetic skills needed to teach these topics. Required for EE 301.
EE 301–325 Teaching methods courses are open to elementary education and special education majors who have at least “C-” in EE 201. Additional prereqs. listed beside courses below. Important components of each methods course are the observation of experienced teachers and the peer teaching experiences. Each course includes a weekly practice lab experience.
EE 301 Teaching Arithmetic (2) Offered Fall, Spring. Additional prereq.: At least “C-” in EE 215 and junior or senior. This course explains the concepts, materials, and methods needed to teach arithmetic on the elementary level. Students will learn innovative techniques and use the latest materials. Required for ED 469; EE 420, 450.
EE 306 Teaching Art and Music (1) Offered Fall, Spring. This course acquaints the student with the content, principles, procedures, and basic materials necessary for the teaching of elementary classroom art and music. Through lab experiences, students will demonstrate how to make an art project, conduct a directed drawing, teach a music lesson, and conduct songs. Required for ED 469; EE 420, 450.
EE 308 Teaching PE in Elementary Schools (2) Offered Fall, Spring. Additional prereq.: PE 195 and junior or senior. Students will learn how to plan, schedule, and administrate a physical education program at the elementary school level. Students gain experience in elementary physical education classes. Topics include fitness, legal liability, and discipline as applied to physical education. Required for EE 420.
EE 311 Teaching Penmanship (1) Offered Fall, Spring. This course prepares students to teach and evaluate penmanship and provides instruction and practice time to perfect their own handwriting. Required for ED 469; EE 420, 450.
EE 317 Teaching Reading (2) Offered Fall, Spring. Additional prereq.: EE 205 and junior or senior. This course educates students in current trends in reading instruction, the nature of the reading process, and instructional strategies. Students practice the skills and methods needed to teach the phonics-first approach to beginning reading as well as reading comprehension. Required for ED 469; EE 420, 450.
EE 321 Teaching Science and History (2) Offered Fall, Spring. Additional prereq.: Junior or senior. This course examines the content, organization, objectives, materials, trends, and practices in teaching science and history at the elementary school level. The student reviews basic concepts in physical science, biology, astronomy, geology, meteorology, world history, and geography. Required for ED 469, EE 420.
EE 325 Teaching Language Arts (2) Offered Fall, Spring. Additional prereq.: Junior or senior. The basic language arts concepts of composition, traditional grammar, and spelling are reviewed and practiced, along with the most effective methods of teaching them. Students create teaching materials and collect teaching ideas. Required for ED 469; EE 420, 450.
EE 330 Teaching Bible (2) Offered Fall, Spring. Prereq.: Sophomore or above; or junior or senior elementary education major and at least “C-” in EE 201. Students learn to teach Bible in a variety of settings using Bible songs, Bible verses, and Bible stories. The course emphasizes practical helps, actual practice, and teaching experiences with children. Required for ED 469; EE 420, 450.
EE 343 Teaching Preschoolers (2) Offered Fall, Spring. Prereq.: EE 201 and junior or senior early childhood concentration. This course develops in students a knowledge of curriculum, materials, and methods used in teaching the preschool child. Students will develop teaching techniques through observation of preschool classes and practice teaching opportunities. Required for EE 450.
EE 412 Children’s Literature (2) Offered Fall, Spring. This course affords students the opportunity to read widely from the best in children’s literature and become acquainted with well-known authors and illustrators. Emphasis is placed on the important role of literature in the life of the child. Students will use evaluation skills and principles for selecting quality literature and develop a resource journal of appropriate children’s literature.
EE 420 Elementary Teaching Internship (12) Prereq.: ED 211, 419, EE 210, 301, 306, 308, 311, 317, 321, 325, 330; senior; at least “C-” in all education courses; 2.00 cumulative GPA or higher; and approval from chair of education. In this capstone course, elementary education majors spend one semester in supervised classroom teaching at Pensacola Christian Academy. A weekly support seminar is coordinated with the internship experience. Begins Pre-term in the fall.
EE 450 Early Childhood Teaching Internship (12) Prereq.: ED 210, 211, 419, EE 301, 306, 311, 317, 325, 330, 343; senior; at least “C-” in all education courses; 2.00 cumulative GPA or higher; and approval from chair of education. In this capstone course, elementary education majors with an early childhood concentration spend one semester in supervised classroom teaching at Pensacola Christian Academy. A weekly support seminar is coordinated with the internship experience. Begins Pre-term in the fall.
Secondary Education
SE 201 General Teaching Methods (3) Offered Fall, Spring. Prereq.: At least “C-” in ED 101 and sophomore or above; and secondary education major, education minor or emphasis, or special education minor. This course is designed as a foundational teaching skills course and involves the student in current reading, various methods of instruction, and the operation and use of classroom visuals and equipment. Observation and peer teaching are important elements of this course. This course is a prerequisite to all 300- and 400-level secondary education courses. Required for ED 211, 306, 351, 362, 363; EE 308; SE 210, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 313, 316, 317.
SE 210, 310, 410 Secondary Education Practicum (1 each) Offered Interterm. Prereq.: At least “C-” in SE 201; secondary education major or education
minor or emphasis; and approval from chair of education. This course has been designed to expose the secondary education major to practical experience in an approved local Christian junior high or high school under the supervision of a classroom teacher. The course requires spending a minimum of 45 hours working in actual grades 7–12 teaching responsibilities along with a variety of other projects in the student’s two teaching fields. These courses are offered during Interterm and normally can be taken in the vicinity of the student’s home. Required for SE 310, 420 (each level required for the next one).
SE 304–317 Prereq. for all SE 300-level courses: Junior or senior secondary education major, and at least “C-” in completed teaching field courses and SE 201. Additional prereqs. listed beside courses below. Secondary education majors
observe, learn, practice, and perform the traditional
methodology pertaining to each field. Included are
philosophy, teaching tools, and techniques for each
field as well as classroom management techniques,
test and visual construction, and lesson planning.
Important components of each methods course are
the observation of experienced teachers and the
peer teaching experiences. The goal is a thorough
preparation for the teaching internship and ultimately
the Christian school secondary classroom.
SE 304 Teaching English (3) Offered Fall, Spring. Additional prereq.: EN 251, 252, 301, and 360.
SE 305 Teaching Spanish (3) Offered Spring. Additional prereq.: Credit for or concurrent enrollment in ML 322.
SE 306 Teaching History (3) Offered Fall, Spring. Additional prereq.: HI 201, 202, 211, and PL 280.
SE 307 Teaching Mathematics (3) Offered Fall. Additional prereq.: MA 212, 221, and credit for or concurrent enrollment in MA 302.
SE 308 Teaching Science (3) Offered Spring. Additional prereq.: Biology concentration: BY 112, 201, 202, and CH 111. Science concentration: BY 111, 112, CH 111, SC 211, and PY 211 or SC 212.
SE 309 Teaching Speech (3) Offered Spring. Additional prereq.: SP 201 and 204.
SE 313 Teaching Technology (3) Offered Fall. Additional prereq.: BA 330, CS 202, and OA 201.
SE 316 Teaching Art (3) Offered Spring. Additional prereq.: AR 204.
SE 317 Teaching Physical Education (3) Offered Fall. Additional prereq.: PE 184, 187, coaching elective, and credit for or concurrent enrollment in PE 321 and a second coaching elective.
SE 321 Teaching Reading Skills for the Secondary Student (2) Offered Fall, Spring. Prereq.: Junior or senior. Students will learn how to improve oral reading and comprehension skills in older students. The course includes an overview of phonics, language-acquisition helps, reading-remediation techniques, and comprehension studies. Students in the course will be provided opportunities to teach and to work with student readers.
SE 420 Secondary Teaching Internship (7) Prereq.: ED 211, 419, SE 210; a methods course in each teaching field; senior; concurrent enrollment in BI 318, ED 301, 415; at least “C-” in all education courses; 2.00 cumulative GPA or higher; and approval from chair of education. Additional prereq. for PE teaching field: PE 225. A minimum of one-half semester during either semester of a student’s senior year will be spent in supervised classroom teaching at Pensacola Christian Academy. A weekly support seminar is coordinated with the internship experience. Begins Pre-term in the fall.