Ed.D. in Language and Literacy Curriculum

Course Catalog

Program Learning Outcomes 

Upon completion of the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Language and Literacy degree, candidates will be able to:  

1. Articulately position research within the context of the philosophical and theoretical tenants of sustainable literacy systems.   

2. Integrate content knowledge and research skills into designing research questions that address a real-world sustainable literacy problem.   

3. Critically synthesize literature and research from multiple sources, translate research to practice, and attend to the body of evidence-based, culturally sustaining practices.   

4. Clearly present research findings to peers, experts, and your broader target audience. 

All courses are 3 credits.

Core Courses

EDLL 910 – Sustainable Systems for Literacy: Equips leaders with the skills to collaboratively develop and communicate a school’s mission and vision. Build strong partnerships with families, caregivers, and community organizations to support student success and school improvement. Navigate organizational, community, and political contexts to drive meaningful change.

EDLL 911 – Language Development: Critically examine various models and theories of language development, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how these frameworks explain the acquisition and evolution of language skills.

EDLL 912 – Phonics and Linguistics: Deepen awareness and understanding of the complex organization and systematic nature of language. Explore the components of language, including orthography, phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, discourse, and pragmatics.

EDLL 913 – Theoretical Models: Analyze and compare major theoretical models of literacy development. Evaluate the historical and contemporary influences on literacy theories and their impact on teaching and learning practices.

EDLL 914 – Literacy Foundations: Examine cognitive and linguistic processes involved in literacy acquisition and development, including phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, phonics, background knowledge, oral language, vocabulary, writing, fluency and reading comprehension.

EDLL 915 – Language and Literacy Research: Overview of literacy research methodologies. Evaluate literacy research designs, data collection methods, and ethical considerations in educational contexts.

EDLL 920 – Dissertation Writing & Seminar: Structured guidance on developing, writing, and refining dissertation through research, academic writing, and faculty mentorship.

EDLL 922 – Literacy Assessment, Intervention, & Practicum: Explores reading assessment theory, materials, and procedures. Emphasis on interpretation of assessment results to plan targeted instruction. Communication of assessment results with students, parents, administrators, and other relevant stakeholders is addressed.

EDLL 924 – Language and Literacy Synthesis: Explores the purposes and characteristics of the research process including exploring ideas for research, critical review and analysis of published research, literature review skills, research ethics, and institutional review.

EDLL 926 – Language and Literacy Research Application: Application of various data collection methods and statistical analysis techniques to accurately interpret language and literacy research findings Implement a pilot study focused on gaining experience with research techniques and the development of systematic procedures to validate findings.

EDLL 930 – Critical Literacy: Introduces critical literacy, teaching students to analyze texts deeply. Examines power dynamics, ideologies, and social contexts in media and literature. Through diverse texts, students learn to identify biases, recognize perspectives, and understand language’s impact on society.

EDLL 932 – Writing Theory, Acquisition, and Assessments: Synthesis of theory, research, methods, and best practices related to writing instruction and assessment in classroom settings. Students will explore and critically analyze various approaches to enhance writing instruction, with a focus on developing teachers as leaders in writing education.

EDLL 934 – Research-Based Approach to Sustainable Educational Systems: Preparation, delivery, and dissemination of research results to both academic and professional audiences, with a particular emphasis on presenting at national conferences.

Elective Courses

EDLL 951 – Instructional Coaching: Explores principles and practices of instructional coaching. Designed for educators, researchers, and leaders in the field, the course provides an in-depth examination of effective coaching strategies aimed at improving instruction and student outcomes.

EDLL 952 – Sustainability in Children’s Literature: Explores sustainability themes in children’s literature. Demonstrates how literature can provide insight into different experiences, reflect readers’ lives, and offer transformative understanding.

EDLL 953 – Socio-Cultural Lenses for Language & Literacy: Explores the intricate ways in which language and literacy are deeply embedded within socio-cultural contexts.

EDLL 954 – Survey of Language Disorders for Educators: Engage with current research and theoretical frameworks to understand the etiology, diagnosis, and intervention strategies for language disorders. Emphasizes the role of educators in identifying and supporting students with language disorders within inclusive classroom settings.

EDLL 955 – Dyslexia and Dysgraphia: Research on dyslexia and dysgraphia, focusing on their impact on literacy learning in K-12 education. Explores neurological and cognitive aspects, diagnostic tools, and effective teaching strategies.

EDLL 956 – Managing Educational Systems: Acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to lead and manage educational institutions effectively. Collaboratively design, lead, and implement a school mission, vision, and continuous improvement process that reflects core values.

EDLL 957 – Policy and Advocacy in Literacy Education: Emphasizes the critical role of educators in shaping and influencing sustainable educational practices, policies, and systems.

EDLL 958 – Curriculum Design and Leadership: This course explores the role of educational leaders in developing, implementing, and evaluating curriculum in K-12 settings. Emphasis is placed on fostering equitable instructional systems, aligning curriculum with standards, supporting teacher practice, and using data to drive improvement.

EDLL 959 – Comparative Literacy Systems: Examines national and international approaches to literacy education by analyzing how cultural, linguistic, political, and socioeconomic factors shape instructional models and policies. Explore international literacy assessments, compare educational systems, and evaluate best practices from diverse contexts. Through critical analysis and research, the course equips students with a broad perspective on regional and global literacy challenges and reform efforts, preparing them to apply international insights to local literacy education.