Content Area Courses

Featured Content Area Courses
Need PDPs? Gordon's Graduate Education program offers courses that provide three graduate credits and 67.5 Professional Development Points.

You can register for an upcoming course here. Please register before the registration deadline: June 12 for Summer, August 15 for Fall, December 15 for Winter, and March 15 for Spring.

Summer 2023

ART620 Photography (3)
Introduces fundamentals of cameras, lighting, composition, basics of processing and printing black and white film and use of photography as a medium of communication and artistic expression. Lab fee.
The schedule is to be determined between the professor and enrolled students.

ART640 The Art of Light, Color and Glass (3)
A study and creative application in the art of light, color and glass. A unique offering in a medium not readily available. In this course, each student will experience the art of design and glass panel creation beginning with simple mosaic designs and then moving into the larger, more advanced foil method. Panel designs, color theory, cutting, grinding and then connecting through the art of soldering all make up the creative process in the art of light, color and glass. Course fee: $65 for materials.
The schedule is to be determined between the professor and enrolled students.

BIO613 Anatomy and Physiology (3)
Using a systems approach to the study of human anatomy and physiology, this course examines the structures, functions and homeostatic mechanisms of cells, tissues and selected organ systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and special senses. Selected topics will be examined to allow for further study of content in applied contexts with emphases on health and disease. Laboratory activities will include opportunities for cadaver-based study as well as the study of other human tissues.
Online Synchronous: the schedule is to be determined between the professor and enrolled students.

BIO635 Environmental Science (3)
This course will focus on the broad range of science concerning the environment. Topics will be selected that are relevant to teaching and that will provide the necessary background to understand science and the environment for primary and secondary education. The focus will be on conservation biology and the biology of environmental science.
Online Synchronous: the schedule is to be determined between the professor and enrolled students.

BIO637 Earth and Space (3)
Includes basic astronomy, meteorology, geology and oceanography. Topics will range from plate tectonics to climate change to the history of the earth and the universe. Emphasis on activities, field trips and laboratories for these topics.
Online Synchronous: the schedule is to be determined between the professor and enrolled students.

BIO638 Biology and Societal Issues (3)
This course is designed to explore how the study of biology is important to society in vaccines, pandemics, sustainability energy, poverty, food and human production.
Online Synchronous: the schedule is to be determined between the professor and enrolled students.

CHE635 Environmental Science (3)
This course will focus on the broad range of science concerning the environment. Topics will be selected that are relevant to teaching and that will provide the necessary background to understand science and the environment for primary and secondary education. The focus will be on conservation biology and the biology of environmental science.
Online Synchronous: the schedule is to be determined between the professor and enrolled students.

CHE637 Earth and Space (3)
Includes basic astronomy, meteorology, geology and oceanography. Topics will range from plate tectonics to climate change to the history of the earth and the universe. Emphasis on activities, field trips and laboratories for these topics.
Online Synchronous: the schedule is to be determined between the professor and enrolled students.

Gordon College is offering Wilson Reading Systems® Level 1 Certification, beginning June 26, 2023.

EDU695-1 July 1–31, 2023 Asynchronous course.
EDU695-2 August 29–31, 2023 Synchronous: 8:00 a.m.–3 p.m.

EDU795 June 27–29, 2023; 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
EDU797 starting July 1, 2023
EDU798 rolling admission upon completion of Step 6

ENG620 The Texts and Times of Jane Austen (3)
Jane Austen wrote at the end of the Romantic Period while foreshadowing the Victorian era. This period known as the Regency might seem to readers of Austen as one of peace and propriety. However, the world around these novels was experiencing change and challenge. The American and French Revolutions as well as the Napoleonic Wars were influencing the English worldview. Meanwhile, at home, the Industrial Revolution was changing the fabric of English urban life. How do Austen’s novels reflect these major social events? Students will read three of Austen’s texts: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, and Mansfield Park, along with historical material, to decide how and where these works reflect or not the changing world of Austen’s time.
Online Synchronous: the schedule is to be determined between the professor and enrolled students.

ENG638 General Linguistics (3)
Linguistics is the study not just of languages, but of language itself. Examines different features common to all languages, such as phonetics and phonology, syntax, semantics and morphology.
Online Asynchronous. June 26–August 31.

ENG674 Developing Writers (3)
The purpose of this course is to develop technical and creative writing skills through a cycle of reading, writing, detailed feedback, and discussion, and through thoughtfully engaging with and analyzing the writing of others, including both well-known writers and your peers. As you become a stronger and more knowledgeable writer you will find that you have new skills and deepened understanding of the writing process to pass on to others. In addition, you may discover or further develop a love of writing for your personal enjoyment, sharing with others, and possible publication. You will develop as a writer and will learn skills that will enable you to assist in the development of other writers.
Online Synchronous: the schedule is to be determined between the professor and enrolled students.

ENG677 Writing for Publishing (3)
In this course, students will learn about how to prepare a writing sample in the genre of choice for potential publication; write a book proposal; do a market comparison to explore potential competitors to your work; determine your target audience; research potential publishers and agents (including book, journal/magazine, and online venues). The course addresses challenges within academic and trade publishing, how to determine market needs and how to effectively meet those challenges and needs.
Online Synchronous: the schedule is to be determined between the professor and enrolled students.

HIS655 Exploring Urban Schools: Character, Culture, and Contexts (3) 
This course is an overview and study of the character of urban schools, many of which face significant challenges in our society. The study is based upon current research in the field and the real-life narratives of urban teachers, school leaders, students, and parents. We will examine areas of education and pedagogy, but also consider the significant role and impact of economics and urban poverty, culture and multiculturalism, race and racism, politics, the role of government, and social ethics. The goal of the course is to raise awareness of the issues and challenges of urban schools as well as to consider and develop the possibilities for renewal and reform within these vital institutions in our American society and educational system. 
Online Synchronous: Start date week of July 10

HIS667 Immigration in the USA through Historical Inquiry: The Ellis Island Experience (3)
The course provides an opportunity to use specific methods of historical inquiry to build content knowledge through studying the collection of oral history excerpts from the Ellis Island Oral History Collection, (which includes approximately 2,000 full interviews to choose from). Audio clips (with accompanying transcripts) have been specifically selected to be useful in middle and high school learning environments in lesson planning or integrated into a literacy/history curriculum. The required workload includes a virtual trip to Ellis Island (online) as part of the research and inquiry project. Expertise in historical inquiry is critical for strong pedagogical practice in learning environments and life. You are the student, conducting historical inquiries in order to be able to share these skills with future students.
Online Synchronous: the schedule is to be determined between the professor and enrolled students. 

MAT627 Investigating Mathematical Concepts (3)
Explores ways to expand teachers’ knowledge of strategies used to teach mathematics. Topics include: numbers and operations, algebraic thinking, geometry, measurement, problem-solving, justifying and reasoning.
Online Synchronous: July 10–14, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

MAT636 Mathematical Inquiry (3)
Furthers knowledge of mathematics. Problem-centered approach. In-depth knowledge of algebra, geometry and measurement. Appropriate for any current or future teacher of mathematics or for math specialists.
Online Synchronous: August 8–12.

PHY 625 Electronics (3)
This course explores how elementary components when connected together make a functioning device, from simple automatics, amplifiers, and radios to the more complicated ones, up to computers. When building these items one identifies how the basic understanding of the physical principles goes beyond the electronic components. A deep understanding of electronics requires solid knowledge in advanced areas of physics, such as Electricity and Magnetism, Solid State Physics, and the Physics of Semiconductors.
Online Synchronous: the schedule is to be determined between the professor and enrolled students.

PHY637 Earth and Space (3)
Includes basic astronomy, meteorology, geology and oceanography. Topics will range from plate tectonics to climate change to the history of the earth and the universe. Emphasis on activities, field trips and laboratories for these topics.
Online Synchronous: the schedule is to be determined between the professor and enrolled students.

SPN637 Contemporary Latin American Poetry and Songs (3)
This course will discuss Latin American poetry and songs, particularly focusing on Gabriela Mistral, Pablo Neruda, and Violeta Parra. All texts, lectures and discussions are in Spanish.
Online synchronous: schedule to be determined between professor and enrolled students.

SPN664 Hispanic Youth Literature (3)
This course will explore how to teach literature to students of different levels of linguistic abilities.  We will explore three major facets of teaching texts.  First, what kind of pre-reading activities are needed to prepare students for what they are about to read?  Students need the cultural and linguistic context before they even begin to dive into the text.  Strategies include:  exploring the context through images and research, introducing vocabulary through images and activities where students develop skills to negotiate meaning, and, based on cultural and linguistic clues, begin to engage in psycho-linguistic guessing to form ideas of what they are about to read.  Second, how can they engage in the text to confirm or deny what guesses they have formed?  Third, how can they use the text to engage in an integrated performance activity?  We will look at different texts and examples to explore these three major questions.
Online synchronous: schedule to be determined between professor and enrolled students.

SPN695 21 Century Latin American Cinema (3)
Examines films released between 2000 and 2012 that are written, directed and/or produced by Latin American filmmakers or set in Latin American spaces. Students will gain a broader understanding of contemporary Latin American cinema, allowing the criticism of different meanings, symbols, styles, and experiences and fostering emotional and rational responses. Conducted in Spanish.
Online synchronous: schedule to be determined between professor and enrolled students.
 

    

FALL 2023

ART620 Photography (3)
Introduces fundamentals of cameras, lighting, composition, basics of processing and printing black and white film, and use of photography as a medium of communication and artistic expression.
Lab fee.
Online Synchronous. Schedule to be determined between professors and enrolled students.

ART653 Teaching for Artistic Behavior/Choice Art Studio (3)
In this course, students will create a body of related work that develops their artistic voice through the exploration of their own art-making process and pursuit of their own creative interests. Students will submit project proposals, participate in class critiques, document the artistic process, and write artist statements. Workshops, Art World Connections, and demos will be designed around the varied needs of the artists in the course. 
Online Synchronous: Schedule to be determined between professors and enrolled students.

BIO624 Astronomy (3)
Important topics in modern astronomy for both science and nonscience majors include light, telescopes, planets, normal stars, pulsars, black holes, galaxies, quasars, and the origin of the universe.
Online Synchronous: Schedule to be determined between professors and enrolled students.

BIO637 Earth and Space (3)
Includes basic astronomy, meteorology, geology, and oceanography. Topics will range from plate tectonics to climate change to the history of the earth and the universe. Emphasis on activities, field trips, and laboratories for these topics.
Online Synchronous: Schedule to be determined between professors and enrolled students.

BIO641 Biochemistry (3)
Explores the inner workings of cellular metabolism, starting with basic biomolecules such as amino acids and building to biosynthesis and maintenance of body homeostasis.
Online Synchronous: Schedule to be determined between professors and enrolled students.

CHE641 Biochemistry (3)
Explores the inner workings of cellular metabolism, starting with basic biomolecules such as amino acids and building to biosynthesis and maintenance of body homeostasis.
Online Synchronous: Schedule to be determined between professors and enrolled students.

CPS501 Introduction to Programming (3)
Introduces fundamental programming concepts using Python. Topics include the nature of algorithms, essential control structures and data representation. Weekly programming laboratories.
Online Synchronous: Schedule to be determined between professors and enrolled students.

CPS521 Software Systems (3)
Introduces fundamental software systems: operating systems, computer networks, and database management systems. Common concerns such as concurrency and security. Continued development of design and programming skills using Java through weekly laboratories.
Online Synchronous: Schedule to be determined between professors and enrolled students.

Gordon College is offering Wilson Reading Systems® Level 1 Certification:

EDU 695 Online Asynchronous. November 1–30, 2023.
EDU696/697 will start on September 7, 2022, with a live webinar at 6:30 via Zoom.

Find a full list of  Wilson Reading Systems®  Level 1 and 2 certification course offerings➔

ENG632 Literature for Adolescents (3)
In-depth examination of literature for young adults used thematically throughout middle school and secondary curricula. Examines cross-cultural implication of literature.
Online Synchronous: Schedule to be determined between professors and enrolled students.

ENG635 Shakespeare Active in the Classroom (3)
The reading and performance of Shakespeare have been part of the English classroom canon in both high school and college for many years. This course addresses both the historical context of Shakespeare’s plays and the themes within the plays. Strategies to make the reading and performance of Shakespeare’s plays are examined.
Online Synchronous: Schedule to be determined between professors and enrolled students.

ENG676 Literary Analysis (3)
Literary analysis is the method by which we examine and understand the literature we read. Critical theory is the variety of lenses we bring to that analysis. Not surprisingly, there are multiple lenses through which scholars have viewed literature. Many of these theories reflect the social and philosophical issues of the period in which they were developed. At the same time, they raise universal questions about life and its meaning. This course will allow you to understand how these different theories examine literature, and how they are similar and different from each other.
Online Synchronous. Schedule to be determined between professors and enrolled students.

HIS610 Principles of Geography (3)
Instruct students to think geographically about the world. Covers historical development, terminology and major themes of geography; current geographical issues in the world’s regions. Special emphasis is placed on the skill of teaching geography and geography’s role in education.
Online Synchronous: Tuesdays, Starting September 5, 6:30–9:30 p.m.

HIS614 History of Massachusetts (3)
Covers the history of Massachusetts with emphasis on the colonial era through the American Civil War, including the rise of the world-famous Massachusetts leather and textile industries.
Online Synchronous: Tuesdays: September 19–December 5.

SPN664 Hispanic Youth Literature (3)
This course will explore how to teach literature to students of different levels of linguistic abilities.  We will explore three major facets of teaching texts.  First, what kind of pre-reading activities are needed to prepare students for what they are about to read?  Students need the cultural and linguistic context before they even begin to dive into the text.  Strategies include:  exploring the context through images and research, introducing vocabulary through images and activities where students develop skills to negotiate to mean, and, based on cultural and linguistic clues, begin to engage in psycho-linguistic guessing to form ideas of what they are about to read.  Second, how can they engage in the text to confirm or deny what guesses they have formed?  Third, how can they use the text to engage in an integrated performance activity?  We will look at different texts and examples to explore these three major questions.
Online Synchronous: Schedule to be determined between professor and enrolled students.​