READING (RDG)
Course Descriptions
RDG 324/524 Cr. 3
Elementary Level Reading
This foundation course in teaching reading introduces the
prospective teacher to current instructional strategies and
materials used to teach reading at the kindergarten through
grade 5. Prerequisite: junior standing and admission to teacher
education.
RDG 328/528 Cr. 3
Reading in the Content Areas
This course is designed to help prospective and practicing
secondary-level teachers guide students to more effectively
comprehend assigned reading, use writing as a tool for learning,
develop better study habits, and expand their reading interests.
Prerequisite: admission to teacher education.
RDG 330/530 Cr. 2
Reading in Performance Based Content Areas
This course is designed for students seeking teacher
certification in physical education, music or art and for
practicing teachers who wish to extend their knowledge of
literacy in performance based content areas. Prerequisite:
admission to teacher education. Open only to majors and licensed
teachers in exercise and sport science, art, and music
education.
RDG 450/650 Cr. 3
Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum: Learning to Learn
from Text
Students will learn how to implement components of the
nationally validated “Content Field Reading Program” of
Kalispell, Montana. The program emphasizes how content field
teachers can help students read, study and learn from text. The
course is designed for content teachers (grades 4-12) and middle
school, junior high, and senior high reading specialists.
Offered occasionally.
RDG 475/675 Cr. 1-3
Special Topics Seminar in Reading Education
Special topics in reading not covered by current reading
courses. The particular topics selected to be determined by
current need and interest. Prerequisite: RDG 324/524 or 328/528.
Repeatable for credit— maximum 6.
RDG 710 Cr. 3
Seminar: Reading and Language Arts in the Middle School
This course includes current theories of language learning
with a focus on the reading and writing development of middle
level children, the relationship of these theories to the middle
school philosophy, their application in reading and language
arts classrooms in the middle school, and the integration of
language theory and practice across the curriculum.
Prerequisite: RDG 324/524 or 328/528 or 330/530 or equivalent.
Offered Fall and/or Summer Session.
RDG 730 Cr. 3
Assessment and Instruction of Students with Reading Difficulties
Examination of factors associated with developmental delays
and reading difficulties, fundamental principles of reading
assessment, and instructional interventions for K-12 at-risk
readers. Field experience in tutoring an at-risk reader.
Prerequisite: RDG 324/524 or 328/528 or 330/530 or 741 or
equivalent. Offered Fall.
RDG 733 Cr. 3
Advanced Assessment and Evaluation of Reading Difficulties
The course includes selection and administration of group and
individual assessments and procedures, interpretation of
assessment results, and the process of developing case study
reports. Prerequisite: RDG 730. Offered Summer Session,
odd-numbered years and Spring, even-numbered years.
RDG 735 Cr. 3
Developing Content Reading Programs
Designed to prepare classroom teachers and reading
specialists for leadership and collaborative efforts in K-12
content reading program development. Methods and materials for
K-12 content reading instruction and program development
reflecting current research on concept development, strategic
reading and learning, interdisciplinary instruction and peer
coaching. Prerequisite: teacher certification and RDG 328/528 or
450/650. Offered Summer Session.
RDG 739 Cr. 3
Guiding and Directing the K-12 Reading Program
This course is designed to provide study of and experiences
in leading and working cooperatively with teachers,
administrators, pupils, and parents in the design,
implementation, coordination, and evaluation of comprehensive
K-12 reading programs. Prerequisite: 15 credits of graduate
level course work in reading. Offered Spring.
RDG 741 Cr. 3
Reading in the Elementary School
This course is intended to provide in-depth examination of
reading instruction from emergent literacy through the
elementary grades. This course addresses current theories and
methods and provides direction for program development. Offered
Summer Session, even-numbered years; Spring odd-numbered
years.
RDG 745 Cr. 3
Early Reading Empowerment I
A course for primary classroom teachers and other reading
professionals to study underlying theories supporting successful
early intervention, assessment of young children’s reading and
writing behaviors, and structure of one-on-one tutorials to
support emergent and beginning readers and writers.
Collaborative in-class problem solving will focus on the needs
of young children being tutored, and the selection of
appropriate strategies to address those needs. Prerequisite:
teacher certification and RDG 324/524 or 741. Offered Fall.
RDG 746 Cr. 3
Early Reading Empowerment II
A course for primary classroom teachers and other reading
professionals to study underlying theories supporting successful
early intervention, assessment of young children’s reading and
writing behaviors, and structure of one-on-one tutorials to
support emergent and beginning readers and writers.
Collaborative in-class problem solving will focus on the needs
of young children being tutored, and the selection of
appropriate strategies to address those needs. Prerequisite: RDG
745. Offered Spring.
RDG 747 Cr. 3
Reading Practicum
A supervised practicum in teaching elementary or secondary
students with reading difficulties in small group or large group
settings. Focus on assessment of readers’ strengths and needs
and the design and implementation of instruction to assist
students in becoming better readers. Prerequisite: Six credits
in reading course work at the 700 level. Offered Summer Session.
RDG 761 Cr. 3-6
Seminar Paper
Completion of an acceptable seminar paper under the direction
of an assigned staff member. Prerequisite: RDG 762 or concurrent
enrollment.
RDG 762 Cr. 3
Reading Theory and Research
Critical analysis and application of inquiry methods as they
apply to theory building and research on literacy acquisition
and development. Prerequisite: RDG 328/528, 730, 733, 741.
Offered Fall.
RDG 765 Cr. 2-3
Factors Related to Reading Performance
The purpose of this course is to examine current research and
theory related to selected factors that appear to influence
students’ reading performance and to seek implications from this
work for reading education and classroom practice. Keystone of
the course is the University of Wisconsin Reading Research
Symposium. At this two-day conference, students will be able to
extend their knowledge base and exchange ideas with
researchers-scholars and reading practitioners-specialists from
across the country. All readings, discussions, and class
presentations will relate to the cluster of factors identified
for consideration at the symposium. Repeatable for credit —
maximum 6. Offered Summer Session.
RDG 770 Cr. 1-3
Symposium in Reading Education
Studies in reading education of interest to specific groups.
Varying topics will be offered at intervals with a specific
title assigned to each. Repeatable for credit — maximum 6.
RDG 780 Cr. 1-2
Field Experience in K-12 Reading Programs
An intensive and diverse professional experience in a school
system (a minimum of 60 hours per credit) under supervision of
an experienced reading specialist or other person responsible
for the school reading program, and a university supervisor.
Prerequisite: 15 credits of 500-700 level course work or
equivalent. Repeatable for credit — maximum 2. Offered
occasionally.
RDG/C-I 781 Cr. 3
Educational Supervision
Exploration of the nature and scope of responsibilities of
areas in educational supervision. Special emphasis will be given
to the improvement of instruction and curriculum development
through the study of interpersonal relations. (Cross-listed with
CI; may only earn credit in RDG or CI.) Offered Summer Session.
RDG/C-I/EFN/EDM 796 Cr. 1-2
Independent Study in Reading
Directed readings or presentation of material not available
in formal departmental courses under the supervision of an
assigned staff member. Repeatable for credit — maximum 4.
(Cross-listed with CI, EFN, and EDM; may only earn 4 credits
total in RDG, CI, EFN, and EDM.)
RDG 799 Cr. 3-6
Master’s Thesis
Completion of an acceptable thesis under the direction of an
assigned staff member. Prerequisite: RDG 762 or concurrent
registration.