B.A. Literacy Studies

What is the BA in Literacy Studies?

The specialization offers Elementary and Early Childhood Education majors with two state certifications in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education and the New Jersey Teacher of Reading certificate in a 4-year program (120 credits total).

What courses are included in the major?

This specialization combines courses from the Reading and Writing Arts programs with English, Mathematics, Science, Geography and Social Studies courses. Teacher candidates will acquire a strong knowledge base in English, Writing Arts and Reading. Courses in English and Writing Arts provide candidates with critical understandings about reading and interpreting texts as well as composing well-crafted writing in multiple genres. Courses in Reading prepare teacher candidates to:

• understand how literacy develops in children
• assess students’ literacy strengths and needs
• use variety of methods to teach literacy
• tailor instruction to individual students
• provide a range of materials and texts for children to read

Why might I pick this major?

• Receive two Bachelor’s Degrees :
  • BA in Literacy Studies
  • BA in Elementary Education (K-6) or BA in Early Childhood Education (P-3)
• Receive advanced knowledge and experience teaching reading and writing in preparation for the Prek-6 classroom
• Tutor in the Rowan Reading Clinic. Candidates complete two tutoring courses, each 20 hours of 1:1 instruction for a striving K-12 student.

What can I do with a BA in Literacy Studies?

• General Education teacher (K-6)
• General Education teacher (P-3)
• Besides teaching, candidates may pursue professions in educational publishing companies, non-profits dealing with children and education as well as professions that value strong reading and writing skills.
• Candidates are qualified to tutor in any educational setting, profit and non-profit, as well as create their own tutoring service.

Program Guides:

Early Childhood Education- Literacy Studies Program Guide

Elementary Education – Literacy Studies Program Guide

Archived Program Guides

Objectives specific to the major are to:

• Explain how the major components of reading (phonemic awareness, word identification and phonics, vocabulary and background knowledge, fluency, comprehension and motivation) are integrated during fluent reading.
• Demonstrate knowledge of a wide range of instructional practices and approaches (including technology-based practices) to accommodate the different needs of students.
• Administer and analyze data from informal literacy assessments to identify students.
• Select instructional materials on the basis of children's reading levels, interests, and cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Describe ways to involve parents and other caregivers in children's literacy learning.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards for Language Arts and Literacy through classroom and field experience practice.
• Reflect critically on their practice in order to adapt instruction to the changing needs of students and situations.
• Demonstrate an awareness of literature, writing, and the English language.
• Demonstrate and understanding of the multiple facets of written communication.
• Develop an awareness of writing's theoretical foundations and practical applications.
• Demonstrate skills to communicate effectively within our dynamic culture.
• Demonstrate and apply the basic concepts of Literacy, Math, Science and Social Studies content.