Overview
Mission Statement - English and Theatre Arts
The English and Theatre Arts Department provides undergraduate education in the discipline of English and theatre, which includes studies in the language itself, in literature that expresses the accumulated resources of human thought and experience, and in the effective use of language in written and oral expression. English and theatre are presented chiefly as an area of knowledge important to the liberal arts tradition but also as preparation for post-graduate or professional study and as preparation for a career immediately following graduation.
The department maintains that the understanding and appreciation of the art of theatre can best be taught by participation. Students from all majors may participate in theatre classes and University productions.
Mission Statement - Teacher Education
Our mission is to prepare teachers with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to provide optimum learning experiences for diverse students in today’s schools. The program balances the ideals of a liberal arts tradition and sound professional preparation within a Christian atmosphere of self-discipline, responsibility, and concern for the continuing growth of the individual.
Teacher Education Programs
Programs and requirements are subject to change to meet state approval. Approved areas for teacher licensure at University of Jamestown include:
- Elementary
- Biology
- English
- History
- Music
- Health and Physical Education
Teacher Education Organizations
Candidates are encouraged to join Student North Dakota United (SNDU), a professional organization, to gain greater knowledge of their field and to meet other pre-service and in-service Educators. Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements are invited to join Pi Lambda Theta, the International Honor Society and Professional Association in Education.
Admission to the Teacher Education Program
Candidates generally apply for admission to the program while enrolled in EDUC 201: Introduction to Teaching. Candidates who transfer this course from another institution should meet with the Teacher Education chair upon admission to UJ. Applications are due November 1st for spring admission and April 1st for fall admission. Applications are not accepted or reviewed during the summer months.
Admission Criteria
- Attainment of required credits for sophomore status
- Completion of EDUC 201: Introduction to Teaching with a minimum grade of C-
- Completion of EDUC 101: Exploring Education
- Minimum grade of C- in ENGL 101 and ENGL 102
- Minimum grade of C- in COMM 102 or COMM 201
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70
- Satisfactory background check
- Passing scores on the Praxis I (Core Academic Skills) tests
- Approval of the Teacher Education Council
Additional Information for All Candidates Seeking Teaching Licensure
While completion of the Praxis II: Content and Praxis II: PLT exams is an exit requirement, passing scores on those exams is not. However, candidates must earn passing scores on both exams in order to attain North Dakota licensure. Candidates are required to complete the Praxis II: Content exam prior to student teaching. The Praxis II: PLT exam must be taken before the completion of student teaching. Candidates who plan to teach in states other than North Dakota should consult with that state’s education department since each state has its own licensure requirements and administers its own licensing process.
A grade of C- or above must be earned in all courses that are required in a major or a minor.
Outcomes
Intended Student Learning Outcomes - English
The graduate with a degree in English will be able to:
- Write college-level expository and argumentative essays and, as appropriate, creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry.
- Apply basic information literacy methods and techniques as appropriate to expository and argumentative essays, including preparation of formal research papers.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the history of the English language and/or an understanding of its grammatical and rhetorical components.
- Interpret literature at the college level.
- Relate literature to history and culture, including (as appropriate) Christian thought, experience, and values.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the history of literature in English in terms of major periods and authors.
- Demonstrate an understanding of a range of literary and rhetorical genres.
Intended Student Learning Outcomes - Teacher Education
The Teacher Education program has adopted the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) standards as its program outcomes. These standards have been adopted by a majority of states, including North Dakota. Candidates in the UJ Teacher Education program will demonstrate competency in the ten InTASC standards, which are:
- Learner Development
- Learning Differences
- Learning Environments
- Content Knowledge
- Application of Content
- Assessment
- Planning for Instruction
- Instructional Strategies
- Professional Learning and Ethical Practice
- Leadership and Collaboration