Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

The Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies prepares educators to become transformational leaders who can work effectively in diverse, ambiguous, and challenging contexts. The goals of this transformational leadership include equity, excellence, social justice, democracy, risk-taking, and responsiveness to community needs. Faculty in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies are strongly committed to developing collaborative and responsive relationships with area schools and communities. The Department offers the Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and the Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership. (See the UTSA Graduate Catalog for further information.)

Educational Leadership (EDL) Courses

EDL 3003. Introduction to Leadership. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This seminar course begins with the premise that everyone has unique and powerful potential as a leader, and that we can learn leadership and enhance our abilities as leaders through a focused inquiry that connects theory, experience and reflection. Students will identify and further develop a personal foundation of knowledge, skills and attitudes related to leadership. Thoughtful effort will yield worthwhile and serviceable resources that will be of substantive value, enhancing the individual’s effectiveness in future. This course is designed to meet students where they are coming from, starting from what they know, value and do as leaders, and then move students forward by challenging their perspectives and assumptions and supporting their development as an engaged, ethical leaders who make a positive difference by empowering others. Approaches to teaching and learning will include the following: Abstract conceptualization via lectures, writing and visual assignments; Active experimentation via case studies and projects; Concrete experiences in the form of readings and experiential activities; and, Reflective observations via discussion and journaling. Course Fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81; DL01 $75.

EDL 4953. Special Studies in Educational Leadership. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Studies may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Generally offered: Spring. Course Fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81.

Education (EDU) Courses

EDU 2103. Social Foundations for Education in a Diverse U.S. Society. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and passing scores on all three sections of a Texas Success Initiative (TSI) approved assessment instrument. Students will explore the relationship between school and a diverse U.S. society. They will explore the need for an educational philosophy suited for educating a diverse population; the role of ethnicity, gender, and class in the historical construction of schooling as it is today, the interactive effects of culture and economics upon and within schools, and the politics of education. Students will explore the interconnections of the above issues. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: LRH1 $20.54; STF1 $75; STSH $30.81; DL01 $75.

EDU 3002. Ethical and Legal Foundations of Education. (2-0) 2 Credit Hours.

This course examines the ethical and legal issues that confront classroom teachers in their professional work, by (1) introducing students to various ethical and legal issues and identifying and examining those issues inherent in schools, (2) exploring various ethical and legal frameworks and principles and their applications, and (3) analyzing current school practices from the standpoint of potential ethical and legal controversies, including the ability to recognize “preventative law” situations. In addition to identifying pragmatic approaches to ethics and law, this course also involves students in academic discourse around issues of professional ethics, equity, social justice, and the democratic underpinnings of education. Significant attention will be devoted to the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators and the Model Code of Ethics for Educators. Course Fees: LRH1 $20.54; STF1 $75; STSH $20.54.

EDU 4911. Independent Study. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the College in which the course is offered. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fee: STSH $10.27.

EDU 4912. Independent Study. (0-0) 2 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the College in which the course is offered. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fee: STSH $20.54.

EDU 4913. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the College in which the course is offered. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fee: STSH $30.81.

EDU 4953. Special Studies in Education. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Studies may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81.