Ed.D., Language, Literacy, and Culture

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Studies in Language, Literacy, and Culture (LLC) center on promoting equity and honoring socio-cultural and linguistic diversity; transforming schools and other educational spaces; supporting teachers as learners across their careers; and fostering promising social futures for all youth. To accomplish these aims, we focus on the most fundamental human tool and resource, language. We consider the importance of the aesthetic as well the functional. Besides using language as a lens for understanding, we also consider other pivotal ways that humans learn, communicate, and create through a variety of symbolic systems: from visual images to digital media to dance. Especially in an increasingly digital world, we feel it is necessary to explore how these symbol systems often work in combination as we create and communicate. Through these lenses, we investigate such issues as equity across race, ethnicity, gender, and social class; youth culture; migration and immigration; globalization; and home, school, and community interactions. Interweaving theory and practice, we are interested in these issues as they impact learning and language development, teaching and teacher education, and school and public policy.

The Ed.D. focuses on applied research and the translation of theory into practice. In addition to the set of courses that cover the basic concepts and theories in language and literacy learning, students take courses in several areas of language and literacy instruction and research. Students are also required to have a minor area of specialization outside the LLSC area such as computers and instruction, evaluation, or administration and policy. The dissertation may involve research and evaluation and/or development of theory-based curriculum and staff development programs. The Ed.D. degree is designed for students who wish to assume leadership roles in school districts, government agencies, or private organizations and teacher education positions at universities.