Language, Literacy, and Cultural Studies, BAE

Department of Elementary Education, Woodring College of Education

45-54 credits

Introduction/What is the Study of Language, Literacy and Culture?

The Bachelor of Arts in Education: Language, Literacy, and Cultural Studies major responds to the growing diversity in the state’s schools and supports the Woodring College of Education’s efforts to embrace diversity and promote social justice. The major focuses on research-based and experience-validated knowledge to help elementary school teachers reach all students. This includes increasing teacher candidates’ cultural competency and capacity to teach English language learners. Graduates receive WWU’s recommendation for a Residency Teaching Certificate with endorsements in Elementary Education, Reading, and English Language Learners (ELL) or Bilingual Education (BE).

Why Consider a Language, Literacy and Culture Major? 

This program in elementary education is designed to provide a combination of theory, methods, and field experience. Prior to entering the program, undergraduates will complete most or all of their general university requirements (GURs). After completion of the GURs, it will usually take eight or nine quarters to graduation, given a course load of 15-17 credits. Post-baccalaureate students must have completed a major from the approved list (see below) or call (360) 650-3336 for further advisement.

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Admission to Western Washington University and admission to Elementary Education are required before a student may begin taking courses in the Professional Sequence and most courses in the Language, Literacy and Cultural Studies major. Please consult the LLC sheet and receive advisement for information about courses that may be taken before admission. Requirements for consideration of an application include:

• completion of a minimum of 45 credits
• cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher overall or for the last 45 credits
• acceptable WEST-B scores. This test is presently offered 6 times a year at various sites in the state. Visit the WEST-B website at http://www.west.nesinc.com for more information.
• completion of an English composition course with grade of B- or higher
• completed application (see web site for dates)

Enrollment restrictions apply in all teacher education programs. Meeting the above criteria makes the applicant eligible for admission, but does not guarantee admission. Applications from students who meet all the criteria are evaluated to determine those most qualified. All applicants are then rank-ordered, and a final list created based on available openings. For further information, visit Teacher Education Admissions, Miller Hall 150, 360-650-3313 or visit the web site at http://www.wce.wwu.edu/admiss.

Retention in the program requires continuous demonstration of competence in standard oral and written English in all coursework. Retention also requires maintenance of a 2.75 quarterly GPA for each quarter upon admission to Elementary Education. Courses required for a state teaching endorsement and for the professional education sequence must be completed with a grading of C (2.0) or better.

Student Advisement

Prospective elementary education students are invited to meet with an advisor for more information about the program. The main office is in Miller Hall 300 and the phone number is (360) 650-3336. Once admitted to the program, students are assigned a faculty advisor with whom they will stay in contact throughout their program.

Grade Requirements

Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in the elementary education professional program and in all courses required for the endorsement.