School of Continuing Studies Indiana University

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790 E. Kirkwood Avenue
Bloomington, Indiana 47405
Ph: 812.855.2292
Toll free: 800.334.1011
Fax: 812.855.8680
scs@indiana.edu

GRADUATE DEGREE — MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ADULT EDUCATION

Core Courses

D500 Introduction to Adult Education Theory (3 cr.)
A study of the writings of major adult education theorists, including Lindeman, Knowles, Bergivin, and Friere. Adult education theories of practice in historical perspective. Students develop and defend their personal theories of practice.

D505 Adult Learning through the Lifespan (3 cr.)
Review of selected adult education literature describing the adult lifespan as it relates to participation in learning projects and adult education programming. Identify how social and cultural forces influence the engagement of adults in the learning process.

Stack of books

D506 Adult Education Planning and Development (3 cr.)
Investigate the theory and research of program planning and development for adults, including processes used to develop educational programs in various settings. Topics include needs assessment, program design and development, implementation, and evaluation.

D512 Forms and Forces in Adult Education (3 cr.)
The history and current status of adult education in the United States; the nature, scope, purpose, and historical development of adult education institutions and program areas.

D521 Participation Training (2 cr.)
Note: D521 includes a 3-day on-campus session (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Team building in groups; collaborative program planning and implementation; application of the design to appropriate settings; training in the roles of group leader, observer, and recorder; recognition and treatment of dysfunctional behaviors in group settings. Emphasis on functional aspects of group cohesion, consensus decision making, shared leadership, and program evaluation. Participation training is a small group, consensus decision-making process.

D525 - Introduction to Distance Education Systems (3 cr.)
P: D506 required, D505 or D500 recommended. A systems-based overview of distance education. Topics include program and technology planning, implementation, and assessment; operations management; program evaluation; learner support; and other critical issues.

D620 Adult Education Research (3 cr.)
P: D505 or D500. Survey course designed to develop an understanding of the philosophies that inform current research paradigms, the methods associated with those paradigms, and the relationship between theory and practice in adult education. This course uses current research articles and case studies as a means to critically examine issues of design, methodology, and trustworthiness.

D640 Capstone Seminar in Adult Education (3 cr.)
P: Completion of all Core and Professional Focus Area Courses. Seminar supporting the completion of a Capstone Project involving information gathering, analysis, and interpretation which integrates theoretical and practical knowledge gained in the AE program and applies it to actual or anticipated work settings. Students also develop and reflect upon a portfolio of their work completed during the program.

Professional Focus Area Courses

Important: This list only includes possible PFA courses offered by the Department of Adult Education. You may choose to classes from other departments to partially fulfill the PFA requirement.

D523 Small Group Theory in Adult Education (3 cr.)
Theory underlying small group practices in adult education. Emphasis on conditions of collaborative effectiveness in decision-making groups and learning groups, consideration of major models of group formation and development, and implications of theory for social practice.

D600 The Teaching-Learning Transaction in Adult Education (3 cr.)
P: D505 and D506 or consent of instructor. Critical inquiry into the design of adult learning activities. Includes a review of current theory and research in the teaching-learning transaction and the designing and evaluating of instruction for adults.

D613 The Organizational Context of Adult Education (3 cr.)
P: D506 and D512. The study of contemporary organizational development and performance improvement theory and practice in the context of professional practice in adult education including the investigation and critical analysis of the theories and research methods undergirding these topics.

D615 Adult and Continuing Education in Collegiate Settings (3 cr.)
P: D506 and D512 or consent of instructor. Focuses on the development and management of adult and continuing education programs in collegiate settings: adult-oriented degree programs, distance education, student services, noncredit courses, business and industry training, continuing professional education, economic development, and community service. The history of adult-oriented programs in higher education settings, the various types of programs and services offered for adult learners, demographic and enrollment trends, current and emerging markets are included. The roles and responsibilities of adult and continuing education professionals in college and university settings are reviewed.

D625 Topics Courses
A variety of courses are offered under the D625 TOPICS number including New Student Orientation,Perspectives on Diversity in Adult Education, Critical Theory in Adult Education, and Listening Dynamics for Teaching and Learning. Courses and credit hours will vary from year to year.

Self-Directed Learning Courses

In addition to semester-based classes, the Professional Focus Area can also include self-directed leaning projects. These courses listed below provide an opportunity to focus on an applied project related to your workplace or a community-based organization, or to do in-depth research on a specific adult education topic. These courses must be arranged with a faculty member in advance of registration. A learning contract or one- or two-page written proposal specifying the scope of the project, project activities, meeting times, completion date, and study product(s) should be submitted to the instructor prior to the beginning of the semester.

D550 Practicum in Adult Education (1-3 credit hours)
Supervised practice in instructional planning, teaching, and program development in adult education settings, including schools and agencies

Coffee and Laptop

D590 Independent Study in Adult Education (1-3 credit hours)
Individual research or study with adult education faculty members, This course may be used to do an in-depth study of the relationship of the student's concentration area to the field of adult education.

D650 Internship in Adult Education (1-6 credit hours)
Relates theory to practice through supervised field experiences and faculty appraisal and guidance. Students plan, conduct, and evaluate adult education programs in various institutional and community settings.

D660 Readings in Adult Education (1-6 credit hours)
Guided individual study to meet the professional needs of advanced graduate students. Consultations with instructor required.

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Indiana University

Indiana University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and
a member of the North Central Association. Indiana University High School
is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement
and a member of the North Central Association.