The Philosophy concentration is designed to provide future teachers with an understanding of the leading historical movements and topics of Western Philosophy, as well as the analytical skills that are the basis of sound critical thinking and effective communication. From the seminal thinkers of ancient Greece and Rome to Descartes in the 17th century, Kant in the 18th century, Hegel, Marx, Emerson and Nietzsche in the 19th century and Wittgenstein, Sartre, Dewey, Russell and Emerson in the 20th century, you will experience the wonder and passion of clear thought directed at the enduring questions of human existence and meaning. The breadth and depth of philosophical inquiry is abundantly apparent in the elective offerings, which range from courses in Symbolic Logic and Medical Ethics to Philosophy and Film and Philosophies of Love and Sex. Students take 30 credits in Philosophy to satisfy the Liberal Arts and Sciences requirements for the B.S. in Early Childhood Education degree program.<br><br>In addition to a thorough curriculum in Philosophy, you will take specialized education courses and participate in student-teaching. To prepare you for the classroom environment, your coursework will emphasize effective teaching techniques, innovative lesson planning, motivation strategies and student assessment. Your education classes will examine ways that you can use your knowledge to maximize learning outcomes for young students. You will learn how to understand the intellectual, physical and emotional development of teenagers, to encourage peer cooperation and collaboration, to foster student self-esteem and moral development, and to empower parents. You will explore issues of race, ethnicity and gender as they apply to the classroom. The program includes supervised practice teaching in actual classrooms, allowing you to observe certified teachers and interact with children. LIU Post teacher education students enjoy close personal contact with faculty who are dedicated to mentoring the next generation of highly skilled teachers.