This advanced course in literacy examines the research and theory on emergent literacy, the development of orthographic knowledge and word recognition, and explores the influences on early literacy development. Students will explore different theoretical perspectives on early literacy development and will develop their own theoretical perspectives. In addition, historical trends in early literacy will be explored to better understand current trends, such as the science of reading and culturally responsive literacy instruction. While the focus is on English literacy development, the course looks at literacy development in other languages as well as biliteracy development. Research will be examined through an equity lens so that students can better understand whose voices have dominated this field and whose voices have been marginalized.