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Liberal Studies

Course Requirements

The Liberal Studies Major

The Liberal Studies major is specifically for students who are interested in earning either the Preliminary Multiple Subjects credential for elementary teaching, or the Level I Education Specialist credential for teaching special education (mild-moderate), grades K-12.  This major is designed as a nine-semester program: 8 semesters of coursework plus one additional semester for student teaching. With careful planning, it is possible for students to earn a bachelor’s degree and a preliminary teaching credential in four years if they carry 18 units per semester and/or take courses during the summer and/or intersession.

This major fosters a holistic experience in the required multiple subjects and provides students with a strong foundational understanding of these subjects. It is a program of study designed to graduate well-educated teachers who understand significant ideas, structures, and values in a wide range of the liberal arts and sciences; teachers who can critically analyze and synthesize information from diverse disciplines, and who appreciate diverse perspectives.

The required coursework is divided into 3 distinct categories: core courses, concentration courses, and professional preparation courses. The core courses provide instruction in the content that is tested on the CSET (California Subject Matter Competency) exam. Within the core requirements, there are 10 specialized courses designed specifically for educators; many of these courses also introduce the state’s content standards for that particular subject. Only grades of C or higher satisfy core and concentration course requirements. Only grades of B– or higher in professional preparation courses satisfy requirements for teaching credentials. No courses can be taken pass/fail. The LBST 400 course includes the capstone requirement for the program and should be taken within the last 30 units. The CSET must be passed prior to student teaching.

Students are urged to declare the LBST major as soon as possible to ensure rapid and efficient progress through the degree. Students must meet regularly with their Liberal Studies advisor throughout their enrollment. In order to complete credential requirements successfully, students should apply to the teacher credential program in the second semester of the sophomore year.

Upon admission to the teacher credential program, students will work with the Credential Program Specialist, the Multiple Subjects Coordinator, and/or the Credential Analyst within the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES). It is important for all Liberal Studies majors to meet regularly with their academic advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences to ensure that all degree requirements are met in a timely manner.

A Liberal Studies major can graduate without completing the credential coursework, as long as they meet all university requirements for graduation. 

Liberal studies majors are encouraged to save all major assignments and exams completed in core and concentration courses for possible inclusion in their capstone course and credential portfolios.

MAJOR CORE REQUIREMENTS (73-85 units)  The following core curriculum requirements are designed especially for the Liberal Studies major to assist with passing the CSET (California Subject Matter Competency) Exam.

Liberal Studies Major (6 units)

LBST 200        Foundations in Liberal Studies (3)

LBST 400        Senior Seminar in Liberal Studies (3)

Written Literacy (6 units)

ENGL 122       Composition and Literature for Educators (3)

ENGL 304W   Advanced Composition (3)

Mathematical Competency (9 units)

MATH 115     College Algebra (3)

MATH 200     Mathematical Concepts for Elementary Teachers I (3)

MATH 300     Mathematical Concepts for Elementary Teachers II (3)

Logic (3 units)

PHIL 101        Introduction to Logic (3)

or

MATH 160     Logic for Mathematics and Computer Science (3)

 Recommended for students whose concentration is in Mathematics

Second Language (0-12 units)

Students must demonstrate third semester competency through coursework or examination. Students interested in the Bi-Lingual Authorization should meet  the fourth semester competency in Spanish.

Natural Sciences (10 units)

CHEM/            Physical Science for K-8 Teachers (3)

PHYS 105

BIO 110          Life Science for Educators (3)
(Prerequisite: CHEM/PHYS 105)

ENVI 110        Introduction to Earth Systems (4)

Social Sciences (6 units)

Select from Anthropology, Communication Studies, Ethnic Studies, Political Science, Psychology or Sociology

The following courses are strongly recommended as preparation for the CSET Exam.

Psy 101           Introductory Psychology (3) 

Psy 314           Developmental Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence (3)

Theology and Religious Studies  (9 units; 3 units must be upper-division)

Philosophy (6 units)

PHIL 341        Ethics and Education (3)

One additional course other than logic or ethics, e.g. PHIL 110, 111, 112, 114, 481, 483

Humanities and the Fine Arts (18 units)

HIST 117        U.S. History to 1870 (3)

HIST 389        History of California (3)

ENGL 231       Children’s Literature (3)

MUSC 200       Comprehensive Musicianship for Educators (3)

THEA 155      Theatre in Education (3)

ARTV 350       Art Fundamentals (3)

NOTE: the following course is strongly recommended as preparation for the CSET Exam

Educ 360        Physical Education in Elementary Schools (3)

These courses are recommended as electives when a major has decided to complete their credential coursework as part of a master's program.  These are also courses in the new Education Minor.

EDUC 124       Sport and Higher Education (2)

LEAD 162       Outdoor Leadership and Education (3)

COMM 482     Children and Media (3)

Educ 301        Introduction to Academic Mentoring (3)

Educ 307        Spanish for Educators (3)

Educ 337        Adolescent/Children's Lit as related to LGBTQ  communities (3)

SOCI 348         Juvenile Delinquency and Urban Gangs (3)

CONCENTRATIONS (12-15 units)

The concentration provides broad, primarily upper-division study in a subject area that forms a part of the elementary school curriculum. Select one concentration.

Art (12 units)

Choose one of the following tracks:

Art History Track

Prerequisite:

ARTH 334      Art of the Twentieth Century in Europe and the Americas (3)

Choose three:

ARTH 333      Modern Art: 1780-1920 (3)

ARTH 336      History and Theory of Photography (3)

ARTH 339      Museum Studies (3)

ARTH 382      Public Art Studio Seminar (3)

3D / Sculpture Track

Prerequisite:

ARTV 104       Foundations in Form, Space, and Time (3)

Required:

ARTV 364       Introduction to Sculpture: Form, Content, Context (3)

ARTV 367       3D Metalworking Studio (3)

Select a third upper-division course in consultation with the Art Concentration coordinator (3)

Visual Communication and Graphic Design Track

Prerequisite:

ARTV 103       Design Foundations (3)

Required:

ARTV 108       Introduction to New Media in Art (3)

ARTV 300       Visual Communications (3)

Choose one:

ARTV 308       Web Art (3)

ARTV 401       Advanced Visual Communications (3)

Photography Track

Prerequisite:

ARTV 160       Photography (3)

Required:

ARTV 353       Color Photography (3)

Select two upper-division courses in consultation with the Art Concentration coordinator (6)

Painting and Drawing Track

Prerequisite:

ARTV 101       Fundamentals of Drawing (3)

Required:

ARTV 302       Intermediate Drawing (3)

ARTV 328       Fundamentals of Painting (3)

Select a third upper-division course in consultation with the Art Concentration coordinator (3)

History (12 units)

Choose one:

HIST 102        The Ancient World (3)

HIST 103        The Medieval World (3)

HIST 108        The Atlantic World, 1500-1800 (3)

HIST 109        The Pacific World, 1500-1800 (3)

Choose one:

HIST 346        Topics in Medieval and Early Modern
Europe (3)

HIST 347        Topics in Modern Europe (3)

HIST 358        Topics in Modern World History (3)

Choose two:

HIST 359        Modern Middle East (3)

HIST 360        Colonial Latin America (3)

HIST 361        Modern Latin America (3)

HIST 364        Topics in Asian History (3)

HIST 365        History of China (3)

HIST 366        History of Japan (3)

HIST 368        History of Africa (3)

HIST 384        History of Mexico (3)

Life Science (13-15 units)

Prerequisite/Required:

BIOL 190        Introduction to Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution (3)

BIOL 221        Biology of Organisms (3)

BIOL 221L      Biology of Organisms Laboratory (1)

BIOL 225        Introduction to Cell Processes (3)

BIOL 225L      Introduction to Cell Processes Laboratory (1)

Choose one:

BIOL 344        Plant Systematics (4)

BIOL 346        Vertebrate Natural History (4)

BIOL 350        Invertebrate Zoology (4)

BIOL 361        Ecological Communities of San Diego
County (2)

Literature (12 units)

Required:

ENGL 222       Poetry (3)

ENGL 358       U.S. Ethnic Literature (3)

Choose two:

ENGL 348       Nineteenth Century Novel (3)

ENGL 356       U.S. Literature from 1900 to 1940 (3)

ENGL 357       Modern U.S. Nonfiction (3)

ENGL 359       Modern U.S. Fiction (3)

ENGL 360       Modern Poetry (3)

ENGL 362       Modern Drama (3)

ENGL 364       Postcolonial Studies (3)

ENGL 366       Modern European Literature (3)

ENGL 368       Modern British Literature (3)

ENGL 374       Gender and Literature (3)

Marine Science (12 units)

Required:

ENVI 121        Life in the Ocean (4)

ENVI 331W    Coastal Environmental Science (4)

MARS 120      Introduction to Physical Oceanography (4)

Mathematics (13-14 units)

Note: Other choices are possible for students with advanced standing in mathematics. Please consult with the mathematics concentration coordinator before selecting courses.

Required:

MATH 120     Introduction to Statistics (3)

MATH 150     Calculus I (4)

Choose two:

COMP 150      Computer Programming I (3)

MATH 112     Investigations in Modern Mathematics (3)

MATH 151     Calculus II (4)

MATH 160     Logic for Mathematics and Computer Science (3); also satisfies the CC logic requirement

MATH 320     Linear Algebra (3)*

* MATH 151 is a prerequisite

Multicultural Studies (15 units)

 Sociology (6 units)

Prerequisite:

SOCI 101D      Introduction to Sociology (3)

Choose one:

SOCI 311         Popular Culture (3)

SOCI 320         U.S. Society (3)

SOCI 331D      Race and Ethnic Relations (3)

SOCI 350         Social Institutions (3)

SOCI 357         Inequality and Stratification (3)

SOCI 363         The Modern Urban Community (3)

SOCI 370         Sociology of Education (3)

SOCI 375D      The U.S. Mosaic (3)

SOCI 388         Sport in Social Context (3)

  Anthropology (6 units)

Required:

ANTH 102 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3)

Choose ONE of the following courses:

ANTH 320D North American Indian Cultures (3)

ENTH 321D California and Great Basin Indian Cultures (3)

ANTH 323D Southwest Indian Cultures (3)

ANTH 327 South American Indian Cultures (3)

ANTH 328 Caribbean Cultures (3)

ANTH 370 Indigenous Religions (3)

ANTH 380 Cultural Diversity (3)

 Ethnic Studies (3)

Choose ONE of the following courses:

ETHN 110D Ethnic Identity in the United States (3)

ETHN 120D Introduction to African-American Studies (3)

ETHN 130D Introduction to American Indian Studies (3)

ETHN 140D Introduction to Chicano/Latino Studies (3)

ETHN 150D Introduction to Asian American Studies (3)

Music (15 units)

Note: For students with previous musical training and experience, other choices may be possible in consultation with the music concentration coordinator.

MUSC 120           Fundamentals of Music Theory (3)

MUSC 210           Aural and Keyboard Skills I (1)

MUSC 220           Harmony I (3)

Choose one:

MUSC 100D        Introduction to Music (3)

MUSC 101D        American Music (3)

MUSC 102           Jazz  (3)

MUSC 130           Music in Society (3)

Choose one:

Musc 109              Introduction to Sonic Art (3)

Musc 140              Music in World Cultures (3)

Choose two:

MUSC 105           Class Piano I (1)

MUSC 205           Class Piano II (1)

MUSC 107           Class Voice (1)

MUSC 108           Class Guitar (1)

MUSC 150           Chamber Music Ensembles (1)

MUSC 153           Concert Choir (1)

MUSC 155           Jazz Ensemble (1)

MUSC 157           Gamelan Ensemble (1)

MUSC 160-181  Individual Music lessons (1)             

MUSC 205           Class Piano II (1)

MUSC 180           Conducting (1)

Spanish Language and Latin American Cultures (15 units; recommended for Bi-Lingual Authorization)

Anthropology

Prerequisite:

ANTH 102      Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3)

History

Required:

HIST 383        Chicano History (3)

Spanish

Required:

SPAN 301       Grammar and Composition (3)

SPAN 303       Introduction to Hispanic Literature (3)

SPAN 304       Cultural History of Latin America (3)

Theatre (13 units)

Required:

THEA 305      Technical Theatre with Lab (4)

THEA 230      Acting I (3)

Choose one:

THEA 220      Fundamentals of Theatrical Design (3)

THEA 302      Acting II (3)

Choose one additional course from the following:*

THEA 220      Fundamentals of Theatrical Design (3)

THEA 302      Acting II (3)

THEA 303      Costume Construction (3)

THEA 320      Scenic Design (3)

THEA 330      Costume Design (3)

THEA 340      Voice and Speech (3)

THEA 350      Movement for Actors (3)

THEA 360W Theatre History (3)

THEA 365W Playwriting (3)

THEA 369      Contemporary Theatre (3)

THEA 375C    Theatre and Community Seminar (3)

THEA 435      Acting III (3)

THEA 445      Producing and Directing (3)

THEA 455      Stage Management (3)

THEA 494      Special Topics in Theatre (3)

*Some upper-division courses may have prerequisites

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

LBST 200 Foundations in Liberal Studies (3)

This course provides an overview of the teaching profession and explores a variety of issues relating to the modern classroom and student success. The course offers a variety of perspectives on education including historical, philosophical, social, legal, and ethical issues in a diverse society in addition to background knowledge in the organizational structure of schools.  Topics broadly explore the purposes of schools in society and what knowledge, dispositions, and performances are required to be an effective teacher today.  Additional topics may include academic policies and procedures, parents and community involvement in education, urban education, the role of technology in the classroom, study skills and content specifications and standards.

(Fall, every year)

LBST 400 Senior Seminar in Liberal Studies (3)

The Liberal Studies major culminates in a capstone seminar in which the student will meaningfully connect the concentration area to course work taken and complete a semester-long research project.  The student will demonstrate the ability 1) to reason and write clearly and analytically; 2) to comprehend writings on key questions and complex problems in the education field from an interdisciplinary perspective; and 3) to reflect upon his/her educational experiences in the concentration area and on his/her role as a future educator.  Each student will create an interdisciplinary research project that exemplifies an ability to integrate several disciplines (one of which must include the area of concentration) to examine a complex issue, problem, or phenomenon.  One or more class presentations are typically required in addition to a substantial written work.  (Spring, every year)

PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION - TEACHING CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

CREDENTIAL OPTION 1: PRELIMINARY MULTIPLE SUBJECT (33 UNITS)The Multiple Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach in a self-contained classroom such as the classrooms in most elementary schools. However, a teacher authorized for multiple subject instruction may be assigned to teach in any self-contained classroom (preschool, K–12, or in classes organized primarily for adults). In addition, the holder of a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential may serve in a core or team teaching setting.

FOUNDATIONS BLOCK (must be taken before beginning the Methods Block; these courses may be taken before admission to the Credential Program.

________ ENGL 318 Development of the English Language (3 units)

________ EDUC 381C Multicultural and Philosophical Foundations in a Global Society (3 units, ~10 practicum hours)

___________EDUC 382 Psychological Foundations of Education in a Diverse Society (3 units, ~ 8 observation hours)

METHODS BLOCK (must be completed before beginning Student Teaching; candidates must be admitted to the credential program.

________ EDUC 385P  Elementary Curriculum Methods for Global Classrooms (6 units, 50 hour practicum)

________ EDUC 383P  Methods of Teaching Literacy and Language Arts (3 units, 50 hour practicum) 

________ EDUC 384C  Methods of Teaching English Language and Academic Development in Crosscultural                                                

                Contexts (3 units, 20 hours)

________ EDSP 389  Healthy Environments and Inclusive Education in a Global Society (3 units, 5 hours)

STUDENT TEACHING BLOCK (courses taken concurrently)

________ EDUC 490P  Student Teaching for the Multiple Subject Credential (9 units, full-day, full-time assignment in                                K-                12 school)

________ EDUC 490S  Student Teaching Seminar for the Multiple Subject Credential (3 units)

See Kathy Estey, Credential Program Specialist, for additional information.

CREDENTIAL OPTION 2: LEVEL I EDUCATION SPECIALIST CREDENTIAL: MILD/MODERATE

The Preliminary Education Specialist Level I (Mild/Moderate) Credential Program prepares future teachers to serve children, youth, and adults who have special learning or emotional needs. The Education Specialist credential may be used in K-12 resource rooms, special day classes, or alternative settings. The Level I Education Specialist Credential in Mild/Moderate Disabilities, which authorizes teachers to instruct individuals in grades K-12 and adults who have specific learning disabilities, mild/moderate mental retardation, other health impairments, and/or serious emotional disturbance.

PREREQUISITE FOUNDATIONS COURSEWORK

________EDSP 389 Health Environments/Inclusive Education in a Global Society (3 units)                                    

________ ENG 318  Development of the English Language (3 units)

FOUNDATIONS BLOCK (should try to complete before beginning Methods Block;                                                    

 The following courses may be taken before admission to the Credential Program)

________ EDSP 373 Diverse Family Systems and Transitions (3 units) Fall only                                                                    

________ EDSP 374 Global Perspectives and Foundations in SPED (3 units) Fall only                                            

________ EDSP 379 Legal, Ethical and Professional Practices in a Diverse Society (2 units) Intersession only

METHODS BLOCK SPECIAL EDUCATION COURSEWORK  These courses can be taken concurrently with Foundation Block and in any order. Must complete prior to Student Teaching

________ EDSP 370 Assessment Identification to Transition in Special Education (3 units) Spring only                     

________ EDSP 371 Management Behavior and Instruction (3 units) SS August                                                   

________ EDSP 372 Language Variance and Assistive Technology (3 units) Spring only                                        

________ EDSP 375P Evidence Based Inclus. Pract. Mild/Moderate Disabilities (3 units, 25 hr field work) Spring only

METHODS BLOCK GENERAL EDUCATION MULTIPLE SUBJECT CONTENT COURSEWORK                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

________ EDUC 383P Methods of Teaching Reading & Language Arts  (3 units, 50 hours field work) Fall, Spring

________ EDUC 384C Methods of Teaching English Language & Academic Development (3 units, 20 hours field work)       Fall, Spring                                                                                                                                                        

________ EDUC 375P Elementary Curriculum Methods (for spec.ed majors) (3 units, 25 hours field) Fall only                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

STUDENT TEACHING BLOCK (courses taken concurrently)

________ EDSP 490P Student Teaching Mild to Moderate (6 units, full-day)  Fall, Spring


 See Dr. Jerome Ammer, Special Education Credential Program Coordinator, for information on additional Credential Documentation and examination requirements