Students entering the University of San Diego and/or declaring a major during 2019-2020, should follow information contained in the printed course catalog (also known as the "catalog of record") published on April 1, 2019. Access the catalog of record at http://catalogs.sandiego.edu.
The Liberal Studies Major
The following courses are required for Liberal Studies majors to help prepare for the content tested in the CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers) Multiple Subject tests. Some courses also satisfy the general core requirements for the bachelor’s degree. Liberal Studies majors must achieve grades of C or higher in all Core, Major, and Concentration courses.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Studies | ||
| LBST 100 | Foundations in Liberal Studies (Fall only) | 3 |
| LBST 495 | Senior Seminar in Liberal Studies (Spring only, must be taken within last 30 units of coursework) | 3 |
| Mathematics | ||
| MATH 200 | Mathematical Concepts for Elementary Teachers I (Fall only) | 3 |
| MATH 300 | Mathematical Concepts for Elementary Teachers II (Spring only) | 3 |
| Natural Sciences | ||
| CHEM/PHYS 105 | Physical Sciences for K-8 Teachers (Fall only) | 3 |
| BIOL/EOSC 116 | Earth and Life Science for Educators (Spring only) | 3 |
| Humanities and the Fine Arts | ||
| ARTV 350 | Art Fundamentals (Fall only) | 3 |
| ENGL 215 | Children's Literature (Spring only) | 3 |
| ENGL 377 | Development of the English Language | 3 |
| HIST 117 | U.S. History to 1877 | 3 |
| HIST 389 | History of California (Fall only) | 3 |
| MUSC 200 | Comprehensive Musicianship for Educators (Spring only) | 3 |
| PHIL 341 | Ethics and Education (Fall only) | 3 |
| THEA 155 | Theatre in Education (Fall only) | 3 |
| Education | ||
| EDTE 300P | Diversity, Inclusion & Schooling (Fall only) | 3 |
| And take at least one of: | 3 | |
| Educational Psychology (Fall only) | ||
| Equity & Advocacy in Educational Systems (Spring only) | ||
| Total Units | 48 | |
Concentrations in Liberal Studies (12-14 units)
The Concentration allows majors to delve more deeply into a subject area of their choice that will benefit them as future educators and is closely related to the elementary school curriculum. Select one concentration.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Art - Visual Arts Concentration | ||
| Select two of the following courses: | 6 | |
| Fundamentals of Drawing | ||
| Design Foundations | ||
| Introduction to Sculpture | ||
| Introduction to Video Art | ||
| Introductory Photography | ||
| Select two of the following courses: | 6 | |
| Visual Communications | ||
| Intermediate Drawing | ||
| Introduction to Printmaking | ||
| Video Art: Site and Screen | ||
| Video Art: The Cinematic | ||
| Intermediate/Advanced Video Art | ||
| Fundamentals of Painting | ||
| Figure Drawing | ||
| Color Photography | ||
| Photo Strategies | ||
| Advanced Photography | ||
| Portraits in Photography | ||
| Intermediate / Advanced Sculpture | ||
| Designing for Social Space | ||
| Sculpture / Landscape | ||
| Public Art Studio Seminar | ||
| Advanced Visual Communications | ||
| Advanced Drawing/Painting Seminar | ||
| Digital Audio Composition | ||
| Intermediate/Advanced Painting | ||
| Total Units: | 12 | |
| Communication Studies Concentration | ||
| COMM 203 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| COMM 101 | Introduction to Human Communication | 3-4 |
| or COMM 130 | Introduction to Media Studies | |
| Select two upper division courses: | 6 | |
| Total units: | 12 | |
NOTE: The following clusters help organize student choices when they speak with the academic advisor, but do not reflect the concentration requirements. Liberal Studies majors can satisfy the concentration with ANY two upper division communication courses.
Thematic Clusters for Communication Studies Concentration
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Communication & Youth Development Theme: | ||
| Family Communication | ||
| Gender Communication | ||
| Children and Media | ||
| Teens and Popular Culture | ||
| Communication & Relationships Theme: | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Nonverbal Communication | ||
| Small Group Communication | ||
| Family Communication | ||
| Culture & Global Communication Theme: | ||
| International Media | ||
| Film and Cultural Politics | ||
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Global Team Development | ||
| Strategic Communication Theme: | ||
| Organizational Communication | ||
| Advanced Public Speaking | ||
| Interviewing and Negotiating: Principles and Practices | ||
| Persuasion and Propaganda | ||
| History Concentration | ||
| Select one lower division course (other than HIST 117): | 3 | |
| The Ancient World | ||
| The Medieval World | ||
| The Atlantic World 1500-1800 | ||
| The Pacific World, 1500-1800 | ||
| World History Topics | ||
| Topics in War and Peace in Historical Perspective | ||
| War and Peace in the Modern World | ||
| U.S. History, 1877 to the Present | ||
| U.S. History Topics | ||
| Africa to 1800 | ||
| Africa Since 1800 | ||
| Race and Ethnicity in the American Experience | ||
| American Women in History | ||
| African American History | ||
| East Asia in Transformation | ||
| Topics in the History of Culture and Identity | ||
| Modern Europe | ||
| Topics in Urban History | ||
| Topics in Comparative History | ||
| Topics in History, Literature, and Film | ||
| Topics in History of Science and Technology | ||
| Big History: From Cosmos to Cannibals | ||
| Modern World History | ||
| History of Africa | ||
| Great Moments in Time | ||
| Select one upper division European History course: | 3 | |
| Roman Civilization | ||
| The Fall of the Roman Empire | ||
| Castles and Crusades: Medieval Europe, 1050-1450 | ||
| Medieval Woman | ||
| Christians, Muslims and Jews in Medieval Spain | ||
| The Global Renaissance | ||
| Role-Playing the Renaissance | ||
| Europe 1600-1800 | ||
| History of Germany Since 1945 | ||
| Topics in Medieval and Early Modern Europe | ||
| Topics in Modern Europe | ||
| France in Revolution and War | ||
| History of the British Isles | ||
| Victorian Britain and the World | ||
| Topics in Russian and East European History | ||
| History of Spain | ||
| Select two upper division World History courses: | 6 | |
| History of South Africa | ||
| African Feminisms: History, Negotiation, Belonging | ||
| Africa in the Western Imagination | ||
| Queering Colonialism: Bodies, Negotiation, Belonging | ||
| Topics in African History | ||
| Ancient Near East | ||
| Topics in Modern World History | ||
| Modern Middle East | ||
| Modern Latin America | ||
| Topics in Latin America History | ||
| History of Brazil | ||
| Topics in Asian History | ||
| China: Rise to Global Power | ||
| Japan: Samurai to Subaru | ||
| Women's Lives in East Asia | ||
| United States-East Asia Relations | ||
| History of Mexico | ||
| Life Science Concentration | ||
| BIOL 240 | Bioenergetics and Systems | 3 |
| BIOL 240L | Bioenergetics and Systems Laboratory | 1 |
| BIOL 242 | Genomes and Evolution | 3 |
| BIOL 242L | Genomes and Evolution Laboratory | 1 |
| Choose one of the following tracks consisting of two additional courses: | 5-6 | |
Organismal Biology Track: | ||
| Ecology | ||
| Ecological Communities of San Diego County | ||
Cellular Biology Track: | ||
| Genetics | ||
Choose an upper division course with appropriate prerequisites | ||
| Literature Concentration | ||
| ENGL 260 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| Choose one course in Literary Cultures and Theories: (pre-req ENGL 260) | 3 | |
| Literature of Race, Gender and Sexuality | ||
| Literary Theory | ||
| Topics in Literary Cultures and Theories | ||
| Choose two upper division electives: | 6 | |
One course must be a Literature course. | ||
A maximum of one creative writing course may be taken. | ||
The Writing Center or Southeast San Diego Tutoring may count up to 3 units. | ||
| Marine Biology Concentration | ||
| EOSC 121 | Life in the Ocean | 4 |
| or EOSC 123 | Organisms and Ecosystems | |
| EOSC 220 | Introduction to Atmospheric and Ocean Sciences (Liberal Studies majors must have completed MATH 115, CHEM 105/PHYS 105, and BIOL 116/EOSC 116) | 4 |
| EOSC 432 | Marine Community Ecology | 4 |
| or EOSC 431 | Human Impacts on the Coastal Environment | |
| Mathematics Concentration | ||
| Note: Other choices are possible for students with advanced standing in mathematics. Please consult with the mathematics concentration coordinator before selecting courses. | ||
| MATH 120 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| MATH 150 | Calculus I | 3-4 |
| or MATH 130 | Survey of Calculus | |
| Select two of the following: | 6-7 | |
| Computational Problem Solving | ||
or COMP 150 | Computer Programming I | |
| Investigations in Modern Mathematics | ||
| Calculus II | ||
| Linear Algebra (MATH 151 is a prerequisite) | ||
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Multicultural Studies Concentration | ||
| Take one course from each discipline, and one additional course from the area of your choice. Discuss course options with academic advisor. | ||
| Anthropology Course: | ||
| Requirement will be fulfilled by any Cultural Anthropology course | 3 | |
| Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | ||
| North American Indian Cultures | ||
| California and Great Basin Indian Cultures | ||
| Southwest Indian Cultures | ||
| South American Indian Cultures | ||
| Caribbean Cultures | ||
| Nautical Anthropology of California | ||
| Piracy in the new World | ||
| Surf Culture And History | ||
| Indigenous Religions | ||
| Cultural Diversity | ||
| Ethnic Studies Course: | ||
| Requirement will be fulfilled by any Ethnic Studies (ETHN) course | 3 | |
| Sociology Course: | ||
| Requirement will be fulfilled by any Sociology (SOCI) course | 3 | |
| Additional ANTH, ETHN, or SOCI Course: | ||
| One additional course from above selections (Cultural Anthropology, Ethnic Studies, or Sociology) | 3 | |
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Music Concentration | ||
| Theory/Composition Requirement | ||
| MUSC 120 | Fundamentals of Music Theory | 3 |
| History/Culture Requirement | ||
| Select two of the following courses: | 6 | |
| American Music | ||
| Jazz | ||
| Music for the Stage | ||
| We Shall Overcome: Singing for Justice, Freedom and Peace | ||
| Introduction to Sonic Arts | ||
| Music in Society | ||
| Music in World Cultures | ||
| Music Therapy | ||
| Topics in World Music | ||
| Digital Audio Composition | ||
| Art and the Soundscape | ||
| Performance Studies and Ensembles Requirement | ||
| Choose two units from: | 2 | |
| Class Piano I | ||
| Class Piano II | ||
| Class Voice | ||
| Class Guitar | ||
| Choose 1 unit from: | 1 | |
| Chamber Music Ensembles | ||
| USD Strings | ||
| Concert Choir | ||
| Opera Workshop | ||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Band | ||
| Gamelan Ensemble | ||
| Mariachi Ensemble | ||
| Other choices may be possible in consultation with the concentration coordinator. | ||
| Psychology Concentration | ||
| PSYC 101 | Introductory Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 314 | Developmental Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence | 3 |
| Select two courses from the following: 1 | 6 | |
| Research Methods in Psychology | ||
| Child Development Across Cultures | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
class="blockindent">PSYC 324D | ||
| Stereotyping, Prejudice and Discrimination | ||
| Psychology of Gender | ||
| Learning and Behavior | ||
| Cognitive Psychology | ||
| Biological Psychology | ||
| Behavior Disorders of Childhood | ||
| Social-Emotional Development | ||
| Spanish Language and Latinx American Cultures Concentration | ||
Recommended for Bi-Lingual Authorization | ||
| SPAN 301 | Writing and Composition in Spanish | 3 |
| SPAN 304 | Cultural History of Latin America | 3 |
| or HIST 361 | Modern Latin America | |
| Spanish - Choose one of the following courses: | 3 | |
| Introduction To Cultural Analysis | ||
| Cultural History of Latin America | ||
| Phonetics and Pronunciation | ||
| L2 Teaching Methodologies and Applied Linguistics | ||
| Survey of Latin American Literature | ||
| Interdisciplinary Option - Choose one of the following courses: | 3 | |
| Chicano San Diego | ||
| Modern Latin America | ||
| Topics in Latin America History | ||
| Chicano/a/x History | ||
| History of Mexico | ||
| Politics in Latin America | ||
| U.S.-Latin American Relations | ||
| Latinoa Catholicism | ||
| Theatre Concentration | ||
| THEA 101 | Script Analysis | 3 |
| THEA 230 | Acting I | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Technical Theatre with Lab | ||
| Fundamentals of Theatrical Design | ||
| Select one additional course from the following: 1 | 3-4 | |
| Technical Theatre with Lab | ||
| Fundamentals of Theatrical Design | ||
| Scenic Design | ||
| Lighting and Sound for Entertainment Design | ||
| Costume Design | ||
| Voice and Speech | ||
| Physical Actor | ||
| Theatre History 1 | ||
| Playwriting | ||
| Performance Studies | ||
| Theatre of Diversity | ||
| Acting for the Musical Theatre | ||
| Directing and Stage Management | ||
| Classical Acting | ||
| Theatre and Community | ||
| Special Topics in Theatre | ||
| 1 | Some upper division courses may have prerequisites |
Teaching Credential Requirements
Completing a Teaching Credential is not a requirement to complete the Liberal Studies major. Only grades of B- or higher in Professional Preparation courses satisfy requirements for teaching credentials.
Credential Option 1: Preliminary Multiple Subject
The Multiple Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach all subjects in a self-contained classroom, such as the classrooms in most K-6 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.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 377 | Development of the English Language | 3 |
| EDTE 300P | Diversity, Inclusion & Schooling | 3 |
| EDTE 310P | Educational Psychology | 3 |
| EDTE 311P | Equity & Advocacy in Educational Systems | 3 |
Methods Block
Must be completed before beginning Student Teaching; candidates must be admitted to the Credential Program.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDTE 301P | Methods for Language & Literacy | 3 |
| EDTE 302P | Elementary Methods I: Math & Science | 3 |
| EDTE 303P | Elementary Methods II: Humanities | 3 |
| EDTE 312P | Methods for English Learners | 3 |
Student Teaching Block
Courses taken concurrently.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 490P | Student Teaching for the Multiple Subject Credential (full-day, full-time assignment in K-12 school) | 9 |
| EDUC 490S | Student Teaching Seminar for Multiple Subject Credential | 3 |
Credential Option 2: Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential
The Education Specialist Instruction Credential for mild/moderate disabilities authorizes the holder to serve children, youth, and adults who have special learning or emotional needs. This credential may be used in K-12 resource rooms, special day classes, or alternative settings, and authorizes teachers to instruct individuals in grades K-12 and adults through age 22 with specific learning disabilities or health impairments.
In addition to the Foundations and Methods courses above, the Special Education credential requires:
Methods Block: Special Education Coursework
Must be completed before beginning Student Teaching; candidates must be admitted to the Credential Program.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDTE 313P | Positive Behavior Supports for Family, School, and Community Engagement | 3 |
| EDTE 317P | Assessment | 3 |
Student Teaching Block
Courses taken concurrently.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDSP 393S | Practicum Seminar for Individual Induction Plan IIP | 2 |
| EDSP 490P | Student Teaching Mild to Moderate Disabilities (Full day) | 6 |
| EDSP 490S | Student Teaching Mild to Moderate Disabilities Seminar | 1 |
Recommended Program of Study, Liberal Studies
| Freshman Year | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| Units | ||
| To complete the program of study (including a teaching credential) in 4 years, student must take 18 units per semester in 2-3 semesters or take courses in intersession and summer. | ||
| Please note that completing the teaching credential coursework is not a requirement for completion of the Liberal Studies major. They are included in the plan of study to indicate where they fit in the sequence. | ||
| Semester I | Hours | |
| LBST 100 | Foundations in Liberal Studies | 3 |
| FYW 150 | First Year Writing | 3 |
| CHEM 105 or PHYS 105 | Physical Sciences for K-8 Teachers Physical Sciences for K-8 Teachers | 3 |
| Core | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Semester II | Hours | |
| BIOL 116 or EOSC 116 | Earth and Life Science for Educators Earth and Life Science for Educators | 3 |
| MATH 115 | College Algebra | 3 |
| LANG 101 | 1st Semester Language | 3 |
| MUSC 200 | Comprehensive Musicianship for Educators | 3 |
| Core | ||
| Sophomore Year | ||
| Semester I | Hours | |
| THEA 155 | Theatre in Education | 3 |
| MATH 200 | Mathematical Concepts for Elementary Teachers I | 3 |
| LANG 102 | Second Semester Language | 3 |
| HIST 117 | U.S. History to 1877 | 3 |
| Core | 3 | |
| Apply to the Undergraduate Teaching Credential Program (SOLES) | ||
| Semester II | Hours | |
| ENGL 215 | Children's Literature | 3 |
| MATH 300 | Mathematical Concepts for Elementary Teachers II | 3 |
| LANG 201 | Third Semester Language | 3 |
| Concentration | 3 | |
| Core/Electives (2)1 | 3 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Semester I | Hours | |
| PHIL 341 | Ethics and Education | 3 |
| ARTV 350 | Art Fundamentals | 3 |
| EDTE 300P | Diversity, Inclusion & Schooling | 3 |
| EDTE 310P | Educational Psychology | 3 |
| Concentration | 3 | |
| Semester II | Hours | |
| ENGL 377 | Development of the English Language | 3 |
| EDTE 311P | Equity & Advocacy in Educational Systems | 3 |
| Core/Electives (2) | 3 | |
| Concentration | 3 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Semester I | Hours | |
| HIST 389 | History of California | 3 |
| EDTE 301P | Methods for Language & Literacy | 3 |
| EDTE 302P | Elementary Methods I: Math & Science | 3 |
| Concentration | 3 | |
| Core/Elective | 3 | |
| Start CSET Testing | ||
| Semester II | Hours | |
| LBST 495 | Senior Seminar in Liberal Studies | 3 |
| EDTE 303P | Elementary Methods II: Humanities | 3 |
| EDTE 312P | Methods for English Learners | 3 |
| Core/Electives (2) | 3 | |
| Complete CSET Testing | ||
| Senior Year 2 | ||
| Semester I | Hours | |
| Full time, full semester student teaching and seminar | ||
| EDUC 490P | Student Teaching for the Multiple Subject Credential | 9 |
| EDUC 490S | Student Teaching Seminar for Multiple Subject Credential | 3 |
| 1 | To avoid taking 18 units in a semester, students must take one or more intersession or summer courses. |
Recommended Program of Study, Combined BA/MEd Teacher Education Program (CTEP) - Elementary Education Pathway
Liberal Studies majors may elect the Combined BA/MEd Teacher Education Program (CTEP) pathway offered jointly with the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, in which students earn the Liberal Studies BA, a preliminary Multiple Subject and/or Special Education teaching credential, and an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction in as little as five years. For MEd program information and course descriptions, please refer to the section in the Graduate Course Catalog for SOLES, Department of Learning and Teaching. Students who are interested in the CTEP pathway should consult with the Liberal Studies program director during their junior year. Applications are due in Fall of Senior Year.
| Senior Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students follow the recommended plan of study grid above, with the following change to the Spring semester of their Senior year | ||
| Instead of the two core/elective courses:* | ||
| EDTE 317P | Assessment | 3 |
| EDTE 452P | Clinical Experience: Extended Practicum | 3 |
| * Students may apply these 6 units of coursework toward the requirements for both the BA and MEd degrees. | ||
Graduate Program - CTEP Elementary Education Pathway
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester I | Units | |
| In the Fall semester of the MEd program, students take: | ||
| EDTE 513P | Positive Behavior Supports for Family, School, and Community Engagement | 3 |
| EDTE 514 | Educational Research Methods | 3 |
| EDTE 553F | Clinical Experience 3: Student Teaching I | 3 |
| An additional EDUC or EDTE 5XX elective | 3 | |
| Semester II | Hours | |
| In the Spring semester of the MEd program, students take: | ||
| EDTE 515S | Capstone Seminar | 3 |
| EDTE 516 | Technology & Learning | 3 |
| EDTE 554F | Clinical Experience 4: Student Teaching II | 3 |
| An additional EDUC or EDTE 5XX elective | 3 | |
The SOLES MEd programs have a global experience requirement. For CTEP students, this may be met at the undergraduate or graduate level, as long as specific criteria are satisfied.
Students entering the University of San Diego and/or declaring a major during 2019-2020, should follow information contained in the printed course catalog (also known as the "catalog of record") published on April 1, 2019. Access the catalog of record at http://catalogs.sandiego.edu.
Core Attributes: Domestic Diversity level 1
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 the knowledge, dispositions, and performances required to be an effective teacher today. Other topics may include academic policies and procedures; parents and community involvement in education; the role of technology in the classroom; study skills and content specifications and standards. Additionally, this course has been designed so that participants with different interests can shape their own learning and maximize their own intellectual and educational interests.
Core Attributes: Advanced writing competency, Advanced Integration
Prerequisites: LBST 100
The Liberal Studies major culminates in the capstone course in which the student will meaningfully connect the concentration area to course work taken and complete a semester-long research project. This is an opportunity to participate in an in-depth intellectual examination of an area of personal and academic interest. 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 a research project that exemplifies an ability to integrate the area of concentration to examine a complex issue, problem, or phenomenon that in some way relates to their role as future teachers. One or more class presentations are typically required in addition to a substantial written work.
Liberal Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
Contact Us Email
Phone: (619) 260-2913
liberalstudies@sandiego.edu
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Shiley Center for Science and Technology 383B
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110