Students entering the University of San Diego and/or declaring a major during 2018-2019, should follow information contained in the printed course catalog (also known as the "catalog of record") published on May 1, 2018. 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 |
| Mathematical Competency | ||
| 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, fulfills Life Science core for Liberal Studies majors 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 1870 | 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 | ||
| Choose one of the following pairs of teaching credential foundation courses. | 6 | |
| For Multiple Subject (Elementary Education) interest: | ||
| Multicultural and Philosophical Foundations in a Global Society | ||
| Psychological Foundations of Education in a Diverse Society | ||
| Or for Special Education interest: | ||
| Healthy Environments and Inclusive Education in a Global Society | ||
| Collaboration with Families and Professionals | ||
| 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 | ||
| 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 are not intended to be required or exclusive. 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 | ||
| Race and Ethnicity in the American Experience | ||
| American Women in 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 | ||
| 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 | ||
| Christians, Muslims and Jews in Medieval Spain | ||
| The Global Renaissance | ||
| 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 | ||
| History of Spain | ||
| Select two upper division World History courses: | 6 | |
| 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 | ||
| The African Historical Experience | ||
| Topics in African History | ||
| 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 | |
| Computer Programming I | ||
| Investigations in Modern Mathematics | ||
| Calculus II | ||
| Logic for Mathematics and Computer Science (Also satisfies the general core logic requirement) | ||
| 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 | ||
| 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 | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Cross-Cultural Psychology | ||
| Stereotyping, Prejudice and Discrimination | ||
| Learning and Behavior | ||
| Cognitive Psychology | ||
| Biological Psychology | ||
| Behavior Disorders of Childhood | ||
| Social-Emotional Development | ||
| Spanish Language and Latin@ American Cultures Concentration | ||
Recommended for Bi-Lingual Authorization | ||
| SPAN 301 | Advanced Grammar and Composition | 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 | ||
| Theatre Concentration | ||
| THEA 205 | Technical Theatre with Lab | 4 |
| THEA 230 | Acting I | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Fundamentals of Theatrical Design | ||
| Acting II | ||
| Select one additional course from the following: 1 | 3 | |
| Fundamentals of Theatrical Design | ||
| Acting II | ||
| Costume Construction | ||
| Scenic Design | ||
| Costume Design | ||
| Voice and Speech | ||
| Movement for Actors | ||
| Theatre History | ||
| Playwriting | ||
| Contemporary Theatre | ||
| Theatre and Community | ||
| Classical Acting | ||
| Producing and Directing | ||
| Stage Management | ||
| 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 |
| EDUC 381C | Multicultural and Philosophical Foundations in a Global Society (~ 10 practicum hours) | 3 |
| EDUC 382 | Psychological Foundations of Education in a Diverse Society (~ 8 observation hours) | 3 |
Methods Block
Must be completed before beginning Student Teaching; candidates must be admitted to the Credential Program.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 383P | Methods of Teaching Reading and Language Arts in Elementary (50 hour practicum) | 3 |
| EDUC 384C | Methods of Teaching English Language and Academic Development in Crosscultural Contexts (20 hours) | 3 |
| EDUC 385P | Elementary Curriculum and Methods for Global Classrooms (50 hour practicum) | 6 |
| EDSP 389P | Healthy Environments and Inclusive Education in a Global Society | 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.
Prerequisite: Foundations Coursework
These courses may be taken before admission to the Credential Program.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 377 | Development of the English Language | 3 |
| EDSP 389P | Healthy Environments and Inclusive Education in a Global Society | 3 |
Foundations Block
Should try to complete before beginning Methods Block; may be taken before admission to the Credential Program.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDSP 373P | Collaboration with Families and Professionals | 3 |
Methods Block: Special Education Coursework
Must be completed before beginning Student Teaching; candidates must be admitted to the Credential Program.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDSP 370P | Assessment Identification to Transition Special Education | 3 |
| EDSP 371P | Positive Behavior and Instruction Management in SPED | 3 |
| EDSP 375P | Evidenced Based Inclusive Practices Mild/Moderate 5-22 | 1-3 |
| EDSP 393S | Practicum Seminar for Individual Induction Plan IIP | 2 |
Methods Block: General Education / Multiple Subject Content Coursework
Must be completed before beginning Student Teaching; candidates must be admitted to the Credential Program.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 375P | Inclusive Curricula for Learners 5-22 | 3 |
| EDUC 383P | Methods of Teaching Reading and Language Arts in Elementary ([50 hours field work]) | 3 |
| EDUC 384C | Methods of Teaching English Language and Academic Development in Crosscultural Contexts ([20 hours field work]) | 3 |
Student Teaching Block
Courses taken concurrently.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| 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 in 4 years, student must take 18 units per semester in 2-3 semesters or take courses in intersession and summer. | ||
| Semester I | Hours | |
| LBST 100 | Foundations in Liberal Studies (Fall only) | 3 |
| ENGL 121 | Composition and Literature | 3 |
| or CHEM 105 PHYS 105 | Physical Sciences for K-8 Teachers (Fall only) Physical Sciences for K-8 Teachers | 3 |
| PHIL LD elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Semester II | Hours | |
| or BIOL 116 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 |
| THRS LD elective | ||
| Meet with Undergraduate Credential Program Advisor in SOLES | ||
| Semester III (Summer) | Hours | |
| Take CBEST (required for admission to credential program) | ||
| Sophomore Year | ||
| Semester I | Hours | |
| THEA 155 | Theatre in Education | 3 |
| MATH 200 | Mathematical Concepts for Elementary Teachers I (Fall Only) | 3 |
| LANG 102 | Second Semester Language | 3 |
| HIST 117 | U.S. History to 1870 | 3 |
| Social Sciences Elective | 3 | |
| Apply to the SOLES Credential Program | ||
| Semester II | Hours | |
| ENGL 215 | Children's Literature | 3 |
| MATH 300 | Mathematical Concepts for Elementary Teachers II (Spring only) | 3 |
| LANG 201 | Third Semester Language | 3 |
| Concentration | 3 | |
| Electives (2)1 | 3 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Semester I | Hours | |
| PHIL 341 | Ethics and Education (Fall only) | 3 |
| ARTV 350 | Art Fundamentals (Fall only) | 3 |
| HIST 389 | History of California | 3 |
| EDUC 381C | Multicultural and Philosophical Foundations in a Global Society | 3 |
| Concentration | 3 | |
| Semester II | Hours | |
| ENGL 377 | Development of the English Language | 3 |
| EDUC 382 | Psychological Foundations of Education in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| EDSP 389P | Healthy Environments and Inclusive Education in a Global Society | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Concentration | 3 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Semester I | Hours | |
| ENGL 304W | Advanced Composition | 3 |
| EDUC 385P | Elementary Curriculum and Methods for Global Classrooms | 6 |
| Concentration | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Start CSET Testing | ||
| Semester II | Hours | |
| LBST 400 | Senior Seminar in Liberal Studies | 3 |
| EDUC 383P | Methods of Teaching Reading and Language Arts in Elementary | 3 |
| EDUC 384C | Methods of Teaching English Language and Academic Development in Crosscultural Contexts | 3 |
| THRS UD elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 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. |
Students entering the University of San Diego and/or declaring a major during 2016-2017, should follow information contained in the printed course catalog (also known as the "catalog of record") published on October 1, 2016. Access the catalog of record at http://catalogs.sandiego.edu.
LBST 100 | FOUNDATIONS IN LIBERAL STUDIES
Units: 3 Repeatability: No
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.
Core Attributes: Advanced writing competency
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
mariloualcantar@sandiego.edu
Visit Campus Map
Camino Hall 161
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110