LIBERAL STUDIES
College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Liberal Studies program is an interdisciplinary major, which encompasses a wide variety of areas of knowledge in a multidisciplinary curriculum. The program provides a broad academic program that encourages academic excellence, diversity, community, and collaboration. There are two tracks in the Liberal Studies Program, the traditional program, and the nontraditional program. The traditional program is a multidisciplinary major designed for students who intend to become K-8 or special education teachers in California, and it has been approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Its purpose is to provide beginning teachers with a strong grounding in the wide ranging subject matter that will be needed to be effective teachers. The nontraditional program is designed for students who are interested in a multidisciplinary major, but who do not necessarily plan to become teachers.
The largest portion of the major compromises the core section, with courses in reading, language and literature, mathematics, natural science, history and social sciences, visual and performing arts, physical education, human development, and health. In addition, the traditional program requires a concentration: a 12 unit area of focus in which the student can develop knowledge in a discipline of special interest. The nontraditional program requires a minor.
Advisors meet at least once each semester with students to provide a hands-on approach to learning. The Liberal Studies major is also an excellent preparation for careers in public service, management, counseling, law, librarianship, medicine, and professional or graduate education in business.
The Liberal Studies major is a complex program requiring early and continuing contact with an advisor. Students must complete 120 units and meet the University foreign language requirement in order to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. Students are urged to obtain advice as early as possible to avoid delays in the completion of these requirements. The Liberal Studies program director and faculty and staff advisors are located in Lassen Hall 2008, (916) 278-6342. Early planning is also strongly advised to prepare students to apply to the professional education program. Details about multiple subject credential programs and regular information sessions are provided by the Teacher Preparation and Credentials Office in Eureka Hall 216, (916) 278-6403.
Concentrations
- Linguistics/Composition / Foreign Language / Literature / Mathematics / Natural Science / World History / U.S. History / American Studies / California Studies / Multicultural Studies / Art / Theatre / Music / Physical Education / Human Development
Special Features
- A Blended Elementary Teacher Education Program (BETEP) is offered jointly by Liberal Studies and the Department of Teacher Education for students who have made a decision as they enter the University to become K-8 teachers. This program, designed so that it can be completed in four and one-half years, blends together the coursework from the various subject matter areas in Liberal Studies with the education courses and student teaching required for a credential. Successful completion of all requirements will culminate in a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and a preliminary (Level 1) Multiple Subject Credential. A transfer blended program option with area community colleges has been developed among CSU campuses across the state.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM
Requirements - Bachelor of Arts Degree
Units required for Major: 100-103
Minimum total units required for BA: 120
A minimum grade of "C-" is required in all courses applied to the Liberal
Studies major.
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
A. Core Requirements for traditional program (88-91 units)
Reading, Language and Literature (18-21 units)
(3) |
The Communication Experience |
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(3) |
College Composition (EPT score of 148+ or above, or completion of ENGL 1) |
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(3) |
Structure of English (ENGL 1A or equivalent) |
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(3) |
College Composition II (Completion of ENGL 1A or ENGL 2 or equivalent with a C- or better; sophomore standing; must have completed 30 units prior to registration) |
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(3) |
Studies in Applied Linguistics (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 70+, or at least a C- in ENGL 109M/W) |
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(3) |
Children's Literary Classics (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 70+, or at least a C- in ENGL 109M/W) |
*Course to meet critical thinking requirement. See advisor for specific options.
Mathematics (9 units)(3) |
An Introduction to Exploration, Conjecture and Proof in Mathematics (MATH 9 or three years of high school mathematics which includes two years of algebra and one year of geometry; completion of ELM requirement and the Intermediate Algebra Diagnostic Test) |
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(3) |
Fundamental Mathematical Concepts (MATH 17 and passing score on the Intermediate Algebra Diagnostic Test) |
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(3) |
Fundamental Mathematical Concepts (MATH 107A) |
Note: Students who complete a mathematics concentration may substitute MATH 30, MATH 31, and MATH 35 for the above requirements. In addition, there are other ways of completing a concentration in mathematics. For further information on a concentration in mathematics, please consult the mathematics advisor in Liberal Studies.
Natural Science (15 units)| (4) | Introduction to the Science of Biology |
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(3) |
Chemical Concepts (GEOL 8 or BIO 7, ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course) |
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(3) |
Earth Science |
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(1) |
Earth Science Lab for Teachers (GEOL 8; may be taken concurrently) |
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(4) |
Conceptual Physics and Scientific Inquiry (BIO 7, CHEM 106, GEOL 8, MATH 17) |
(3) |
Themes in World Geography |
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(3) |
Essentials of Government |
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(3) |
United States History, 1607-1877 |
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(3) |
World Civilizations, Beginnings to 1600 |
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(3) |
Topics in World History (HIST 50) |
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(3) |
Topics in U.S. History, 1600-1900 (HIST 17A) OR |
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Introduction to the United States Economy |
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(3) |
California Studies (GOVT 1 or equivalent) |
(3) |
Understanding and Creating Art (Upper division status; declared major in Child Development, Liberal Studies, or Blended Liberal Studies) |
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(3) |
Experiences in Music |
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| (3) | Children's Theatre |
(3) |
Movement Education |
(2) |
School Health Education (CPR training; may be taken concurrently) |
(3) |
Child and Adolescent Development |
(3) |
American Space and Identity OR |
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(3) |
Elementary Mathematics and the Learning Process (MATH 17, MATH 107A, MATH 107B and CHDV 30 or CHDV 35) |
| (2) | Human Development and Elementary Field Experience (Corequisite: CHDV 35; may be taken concurrently) |
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(3) Select one of the following: |
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Cooperative Education Experience (Approval of Department Chair) |
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Tutoring Children in Mathematics (Corequisite: EDTE 101B) AND |
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Tutoring Children in Mathematics: Practicum (Corequisite: EDTE 101A) |
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Tutoring Children in Reading (Corequisite: EDTE 103B) AND |
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| EDTE 103B | Tutoring Children in Reading Practicum (Corequisite: EDTE 103A) | |
The Core Requirements for the nontraditional program are similar to the Core Requirements for the traditional program except there are a number of substitutions that can be made. Please see an advisor for more information.
Summative Assessment Requirement (0 units)
In compliance with California Commission on Teacher Credentialing standards, in order to receive subject matter competency certification, students who complete the Liberal Studies major must pass the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET).
Note: Students will need to meet the foreign language graduation requirement in effect as per their catalog year.
B. Requirements for Concentrations (for traditional program)
Note: Students who are following the nontraditional program will complete a minor instead of a concentration. Please talk to an advisor for more information.
All concentrations require a minimum of 12 units, 3 of which may overlap with the core course requirements (except for concentration in multicultural studies). Students who wish to complete requirements for a supplementary authorization in any CCTC-approved discipline, which allows them to teach that subject in grades K-9, should see an advisor for important information.
Select one of the following concentrations:
Linguistics/Composition(3) |
Studies in Applied Linguistics (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 70+, or at least a C- in ENGL 109M/W) |
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(9) Select three of the following: |
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Traditional Grammar and Standard Usage |
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Second Language Learning and Teaching |
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English Grammar for ESL Teachers |
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Advanced Composition (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 70+, or at least a C- in ENGL 109M/W) |
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Writing and the Young Writer (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 70+, or at least a C- in ENGL 109M/W) |
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Literature
(3) |
Children's Literary Classics (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 70+, or at least a C- in ENGL 109M/W) |
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(3) Select one of the following: |
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Introduction to American Literature I |
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Early American Literature |
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American Romanticism (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or C or higher grade in ENGL 109M/W, or C- grade in ENGL 109M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X co-requisite) |
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(3) Select one from each of the following series: |
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ENGL 165 series course |
Literature of the English Speaking World |
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ENGL 180 series course |
Studies in the Literature of Ethnic Minorities |
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(3) Select one from the following series: |
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ENGL 170 series course |
Studies in Literary Genres and Modes |
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Foreign Language
Complete the minor requirements in a foreign language.
(3) |
U.S. History, 1607-1877 |
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(3) |
U.S. History, 1877-Present |
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(3) |
Introduction to Historical Skills |
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(3) Select one of the following: |
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Colonial America |
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The Age of the American Revolution |
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Young Republic, 1790-1840 |
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Civil War and Reconstruction, 1840-1890 |
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20th Century U.S., 1890-1940 |
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California History, 1542-1860 |
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(3) |
World Civilizations: Beginnings to 1600 |
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(3) |
World Civilizations: 1600-Present |
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(3) |
Introduction to Historical Skills |
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(3) Select one of the following: |
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The Ancient Near East: A Cultural History (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or C or higher grade in ENGL 109M/W, or C- grade in ENGL 109M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X co-requisite) |
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Ancient Greece |
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Ancient Rome |
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Early Medieval Europe |
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Europe in the High Middle Ages |
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The Renaissance and Reformation in Europe |
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Europe, 1648-1815, The Age of Revolution |
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History of Women in Western Civilization: Prehistory-Middle Ages (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or C or higher grade in ENGL 109M/W, or C- grade in ENGL 109M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X co-requisite) |
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Evolution of Christianity to the Reformation |
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Middle Eastern History to 1800 |
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| HIST 148A | China: Antiquity to 1600 AD | |
California Studies
(3) |
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California |
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(3) |
California State and Local Government |
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(3) |
California Studies (GOVT 1 or equivalent) |
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(3) Select one of the following: |
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California History, 1542-1860 |
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California History, 1860-1970 |
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Ethnic Minorities in California History |
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(3) |
Multicultural America |
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(3) |
American Space and Identity |
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(3) |
Images of America (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or C or higher grade in ENGL 109M/W, or C- grade in ENGL 109M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X co-requisite) | |
(3) Select one of the following: |
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The American Vision |
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Social History of the U.S. |
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Popular Culture |
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History of American Women |
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Hollywood and America |
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American West |
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| HRS 185 | Women in Film and American Culture | |
Multicultural Studies (There is no overlap with core course requirements in this concentration.)
(3) |
Bilingual Education: Introduction to Educating English Learners |
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(3) |
Introduction to Ethnic Studies OR |
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Ethnic America (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or C or higher grade in ENGL 109M/W, or C- grade in ENGL 109M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X co-requisite) |
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(6) Select two from any of the following categories or one from each of two categories:* |
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| Chicano/Latino Emphasis | ||
Culture and Personality of the Chicano Child |
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Introduction to Chicano/Latino Studies |
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Chicano/Mexican-American Experience |
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La Raza Studies |
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La Mujer Chicana |
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Mexican-American History |
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| Asian American Emphasis | ||
The Asian American Experience |
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Southeast Asians in the U.S. |
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| African American Emphasis | ||
Pan African Studies |
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| HIST 177 | The African American Experience, 1603-Present | |
Native American Emphasis |
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Native American Experience |
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| HIST 171 | American Indian Ethnohistory | |
Women's Studies Emphasis |
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History of American Women |
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Introduction to Women's Studies |
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Gender, Race and Class (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or C or higher grade in ENGL 109M/W, or C- grade in ENGL 109M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X co-requisite) |
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Women of Color |
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Note: If planning to pursue a multiple subject credential with a Bilingual Emphasis (BCLAD) in Spanish or Asian languages, students must take two courses from Chicano/Latino Emphasis or Asian American Emphasis, respectively.
Mathematics(3) |
Number Theory (MATH 31) |
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(3) |
Elementary Mathematics and the Learning Process (MATH 17, MATH 107A, MATH 107B and CHDV 30 or CHDV 35) |
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(3) |
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(3) |
History of Mathematics (MATH 31 and upper division standing in mathematics) |
Note: The courses given above are one path for completing a mathematics concentration. There are other ways of completing a mathematics concentration - please consult the mathematics advisor in Liberal Studies for more information.
Natural Science(3) |
Chemical Concepts (GEOL 8 or BIO 7, ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course) |
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(9) Select three of the following: |
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Primate Behavior |
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Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology (One year of high school geometry or instructor permission) |
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Stars, Galaxies and Cosmology (ASTR 4A, ASTR 4B, or ASTR 4C; GWAR certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or C or higher grade in ENGL 109M/W), or C- grade in ENGL 109M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X corequisite) |
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The Natural History of Plants (A college course in biology or instructor permission) |
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Plants and Civilization (BIO 10 or equivalent) |
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Genetics: From Mendel to Molecules |
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Introduction to General Chemistry (One year high school algebra) |
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Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry (CHEM 1A or CHEM 6A or a high school chemistry course and passing a qualifying exam given in the first laboratory period) |
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Elements of Meteorology (GEOG 1 or instructor permission) |
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Climate (Knowledge of general world distribution of climatic elements as given in an introductory physical geography course) |
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Geology of California (GEOL 10 or equivalent) |
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Oceanography |
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History of the Physical Sciences |
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Science and Pseudoscience |
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Musical Acoustics: Science and Sound |
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| Art | ||||||||||||||||||||
(3) |
Art in the Western World: From Stone Age to End of Middle Ages OR |
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Art in the Western World: From Renaissance to Present | ||||||||||||||||||||
(3) |
Understanding and Creating Art (Upper division status; declared major in Child Development, Liberal Studies, or Blended Liberal Studies) |
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(3) |
Art for Exceptional Children |
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(3) Select one of the following: |
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Beginning Drawing |
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Beginning Hand-Built Ceramics |
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Two-Dimensional Composition |
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Form, Space and Vision |
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Beginning Sculpture |
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| ART 148 | Barrio Art for Ethnic Groups | |||||||||||||||||||
Music
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(3) |
Introduction to Theatre OR |
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Appreciation of Acting |
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(3) |
Puppetry OR |
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Multicultural Puppetry |
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(3) |
Children's Theatre |
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| Physical Education | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fundamental and Creative Movement Skills (6 units) |
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(3) |
Teaching Strategies in Physical Education (Prerequisite or co-requisite to all KINS 140 series classes) |
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(3) |
Movement Education |
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| Human Movement, Motor Development and/or Motor Learning (3 Units) | ||||||||||||||||||||
(3) Select one from the following: |
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Exercise and Sport Physiology |
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Perceptual Motor Development |
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Introduction to Adapted Physical Education (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or C or higher grade in ENGL 109M/W or (C- grade in ENGL 109M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X) |
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| Team Sport (2 Units) | ||||||||||||||||||||
(2) Select one from the following: |
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Analysis of Field Sports (Corequisite: KINS 138) |
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Analysis of Team Passing (Corequisite: KINS 138) |
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| Individual, Dual, Nontraditional, Global Sport and Games (1-2 Units) | ||||||||||||||||||||
(1-2) Select one from the following: |
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Analysis of Net Games (KINS 138) |
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Analysis of Aquatics (KINS 138) |
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Analysis of Self Defense (KINS 138 and instructor permission) |
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Analysis of Nontraditional Games and Outdoor Activities (KINS 138) |
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Analysis of Health-Related Fitness (KINS 138) |
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Students must complete the above classes for this concentration. A total of 10 upper division units (one in each category) must be completed for the supplemental authorization credential for Physical Education. (This allows teachers to teach physical education in grades K-9.) A grade of "C" or higher is required in every course to meet this requirement for a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing approved Supplementary Authorization (if still available). Human Development |
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(3) |
Child and Adolescent Development |
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(3) |
Research in Human Development (CHDV 30 or CHDV 35 and completion of 45 total units of credit) |
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(3) |
Developmental Experiences; Methods and Curriculum (CHDV 30 or CHDV 35 and CHDV 123; CHDV 123 may be taken concurrently) |
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(3) Select one of the following: |
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Cross-Cultural Child Development (CHDV 30 or CHDV 35 and CHDV 133; CHDV 133 may be taken concurrently) |
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The Family and Social Issues |
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Family Stress and Coping: Multicultural Focus (FACS 50 or equivalent with instructor permission; and GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or C or higher grade in ENGL 109M/W, or C- grade in ENGL 109M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X co-requisite) |
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Changing American Family |
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Note: Students who are following the nontraditional program will complete a minor instead of a concentration. Please talk to an advisor for more information.
Career Possibilities
The traditional program of the Liberal Studies major is specifically designed to prepare students in the multiple disciplines that teachers in the kindergarten through middle school grades must have studied. The nontraditional program of the Liberal Studies major is recommended as a general major for those who wish to pursue a variety of career fields (including teaching).
Faculty and Staff Advisors
Adam Rechs, Biological Sciences; Susan Wanlass, English; Kristen Anderegg, Liberal Studies; Gary Shannon, Mathematics and Statistics
Contact Information
Lindy Valdez, Program Director
Deborah James, Administrative Support Coordinator
Lassen Hall 2008
(916) 278-6342
www.csus.edu/libs
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