The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 120 units

See Bachelor's Degree Requirements in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 39 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. You can view MAPs on the Degree MAPs page in the University Catalog or you can request a plan from your major advisor.

General Education Pathway Requirements: 48 units

See General Education in the University Catalog and the Class Schedule for most current information on General Education Pathway Requirements and course offerings.

This major has approved GE modifications. See below for information on how to apply these modifications.

SCED 141 is an approved major course substitution for Physical Sciences (B1).
SCED 142 is an approved major course substitution for Life Sciences (B2).
SCED 343 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Natural Sciences.
ENGL 341 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Arts/Humanities.
SOSC 302 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Social Sciences.

Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units

See Diversity Requirements in the University Catalog. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education .

For Liberal Studies majors these requirements are met by successful completion of HIST 101 and SOSC 302.

Upper-Division Writing Requirement:

Writing Across the Curriculum (Executive Memorandum 17-009) is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of four Writing (W) courses, two of which are designated by the major department. See Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog for more details on the four courses. The first of the major designated Writing (W) courses is listed below.

Any upper-division Writing (W) course.

The second major-designated Writing course is the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GW) (Executive Order 665). Students must earn a C- or higher to receive GW credit. The GE Written Communication (A2) requirement must be completed before a student is permitted to register for a GW course.

Grading Requirement:

All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.

The University requires a grade of C- or higher in CMST 131, CMST 132, ENGL 130, ENGL 333W, MATH 110, MATH 210, and PHIL 102 or approved equivalents for graduation.

Course Requirements for the Major: 63-100 units

Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree. Additional required courses, depending upon the selected option are outlined following the major core program requirements.

Major Core Program: 63 units

21 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
ARTE 493	Development of Children's Art (P-8)	3.0	FS
Prerequisite: Minimum sophomore standing or faculty permission. An exploration of art-making skills; developing creative, standards-based art lessons and units; and enhancing understanding of theory, history and practice in art education Pre-Kindegarten (P) through Eighth (8) grade levels. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (000803)
EDTE 265	Exploration of Teaching and Learning in Diverse K-12 Settings	3.0	FS
This course provides emerging teachers access to acquire planned, structured observations and experiences in K-12 public school classrooms. Placements are made in selected schools and classrooms that demonstrate exemplary practice as described in the California Standards for the Teaching Profession and represent California's diverse student population. Additionally, class dialogue/discussion sessions support emerging teachers toward making connections between subject matter courses, personal, social and emotional growth, and K-12 schooling experiences. Potential teachers are encouraged to begin introductory school experiences as early as possible in the subject matter program. 3 hours lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (021892)
EDTE 302	Access and Equity in Education	3.0	FS
Prospective teachers examine socio-political issues of education relative to current demographics of California schools, integration of multicultural education, and promotion of social justice. Candidates identify, analyze, and minimize personal and institutional bias and explore the complexities of living and teaching in a pluralistic, multicultural society. Candidates identify barriers English Learners experience in becoming full participants in the school program and strategies for assisting students in overcoming these barriers. 3 hours lecture. (002977)
EDTE 490	Liberal Studies Capstone	3.0	FS
Prerequisite: EDTE 302. In this course, emerging teachers understand and utilize research approaches and related methodologies to study educational practices, curriculum, and policies. They become transformational intellectual leaders who identify anti-oppressive institutional practices and have the knowledge, skills and abilities to propose or lead change toward social and ecological justice. 3 hours discussion. Formerly LBST 490. (021913)
ENGL 333W	Advanced Composition for Future Teachers (W)	3.0	FS	GW W
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Written Communication (A2) requirement. Advanced practice in writing and in using writing in the classroom for single- and multiple-subject credential candidates. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (003436)
ENGL 341	Reading Literature for Future Teachers	3.0	FS
Prerequisite: ENGL 333W strongly recommended. Basic concepts involved in the study of literature, interpretation and criticism of literary works, and suggestions for helping others understand and appreciate literature. Required of multiple-subject credential candidates. 3 hours lecture. (003433)
ENGL 471	Intensive Theory and Practice of Second Language Acquisition	3.0	FS
An intensive introduction to the theory and practice of second language acquisition and teaching. 3 hours lecture. (020485)
HIST 101	World History to 1400	3.0	FS	GE GC
Examination of the political, economic, religious, and social structures of ancient and medieval world history. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (004492)
HIST 313	Early Modern History	3.0	FS
A survey of European history from the Renaissance through the Age of Revolution. This course prepares students for 400-level courses in European history by introducing the social, cultural, and political history of the period, with special emphasis placed upon the Renaissance, Reformation, Scientific Revolution, and Enlightenment. It also prepares students for careers in education by incorporating historical analysis skills required in K-12 classrooms. 3 hours lecture. (021308)
KINE 302	Foundations of Childhood Physical Education	3.0	FS
This course is designed to present a knowledge base of physical education that includes the analysis of movement skills and movement patterns, physical fitness, and how physical education is inherently linked to health and wellness. Also studied in this course will be children's motor development and how emotional, cognitive, and social growth characteristics influence motor development. 3 hours lecture. (006877)
MATH 110	Concepts and Structures of Mathematics	3.0	FS	GE
Prerequisite: GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Ready. Structure of the real number system, operations on real numbers, number theory. Not acceptable for a mathematics major or minor. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (005522)
MATH 210	Concepts and Structures of Mathematics	3.0	FS
Prerequisite: MATH 110. Problem-solving, probability and statistics, measurement and the metric system, geometry. Not acceptable for a mathematics major or minor. 3 hours discussion. (005523)
MATH 310	Patterns and Structures in Mathematics	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: MATH 110; MATH 210 or MATH 225. Builds upon student's understanding of numbers and operations to develop their algebraic and proportional reasoning. Probability viewed as an application of proportional reasoning. Foundational statistics is also covered. Overall focus on developing a deep understanding of mathematics that is relevant to the teaching of Kindergarten-8th grade. Not acceptable for a mathematics major or minor except the Foundational Math Education option and Math Education minor. 3 hours discussion. (005542)
MUSC 326	Music for Children	3.0	FS
Analysis of sequential concepts necessary for understanding the structural elements of music. Development of skills needed to promote musicality in children. 3 hours discussion. (006136)
PSYC 414	Psychology of Teaching	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: A course in developmental psychology, faculty permission. Applications of principles of the psychology of human learning and development and counseling to educational practice. Prospective teachers analyze their motivations, personal value systems, role conceptualizations, and self-attitudes in relation to demands of the teaching profession. Concepts of emotional, social, and cognitive development as well as of childhood learning and motivation are applied to development of learning experiences for elementary school children. Enrollment is restricted to second-semester juniors, seniors, and graduates. 3 hours seminar. (007900)
SCED 141	Concepts in the Physical Sciences	3.0	FS
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of MATH 110 recommended. Basic concepts of motion, force, energy, chemical change, and their interactions. Intended for Liberal Studies majors. 1 hour lecture, 4 hours activity. (004132)
SCED 142	Concepts in Life Science	3.0	FS
Prerequisite: SCED141 or faculty permission. Study of the nature and interactions of living things on the planet. Includes cell organization; diversity and physiology of plants and animals; DNA and genetics; ecology; and evolution. Intended for Liberal Studies majors or others interested in K-8 teaching. 1 hour lecture, 4 hours activity. (020915)
SCED 342	Concepts in Earth and Space Science	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: SCED 141, SCED 142, or faculty permission. Fundamental concepts in (1) the solar system and the universe, (2) the structure and composition of the solid Earth, and (3) Earth's atmosphere and water. Intended for Liberal Studies majors and students pursuing a single subject teaching credential in science. 1 hour lecture, 4 hours activity. (004144)
SCED 343	Concepts in Environmental Sciences	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: SCED 141, SCED 142, or faculty permission. A course designed to introduce basic principles and concepts in environmental science. Field investigations in the local environment provide a natural setting for scientific inquiry and student research on environmental processes and conditions that shape the local landscape. Intended for Liberal Studies majors and students pursuing a single subject teaching credential in science. 1 hour lecture, 4 hours activity. (020916)
SOSC 302	Temporal Concepts: California Ethnic History	3.0	FS	USD
This course focuses on the immigration and subsequent history of California's different ethnic groups. It explores their interactions and the effects on the social, political, and economic development of the state. The course is required for Liberal Studies majors. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved US Diversity course. (009060)
THEA 311	Children's Lit in Performance	3.0	FS
Development of the skills for effective dramatization of literature in the elementary classroom or children's theatre, including creative dramatics, storytelling, oral interpretation and group readings. 3 hours discussion. (009224)

Major Option Course Requirements: 23-37 units

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required dependent upon the option chosen. Students must select one of the following options for completion of the major course requirements. Use the links below to jump to your chosen option.

General Option
Bilingual/Cross-Cultural Option
Multiple Subjects Credential Option
Liberal Arts Option

General Option:

The Liberal Studies program of required major core courses combined with general education fulfills all of the requirements for establishing subject matter competency for the Elementary Subject Matter Standards. These standards have been established by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing as preparation to enter a credential program or take credential courses. The BA degree requires 120 units for graduation. Students may use electives to complete a minor or another major or study abroad. Students who want to teach in K-8 elementary schools should apply in their senior year to the School of Education Multiple Subjects Credential Program in order to complete a year-long set of courses and student teaching in order to receive a Multiple Subjects Credential.

Online Degree Completion

Students may also complete the major core courses online to complete their degree. Students who select this option must live outside of the city of Chico. This is a degree completion program where lower division pre-approved equivalent courses are taken at community colleges or other four-year institutions. Students in this option who plan to apply to one of the on-campus CSU, Chico credential programs, must make sure they have completed the required prerequisites. Online student are encouraged to contact an advisor early to have equivalents approved. Some online courses are only offered once a year. Student must contact their advisor each semester for mandatory advising.

Return to Major Core Course Requirements

Bilingual/Cross-Cultural Option: 23 units

This option requires students to complete the major core course requirements and also complete 23 units of language and culture units listed below. Students in this option need to complete 120 units total to graduate. It is recommended students visit the School of Education web page to find any credential prerequisite courses required to apply for the credential program. Students planning to complete a credential typically use EDTE 450, EDTE 570, and SPED 343, credential program prerequisite courses, as electives.

Language and Culture Courses: 23 units

5 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
BLMC 319	Bilingual Teaching Competence: Language	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: SPAN 301 or equivalent, faculty permission. This course is taught entirely in Spanish. It is designed to develop bilingual teacher competence in the area of language. The primary goals are to develop language skill in content areas such as mathematics, science, and social studies, and to enhance the language proficiency of bilingual teachers in communication with parents, faculty, and staff. This course will also focus on teaching methodology in each of the content areas. 3 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (001410)
SPAN 201	Third-Semester Spanish	4.0	FS	GE
Prerequisite: SPAN 102 or equivalent. Reviewing and expanding of language skills and cultural concepts introduced in SPAN 101 and SPAN 102. This course includes composition and reading. 3 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This is an approved General Education course. (009121)
SPAN 202	Fourth-Semester Spanish	4.0	FS	GE
Prerequisite: SPAN 201 or equivalent. Reviewing and expanding of language skills and cultural concepts introduced in SPAN 101, SPAN 102, and SPAN 201. This course includes composition and reading. 3 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This is an approved General Education course. (009120)
SPAN 301	Grammar and Composition	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: SPAN 202 or equivalent. May be taken concurrently with SPAN 321 and/or SPAN 303. Intensive review of grammar and its application in composition. This course or its equivalent is a prerequisite for all other upper-division courses. Required of all majors and minors. 3 hours discussion. (009137)
SPAN 303	Advanced Oral Expression	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: SPAN 202 or equivalent. May be taken concurrently with SPAN 301 and/or SPAN 321. This course offers intensive practice in the spoken language at an advanced level of proficiency, particularly in more formal registers. Students participate in guided conversations and discussions, but the focus is on public discourse, such as debates and speeches. Special emphasis is placed on enrichment of vocabulary and development of rhetorical strategies. 3 hours discussion. (009153)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
CHLX 358	Latinx in Contemporary Society and Social Justice	3.0	FA	USD
This course is also offered as SOCI 358. This course examines the identities and experiences of Latinx in contemporary society. From identity politics, to immigration policy, to the complex intersections of race, class, gender & sexuality, the broad spectrum of today¿s most pressing issues are investigated. Emerging or changing situations, events, and/or issues may be integrated into the class in any given semester. Latinx groups examined include heritage from throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved US Diversity course. Formerly CHST 358. (001980)
HIST 135	Mexican Heritage in the United States	3.0	FS	GE USD
This course is also offered as CHLX 135. Study of the Mexican-American subculture in the United States after 1848: historical background, migration, cultural patterns, folklore, economic and political objectives. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (001974)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
LAST 110	Introduction to Latin American Studies	3.0	FS	GE GC
A survey of the history, geography, culture, and society of Latin America. This course is designed to provide students who are majoring in Latin American Studies, as well as General Education students, with an initial orientation in the study of Latin America on an interdisciplinary basis. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (015750)
SPAN 332	Latin American Culture and Civilization	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: SPAN 301 or faculty permission. A survey of the cultural, social, economic, and political heritage of Latin America and its evolution into contemporary Latin American society. 3 hours discussion. (009155)

Return to Major Core Course Requirements

Multiple Subjects Credential (ITEP) Option: 37 units

This option is for students who want to graduate with both a BA in Liberal Studies and a Multiple Subjects K-8 teaching credential. It is possible to complete this program in four years by taking a minimum of 15 units per semester. The program requires students to take the major core courses and complete the 37 units listed below. EDTE 525 Teaching Practicum I and EDTE 529 Teaching Practicum II require students to teach in a public school where they are placed by the School of Education. Students are advised that during student teaching it is very difficult to hold a part-time job. Application to the School of Education Multiple Subjects Credential program is required. Students are required to attend mandatory Liberal Studies advising for information related to application and enrollment procedures. After successful completion of the courses listed below and student teaching, graduates hold a BA in Liberal Studies and a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential.

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
EDTE 450	Health Education for Elementary School Teachers	1.0	FS
Addresses major health issues affecting the child, including, but not limited to, health promotion and disease prevention, nutrition, substance use and abuse, and sexuality. Overview of health instruction framework for California public schools. Fulfills the state health education requirement for a preliminary teaching credential. 1 hour discussion. (004393)
EDTE 523B	Curriculum Theory and Practice: Science	2.0	FS
This course examines the principles and practices of elementary school instruction in science within in the context of democratic classroom practice. It includes application of national and state standards to planning curriculum and assessment, as well as selection and implementation of appropriate instructional strategies, resources, materials, and electronic teaching technologies to meet the educational needs of diverse student populations. 2 hours lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units. ABC/no credit grading. (020714)
EDTE 524A	Curriculum Theory and Practice: Social Studies	2.0	FS
This course examines the principles and practices for elementary school instruction in social studies within the context of democratic classroom practice. It includes application of national and state standards to planning curriculum and assessment, as well as selection and implementation of appropriate instructional strategies, resources, materials, and electronic teaching technologies to meet the educational needs of diverse student populations. 2 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units. ABC/no credit grading. (002922)
EDTE 524B	Curriculum Theory and Practice: Arts	2.0	FS
This course examines the principles and practices of elementary school instruction in the arts (dance, music, visual art, and theatre) within the context of democratic classroom practice. It includes application of national and state standards to planning curriculum and assessment, as well as selection and implementation of appropriate instructional strategies, resources, materials, and electronic teaching technologies to meet the educational needs of diverse student populations. 2 hours lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units. ABC/no credit grading. (020715)
EDTE 525	Teaching Practicum I	6.0	FS
Prerequisites: Admission to the Department of Education Multiple Subject Program and completion of Block One courses. This first of two teaching practica provides a developmental sequence of carefully planned substantive, supervised field experiences in the K-8 classroom, including opportunities to observe and apply democratic practices. Teacher candidate placements are determined through a collaborative effort of the University and colleagues in cooperating K-8 schools. This is a Multiple Subject Program course and is not applicable to a master's degree. 18 hours supervision. Credit/no credit grading. (020010)
EDTE 529	Teaching Practicum II	6.0 -9.0	FS
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Practicum I (EDTE 525). This second course in teaching practica continues the sequence of carefully planned substantive, supervised field experiences in the K-8 classroom. Teacher candidate placements are determined through a collaborative effort of the University and colleagues in cooperating K-8 schools. This is a Multiple Subject Program course and is not applicable to a master's degree. Credit/no credit grading. (002924)
EDTE 660A	Teaching English Learners I	1.0	FS
Prerequisite: Conditional admission to Professional Preparation Program. This course prepares candidates to develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to teach in a diverse classroom setting. The candidates develop a conceptual framework for the learning and teaching of English Learners. Prospective K-12 teachers study pedagogical theories, principles, and practices for English Language acquisition and development. The effects of prior knowledge and culture on reading and writing are explored. Reading and writing strategies to promote students¿ access to and achievement in the academic content standards are addressed. Candidates utilize assessment information to diagnose students¿ language abilities and to design lessons that foster receptive and productive language processes. This course embeds the latest education research with practical application in a school setting. 1 hour lecture. (021099)
EDTE 660B	Teaching English Learners II	1.0	FS
Prerequisite: EDTE 660A. This course prepares candidates to develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to teach in a diverse classroom setting. The candidates develop a conceptual framework for the learning and teaching of English Learners. Prospective K-12 teachers study pedagogical theories, principles, and practices for English Language acquisition and development. The effects of prior knowledge and culture on reading and writing are explored. Reading and writing strategies to promote students¿ access to and achievement in the academic content standards are addressed. Candidates will utilize assessment information to diagnose students¿ language abilities and to design lessons that foster receptive and productive language processes. This course embeds the latest education research with practical application in a school setting. This course builds on concepts learned in EDTE 660A. 1 hour lecture. (021098)
EDTE 672	Teaching Reading in Bilingual and/or General Education Classrooms	4.0	FA
Prerequisites: Admission to a Professional Education Program. This course provides substantive, research-based instruction that builds the theoretical and practical knowledge base of K - 12 literacy development. This enables candidates to deliver an effective and comprehensive program of instruction in reading/language arts in English and the students primary language which is aligned with the California English Language Arts and English Language Development Framework. Candidates examine the relationship among language development, literacy level in the primary (L1) and target language (L2), as well as the transfer of skills between L1 and L2. Selection and/or adaptation of appropriate strategies and materials for Emergent Bilinguals are modeled to facilitate candidates' ability to apply them in their classrooms. Bilingual candidates review appropriate materials and resources available in English and in the students' primary language. In the Bilingual/Cross-cultural Program, all or portions of this course may be conducted in Spanish. This course may be applicable to a master's degree. 4 hours lecture. (020895)
SPED 343	Overview of Special Education	3.0	FS
This is a survey course recommended for students interested in all types of exceptional learners and a prerequisite to professional preparation programs in the Department of Professional Studies in Education. Content includes (1) an overview of the characteristics, identification, and educational needs of special populations, (2) social, familial, biological, historical, cultural, economic, political, and legal contexts in which special education occurs, and (3) characteristics of effective programs. Includes a service learning experience. 3 hours lecture. (003010)
SPED 501	Seminar for Field Experience	1.0	FS
Prerequisites: Admission to Education Specialist Credential Program. Field practicum in general education cross-cultural setting. Development of awareness of the general education curriculum, instruction and management teaching skills and knowledge, assessing diverse student needs and academic progress, adapting classroom maangement techniques, and participating in collaborative activities. 1 hour seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (020480)
SPED 560	General and Special Education Methods for Teaching Mathematics	2.0	FA
Prerequisites: Admission to Special Education professional preparation program or faculty permission. This course focuses on strategies and methodologies of elementary school instruction in mathematics for general and special education. Prospective teachers examine relevant learning theory, practices, current research, recommendations, and state and national standards and framework documents pertaining to mathematics instruction. Included are strategies integrating modern technologies, problem solving, and manipulations. Practice in writing, delivering, and evaluating mathematics lessons and utilizing appropriate assessment practices. 2 hours seminar. (009294)
SPED 561	Curriculum and Instruction: Emphases for Inclusive Settings	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: SPED 343. Recommended: senior standing. This course focuses on the principles and practices of elementary school instruction in language arts, fine arts, mathematics, science, and social studies and national and state curriculum and subject matter standards. It includes selecting appropriate instructional strategies, lesson planning, assessment, service learning, writing goals and objectives, and methods for enhancing critical thinking and content area reading skills to meet the educational needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students. 3 hours lecture. (009295)
SPED 664	Instructional and Assistive Technology	3.0	SP
Prerequisite: Admission to Education Specialist Credential Program. This course addresses the use of instructional and assistive technology for the organization and management of interventions to meet the needs of the full range of learners. In this course, enrollees will demonstrate competence in administering, interpreting and utilizing instructional and assistive technology to provide access to learning and to use those tools to promote formal and informal assessments of the literacy and communication skills of students with disabilities for the purposes of developing and implementing academic literacy. Enrollees will learn to conduct assessments, provide instruction, and special education services to individuals with academic language and/or communication needs in the areas of language and literacy development, including specific literacy required to meet state-adopted content standards and student IEP goals. Enrollees will learn how to use instructional and assistive technology. 3 hours seminar. (021048)

Return to Major Core Course Requirements

Liberal Arts Option:

Liberal Arts option students complete the requirements for the major when they finish the Liberal Students major core program of 63 units listed above. This option is designed for students who want a broad liberal arts and sciences degree but are not interested in pursuing the teaching credential. A minor or second major is highly recommended for this option. It is important to see an advisor for help in planning your program.

Return to Major Core Course Requirements

Electives Requirement:

To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses from the total University offerings. You should consult with an advisor regarding the selection of courses which will provide breadth to your University experience and possibly apply to a supportive second major or minor.

Students working toward a credential may use credential program prerequisite courses as elective units towards the Liberal Studies degree.

(a) Students who plan to enter the Bilingual Program must also take EDTE 570 and SPED 343.

(b) Students who plan to enter the Special Education Concurrent Program must complete the Special Education minor to satisfy all program prerequisites.

Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.