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 Major Academic Plans page or you can request a plan from your major advisor.
Courses in this program may complete more than one graduation requirement.
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.
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.
18 courses required:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
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ARTE 493
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Development of Children's Art (P-8)
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3.0
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FS
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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-Kindergarten (P) through Eighth (8) grade levels. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity.
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EDTE 302
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Access and Equity in Education
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3.0
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FS
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|
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.
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EDTE 490W
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Liberal Studies Capstone (W)
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3.0
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FS
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GW
W
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Prerequisites: Completion of GE Written Communication (A2) requirement, 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. 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.
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ENGL 333W
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Advanced Composition for Future Teachers (W)
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3.0
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FS
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GW
W
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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.
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ENGL 341
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Reading Literature for Future Teachers
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3.0
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FS
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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.
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ENGL 471
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Intensive Theory and Practice of Second Language Acquisition
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3.0
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FS
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An intensive introduction to the theory and practice of second language acquisition and teaching. 3 hours lecture.
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HIST 101
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World History to 1400
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3.0
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FS
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GE
GC
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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.
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HIST 313
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Early Modern History
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3.0
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FS
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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.
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KINE 302
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Foundations of Childhood Physical Education
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3.0
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FS
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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.
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MATH 110
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Concepts and Structures of Mathematics
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3.0
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FS
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GE
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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.
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MATH 210
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Concepts and Structures of Mathematics
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3.0
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FS
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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.
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MATH 310
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Patterns and Structures in Mathematics
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3.0
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FS
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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.
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MUSC 326
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Music for Children
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3.0
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FS
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Analysis of sequential concepts necessary for understanding the structural elements of music. Development of skills needed to promote musicality in children. 3 hours discussion.
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PSYC 414
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Psychology of Teaching
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3.0
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FS
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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.
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SCED 141
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Concepts in the Physical Sciences
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3.0
|
FS
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|
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.
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SCED 142
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Concepts in Life Science
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3.0
|
FS
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|
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.
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SOSC 302
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Temporal Concepts: California Ethnic History
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3.0
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FS
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USD
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|
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.
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THEA 311
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Children's Lit in Performance
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3.0
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FS
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|
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.
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1 course selected from:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
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EDTE 255
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Introduction to Democratic Perspectives in K-12 Teaching
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3.0
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FS
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Prospective teachers acquire planned, structured observations and experiences in K-12 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. Dialog/discussion sessions assist prospective teachers in making connections between subject matter courses, personal, social and emotional growth, and life in the K-12 schools. Prospective 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.
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EDTE 265
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Exploration of Teaching and Learning in Diverse K-12 Settings
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3.0
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FS
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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.
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1 course selected from:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
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GEOS 342
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Concepts in Earth and Space Science
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3.0
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FS
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Prerequisites: SCED 141, SCED 142, GE Physical Sciences (B1), or GE Life Sciences (B2). Open to Liberal Studies online students only.
This course is for future elementary/middle school teachers and designed to meet the Elementary Subject Matter Standards required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. The overall goal is to provide a learning environment that fosters content knowledge and interest in teaching earth and space science and appreciation for the role that science plays in our everyday lives. 3 hours lecture.
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SCED 342
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Concepts in Earth and Space Science
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3.0
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FS
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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.
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1 course selected from:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
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GEOS 330
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Environmental Science
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3.0
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SMF
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GE
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Prerequisites: One course from GE Pathway Foundation Physical Sciences and one course from GE Pathway Foundation Life Sciences.
Human impact on life-support systems; use of physical and ecological principles in environmental management and protection; discussion of land use and its environmental impact; and an evaluation of human influence on natural cycles. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course.
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GEOS 330W
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Environmental Science (W)
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3.0
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FS
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GE
W
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Prerequisites: One course from GE Pathway Foundation Physical Sciences and one course from GE Pathway Foundation Life Sciences.
Human impact on life-support systems; use of physical and ecological principles in environmental management and protection; discussion of land use and its environmental impact; and an evaluation of human influence on natural cycles. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Writing Course. This is an approved General Education course.
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SCED 343
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Concepts in Environmental Sciences
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3.0
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FS
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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.
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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
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. Students may use electives to complete a minor or another major or study abroad.
Online Degree Completion
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. The 45 units of upper division major courses are online from Chico State. A total of 50 units must be taken from Chico State or other four-year institutions. Only 70 units from Community Colleges will count towards the 120 unit BA degree requirement. Online students are encouraged to contact an advisor early to have equivalents approved. Some online courses are only offered once a year. Students must contact their advisor each semester for mandatory advising.
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 courses listed below.
Language and Culture Courses: 23 units
5 courses required:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
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BLMC 319
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Bilingual Teaching Competence: Language
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3.0
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FA
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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.
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SPAN 201
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Third-Semester Spanish
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4.0
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FS
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GE
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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.
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SPAN 202
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Fourth-Semester Spanish
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4.0
|
FS
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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.
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SPAN 301
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Grammar and Composition
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3.0
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FS
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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.
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SPAN 303
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Advanced Oral Expression
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3.0
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FS
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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.
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1 course selected from:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
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CHLX 358
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Latinx in Contemporary Society and Social Justice
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3.0
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FA
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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.
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HIST 135
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Mexican Heritage in the United States
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3.0
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FS
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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.
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1 course selected from:
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Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
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LAST 110
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Introduction to Latin American Studies
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3.0
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FS
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GE
GC
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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.
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SPAN 332
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Latin American Culture and Civilization
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3.0
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FS
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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.
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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 teaching credential. The program requires students to take the major core courses and complete the 37 credential program units offered by the School of Education. The total number of units is 127 for the BA and Multiple Subject Credential. The Multiple Subject Credential option courses are made available through the School of Education. For prerequisites, course lists, and other admission requirements (application to the program, application dates, etc.), see the Education chapter of this catalog.
Return to Major Core Course Requirements
Liberal Arts Option
For the Liberal Arts Option, students complete the major course requirements of 63 units listed above. This option is designed for students who begin with the intention to teach but decide they are no longer interested in pursuing a teaching credential, yet want a broad liberal arts and sciences degree. A minor or second major is highly recommended for this option. It is important to see a Liberal Studies 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.
Advising Requirement:
Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.
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