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Liberal Studies

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Faculty

Coordinator: Roeder, P. (Division of Undergraduate Studies)

Allison (English), Bar-Lev (Linguistics), Dunn (History), Fisher (Biology), Goldberg (Physics), Griswold (English), Lujan (Teacher Education), McKerrow (Theatre), Park (Teacher Education), Sowder, L. (Mathematical Sciences), Starr (History), Stites (History), Thile (Communicative Disorders), Vartanian (History)

Committee: Alfaro (Policy Studies in Language and Cross-Cultural Education), Anderson, B. (Theatre), Bezuk (Teacher Education), Cook, S. (University Advising Center), Cottrell, A. (Sociology), Follingstad (Music), Roeder, P. (Natural Science), Ross, J. (Mathematical and Computer Sciences), Sweedler-Brown (Rhetoric and Writing Studies)

Offered by the Division

Major in liberal studies with the B.A. degree in liberal arts and sciences.

The Major

The liberal studies major is designed primarily for students who intend to teach at the elementary level. The goal of the program is to provide an educational experience which prepares liberally educated individuals capable of thinking critically, writing clearly and effectively, analyzing evidence, and appreciating the connections between different subjects. The individuals who complete the major should find opportunities in a variety of careers, in addition to teaching, if they so choose. Furthermore, they should have developed a love of learning which takes them along new pathways throughout their lives and makes them effective citizens in a complex, rapidly changing world.

The liberal studies program is a diversified subject matter preparation program approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Students who complete the program do not have to satisfy subject matter competency by passing the Multiple Subject Assessment for Teachers (MSAT) examination. Students in all other majors must pass this examination before being admitted to a multiple subject credential program in California.

The liberal studies program is integrative. In the cornerstone course, Liberal Studies 300, which is taken at the beginning of the junior year, students probe the relationships between subject areas, are introduced to the assessment portfolio, and carry out thirty or more hours of observation and volunteer work in a public elementary school. Completion of a satisfactory assessment portfolio is required both for graduation from the major and to receive the waiver for the MSAT prior to entering a credential program. The portfolio serves as the summative assessment for the major; it challenges students to synthesize and think reflectively about what they have learned. Students select samples for the portfolio primarily from their upper division courses; however, some samples from lower division courses are encouraged to show the student's growth. In addition to the samples, students independently write reflections, connections essays, and other special entries.

The major requires courses in the seven major subject areas identified by the CTC: language and literature (including linguistics and foreign language), mathematics, science, social science and history, arts and humanities, physical education, and human development. The core of the program is built from carefully selected general education courses. Thus by completing the requirements listed below, a student automatically completes all the general education courses required for graduation. Students, however, should be aware that not all general education courses satisfy the requirements listed under preparation for the major; they must follow the guidelines listed below. In addition to the general education courses, liberal studies students have an opportunity to take a number of courses designed specifically for future elementary teachers including children's literature; the four semester mathematics sequence; an upper division process and inquiry science course; several activity based art, drama, and music courses; and a physical education of children course. Several of these courses also serve as prerequisite courses for the San Diego State University Multiple Subject Credential program.

During their junior and senior years, students complete a specialization which consists of twelve units of upper division work in a given discipline. Specializations are available in a wide variety of disciplines. With the approval of the faculty adviser, students are allowed to substitute minors if they choose to do the additional coursework. The specialization is designed to allow future teachers to help each other, to facilitate later earning a master's degree in the chosen field, and potentially to serve as the spring board to a new career if so desired. Students should choose their specializations early; most specializations require that they choose the correct prerequisites at the lower division level.

Assuming students have to complete all three semesters of a foreign language at the college level, a total of 122 out of the 124 units required for a bachelor of liberal arts and sciences degree are used to satisfy specific requirements. If students choose to complete their fifth year credential program at San Diego State University, they must also complete additional courses which serve as prerequisites for the Cross-cultural, Language, and Academic Development (CLAD) emphasis which was added to the multiple subject and bilingual credentials in 1994. Due to the complexity of the major and the subsequent credential program, good advising is essential. Advising for the major plus portfolio workshops are provided by the University Advising Center. A newsletter sent once or twice each semester provides essential information concerning opportunities, courses, portfolio requirements, and other pertinent information. Requirements for admission to the Multiple Subject Credential (CLAD and B/CLAD) programs at San Diego State University are listed in the catalog under Teacher Education (regular credential) or Policy Studies (bilingual credential). Further information may be obtained at the Center for Careers in Education (ED-100) or at the Policy Studies department office (ED-152).

Requirements for Subject Matter Preparation Certification

For subject matter certification, a student must complete all the requirements, including a satisfactory portfolio, and earn a "C" or better grade in all but one of the courses in the major and specialization (or minor). If a course is repeated, the highest grade will count.

Courses

UPPER DIVISION COURSES
(Intended for Undergraduates)

300. Introduction to Liberal Studies (3)
Prerequisites: Preparation for the major completed or to be completed concurrently. Completion of lower division Writing Competency and Entry-Level Mathematics requirements.

Introduction to ideas, structures, and values within and among the various disciplines in this interdisciplinary major. Exploration of issues of diversity in contemporary society through directed field experience and required readings. Individual qualitative evaluation process required by major included.

498. Assessment in Liberal Studies (0.5-1) Cr/NC
Prerequisites: Successful completion of two upper division semesters of liberal studies major; upper division major code.

Portfolio development including reflections upon educational experiences in each subject area and role as future educator. Students will investigate their role as citizens in a complex world, explore connections between subject areas, and reflect upon learning and teaching.

Liberal Studies Major

All candidates for a degree in liberal arts and sciences must complete the graduation requirements listed in the section of this catalog on "Graduation Requirements."

Completion of the Liberal Studies major fulfills General Education requirements.

A minor is not required with this major.

Foreign Language Requirement. Competency (successfully completing the third college semester or fifth college quarter) is required in one foreign language as part of the preparation for the major. Refer to section of catalog on "Graduation Requirements."

Preparation for the Major. Fifty-four units distributed as follows:

Language and Literature
1. Composition - Three units selected from Africana Studies 120; Chicana and Chicano Studies 111B; Linguistics 100; Rhetoric and Writing Studies 100.

2. Composition - Three units selected from Africana Studies 200; Linguistics 200; Rhetoric and Writing Studies 200.

3. Speech - Three units selected from Africana Studies 140; Chicana and Chicano Studies 111A; Communication 103.

4. Literature - Three units selected from Comparative Literature 270A, 270B; English 220.

Mathematics
5. Mathematics - Mathematics 210 (Grade of C or better required for entrance into SDSU Multiple Subject Credential program).

6. Mathematics - Mathematics 211.

Science
7. Life Sciences - Three units (or four units including laboratory) selected from Biology 100, 100L, 101, 101L.

8. Physical or Earth Sciences - Three units (or four units including laboratory) selected from the physical sciences to include Chemistry 100; Natural Science 100; Physics 103, 107; or three units (or four units including laboratory) selected from earth sciences to include Astronomy 101, 109; Geography 101, 101L, 103; Geological Sciences 100, 101.

9. Laboratory - from either category 7 or 8.

Social Science and History
10. Social/Global Perspective - Anthropology 102, Geography 102, or Sociology 101.

11. Western or World History - Three units selected from History 100, 101, 105 (recommended), 106.

12. American Institutions - Six units selected from General Education American Institutions courses (see section of catalog on "Graduation Requirements" for approved list). Recommended: History 110A, 110B.

Visual and Performing Arts and Humanities
13. Music - Music 102 (Grade of C or better required for entrance into SDSU Multiple Subject Credential program).

14. Art/Dance/Theatre - Three units selected from Art 157, 158, 258, 259; Dance 181; Theatre 100, 120.

15. Values and Ethics - Three units selected from Philosophy 101, 102, 103; Religious Studies 101.

Physical Education
16. Physical Education - Exercise and Nutritional Sciences 241A, 241B (Grade of C or better required for entrance into SDSU Multiple Subject Credential program).

Human Growth and Development
17a. Individual Perspective - Psychology 101.

17b. Child Development - Psychology 230.

Upper Division Writing Requirement. English 306W (very strongly recommended) or Rhetoric and Writing Studies 500W, with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

Upper Division Major. Cultural Diversity Requirement: One three-unit course in the major or specialization must be selected from Comparative Literature 470*, History 415A*, 415B*, 420*, 421*, 473A*, 473B*, 475A*, 475B*, or from those Africana, American Indian, Chicana and Chicano, or Women's Studies courses indicated in this curriculum by an asterisk(*).

Introduction to the Major
18. Liberal Studies 300.

21. Language Structure - Linguistics 420.

22. Child Language Acquisition - Linguistics 452.

Mathematics
23. Mathematics - Mathematics 312.

24. Mathematics - Mathematics 313.

Science
Courses for the major together with courses for preparation for the major shall include at least one course from each of the three science categories: life science, physical science, earth science.

25. Science - Four units selected from:

Physical: Natural Science 412A or 412B.
Earth: Natural Science 412D.
Life: Natural Science 412C.

Physical: Physics 201 (restricted to students in Communicative Disorders specialization), Physics 301.
Earth: Astronomy 301; Geological Sciences 301, 303, Oceanography 320.
Life: Biology 315, 319, 320, 321, 324, 325, 327, 336, 339.
Interdisciplinary: (May be selected when three categories have been met) Natural Science 315, 316, 317, 333.

Social Science and History
If Number 11 was satisfied with Western Civilization, then one course must be taken from the Non-Western Civilization section; if Number 11 in preparation for the major was satisfied with World History, then one course must be taken from the Western Civilization section.

Non-Western Civilization: Africana Studies 470*; History 415A*, 415B*, 420*, 421*, 473A*, 473B*, 475A*, 475B*. OR Western Civilization: History 305A, 305B, 407A, 407B.

(1) If the cultural diversity requirement is not being completed in requirement 20, 27, 30, or 33, select one course: Africana Studies 470*; American Indian Studies 440*; Chicana and Chicano Studies 350A*, or 350B*; History 415A*, 415B*, 420*, 421*, 473A*, 473B*, 475A*, 475B*.

(2) If background in early United States history or California history needs to be improved, select History 310A (only if you did not take History 110A), 410A, or 541A.

(3) If both of the above have been satisfied, select any course from (1), (2), or Africana Studies 471A, 471B, History 310B (only if you did not take History 110B), 410B, or 541B.

Visual and Performing Arts and Humanities
29. Art/Music/Theatre - Three units selected from Art 387; Music 343; Theatre 310, 315.

30. Music and Humanities - Three units selected from number 29 above or from the following: Africana Studies 480*; Chicana and Chicano Studies 310*; Humanities 401, 402, 403, 404; Music 351A, 351B, 351C, 351D, 351E.

Human Growth and Development
31. Learning and Development - Three units selected from Child and Family Development 371; Communicative Disorders 322.

Assessment
32. Assessment in Liberal Studies - Liberal Studies 498 and completion of the Liberal Studies Assessment Portfolio.

In order to graduate with the Liberal Studies major, every student must complete a satisfactory portfolio.

To qualify for admission into a credential program in California a student must satisfy subject matter competency. In order to be certified, Liberal Studies students must complete all requirements, submit a satisfactory portfolio, AND earn a "C" or better grade in all but one of the courses in the major and specialization (or minor); i.e., all required upper division courses. When attempting to improve a grade, any course listed under the requirement may be taken; it is not necessary to repeat the same course.

Approved Specialization
In order to maximize the usefulness of the specialization, students should consult with a liberal studies adviser before choosing their specialization courses. By making careful choices, students can often earn a supplementary authorization, which will allow them to teach at the middle school level.

Specialization
33. Specialization - (See list of approved specializations below)

All students shall complete a 12 unit specialization. Many specializations require selection of lower division prerequisites included in preparation for the major. If additional prerequisites are required these are noted. Students may not double count courses in the upper division major (Numbers 18-32) and the specialization.

The specialization will be waived for any student who declares and completes an official minor or a second major. The minor or second major must be approved by the Liberal Studies Adviser.

Additional Prerequisites for SDSU Multiple Subject Credential Program
In addition to the requirements listed under preparation for the major and upper division major, Education 451 is required for entrance into the Multiple Subject Credential program at SDSU and Education 451, Linguistics 550, and Policy Studies in Language and Cross-Cultural Education 515 are required for the B/CLAD credential program at SDSU.

Approved Specializations
Africana Studies
Twelve units selected from Africana Studies 330, 331, 332, 362, 380*, 420*, 445*, 452, 460*, 461, 463*, 471A, 471B, 480*, 485.

American Indian Studies
American Indian Studies 320*, 440*, 470*, and three units selected from American Indian Studies 303, 420, 430*.

Anthropology
Prerequisite: Anthropology 102.

Art
Prerequisite: At least three units selected from Art 258, 259.

Three units selected from Art 308, 387; three units selected from Art 560+, 561, 562; three units selected from Art 557+, 558, 577+; three units selected from Art 561, 562, 568.

Biology
Prerequisite: Biology 100, 100L or 101, 101L.

Twelve units selected as follows: Biology 315; Biology 336 and 436; Biology 319 (recommended for those without 101, 101L); Biology 499 Research (1-2 units).

Child Development
(Includes one additional upper division unit.)

Prerequisite: Child and Family Development 270 or Psychology 230 (other prerequisites are waived.)

Child and Family Development 335, 371, 375, 376L, 478. If Child and Family Development 371 is used in the major, select three units from Child and Family Development 437 or 537.

Classics
Classics 310, 320, 330, 340.

Communicative Disorders
Deaf Education Focus: (Includes one additional upper division unit.) Recommended prerequisites: Communicative Disorders 159, 259, 289.

Communicative Disorders 350, 357+  (1 unit), 550, 562; Special Education 500.

Specialist Credential Focus: Required prerequisites: Communicative Disorders 159, 205, 259, 289, Physics 201, Psychology 260.

Comparative Literature
Prerequisite: Three units selected from Comparative Literature 210, 270A, 270B.

English
Prerequisite: Comparative Literature 270A, 270B; or English 220.

Shakespeare: Three units selected from English 302 (recommended), 533;

Genre Studies: Three units selected from Comparative Literature 470*, 561, 562, 563, English 491 (with approval of adviser), 493, 501, 502, 526 (with approval of adviser);

Literary History: Three units selected from English 405, 494, 519, 520, 522, 523, 524, 525, 540B, or 560B;

Foreign Language
Twelve upper division units in any foreign language. Students who plan to enter the Bilingual Cross-Cultural Language and Academic Development (B/CLAD) credential program, see specialization in Spanish. Other languages offered at San Diego State University include Chinese, Classics (Greek and Latin), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Russian. Additional prerequisites may be required.

Geography
Prerequisite: Geography 102.

Geography 312 or 321; 354; 370; 378 or 401.

History
United States History Track: A six unit sequence selected from History 410A and 410B or 541A and 541B; six units selected from Africana Studies 471A, 471B; American Indian Studies 440*; Chicana and Chicano Studies 350B*; History 422, 442A, 442B, 540, 545A, 545B, 546A, 546B, 549; Women's Studies 341A, 341B. If one of the courses in the required sequence is used in the major, select an additional three units from the above choices.

Linguistics
Prerequisite: Linguistics 420.

Linguistics 550; nine units selected from Linguistics 524, 551, 552, 553.

Music
Prerequisites: Music 102; 110A, 110B, 110C, or 110D (1 unit); 115; 240.

Natural Science
(Includes one additional lower division unit and one additional upper division unit.)

Prerequisites: Biology 100, 100L, and Physics 107.

Three units selected from Physics 301, Natural Science 317, 333; three units selected from Geological Sciences 302, Biology 336, 341; three units selected from Geological Sciences 303, Oceanography 320; four units selected from Natural Science 412A, 412B, 412C, 412D.

Physical Education
Prerequisites: Exercise and Nutritional Sciences 241A, 241B.

Political Science
Twelve units selected from Political Science 301A, 301B, 302, 305, 334, 338, 346, 348, 357, 359, 361, 362, 363, 375, 422, 425, 426, 436, 481, 530, 531, 562, 566, 567, 568.

Psychology
Prerequisite: Psychology 101. Additional prerequisite: Psychology 211.

Psychology 340; nine units selected from Psychology 350, 351, 432 (highly recommended), 452, 456.

Religious Studies
Prerequisite: Religious Studies 101 or 102.

Twelve units selected from Religious Studies 300 (highly recommended), 353, 354, 360, 363, 365 (recommended).

Social Science
Twelve units selected from at least three of the following categories: 1) Geography 312*, 321; 2) Political Science 305, 320, 321; 3) History 405, 406, 410A, 410B, 541A, 541B; 4) Sociology 320, 352, 421, 433, 450, 539.

Sociology
Prerequisite: Sociology 101.

Twelve units selected from Sociology 320, 352, 355*, 410, 421, 433, 441, 444, 445, 455, 517, 537, 539, 555.

Spanish
Native Speakers + (Defined as high school graduates from a Spanish-speaking country.): Choose a different specialization.

U.S. Hispanics + (Defined as students who have passed the Spanish Diagnostic Placement Examination. Examination must be passed prior to enrollment in Spanish 281 and 381.)

Prerequisite: Spanish 281.

Spanish 350, 381; three units selected from Spanish 405A, 405B, 406A, or 406B; and three units selected from Spanish 340, 341, 342 (provided you have not taken Chicana and Chicano Studies 350A or History 415A), or Spanish 448 (recommended).

English Speakers + (Defined as native English speakers and other students who cannot pass the Spanish Diagnostic Placement Examination.)

Prerequisites: Spanish 202 and 212.

Theatre
Prerequisite: Three units selected from Theatre 100 or120.

Theatre 310, 315, 480, and three units selected from Theatre 510 or 515.

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