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Liberal Studies Program

Course Descriptions

  • AREA I Language & Literature
  • AREA II Mathematics & Science
  • AREA III History & Social Sciences
  • AREA IV Visual & Performing Arts
  • AREA V Professional Development

AREA I Language & Literature

  1. Choose one: ANT 312 or ENG 310 or SPA 435

    ANT 312 Language and Culture (3) FS.
    Analysis of language as an aspect of culture. Relationship between language and culture patterns, dynamics of language and cultural change; the problem of meaning.

    ENG 310 The Study of Language (3) S.
    Prerequisite: ENG 111.
    Traditional and modern approaches to the study of language. Fundamentals of phonology and grammar.

    SPA 435 A Sociolinguistic Approach to Mexican American Dialect (3) FS.
    Identification of characteristic linguistic difficulties of Spanish-speaking children correlated to social-cultural background. Contrastive analyses of the linguistic competencies and performances for these children learning English. Repeatable course.
  2. ENG 111 Freshman Composition II (3) FS.
    Prerequisite: ENG 110 or equivalent.
    Reinforcement of basic writing skills with emphasis on persuasion and argumentation, including a documented essay. Aids in writing convincing arguments and assembling, organizing, and documenting evidence supporting a thesis. Graded A-C/NC
  3. ENG 305 Critical Reading of Literature (3).
    Prerequisite: ENG 111.
    Analysis of literature to develop critical reading skills. Intended for students in Liberal Studies and Linguistics; may not be counted toward major/minor in English with Literature option. Written exercises required.
  4. ENG 308 Critical Approaches to Children’s Literature (3) FS.
    Prerequisite: ENG 111.
    Critical approaches to children's literature with emphasis on topics such as history, genre, style, and image. Course may cover works through adolescent literature.
  5. ENG 314 English Syntax: Traditional (3) FS.
    Prerequisite: ENG 111.
    The structure and meaning of sentences, approached through traditional models of grammar; the role of syntax in writing and composition.
  6. Choose: either English 350, or IDS 397 and IDS 398 (a two semester sequence)

    ENG 350 Advanced Composition (3) FS.
    Prerequisite: ENG 111 or equivalent.
    Rhetorical modes, techniques of emphasis, strategies of editing and revising. May not be counted toward major/minor or M.A. in English except for teacher candidates; may count only twice toward elective credit. Satisfies graduation competency-in-writing requirement. Graded A-C/NC. Repeatable course. Fee required.

    IDS 397 Writing Adjunct (2) FS.
    Prerequisites: ENG 100 and ENG 101 or IDS 107.
    Individualized instruction in expository writing taught in conjunction with papers assigned in other courses. Individual tutorial sessions and classroom lectures and workshops are employed. CR/NC grading. Repeatable course.

                AND

    IDS 398 Writing Adjunct (Competency Certification) (2) FS.
    Prerequisite: IDS 397.
    Individualized instruction in expository writing taught in conjunction with papers assigned in other courses. Individual tutorial sessions and classroom lectures and workshops are employed. In-class essay writing and Cooperative Essay Exam. CR/NC grading.
  7. ENG 487 Introduction to Second-Language Learning and Teaching (3)
    Prerequisite: ENG 111.
    Focus on linguistic, social, and cultural factors in schooling language-diverse students. Areas of concentration include first and second-language acquisition, history of second-language teaching, current second-language theoretical frameworks, and dual language teaching strategies.
 

AREA II Mathematics & Science

  1. BIO 102 General Biology Lecture (3) FS.
    Representative topics in modern biology, emphasizing the present state of knowledge and the major means whereby this knowledge is being expanded.
  2. BIO 103 General Biology Laboratory (1) FS
    Prerequisite: BIO 102 or equivalent (may be taken concurrently).
    Laboratory work and demonstrations in representative areas of modern biology. Emphasizes scientific methodology. Three hours of laboratory per week.
  3. MAT 107 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers: Real Numbers (3) FS.
    Prerequisite: Fulfillment of ELM requirement.
    Sets and set theoretic operations as related to counting numbers and rational numbers and arithmetic operations. Real number system and its origins, development, structure and use. Special emphasis on problem solving and the development and application of  algorithms.
  4. MAT 207 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers: Geometry (3) FS.
    Prerequisite: Satisfaction of ELM required.
    Primarily for prospective elementary school teachers. Geometry from an intuitive problem-solving standpoint. Constructions, symmetry, translations, rotations, patterns, area, volume, and the metric system. Topics from graph theory and topology. Two hours of lecture and two hours of activity per week.
  5. PHY 300 Physical Science for Teachers (4) FS.
    Prerequisite: Admission to the Liberal Studies major.
    Designed specifically for future elementary and middle school teachers. Emphasis on the fundamental concepts of physical science and their applications. Laboratory experiments use mostly low cost everyday objects. Topics include mechanics, fluids, heat, waves,  electromagnetism, light, atoms, periodic table and chemical bonding. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
  6. SMT 416 Earth Sciences for Teachers (3) FS.
    Prerequisite: Completion of lower division General Studies science requirements.
    Study of planet earth including such topics as geology, volcanoes, earthquakes, fossils, oceanography, weather, and astronomy as appropriate for elementary and junior high school teachers. Two hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.

AREA III History & Social Sciences

  1. GEO 350 World Geography (3) S-EOY.
    Study of ten world regions: population distribution, landforms and natural resources urban and non-urban relationships, connections of trade and transportation, plus selected case studies involving water resources, boundaries and environmental impacts.
  2. HIS 101 History of the United States (3) FS.
    A study of the ideals, creeds, institutions, and behavior of the peoples of the United States. Meets the State requirement in U. S. History.
  3. Choose one: ANT 102 or HIS 120

    ANT 102 Ancient Civilizations (3) FS.
    Examination of origins and development of world civilizations. Using evidence from the archaeological record, the written record, the arts, literature, and the sciences, human cultural achievements are examined from the earliest beginnings to the sixteenth century.

    HIS 120 World Civilizations I
    (3) FS.
    The rise and development of key world civilizations from ancient times to 1500. Emphasis upon ideas, cultures, individuals and institutions that are part of the world's heritage.
  4. HIS 301 Individual, Family, and Community in Historical Perspective (3) FS.
    Concentrates upon factors that contribute to shaping of individual, family, community, and regional history. Emphasis upon personal histories and individual relationships to immediate environment. Includes ethnic settlements, historic sites, oral histories, generations.
  5. Choose one: GEO 359 or HIS 341

    GEO 359 Geography of California (3) S-EOY.
    The social, political, and cultural history of California, from the period of Spanish exploration to the present; emphasis on adjustments of differing ethnic groups. historical and political developments in African societies; concentration on the tribal foundations of African civilizations.

    HIS 341
    California (3) FS.
    The social, political, and cultural history of California, from the period of Spanish exploration to the present; emphasis on adjustments of differing ethnic groups. historical and political developments in African societies; concentration on the tribal foundations of African civilizations.
  6. SBS 318 Cultural Pluralism (3) FS.
    Prerequisite: Completion of lower division social science requirements.
    Analysis of cultural diversity and the processes of cultural interaction, inter-ethnic relations and social integration on the community, national and international levels. Repeatable for credit for up to nine units with different topics.

 AREA IV Visual & Performing Arts

  1. Choose one: ART 100 or ART 101 or ART 110 or ART 110

    ART 101 Experiencing Creative Art (3) FS.
    Learning modes of artistic expression through discussion of theories of composition, examination of the lives and goals of selected artists and art movements, and creation of individual and group art projects. Discussion of projects to develop skills in art criticism.

    ART 110 Introduction to World Art I (3) F.
    An overview of the major works of art and architecture from Prehistoric times through the Middle Ages around the world. Each style of art is related to the society which produced it.

  2. Choose one: DAN 130 or MUS 101 or MUS 110

    DAN 130 Dance Perceptions (3) FS.
    Introduction to dance in America through viewing of dance films, videotapes and live performances. Applications of aesthetic perception and criticism skills to determine artistic value of ballet, modern, jazz and tap dance performances. Three hours of lecture viewing per week.

    MUS 110 Music Fundamentals (3) FS.
    Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in MUS 109 is recommended.
    Music rudiments taught through reading, writing, harmonizing and creating songs. Includes principles of notation, key signatures, scales, intervals, triads and chord progressions. Satisfies a General Studies Requirement.
  3. Choose one: HUM 310 or HUM 312 or HUM 314

    HUM 310 Key Concepts (3) FS.
    Prerequisite: HUM 200 or equivalent.
    Analysis of a major concept in humanistic thought and expression, e.g. the individual and society, success and values in the U.S., death and dying, war and society, etc. Repeatable with different topics for credit.

    HUM 312 Key Movements (3) FS.
    Prerequisite: HUM 200 or equivalent.
    Analysis of a major historical movement from a humanistic perspective, e.g. Harlem Renaissance, Modernism, the Jazz Age,  and Culture, etc. Repeatable with different topics for credit.

    HUM 314 Key Issues (3) FS.
    Prerequisite: HUM 200 or equivalent.
    Analysis of major contemporary issues from a humanities perspective. Examples include the role of the arts in society, literature and the rights of women, ro`mantic love, visions of Los Angeles, etc. Repeatable with different topics for credit.

ART 301 Arts and Crafts for the Non-Major (3) FS.
Development, experience, and application of arts and crafts projects of special value to Liberal Studies and Recreation majors. Six hours of activity per week.

DAN 440 Dance for Children (3).
Study of developmentally appropriate creative movement experiences for children. Examination of teaching methodology designed to develop foundational movement skills, artistic exploration of movement elements, improvisational techniques, imagination and creativity, and how these learning activities can be taught across the curriculum.

KIN 447 Dance Education in the Elementary School (3).
Study of developmentally appropriate dance education activities for children. Examination of and practice in blending pedagogical content knowledge with subject matter knowledge to optimize teaching and learning. Course culminates in peer teaching lessons,  reflections and self-assessment.

MUS 340 Music for Children (3) FS.
Prerequisites: MUS 101 and MUS 110 or consent of instructor.
Survey and analysis of music suitable for children. History and philosophy of American music education emphasizing influences of  of Kodaly, Dalcroze, and Orff. Two hours of lecture and two hours of activity per week.

MUS 440 Introduction to Orff Schulwerk (3) S.
Prerequisites: MUS 101 or MUS 110 or consent of instructor.
Basic principles of the early childhood music teaching methods developed by Carl Orff. Music education through movement, singing, speech and drama and use of Orff musical instruments. Two hours of lecture and two hours of activity per week.

THE 337 Creative Dramatics (3).
Creative dramatic activities, including theatre games, pantomime, and improvisation. Of particular value to prospective teachers of young children. Two hours of lecture and two hours of activity per week.

THE 374 Directing & Stage Management (3).
Effective and persuasive oral communication in a variety of situations: formal address, group discussion interviews, chairing of meetings, and others. Of particular value for Liberal Studies majors, managers and business persons.
 

AREA V Professional Development

  1. LBS 200 Introduction to Liberal Studies (1) FS.
    Introduction to the Liberal Studies major, including the meaning of a “liberal education”, evaluation of prerequisite skills and course work, practice CBEST testing, orientation to the library and other learning and career assistance services on campus, overview of the requirements for the degree and teaching credential, and preparation for portfolio review. CR/NC grading.
  2. LBS 300 Service Learning for Liberal Studies Majors (1) FS.
    Restricted to Liberal Studies majors.
    This course is designed to provide Liberal Studies majors with service learning opportunities as part of an early field experience for students preparing for teaching careers. Observations/participation will be structured according to course requirements and students will reflect on the nature of their experience and how this affects their development as prospective teachers. Students will complete a minimum of two hours per week of service learning in local public schools. The service learning experience will be linked to core Liberal Studies courses for subject matter content. CR/NC grading.
  3. LBS 400 Senior Seminar in Liberal Studies (2) FS.
    Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
    Liberal Studies majors practice writing and presentation skills through self-reflection, evaluation, and connecting subject matter areas. Preparation and peer and faculty evaluation of student portfolios. Includes CBEST post-testing, resume writing, mock interviews and program assessment. CR/NC grading. Two hours of seminar per week.
  4.  KIN 425 Physical Education in the Elementary School (3) FS.
    Overview of bodies of knowledge in the field of physical education and their application to elementary physical education. Analysis of educational theories and practices as they relate to effectively teaching physical education to elementary school children. Course includes peer teaching lessons. Two hours of lecture and two hours of activity per week. Fee required.
  5. PSY 350 Developmental Psychology (3) FS.
    The cognitive, psychological and social development of the child from birth to adolescence. Fieldwork at discretion of instructor.

 

 
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