Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 CSU East Bay Catalog 
    
2015-2016 CSU East Bay Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Liberal Studies, Childhood Studies Option, B.A


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Program Description


The Liberal Studies Major aims to provide a rich educational experience through coursework in a broad range of academic disciplines. The student is guaranteed a breadth of academic experience, as well as depth in a single field. The Bachelors Plus Early Pathway (BPEP) Liberal Studies/Credential Program offers selected students interested in a teaching career an opportunity for concurrent subject matter and professional preparation. See the “Bachelors Plus Early Pathway Liberal Studies/Credential Program” section later in this chapter.

The broad-based, interdisciplinary nature of Liberal Studies provides a knowledge base and the communication and analytical skills appropriate to many careers and occupations. Hence, the Liberal Studies major is excellent preparation not only for teaching, but for graduate work, for law school, and for employment in business and government.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a B.A. in Liberal Studies from Cal State East Bay will be able to:

  1. apply the broad knowledge of an educated generalist and the critical methods of different disciplines to contemporary issues of self, society, and nature;
  2. demonstrate deep understanding of the principles and methods of one specialized subject area or discipline;
  3. communicate ideas clearly and persuasively orally and in writing;
  4. demonstrate independent thinking tempered by respect for others and the environment;
  5. work individually and collaboratively to promote social justice through an appreciation of diversity and a commitment to democratic values.

Career Opportunities

  • Administrator
  • Business Executive
  • Civil Servant
  • Customer Service Representative
  • Foreign Service Officer
  • Human Resources Administrator
  • Journalist
  • Lawyer
  • Manager
  • Personnel Representative
  • Salesperson
  • Stockbroker
  • Teacher (K-6)
  • Writer

Features

The primary function of the Liberal Studies Office is to provide proper advising for completing the major. Friendly, experienced office staff, including two full-time academic advisors, are available to help at every step. Advising is available through individual appointments and on a “drop-in” basis.

Although the Liberal Studies Teacher Preparation Degree Pathway is a multiple subject matter preparation program, there is no longer an exemption from the multiple subject test, which is now the CSET or “California Subject Exam for Teachers” (no longer the MSAT). The Liberal Studies Teacher Preparation Degree Pathway is aligned with Content Standards for K-6 curriculum and the CSET, and is, therefore, the best preparation for future K-6 teachers.

The Liberal Studies major is offered both day and evening, and on both the Hayward and Concord Campuses. However, Concord Campus and evening-only students may not find a full range of courses and options available to them.

Liberal Studies is also one of the majors available through the Cal State East Bay Program for Accelerated College Education (PACE). For information on PACE, see the PACE section of the College and Department Information chapter of this catalog or call the PACE office at (510) 885-PACE (7223).

Major Requirements (B.A.)


The major with the Liberal Arts pathway consists of 92 units. The major with the Teacher Preparation pathway consists of a minimum of 144 units. The B.A. degree requires a minimum of 180 units. The Core Curriculum includes upper-division GE requirements in Areas C4 and D4. Students must be certain to meet with a GE advisor to select courses satisfying all other GE breadth requirements.

I. Core Curriculum (20 units)


All Liberal Studies students must complete the following courses. The Liberal Studies Core Curriculum satisfies Upper Division GE requirements in Humanities, Area C4 and Social Sciences, Area D4.

II. Degree Pathway Requirements


The Liberal Studies Major offers two different pathways to degree completion. Majors must choose either the Teacher Preparation pathway or the Liberal Arts pathway.

A. Teacher Preparation Degree Pathway (120 units minimum)


Students selecting the Teacher Preparation Degree Pathway must complete the following two components:

1. Required Courses (102-103 units)

Note: As some of these courses may also be used to satisfy GE requirements, please consult with a Liberal Studies Advisor when selecting courses to ensure the most efficient progress toward degree completion.

2. Depth of Study (18 units minimum)

This requirement may be satisfied by completing one of the methods listed below. In each of the following options, at least 18 units must be unique to the Depth of Study and may not be counted in any other areas of the Liberal Studies Major:

a. Complete any Minor offered by the university

b. Complete one of the following approved options:

i. Childhood Studies (18-20 units, see below)

ii. Special Education (22-25 units, see below)

iii. Studies in Education (For BPEP students only) (20 units, see below)

c. With the approval of the Liberal Studies Director, students may create a special option (18 unit minimum)

B. Liberal Arts Degree Pathway (72 unit minimum)


Students selecting the Liberal Arts Degree Pathway must complete the following two components:

1. Liberal Studies Area Electives (48 units)

Through consultation with Liberal Studies advisors, select 12 units of electives from each of the four areas listed below. At least 32 of the 48 Area Elective units must be from upper division courses numbered 3000 or higher. Courses used to satisfy Liberal Studies Area Electives MUST be approved by a Liberal Studies Advisor. No more than two courses from a single discipline may be taken within a single area:

Area 1:

Social Sciences (Anthropology, Communications, Criminal Justice Administration, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology)

Area 2:

Natural Sciences/Mathematics (Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Math, Physics, Statistics)

Area 3:

Humanities (Art, English, Modern Languages, Music, Philosophy, Theater/Dance)

Area 4:

Interdisciplinary Studies (Ethnic Studies, Health Sciences, Human Development, International Studies, Kinesiology/PE, Latin American Studies, Recreation, Teacher Education, Women’s Studies)

2. Depth of Study (24 units)

This requirement may be satisfied by completing one of the methods listed below. In each of the following options, at least 24 units must be unique to the Depth of Study and may not be counted in any other areas of the Liberal Studies Major:

a. Students may complete any Minor program offered by the university;

b. Students may complete one of the following options:

i. Organizational Leadership (28 units, see below)

ii. Special Education (22-25 units, see below)

c. With the approval of the Liberal Studies Director, students may create a Special Option of at least 24 units.

III. Approved Options for the Liberal Studies Major


Other Degree Requirements


In addition to major requirements, every student must also complete the University requirements for graduation which are described in the Baccalaureate Degree Requirements chapter in the front of this catalog. These include the General Education-Breadth requirements; the second composition (ENGL 1002 ) requirement; the cultural groups/women requirement; the performing arts/activities requirement; the U.S. history, U.S. Constitution, and California state and local government requirement; the University Writing Skills Requirement; and the residence, unit, and grade point average requirements.

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