Liberal Studies

• Department Information
• Program Description
• Career Opportunities
• Features
• Major Requirements (B.A.)
• Other Degree Requirements
• Bachelors Plus: Early Pathway Liberal Studies/Credential Program

Department Information

Liberal Studies Program
College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences
Office: Meiklejohn Hall, Room 3035
Phone: (510) 885-3852, FAX: (510) 885-2122

Professor
Dennis M. Chester (English), Ph.D. University of Washington

Director: Dennis M. Chester
Coordinator, Bachelors Plus – Early Pathway (BPEP) Program: Dennis M. Chester

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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 should:

• demonstrate understanding of issues of self, society and nature as an educated generalist, through application of deep knowledge in at least one subject area or discipline, and broad knowledge integrating multiple disciplines.
• demonstrate articulate communication (written and oral) skills.
• practice independent thinking tempered by respect for others and the environment; to become an informed, responsible, active citizen.

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Career Opportunities

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

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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 chapter in the undergraduate section of this catalog or call the PACE office at (510) 885-PACE (7223).

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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.

1. 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.
   • ANTH 3000 Anthropology in the Modern World (4) (Area D4)
   • ENGL 3020 Advanced Expository Writing (4)
     or ENGL 3025 Introduction to Technical and Professional Writing (4)
   • HDEV 4110 Child Cognitive Development (4)
     or HDEV 4130 Social Development of Children (4)
   • HIST 3400 America to 1900 (4)
     or HIST 3017 The Twentieth Century (4) (Area C4)
   • MUS 3002 What to Listen for in Music (4) (Area C4)
     or THEA 3225 Theater Today (4) (Area C1 or C4)
2. 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.
   1. Teacher Preparation Degree Pathway (124 units minimum)
      Students selecting the Teacher Preparation Degree Pathway must complete the following two components:
      1. Required Courses (106-107 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.
         • ART 1020 The Creative Process (4)
         • BIOL 1000 Basic Concepts in Biology (5)
         • CHEM 1100 Introduction to College Chemistry (5)
         • DANC 3021 Cultural Dance Forms (3)
           or DANC 3235 Dance For Children (4)
         • ENGL 3010 Modern English Grammar (4)
           or ENGL 2005 Grammar for Writers (4)
         • One of the following:
           ENGL 2030 Introduction to Critical Writing on Fiction (4)
           ENGL 2040 Introduction to Critical Writing on Poetry (4)
           ENGL 2050 Introduction to Critical Writing on Drama (4)
         • Any Upper Division English Literature (4)
         • GEOG 2300 Cultural Geography (4)
           or GEOG 3505 Geography of California (4) (Area D4)
         • GEOL 1000 Earth Systems Science (5)
         • HDEV 4120 Childhood Language Development (4)
           or ANTH 3800 Language and Culture (4) (Area D4)
         • HDEV 4150 The Child in the Family and in the Community (4)
           or HDEV 3301 Childhood Development (4)
         • HIST 1014 World Civilizations I (4)
         • HIST 1015 World Civilizations II (4)
         • HIST 3500 History of California (4)
         • HSC 1100 Health: Maintenance of Wellness (4)
         • KIN 3251 Physical Education for the Classroom Teacher: Physical Considerations (4)
         • KIN 3252 Physical Education for the Classroom Teacher: Psycho-Social Considerations (4)
         • MATH 2011 Number Systems (4)
         • MATH 4012 Geometry and Measurement (4)
         • MATH 4013 Statistics, Data Analysis, and Probability (4)
         • MATH 4014 Algebra and Functions (4)
         • PHYS 1700 Elementary Physics (4)
         • PHYS 1780 Elementary Physics Lab (1)
         • POSC 1000 Introduction to Political Science (4)
           or Upper Division POSC focusing on regional/international political systems (4)
         • SOC 1000 Introduction to Sociology (4)
           or any SOC course not used in minor (4)
         • TED 3001 Exploring Education (3)
         • THEA 3650 Dramatic Activities for Children (4)
           or MUS 3002 What to Listen for in Music (4)
      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:
         1. Complete any Minor offered by the university
         2. Complete one of the following approved options:
            1. Childhood Studies (18-20 units, see below)
            2. Special Education (26-29 units, see below)
            3. Studies in Education (For BPEP students only) (20 units, see below)
         3. With the approval of the Liberal Studies Director, students may create a special option (18 unit minimum)
   2. 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, Sociology)
         • Area 2: Natural Sciences/Mathematics (Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Math, Physics, Psychology, 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 one of the methods below:
         1. Students may complete any Minor program offered by the university;
         2. Students may complete one of the following options:
            1. Organizational Leadership (28 units, see below)
            2. Special Education (26-29 units, see below)
         3. With the approval of the Liberal Studies Director, students may create a Special Option of at least 24 units.
3. Approved Options for the Liberal Studies Major
   1. Childhood Studies Option (18-20 units):
      • HDEV 3301 Child Development (4)
        or HDEV 4150 The Child in the Family and Community (4)
      • HDEV 4110 Child Cognitive Development (4)
        or HDEV 4130 Social Development of Children (4)
      • One of the following (4 units):
        DANC 3235 Dance for Children (4)
        or ENGL 4740 History of Children's Literature (4)
        or TED 4320 Art Skills for Teachers (4)
        or THEA 3650 Dramatic Activities for Children (4)
      • One of the following (3 or 4 units):
        ANTH 3740 Cross Cultural Studies in Child Rearing (4)
        or HDEV 4140 Theories of Childhood (4)
        or SOC 3410 Sociology of the Family (4)
        or TED 5021 Child Growth and Development (3)
      • One of the following (3 or 4 units):
        KIN 4004 Elementary School Physical Education (4)
        or PHIL 3701 Philosophy of Education(4)
        or PSYC 4440 Child Psychopathology (4)
        or TED 5351 Psychological Foundations of Education (3)
   2. Organizational Leadership Option (28 units):
      1. Required (12 units)
         • MGMT 3600 Theories of Management (4)
         • MGMT 3614 Organizational Behavior (4)
           or PUAD 4830 Organizational Theory and Human Behavior (4)
         • MGMT 4500 Business, Government, and Society (4)
           or POSC 3419 Labor Policy & Law (4)
      2. Electives (16 units)
         
         • Group I (4 units)
           Select one from the following:
           • COMM 3530 Interviewing Principles and Practices (4)
           • MKTG 3495 Business Communication (4)
         • Group II (12 units, at least 8 units must be upper division)
           Please consult with your advisor for a current list of acceptable courses.
   3. Special Education Option (26-29 units):
      • EPSY 5021 Introduction to Educating all Students in Diverse Classrooms (4)
      • EPSY 5125 Educational Practices: Mild-Moderate Disabilities (4)
      • EPSY 5126 Special Education Law and Program Design (4)
      • EPSY 5136 Educational Practices: Moderate-Severe Disabilities (4)
      • Select 10-13 units from at least two of the following groups (10-13 units)
        
        • Group 1: SPPA 3852 Speech, Language and Communication Development Across the Lifespan (4), 3855 Phonetics (4), 3856 Observation of Clinical Procedures (2), 3859 Introduction to Audiology (4), 4861 Hearing Assessment: Instrumentation and Behavioral (5), 4863 Articulation and Phonological Disorders (4), 4865 Language Disorders in Children (4)
        • Group 2: DANC 3235 Dance for Children (4); KIN 3305 Structural Kinesiology (4) (Prerequisite: BIOL 2010 or 2011), 4008 Adapted Physical Activity (4); REC 4600 Recreation Therapy Documentation and Assessment (4), 4601 Recreation Therapy Treatment and Program Planning (4)
        • Group 3: HDEV 3301 Childhood Development (4), 3800 Human Development and Interaction (4), 4110 Childhood Cognitive Development (4), 4120 Childhood Language Development (4), 4150 Children in Families and Communities (4), PSYC 4345 Sensation and Perception (4), 4410 Abnormal Psychology (4), 4420 Developmental Psychology (4); SOC 4750 Child Welfare (4); TED 5021 Child Growth and Development (3)
      • TED 3001 (3) or 30 hours of documented experience in a special education setting.
   4. Studies in Education Option (20 units, for BPEP Students only):
      • TED 3005 Intermediate Field Experience in the Elementary School A (1)
      • TED 3006 Intermediate Field Experience in the Elementary School B (1)
      • TED 5110 Computer Based Technology in the Classroom (3)
      • TED 5351 Psychological Foundations of Education (3)
      • TED 5355 Equity and Diversity (4)
      • TED 5366 Preparation to Teach English Learners in the Multiple Subject Classroom (4)
      • TED 5378 Teaching Special Populations in General Education Settings (4)

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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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Bachelors Plus: Early Pathway Liberal Studies/Credential Program

The BPEP Liberal Studies/Credential Program combines, with minor changes, two outstanding programs on the Hayward and Concord campuses designed for future elementary school teachers: the Liberal Studies B.A. major and the Multiple Subject Credential Program in Teacher Education. The BPEP Program meets the requirements set by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for subject matter and professional preparation. A student who completes this program will be granted a B.A. degree major in Liberal Studies and, upon passage of the CSET Multiple Subject Examination and RICA examination, a Level I (Preliminary) Multiple Subject teaching credential.

The BPEP Program is an alternative to the traditional sequence of four years of undergraduate work and one year of post-baccalaureate work in the Teacher Education Department. That degree/credential path continues to exist and is chosen by most of our students. The BPEP Program is an intensive, accelerated program that combines subject matter coursework with training in educational methods and experience in the elementary school classroom.

The BPEP Program is a full-time commitment for two years including the intervening summer between the junior and senior years. During those years, students are required to take 16 to 22 units a quarter. As a result of this concentrated work-load, most students find it difficult to hold down a job during their time in the program. Final admission requirements for the Credential Program must be completed during the junior year. During the senior year, students are members of a Multiple Subject Credential Team. Members of the Team take their courses together and finish together. Thus, students are unable to move through the program at their own pace.

Admission

Students must declare Liberal Studies as their major and then contact the Liberal Studies office to apply for admission to the BPEP Program. Admission is a two stage process: (1) provisional admission during the summer prior to the student's junior year, and (2) final admission at the end of the junior year.

Provisional admission requirements are: a minimum GPA of 2.90; completion of TED 3001 or an equivalent course which requires a minimum of 20 hours of field experience in an elementary school classroom; and three letters of recommendation, including one from a teacher or principal verifying experience in a K-6 classroom. (One letter may be from the instructor in TED 3001 or equivalent course.) Final admission requirements are: passage of the CBEST examination; completion of 80% of the Liberal Studies major; a minimum GPA of 2.90 in coursework taken during the junior year; and an admission interview by the Multiple Subject Credential Team Leader.

Please contact the Liberal Studies office for information concerning admission forms, admission deadlines, and for the specific courses required during the junior and senior years.