The Liberal Studies major allows students a broad selection of courses in core subject areas. It is the university-approved academic program for those seeking preparation to become an elementary school teacher. The major incorporates all of the course prerequisites for Vanguard’s Graduate Education Credential Program. The Liberal Studies major has the approval of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, for those seeking a California Multiple Subjects Teacher Credential. (Students will refer to the Graduate Program in Education for specific information about pursuing a teacher credential.)
Liberal Studies is also an excellent choice for those planning on entering graduate school. Examples of students who should consider the major are those planning on law school, seminary, elementary education or a public service career.
Major Course Requirements(Applies to students who enter the major beginning with the 2009-10 school term.) |
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| The Liberal Studies program that is outlined below incorporates current core curriculum courses as well as additional content specific courses to meet the California Teaching Credential expectations for a Liberal Studies major. The student wanting to teach in an elementary school will take the following courses as indicated below. | ||
English/Language, Literature, and Composition |
18 units |
|
| COMM 201C | Speech Composition and Presentation | 3 units |
| ENGL 120C | Persuasive Writing | 3 units |
| ENGL 220C | Research Writing | 3 units |
| ENGL 300C | Literary Perspectives | 3 units |
| or ENGL 312C | American Diversity | 3 units |
| or ENGL 431C | World Literature I | |
| or ENGL 432C | World Literature II | |
| ENGL 340 | Children’s Literature | 3 units |
| ENGL 453 | Language, Culture and Linguistics | 3 units |
Mathematics/Computer Science |
9 units |
|
| MATH 145C | Data Analysis | 3 units |
| MATH 120 | Math for Elementary Teachers | 3 units |
| EDUC 330 | Integrating Technology into Classroom Teaching | 3 units |
Science: 2 labs required |
11 units |
|
| PSCI 215, PSCI 215L | Fundamentals of Earth Science, Lab | 3-4 units |
| BIOL | Life Science Course | 3-4 units |
| PSCI 216, PSCI 216L
OR CHEM 211, CHEM 211L |
Fundamentals of Physical Science, Lab
Environmental Chemistry, Lab |
3-4 units |
Philosophy and Religion |
18 units |
|
| NT 101C | New Testament Survey | 3 units |
| OT 201C | Old Testament Survey | 3 units |
| THEO 101C | Foundations of Christian Life | 3 units |
| or THEO 103C | Introduction to Theology | |
| THEO 300C | Developing a Christian World View | 3 units |
| CHIS 400C | Christian Heritage | 3 units |
| PHIL 201 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 units |
| or PHIL 210 | Critical Thinking | |
Visual and Performing Arts |
9 units |
|
| ART 252C | History and Appreciation of Art | 3 units |
| or THEA 201C | History of Theatre | |
| or FINA 215C | Introduction to the Arts | |
| or MUSC 202C | Introduction to Music | |
| or THEA 102C | Introduction to Acting for Non-Majors | |
| or THEA 200C | Introduction to Theatre | |
| ART 330 | Art Techniques for Teachers | 3 units |
| MUSC 337B | Music for Elementary Schools | 3 units |
Social Science |
18 units |
|
| ANTH 102C | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3 units |
| HIST 156C | United States History | 3 units |
| HIST 203C | World Civilizations I | 3 units |
| or HIST 204C | World Civilizations II | |
| HIST 456 | History and Geography of California | 3 units |
| POLS 155C | United States Government | 3 units |
| (A requirement for obtaining a California Teaching Credential) | ||
| SOCS/BUSN 215 | Economics (Macro) | 3 units |
Physical Education and Health |
5 units |
|
| KINE 145C | Lifetime Fitness and Wellness Lecture/Lab | 1 unit |
| KINE 146C | Lifetime Fitness and Wellness Activity | 1 unit |
| or any KINE 146C one-unit activity course | ||
| KINE 435 | Physical Education for Elementary Schools | 3 units |
Human Development |
6 units |
|
| PSYC 103C | General Psychology | 3 units |
| PSYC 320 | Developmental Psychology | 3 units |
Areas of Emphasis |
12 units |
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| Students must choose an emphasis from one of the following: Anthropology, Biological Science, Communication, English Literature, English Writing, History and Political Science, Kinesiology (Physical Education), Mathematics, Music, Physical Science, Psychology, Sociology, or Theatre Arts. As a capstone experience to the emphasis, each senior Liberal Studies student will participate in a portfolio/performance/demonstration assessment. Contact the Liberal Studies Department for details. | ||
Professional Requirements and Prerequisites: 9 or 10 units |
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| CORE 100C | Cornerstone (Freshman only)** | 1 unit |
| or CORE 101C | College Learning Skills (3 units) | 3 units |
| or CORE 102C | Writing Intensive Cornerstone | 3 units |
| EDUC 100 | Introduction to Education | 3 units |
| EDUC 315 | Teaching in a Multicultural Setting | 3 units |
| (Prerequisite for Graduate Education Program. To be taken during the junior or senior year.) | ||
| EDUC 499C | Senior Capstone Seminar | 3 units |
Electives: 9 or 10 units |
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| Recommended Electives: | ||
| EDUC 305 | Tutoring in an Urban Setting | 1-3 units |
| EDUC 441 | Philosophy of the Christian School | 1 unit |
* This information is provided for ease of use, however it is not the official record. See the academic catalog for official course descriptions and requirements.
