Office:
Craven
Hall, Room 6140
Telephone:
(760)
750-4104
Department Chair:
Vivienne
Bennett, Ph.D.
Faculty:
- African-American
History:
- Marcia Sawyer, Ph.D.
- Anthropology:
- Bonnie Bade, Ph.D.
- Cultural Linguistics:
- Jocelyn Ahlers, Ph.D.
- Jule Gómez de García, Ph.D.
- Geography:
- Aníbal Yáñez-Chávez, Ph.D.
- Migration Studies:
- Jorge Riquelme (Ph.D. expected 8/02)
- Science and Society:
- Robert C. Yamashita, Ph.D.
- Latin American
Studies:
- Vivienne Bennett, Ph.D.
- Urban and Regional
Planning:
- Kimberley Knowles-Yánez, Ph.D.
Programs Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in
Liberal Studies
- Interdisciplinary Studies Option
- Liberal Studies Option
- Integrated Credential Program Option
The reality of global interactions between people and the environment today increasingly challenges the borders that divide knowledge and academic disciplines, that divide scientist from social scientist, artist from scientist, and social scientist from artist. With the accelerated speed of new technologies, the borders of cultures and communities are simultaneously blurred and highlighted - but cannot be ignored. Preparing to meet the demands of massive amounts of information and rapidly changing social, political, cultural and scientific environments with awareness, flexibility, and innovation can be daunting. Discovering and providing the tools to meet this challenge is the particular mission of the Liberal Studies Program at Cal State San Marcos.
The Liberal Studies major (all options) is a state-approved Multiple Subject Subject-Matter Preparation Program. Completion of a Multiple Subject Program (such as the Liberal Studies options 1 and 2), or a passing score on the MSAT, and completion of EDUC 350 and EDUC 364 are required for entrance into Cal State San Marcos's Multiple Subject Credential Program. For more information about credential programs, please contact the College of Education. In Option 3 students take their Liberal Studies Subject Matter Preparation courses with their credential courses.
The Liberal Studies Program offers three options: Option 1, Interdisciplinary Studies (ISO); Option 2, Liberal Studies (LSO); and Option 3, the College of Arts and Sciences/College of Education Integrated Bachelor of Arts and Multiple/CLAD Subject Credential Curriculum.
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN LIBERAL STUDIES
Units
Lower-Division58-62
Upper-Division39
Students must
take a sufficient
number of
elective units
to bring the
total number of
units to a
minimum of124
Students must complete a minimum of 30 units in residence at Cal State San Marcos. A minimum of 40 major or elective upper-division units are required for graduation. The Liberal Studies major fulfills Cal State San Marcos General Education requirements for a baccalaureate degree.
All lower- and upper-division courses counted toward the major (Option 1,2, and 3) must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or higher. In addition, students in ISO (Option 1) must obtain a grade of B (3.0) or higher in each of the ten Area of Concentration courses. ISO (Option 1) students who receive less than a B (3.0) in an Area of Concentration course must repeat the course until receiving at least a B (3.0), or may substitute another course from the same Area of Concentration and obtain a B (3.0) or higher in that course.
Completion of a final portfolio with a passing grade is a graduation requirement of the Liberal Studies major, and is also required for the MSAT waiver. Students must meet with their special field advisor (Options 2 and 3), or their Liberal Studies advisor (Option 1), after filing for graduation, to arrange their portfolio assessment process. Students are expected to be familiar with all requirements at the time they sign up for the major.
Lower-Division Requirements
(61-62 Units)
All three options have the same lower-division requirements, which are divided into five areas and include General Education courses. Transfer students may fulfill some lower-division requirements with upper-division courses. All students must consult the approved course list or the Liberal Studies advisor.
Lower Division
Units
Oral
Communication
GEO 1023
Written Communication
GEW 1013
Critical
Thinking
Select one of the following
courses:3
MATH
110PHIL 110
PSYC 110
Biology
Select one of the following courses#:3
GES
102BIOL 325
BIOL 305BIOL
327
BIOL 311BIOL
328
BIOL
321BIOL 336
BIOL 323BIOL 338
Earth
Science
Select one of the
following courses:3
ASTR 101ASTR 342
CHEM
311CHEM 314
ES 101ES
102
Physical
Science
Select one of the
following courses##: 3
GES
101CHEM 311*
CHEM 312CHEM
314*
CHEM 313
Science
Lab1**
Mathematics
MATH 2103
MATH 2123
Introduction to Literature
Select one of the
following courses:3
LTWR 200LTWR 208A
LTWR 208BLTWR 210
Advanced
Composition
Select one of the
following courses:3
LTWR 225LTWR 325
LTWR 475
Other Humanities***
World
Civilization6
Critical Art3
Studio Art3
Intermediate Foreign
Language3
U.S. History
Select one of the
following courses:3
HIST
130HIST 131
U.S. and California
Government
PSCI 1003
Health, Physical
Education
PE 2014
Interdisciplinary
Social Science
Select one of the following courses:3
ANTH 200GESS 101
GESS 102SOC 205
WMST 101
Descipline-specific or
second
Interdisciplinary Social Science****3
ANTH 200ECON 202
GESS 101GESS 102
HIST 130HIST 131
PSYC
100SOC 101
SOC 205WMST 101
Option (ICPO)
#Students beginning their study at Cal State San Marcos must take GES 102. Transfer students may take either GES 102 or one of the upper division Biological Sciences courses listed here.
*This course cannot have been used to satisfy the Earth Science requirement above.
##Students beginning their study at Cal State San Marcos must take GES 101. Transfer students may take either GES 101 or one of the upper division Chemistry courses listed here.
**Automatically satisfied by GES 101 or GES 102
***See Liberal studies advisors for lists of courses each semester that fulfill these requirements.
****This course cannot be used to satisfy any other Liberal Studies requirement.
Upper-Division Requirements
Upper Division
Units
See detailed
descriptions below of
Option 1
Interdisciplinary Studies
Option (ISO)39
Option 2 Liberal
Studies
Option (LSO)39
Option 3 Integrated
Credential
Program91*
Option 1: Interdisciplinary Studies (ISO)
A liberal arts major with interdisciplinary areas of concentration (Culture, Community, or Science and Society). This option builds upon different approaches and dynamic connections across the sciences, the social sciences, and the arts and humanities, and provides specific possibilities for interdisciplinary thematic integration. Examples of thematic integration might include the study of gender, race, or power; African American, Chicano, or Latin American Studies; Border Studies; and Science and Society.
The ISO also lays the basis for obtaining a teaching credential in California. Students take at least six courses from faculty in the Liberal Studies Program, plus courses throughout the College of Arts and Sciences.
The ISO has three areas of concentration: Culture, Community, and Science and Society.
*Includes all College of Education coursework leading a post baccalaureate teaching credential (Multiple Subject Credential/CLAD).
Areas of Concentration
Culture. Focus is on how social reality and scientific inquiry shape culture, and vice versa. What is culture? What makes up culture? How is culture generated? Who produces culture? Culture is more than the arts; it is also the daily lived experience of ordinary people, including their customs, beliefs, morals, traditions and behaviors. Many of the courses in this area have to do with stimulating students to reflect upon aspects of North American culture that are taken as a given, providing analytical and critical tools to understand gender or race, for example. A number of courses provide a cultural context in the broadest sense, whether it is our understanding of biological evolution, how culture shapes politics, how economics creates a material basis for culture, or the role of mass communications in culture. There are also courses on the specific cultures of nations, world regions, or ethnic groups. The list of approved courses is updated annually. The list below is a sample of courses that may fit in this category. See the Liberal Studies advisors for the current pre-approved list:
ANTH 301, 325, 330
COMM 330, 435
FMST 300
HIST ‑308, 323, 327, 332, 334, 337, 341,
343, 345, 348, 350, 355, 356, 364,
384
ID 304
LING 371, 451
LTWR 310, 320, 450
MUSC ‑323, 324, 421, 422, 423, 424,
425, 426, 427
PHIL 320, 350
PSCI 472
SOC 305, 315
TA 320, 323, 326, 327, 410
VPA 320
VSAR 322, 325, 326
WMST 450
Community. Focus is on how communities, groups and places are defined or constructed throughout the world, with special attention to the multicultural and multiethnic reality of the Americas. How do we define community? What are the dynamics of various communities? Who is "us," who is "them," who is "the other"? How does the environment shape our communities, and what forces shape the environment? What is the role of science and the arts in defining or constructing communities? How do social movements grow within communities and transform social reality? Why do nations or social classes enter into conflict, wars and revolutions? How do the various scales of social reality – local, regional, national, or global communities – intersect with each other? The list of approved courses is updated annually. The list below is a sample of courses that may fit in this category. See the Liberal Studies advisors for the current pre-approved list:
ANTH
310, 315, 370
COMM
320, 360
ECON
445
GEOG
340, 450, 450S
HIST
‑325, 326, 331, 335, 336F, 338, 339,
347, 352,363, 365, 371, 374, 375
ID
301, 305, 340, 371, 410
PSCI
‑305, 321, 391, 445
SOC
310, 311, 313, 345, 347, 353
TA
325
VSAR
320, 323
WMST 301, 445
Science and Society. Focus is on the complex, worldwide interactions between science, technology, culture and society. How can we understand science and technology as tools to liberate human labor, and as instruments of destruction or domination? What skills or knowledge are necessary for society to produce or to control science and technology? How is the dynamic, technological environment transforming science, society, and the arts? What does the technological development of rich countries have to do with the situation in poor countries? How have technology and science transformed money and power?
The list of approved courses is updated annually. The list below is a sample of courses that may fit in this category. See the Liberal Studies advisors for the current pre-approved list:
BIOL
305, 311, 336, 338, 339
CHEM
311, 312 , 313
CS
301
HIST
390
LBST
361, 362
MATH
303, 304, 330
PHIL
340
PSCI
393
SOC
‑314, 316, 324, 419, 420, 424
VSAR
‑302, 404, 405, 422, 423
WMST 424
Note: The courses in the three areas of concentration are not solely or exclusively about Culture, Community, or Science and Society, or narrowly about the issues and questions outlined above; but they are connected to them, and will lead students to think critically about Culture, Community, or Science and Society within a larger conceptual framework. All Area of Concentration courses employ interdisciplinary approaches and methodologies. See the Liberal Studies advisors for the current Area of Concentration course lists
Guidelines for Course Distribution Among Areas of Concentration
- Students in the Interdisciplinary Studies Option (ISO) choose five courses (15 units) in their focus Area of Concentration, three courses (9 units) in a first supporting area, and two courses (6 units) in a second supporting area. (Note that courses may have prerequisites.) Area of Concentration course lists will be updated annually before the start of the fall semester. See the Liberal Studies advisors for the current list of courses for each Area of Concentration.
- Three of the ten Area of Concentration courses must be taught by Liberal Studies faculty.
- In fulfilling the above requirements, students must include at least one BB, one CC, and one DD course from the Area of Concentration lists in order to satisfy upper-division General Education requirements for a baccalaureate degree.
- Students in the
Interdisciplinary Studies Option must fulfill two additional general Liberal
Studies requirements:
- 3 units of upper-division Multicultural/ Ethnic Studies. See advisors for pre-approved list of courses that satisfy this requirement. May be double counted as an Area of Concentration course.
- 3 units of lower- or upper-division Global Awareness: one course that focuses on the study of Africa, Latin America, Asia or the Middle East. If the student has fulfilled this requirement with a lower-division course, that is sufficient. If not, this requirement may be fulfilled by taking an appropriate Area of Concentration course.
The Area of Concentration courses include several classes taught in Spanish. Students wishing a bilingual emphasis should consult the Liberal Studies Department Chair.
Bilingual Track. Plans are under way to offer a bilingual track, which will include LING 451, and one content course in Spanish in each of the three areas of concentration.
Upper-Division Requirements Interdisciplinary Studies Option 1
(39 Units)
Units
LBST 3013
Required
Interdisciplinary
Studies Option gateway
course
LING
3713
GEOG
3013
Area of Concentration
(30 units) Focus Area: Culture,
Community, or Science
and
Society15
First Supporting
Area9
Second Supporting
Area6
- Consult faculty advisor of your focus area regarding course selection.
- When selecting Area of Concentration courses, students are encouraged to include at least one BB, one CC, and one DD course in order to satisfy upper-division General Education requirements for a baccalaureate degree.
- Students must also include one course from the pre-approved list for American Ethnic and Multicultural Studies.
- Students are responsible for any prerequisites for courses in the areas of concentration. Plan ahead and check the catalog for details.
Option 2: Liberal Studies (LSO)
A liberal arts major with a disciplinary or interdisciplinary Special Field. This option builds on the General Education program and its global perspective to provide a flexible route to an undergraduate degree. It also lays the basis for obtaining a teaching credential in California. Students take at least two courses in the Liberal Studies Program, plus courses throughout the College of Arts and Sciences.
Upper-Division
Requirements Liberal Studies Option
(39 Units)
Units
Multicultural
Education3
One upper-division
ethnic/
multicultural
studies
course
Global
Awareness3
One upper-division
Global Awareness
course
(study
of Africa, Asia, Latin
America
or the
Middle East) in
addition
to GEOG 301.
LING 300 or LING
3713
GEOG
3013
Science General
Education 3
Upper-division General
Education course in
the sciences
Mathematics/Computer
Science
General
Education 3
Upper-division General Education course in mathematics or computer science
Humanities General
Education3
Upper-division General
Education course in
the
humanities.
Social Science General
Education3
Upper-division General
Education course in
the social sciences
Social
Science3
Any upper-division
course in the
social
sciences or LBST 301
Special
Field12
Consult faculty
advisor of your
special field
before
selecting
special field courses.
A special field is a collection of courses (at least 12 units) that fulfills the State of California requirement for depth of study within a multiple subject preparation program. Special Field coursework may be double counted toward a minor; an official declaration of a minor must be submitted to Registration and Records. In conjunction with the Special Field Coursework, graduating seniors prepare a final portfolio--see the Special Field Advisor (advisors are designated for each Special Field) for detailed portfolio guidelines. Portfolios are assessed on a Pass/No Pass basis. Completion of the portfolio with a Pass is a graduation requirement for the Liberal Studies Option of the Liberal Studies major, and is also required for the MSAT waiver.
The Liberal Studies Option Offers Special Fields in:
American Sign Language
Anthropology
Arts and Education
Arts and Technology
Child Development
Communication
Computer Science
Ethnic and
Multicultural Studies
Geography
History
Human Development
Latin American Studies
Life Science
Literature and Writing
Studies
Mathematics
Physical/Earth Science
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
Visual and Performing Arts
Anthropology
Advisor:
Bonnie Bade,
Ph.D.
Craven Hall 6125
Anthropology employs a comparative and holistic approach in the examination and analysis of human phenomena. Using the anthropological perspective, ideas and behavior are examined in relation to their ecological, economic, social, political, cultural, and ideological contexts. Cross-cultural comparison, the cornerstone of anthropology, provides insight to the diverse ways that people interact with their environments and each other. The anthropological perspective seeks to understand connections and interrelations between human ideas and behavior. Key to the anthropological approach is understanding how different aspects of culture, such as religion, medicine, kinship, economy, and governance, integrate to support social structure and functioning. Informed self-reflection and critical analysis of one's own world view assumptions and cultural belief system are fundamental objectives of the anthropological method.
Package I
Anthropology
Lower-division (3 units)
Units
ANTH
200 3
Upper-division (12
units)
Units
Choose three from the
following
courses: 9
ANTH 301ANTH 330
ANTH
310ANTH 370
ANTH
315ANTH 498
ANTH
325
Choose one from the
following
courses:3
SOC 314
ID
371SOC 316
GEOG
450SOC 320
HIST
337SOC 333
LTWR
510SOC 341
PSYC 341
SOC
305SOC 345
SOC
309SOC 347
SOC
311SOC 429
Total
Units12
Package II
Medical Anthropology
Upper-division (12 units)
Units
Choose two from the
following
courses:6
ANTH 301ANTH 302
ANTH 499
Choose two from the
following
courses: 6
BIOL
347SOC 316
PSYC 432SOC 324
PSYC
352SOC 419
PSYC
356SOC 420
SOC
309SOC 424
SOC
314SOC 429
Total
Units12
Arts and Education
Advisor:
Merryl Goldberg,
Ed.D.
Arts Hall, Third Floor
The Arts and Education special field is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in education. The primary emphasis of this special field is on developing a more thorough understanding of the arts of the world (music, theater, visual arts) and integrating the arts into the K-12 classroom. This special field is especially desirable for students planning to enter the credential program in the College of Education. Special field coursework may be double counted towards a minor in Visual and Performing Arts; an official declaration of minor must be submitted to Admissions and Records.
Upper-division (12 units)
Units
VPA 311
3
Choose one of the
following courses:3
VSAR 302MUSC 302
Choose two of the
following courses:6
MUSC 480TA 480
VSAR 480VPA 311
Total
Units12
Arts and Technology
Advisor:
Bill Bradbury,
D.M.A.
Arts Hall, Third Floor
The Special Field in Arts and Technology will provide the student with valuable experience in computer-based music, video and visual arts. This special field is of practical value in many areas; successful students will have skills in computer graphics, multimedia, video production, digital audio recording, MIDI technology and/or web design. Special field coursework may be double counted towards a minor in Visual and Performing Arts; an official declaration of minor must be submitted to Admissions and Records.
Upper-division (12 units)
Units
Choose four from the
following
courses:12
MUSC
302 VSAR 403
MUSC
402 VSAR 404
VSAR
302 VSAR 405
VSAR
303 VSAR 422
VSAR
304 VSAR 440
Total
Units12
Child Development
Advisor:
Fernando I. Soriano,
Ph.D.
Craven Hall 6108
Child development is the interdisciplinary study of growth and development during childhood and adolescence. This field uses perspectives from biology, psychology, and sociology to examine the complex interplay of body, mind, and environment in shaping developmental processes and outcomes for children and youth. The purpose of this approach is to promote a holistic understanding of child development by surveying the subject matter from several complementary and interdependent perspectives.
Upper-division (12 units)
Units
PSYC 3303
HD 3013
Choose one from the
following
courses: 3
BIOL
321BIOL 327
Choose one from the
following
courses: 3
SOC
303SOC 319
SOC
315SOC 413
SOC 317
Total
Units12
Communication
Advisor:
Bud Morris,
Ph.D.
Craven Hall 6208
Communication is the study of how messages are produced and received across a wide range of contexts. This involves thinking about the nature of communication, its varied forms and uses, and its multiple effects within and across societies and cultures. In studying communication, students learn how significantly communication influences their personal and professional lives in each of several roles, including those of organizational actor, consumer, cultural representative, and citizen.
Upper-division (12 units)
Units
Choose three from the
following
courses: 9
COMM 330COMM 437
COMM 360COMM 440
COMM 435COMM 450A
Choose one from the
following
courses: 3
LING
371 COMM 333
Total
Units 12
Computer Science
Advisor:
Rochelle L. Boehning,
Ph.D.
University Hall 212
Computer Science is basically the study of problem solving on computers. We utilize the power of computers in the problem solving process while dealing with the constraints of computers. The program stresses analysis and design experiences with substantial laboratory work.
Lower-division (8 units)
Units
CS 1114
Choose one from the
following
courses:4
CS
211CS 231
Upper-division (6 units)
Units
Choose two from the
following
courses: 6
CS
301*CS 311
CS 331CS 351
CS 441CS 464
CS
543CS 571
Total
Units14
*CS 301: Computer Mastery is not applicable to the special field if it is taken to fulfill the Cal State San Marcos Upper Division Math/Science General Education (BB) requirement.
Note: Any one interested in this special field should at least pass CS 111 in his or her junior year.
Ethnic and Multicultural Studies
Advisor:
Bob Yamashita
Craven
Hall 6134
The Ethnic and Multicultural
Studies Special Field is broadly defined to
allow students to address the
variety
of ways in which ethnicity and multiculturalism affect our lives. A
special field in Ethnic and Multicultural Studies is of
practical value to all
students because
it enables them to understand a world where people have a
variety of social and cultural differences. This understanding will enable them
to value, negotiate and correctly interpret these differences and enhance their
careers as future teachers or corporate managers.
The four upper-division
courses required for this special field will be determined for individual
students in one-on-one meetings with the designated faculty advisor. Course
selection is intended to match
the student's needs. For example, the
coursework might focus on African-American, Latino-American, Asian-American, or
Native-American issues. Thematic issues such as the creation of racial
hierachies in Western cultures, the economic oppression of people of color
in
the Americas, politics and ethnic representation, and deculturalization, or
schooling and deculturalization are also appropriate foci for coursework.
Geography
Advisor:
Aníbal Yáñez-Chávez,
Ph.D.
Craven Hall 6129
The Geography Special Field
focuses
on the study of dynamic relationships between people and the natural or
built environments that support them. It includes spatial analysis and
explanation of distinctive patterns, processes, and landscapes. It may also
offer students the opportunity to use Geographic Information Systems.
Choose one of the following packages:
Upper-division (12 units)
Package I
Urban and Regional Geography
Units
GEOG
320
GEOG 325 or LBST 307
GEOG 340
GEOG 450 or 450S
Total
Units12
Package II
Geography and the
Environment
Units
GEOG
320 or LBST 307
GEOG 450 or 450S
ANTH 370
BIOL 336, 338 or 339
Total
Units12
Note: Alternative courses for either package may be approved by the Geography Special Field advisor.
History
History Department
Craven
Hall, First Floor
History is the study and interpretation of the past, but historians are vitally concerned with the present and the future. The study of history links students across time to human experience throughout the entire world so that they can better understand both the world and their role in it at the present moment. The study of history teaches students to weigh evidence, to think critically and strategically, and to read empathetically and creatively. Because history is discipline links the humanities with the social sciences, history offers students a broad analytic framework through which to understand the world.
Upper-division (12 units)
Units
History
3013
Any three
upper-division
history
courses9
Total
Units:12
Human Development
Advisor:
Fernando I. Soriano,
Ph.D.
Craven Hall 6108
Human development is the interdisciplinary study of human growth and development throughout the lifespan. This field uses perspectives from biology, psychology, and sociology to explore the complex interplay of body, mind, and environment in shaping developmental processes and outcomes. The purpose of this approach is to promote a holistic understanding of human development by surveying the subject matter from several complementary and interdependent perspectives.
Upper-division (12 units)
Units
HD 3013
Choose
one from the following
courses: 3
BIOL
321 BIOL 325
BIOL
322 BIOL 327
BIOL 323
Choose one from the
following
courses:3
PSYC 330PSYC 356
PSYC 332PSYC 360
PSYC 334PSYC 432
Choose one from the
following
courses:3
SOC
303SOC 315
SOC
307SOC 413
SOC 309
Total
Units12
Latin American Studies
Advisor:
Vivienne Bennett,
Ph.D.
Craven Hall 6121
Latin American Studies is the interdisciplinary study of the Latin American region, including its culture, history, economic, and political development. The Latin American Studies Special Field at Cal State San Marcos also includes the study of Latin America's impact on the United States through migration, culture, and economic integration. Latin American Studies is a useful special field for students who may teach or work in bilingual and/or bicultural programs.
Upper-division (12 units)
Units
Choose two from the
following
courses:6
ANTH 325ID 350*
GEOG 340CID 360*
GEOG 450ID 370 *
GEOG 450SID 450
HIST
350ID 450S
HIST
351PSCI 338
HIST
352PSCI 341
HIST
355PSCI 348**
HIST
356PSCI 357
HIST
359PSCI 361
ID
301PSCI 362***
ID
306SOC 345
*Only counts when entire course content focuses on Latin America or on Latino issues in the United States.
**Only counts when the entire course content focuses on a Latin American or Caribbean nation.
***Only counts when entire course content focuses on Latin America.
Choose two from the following
courses:6
LTWR
400^SPAN 522
LTWR 410 ^^
SPAN 523
LTWR
420# SPAN 524
LTWR 430MSPAN 525
MUSC 390SPAN 526
MUSC 422SPAN 540
MUSC 425SPAN 542
SPAN 315SPAN 543
SPAN 350BSPAN 544
SPAN
370SPAN 545
SPAN 400ASPAN 546
SPAN 400BSPAN 552
SPAN 400CTA 320
SPAN 400DTA 325
SPAN 410 ##TA 327
SPAN 415TA 420
SPAN
422STA 421
SPAN 450AVSAR 323
SPAN
450B^^VSAR 325
SPAN
521
Total Units12
^Only counts when entire course content focuses on Latin American or Latino author
^^Only counts when entire course content focuses on Latin American/Latino Literature.
#Only counts when entire course content focuses on comparative Latin America.
##Only sections 420A, B, C, D, F, G, H, I, J, L, N, O, P, T, U, and X.
Life Science
Advisor:
Thomas Wahlund,
Ph.D.
Science 2 Hall, First Floor
Life science includes studies of macromolecules, cells, organisms, genetics, evolution, and ecosystems. Chemistry serves as the foundation for understanding the composition of living things and the processes that make life possible. Using our own species as an example, this special field provides a broad understanding of living systems, their components, needs, and histories. Because science inquires into the workings of the natural world, students should take advantage of opportunities to explore this world in the laboratory and field. The lower-division core in Liberal Studies requires three science courses with at least one lab experience. The Life Science Special Field requires at least four additional courses (12 or more units) beyond the lower-division core, at least 6 units of which must be taken at the upper-division level.
Course Requirements of the Life Science Special Field
The following courses are required in addition to the LDGE (Life science, physical science, and earth science) and UDGE BB requirements. Although either GES 102 or BIOL 211 may be taken to fulfill the LDGE life science requirement, BIOL 211 is recommended for students in the Life Science Special Field. The required chemistry course should be taken before BIOL 211.
Lower-division (5 units)
Units
CHEM
1505
Upper-division (9 units)
Units
Choose three from the
following
courses: 9
BIOL
321BIOL 338
BIOL
327BIOL 339
BIOL 328
Literature and Writing Studies
Advisors:
Susie L. Cassell,
Ph.D. CRA 6208
Judy Jordan, M.F.A. CRA 6220
The Special Field may not overlap with other requirements in your major. Special Field course work may be double counted towards a minor.
Upper-division (12 units)
Units
LTWR 4653
(LTWR 305 shall be
substituted
if LTWR 465 already
taken for
a separate
requirement)
Choose one of the
following
2-course
sequences:6
LTWR 308A and 308B
LTWR 309A and 309B
Choose one of the
following
courses:3
LTWR
402LTWR 450
EDUC 400
Total
Units12
Mathematics
Advisor:
David Chien
Ph.D.
Science 2 Hall, Third Floor
The Mathematics Special Field builds on the mathematics required for the Liberal Studies lower-division core to provide depth in exposure to the power, beauty, and utility of mathematical thought. In studying mathematics, students develop the ability to explore, to conjecture, and to reason logically, as well as the ability to use effectively a variety of mathematical methods to solve problems. As a result, students are better prepared to teach according to the new standards called for at the elementary and middle school level, or to enter careers in government or private industry.
Twelve (12) units of Mathematics are required for the special field. These 12 units are in addition to the 6 units of Mathematics required for the Liberal Studies Lower-Division Core. (For the lower-division 6 units of Mathematics, MATH 210 and 212 are recommended for future teachers.)
Package A
Lower-division (6 units)
Units
MATH 1605
MATH 1624
(MATH 260 may be
substituted
for MATH 160 or 162)
Upper-division (6 units)
Units
Choose two from the
following
courses:6
MATH
330MATH 410
MATH
350MATH 440
MATH
360MATH 464
MATH
362MATH 470
MATH
370MATH 472
MATH
372MATH 474
MATH
374MATH 480
Package B
Lower-division (3 units)
Units
MATH 1605
(MATH 260 may be
substituted
for MATH 160)
Upper-division (9 units)
Units
Chose three from the
following
courses: 9
MATH
330MATH 410
MATH
350MATH 440
MATH
360MATH 464
MATH
362MATH 470
MATH
370MATH 472
MATH
372MATH 474
MATH
374MATH 480
Physical/Earth Science
Advisor:
Paul Jasien,
Ph.D.
Science 2 Hall, First Floor
Physical Science is the study of matter and energy at both the molecular and macroscopic levels. It encompasses the disciplines of Chemistry, Physics, and some aspects of the Geosciences. In studying Physical Science students will learn and apply various models to explain how the natural world works. Since science is a hands-on endeavor, students in this area are encouraged to gain laboratory experience.
This field is a good starting point for students seeking a supplementary authorization to teach middle school science in the State of California. The State requirements can be met while obtaining the Liberal Studies degree, by judiciously choosing lower- and upper-division electives to accompany their Special Field courses.
Lower-division (4-5 units)
Units
Choose one of the
following
courses:
CHEM
1505
PHYS
201*4
PHYS
205*4
Upper-division (9 units)
Units
Required:
ASTR 3423
Choose two from the
following
courses (One must be
CHEM 311
or 314):6
CHEM 311CHEM 312
CHEM 313CHEM 314
PHYS 408
Total
Units13-14
*Course has MATH 160 as prerequisite.
Cal State San Marcos requires a minimum of 40 upper-division units (courses numbered 300 and above) for the bachelor's degree. If a lower-division course is taken as part of the Special Field, additional upper-division electives may be required for graduation.
The above courses are in addition to the Lower-Division (Physical Science, Earth Science, Life Science) and Upper-Division General Education (BB) requirements.
Other lower- or upper-division courses in Chemistry, Physics, or Earth Science may be counted toward the Special Field. Consult your faculty advisor.
Political Science
Advisor:
Vicki L. Golich,
Ph.D.
Craven Hall 6110
Political science is the study of government, individual, and institutional behavior in the public sector; relations among nation-states and non-state actors; and theories of politics and decision making. The program emphasizes empirical versus normative political science, written and oral communication, computer literacy, qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well as critical analysis of complex political relations in both domestic and global contexts. Political science addresses the fundamental issues confronting modern society – war, inequality, poverty and development, the environment – and seeks to evaluate the processes, policies, relationships, and theories that have been devised to deal with them.
Upper-division (12 units)
Units
Choose two from the
following
courses: 6
PSCI
301PSCI 401
PSCI
305PSCI 413
Choose two from the
following
courses: 6
PSCI
331PSCI 370
PSCI
350PSCI 445
Total
Units12
Psychology
Advisor:
Sharon Hamill,
Ph.D.
University Hall 304
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior in both humans and animals. The program emphasizes psychology as an empirical science with skills and competencies that include writing, research, critical analysis of complex problems, knowledge of human behavior and characteristics, increased self-understanding and insight into the behavior of others. Psychology covers a wide range of topics in behavior, from the inner workings of the brain and body to the ways social environments exert their influences. In an emerging global community, multicultural perspectives are seen as integral elements.
The Special Field in Psychology prepares students for careers in a variety of psychology-related settings including mental health agencies, hospitals, teaching institutions, business, industry, and public organizations.
Breadth Option:
Prerequisite: PSYC 100
Upper-division (12 units)
Units
Choose one course from
each
of the 4 major
areas:12
BiologicalPSYC
361/
BIOL
348
PSYC 360
CognitivePSYC 362 or
PSYC 354
SocialPSYC 332
DevelopmentalPSYC 330
or PSYC 356
Total
Units12
Depth Option:
Prerequisites: PSYCH 100, 220 and 230
Upper-division (12 units)
Units
Choose any three lecture courses _from above, and corresponding _lab course (must complete the _corresponding pre-requisite course _from above list prior to enrolling in _the lab course):
Lecture courses (9 units):
BiologicalPSYC 360
CognitivePSYC 362
SocialPSYC 332
DevelopmentalPSYC 330
or PSYC 356
Lab courses (3 units):
BiologicalPSYC 390
PSYC 391
PSYC 392
PSYC 394
CognitivePSYC 393
SocialPSYC 396
DevelopmentalPSYC 395
Total
Units12
Transfer students with upper-division Psychology courses from other institutions may petition to include up to two (6 units) upper-division Psychology transfer courses for the Psychology Special Field. Students should initiate the petition process as early as possible in order to properly plan for course work and portfolio projects. Please meet with the designated Psychology Special Field Advisor.
Sociology
Advisor:
Linda Shaw, Ph.D.
Craven Hall 6113
Sociology is the study of human societies, the institutions, organizations, and groups that compose them, and of the way individuals and groups in society relate to one another. A sociological perspective is vital to an understanding of contemporary social issues such as inequality based in race, class, and gender as well as the areas of youth and aging, families, crime and juvenile delinquency, and health and mental health. A special field in sociology is highly relevant to careers in education, human services, social work, criminal justice, and health related professions.
Upper-division (12 units)
Units
Choose one course from
the following
courses:3
SOC
205*#SOC 311
SOC
300SOC 320
Choose three from a
cross the9
following two special
topic areas:
Children, Youth, and Families
SOC 203*#SOC 301
SOC 322 SOC 303
SOC 323SOC 315
SOC 417SOC 317
SOC 486SOC 319
Communities and Institutions in Contemporary Society
SOC
305SOC 341
SOC
307SOC 345
SOC
313SOC 347
SOC
316SOC 351
SOC
321SOC 413
SOC
324SOC 443
SOC
328SOC 337
Total
Units12
Notes:_SOC 485D or 495 may be
substituted for any one course from the special topic areas.
A maximum of one transfer course in Sociology, subject to advisor approval, may
be applied to the Sociology Special Field.
*A minimum of 50 upper-division units (courses numbered 300 and above) are required for the bachelor's degree. If a lower-division course is taken as part of the special Field, additional upper division electives may be required for graduation.
#Only one 200 level course may be applied to the Sociological Special Field.
Visual and Performing Arts
Advisor:
Merryl Goldberg,
Ed.D.
Arts Hall, Third Floor
The Visual and Performing Arts Special Field affords students the opportunity to pursue an interest in the arts (music, theater, video, visual arts) as part of a broader general education in Liberal Studies.
Courses may be selected from a single discipline (e.g., an emphasis in music) or a combination of disciplines (e.g., music/theater or computer art/video). Special field coursework may be double counted towards a minor in Visual and Performing Arts; an official declaration of minor must be submitted to Admissions and Records.
Upper-division (12 units)
Choose four courses in
MUSC, TA, VSAR,
and/or
VPA
(with approval of VPA
Special Field Advisor)12
Option 3: Integrated
Credential Program Option
(ICPO) – Bachelor of Arts in
Liberal Studies and Multiple Subject Credential/CLAD (91units)
The Integrated Credential Program Option provides students with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Liberal Studies from the College of Arts and Sciences and a Multiple Subject Credential/CLAD from the College of Education. The Integrated Credential Program Option consists of six themed semesters of upper-division and post-baccalaureate courses that are taken in both colleges.
Important Notes:
- As part of the ICPO course work, students select a four-course Special Field as in the Liberal Studies Option of the Liberal Studies major.
- In order to receive the Bachelor of Arts degree and the Multiple Subject Credential within three years of attaining upper-division status, students must complete all courses each semester as described in the curriculum below.
- Students will be expected to take the 9-13 units of required core courses each semester as a cohort. The core courses are offered in blocks each semester, and students must take all courses in the block.
- It is anticipated that in semesters 1-5, students will take one or more of the required non-core courses in addition to the required core courses. While the required non-core courses may _be taken out of sequence (i.e. during additional semesters or during winter and summer terms), it is urged that whenever possible they be taken in the semester indicated.
- Students who drop out of the Integrated Bachelor of Arts and Multiple Subject Credential Program may count up to 13 units of COE courses from this Program as electives towards their B.A./B.S.
- All Liberal Studies majors must _be sure to satisfy Upper-division General Education requirements in their selection of courses (one BB, one CC, and one DD course). Special Field courses may not be used to satisfy this requirement.
- Students seeking a BCLAD (bilingual credential) will be required to register for EDML 553 and 554 at times to be determined in consultation with COE faculty advisors in bilingual education.
Course Sequence
Semester 1: School and a Multicultural Society
Core Requirements
EDUC
350B*3
EDUC
364B*3
ID
340B3
Non-Core Requirements
Computer Competency
Requirement, or if not
needed, another
unmet
requirement, _or an elective3
Any UDGE Area CC
Course3
Total units in
Semester 115
Semester 2: Language, Culture and Learning
Core Requirements
EDMS
526B3
EDMS
540B4
LING
371B3
Non-Core Requirements
Art course
VPA
380D3
Global Awareness
course or if not
needed, an elective3
Total units in
Semester 215
*Count as the electives for the B.A. in Liberal Studies.
Semester 3: Mathematics
Core Requirements
Units
EDMS
527B2
EDMS
543B3
MATH
3113
EDMS
560B3
Non-Core Requirements
Special Field Course
#13
Total units in
Semester 314
Semester 4: Science
Core Requirements
Units
EDMS
5453
ID
3813
LBST
3613
Non-Core Requirements
Special Field Course
#23
Special Field Course
#33
Total units in
Semester 415
Semester 5: Community
Core Requirements
Units
EDMS
544B3
One Community Course -
A designated*
Interdisciplinary Social
Science course.3
*See advisor for the list of designated courses.
EDMS
561B3
Non-Core Requirements
Special Field Course
#43
GEOG
3013
Total units in
Semester 515
Semester 6: Professional Practice
Core Requirements
Units
EDML
552B3
EDMS
562B9
LBST 575 or EDMS
575B1
Non-Core Requirements
There are no required non-core courses for Semester 6
Total units in
Semester 613