Liberal Studies

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www.csupomona.edu/~ls/

Stephen H. Bryant, Chair
Christina Chavez-Reyes, Associate Chair

The major in Liberal Studies offers a diversified curriculum for those who are attracted to an interdisciplinary program of study. The purposes of Liberal Studies are twofold: (1) to provide the undergraduate preparation for students to teach in the public elementary schools of California, and (2) to prepare students for graduate work in such fields as law; or for work in business, human services, government, and public relations; or to pursue intellectual fulfillment for its own sake.

Five subplans are available. The first is the recommended baccalaureate curriculum preparation for the teaching credential program (monolingual). The second is the baccalaureate curriculum preparation for teaching with a bilingual, Spanish focus. There are also two (English only and bilingual Spanish) blended/integrated (BA/credential) subplans. The fifth subplan is a flexible program of study for students which assures a breadth of education and provides opportunity for emphasis in an area of one’s choice.

Admission to the Teacher Education Program is by separate application, usually in the senior year. Students choosing a career in education should consult with the Credential Services Office in CEIS for entrance requirements for the credential program. Students are also advised that the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST) should be taken in their junior year to appropriately address possible deficiencies prior to graduation or application to the Teacher Education program. Students taking the Bilingual/Cross-cultural subplan should consult with the BCLAD advisor in the CEIS Credential Services Office to ensure that they have the proper coursework and experience to meet the credentialing requirements in this area. Teacher candidates also have the responsibility to pass the CSET examination. Contact the CEIS Credential Services Office or the Liberal Studies Department office for details.

The curriculum for those wishing to be elementary teachers includes discipline areas of language and literature, mathematics, science, social science/history, humanities, the visual and performing arts, physical education and human development. Students must have a grade of C or better in each class to graduate in any of the teacher preparation subplans. (This does not apply to the general studies subplan.) Students interested in teaching may choose either the Education Specialist Credential Program or the Multiple Subject Credential Program–see an advisor for details.

For students choosing the General Studies Subplan, elective courses may be used to satisfy all or part of the requirements for a minor in another subject, an additional major, or a diversified series of courses tailored to the student’s own interests. This subplan may also be used by students pursuing a teaching career.

Advising: There are two types of advising for Liberal Studies majors: curriculum advising and career/personal advising. For curriculum advising - which deals with what classes to take and related issues - most Liberal Studies majors will see the Liberal Studies Advisor. Call 909-869-3567 for an appointment. Students in CPPEER, athletics, the 4-Year Pledge, Honors College, or who have a GPA less than 2.0, will see the Department Chair; also call 909-869-3567 for an appointment.

Liberal Studies students must see a curriculum advisor at least twice per year. Students can expect to be called or emailed for a curriculum advising appointment. Appointments are scheduled throughout the year, as it is physically impossible for all Liberal Studies majors to have curriculum advising appointments during the few weeks of official “advising” and “preregistration” periods set by the University.

For career/personal advising, and some course substitute approvals, each Liberal Studies major has an assigned faculty advisor; students are assigned to faculty advisors by beginning letter of last name. See http://www.csupomona.edu/~ls/advising.shtml for list.

Programs

• Liberal Studies, B.A. - BA/Credential Subplan/Option
• Liberal Studies, B.A. - Bilingual Authorization BA/Credential Subplan/Option
• Liberal Studies, B.A. - Bilingual Authorization BA/Pre-Credential Subplan/Option
• Liberal Studies, B.A. - General Studies Subplan/Option
• Liberal Studies, B.A. - Pre-Credential Subplan/Option

Courses

• LS 102/102A - Engaged Education: Education and Beyond (2/1)
• LS 200 - Special Study for Lower Division Students (1-4)
• LS 201 - Introduction to Liberal Studies (4)
• LS 299/299A/299L - Special Topics for Lower Division Students (1-4)
• LS 301 - Concepts in Liberal Studies (4)
• LS 400 - Special Study for Upper Division Students (1-4)
• LS 401 - Liberal Studies Seminar (4)
• LS 421 - Integrated Arts II (4)
• LS 459 - Liberal Studies Synthesis I (4)
• LS 460 - Liberal Studies Synthesis II (4)
• LS 461 - Senior Project I (4)
• LS 462 - Senior Project II (4)
• LS 499/499A/499L - Special Topics for Upper Division Students (1-4/1-4/1-4)

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