Liberal Studies (LS)

Career and academic planning, co-curricular, extra-curricular opportunities, and pathway into a K-8 teaching profession. Academic policies and procedures, goal settings, elements of career in education, and other topics relevant to student and professional success. Intended for new students in the Liberal Studies major. Not open to students with credit in LS 101. 1 activity.

Theory, aesthetics, appreciation and applications of visual arts, through multiple two dimensional art strategies, as related to educational processes for the elementary classroom. Focus on elements, principles of design while fostering artistic perception. One Saturday field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Examination of U.S. and California constitutions, significant legislation, and court cases affecting public education from the colonial period to the present. Overview of contributions by individuals of historical, national, and international educational significance. Examination of landmark decisions. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures.

Current practices and issues in elementary education, including teacher compensation, cultural impact on schools, time and classroom management, English learners, and the affective aspect of teaching. In addition to class time, 24 hours of K-6 structured observation is required. 2 activities.

Overview of current practices and issues in elementary education, including components of effective teaching, motivating students, diagnostic/prescriptive teaching, curriculum, and accountability. In addition to class time, 24 hours of structured observation and participation in K-6 public schools is required. 2 activities.

Culturally diverse children's literature with a focus on analysis and evaluation of literary elements and structures, critical perspectives, trends, and issues. A wide range of authors, genres and formats including folktales, fantasy, poetry, informational, historical and realistic fiction books. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as ENGL/LS 255. Fulfills GE Area C2 (GE Area C1 or GE Area C2 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Directed group study of selected topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures.

Overview of ethical, legal, and historical issues in education; major foundational philosophies in American public education. Career pathways in education, targeted advising, portfolio building and professional goals and opportunities. Not open to students with credit in LS 101. 1 activity.

Extended collaborative study of a question or problem in STEM using a Project Based Learning (PBL) environment; includes consideration of the educational framework and principles of PBL. Topics will have an engineering design component that will require application of mathematics, technology, and science. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 4 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. 2 activities.

Techniques for selection, preparation and presentation of traditional folktales and myths for an audience. Discussion of theatrical and storytelling techniques. Applications of storytelling in teaching and organizations; theory and history of folk literature and mythology. 4 lectures.

Interdisciplinary examination of school, family, and community relationships, at the school and classroom level. Role of teachers' and students' intersectional identities in school achievement, disciplinary, and life-course outcomes. The school-to-prison-to-deportation pipeline. Educational equity and related issues. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP.

Current theory and practice of standards based performing arts with an emphasis on the use of music, theater, media arts and dance, as discrete disciplines with historical and cultural context in the classroom. Attendance at outside performances required. 4 lectures.

Structured application of subject matter content in schools and informal educational settings. Topics include: Arts, English, Science, Mathematics, History/Social Studies, Physical Education and Health, Interdisciplinary K-8 Education, and Animal-Assisted Education in Schools. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Participation in public schools requires mandated fingerprint clearance. Total credit limited to 4 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. 2 activities.

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units, with a maximum of 2 units per quarter.

Analysis and practice of history and social sciences knowledge and skills to facilitate K-8 learning through identifying major themes and questions. The use of inquiry, assessment, curriculum integration, and technology to connect discipline specific content to contemporary social issues. 3 seminars, 1 activity.

Analysis and practice of Arts knowledge and skills to facilitate K-8 learning through identifying major themes and questions. The use of inquiry, assessment, curriculum integration, and technology to connect discipline specific content to contemporary social issues. Field trips required. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 4 lectures.

Analysis and practice of science and engineering knowledge and skills to facilitate K-8 learning through identifying major themes and questions. Use of inquiry, assessment, curriculum integration, and technology to connect discipline specific content to contemporary social issues. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Examination of issues in education of state, national and international concern. Students prepare presentations and conduct individual research and analysis of selected problems. Substantial research paper required. 4 seminars.

Application of content and theory to the educational experience of one specific subject matter area in the Liberal Studies program. Total credit limited to 4 units.

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures.