Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 University Catalog 
    
2015-2016 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Liberal Studies, Department of


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Department Chair

James R. Hofmann

Department Office/Website

Humanities 230
657-278-2794
lbst.fullerton.edu

Faculty

Emily Bonney, April Bullock, Mark Fischer, Margaret Garber, Joseph Gonzalez, James Hofmann, Kevin Lambert, Edward Maine, Craig McConnell, Andrea Patterson, Angeles Sancho-Velazquez, Saul Tobias

Introduction

Liberal Studies is an interdisciplinary department that integrates concepts from the humanities and arts, the natural sciences and the social sciences. Some core courses trace the historical development of these areas of knowledge in their intellectual and cultural context. The broad framework of these courses will enable students to see the whole range of human knowledge. Other core courses compare and contrast the methods and underlying assumptions of the humanities and arts, the natural sciences and the social sciences, and explore the ways in which these disciplines communicate. The critical thinking and communication skills these courses develop provide students with the self-confidence that comes from being able to express one’s ideas clearly and effectively both orally and in writing. The core courses use a combination of lecture, discussion and seminar to make the student not only a well-rounded, well-educated person, but also a more independent thinker and a more creative human being.

The major in Liberal Studies is designed for students who desire the broadest possible liberal education: (1) as preparation for teaching all subjects in the elementary school classroom; (2) as an alternative approach to careers in business; (3) as preprofessional preparation for entry into professional schools in the health sciences, law, ministry, etc.; (4) as a means of obtaining specific occupational requirements that cannot be met from coursework in a single department; (5) and as a source of personal growth and development.

Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

The following goals and learning outcomes have been established for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies:

Written Communication

  • Write clearly and correctly
  • Analyze and present ideas and subject matter coherently

Knowledge

  • Identify significant figures, concepts, themes and developments in the arts and humanities
  • Identify significant figures, concepts, themes and developments in the social sciences
  • Identify significant figures, concepts, themes and developments in the natural sciences

Analysis

  • Compare and contrast significant concepts, themes and arguments from the arts and humanities
  • Compare and contrast significant concepts, themes and arguments from the social sciences
  • Compare and contrast significant concepts, themes and arguments from the natural sciences

Interdisciplinarity

  • Explain interdisciplinary connections among and within the three subject areas: arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences

Programs and Courses Offered

Programs

    Bachelor of ArtsNon-Degree

    Courses

      Liberal Studies

      Courses are designated as LBST in the class schedule.

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