Liberal Studies, Department of

Introduction
Degree Description

Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
Programs and Courses Offered

Department Chair

Mark Fischer

Department Office/Website

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

Faculty

April Bullock, Mark Fischer, Margaret Garber, Kevin Lambert, Craig McConnell, Andrea Patterson, Angeles Sancho-Velazquez, Saul Tobias

Introduction

Liberal Studies is an interdisciplinary department that integrates ideas 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 contexts from antiquity to the present. The broad framework of these courses will enable students to see the wide 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, as well as becoming a special education teacher; (2) as an alternative approach to careers in business; (3) as 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 by coursework in a single department; (5) and as a source of personal growth and development.

Degree Description

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies offers an interdisciplinary education in the arts and humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, together with rigorous training in critical thinking and argumentative writing. It thus establishes a secure foundation for any profession that requires general knowledge and prizes independent and creative thought. The program’s graduates have been successful in law, management and various entrepreneurial activities. Liberal Studies very effectively prepares students to obtain a multiple subject teaching credential and to pursue a variety of graduate degrees. Forming a diverse community and taking multiple perspectives, Liberal Studies students become well-rounded persons and life-long learners.

Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies

Programs and Courses Offered

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Liberal Studies, B.A.

Non-Degree

Courses

Liberal Studies

Courses are designated as LBST in the class schedule.