Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 University Catalog 
    
2020-2021 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Liberal Studies, B.A.


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Departments and Programs

(120 UNITS)

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies


The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies requires 51 units in the major, including 30 units of core courses and the 21-unit option under the Elementary Education Emphasis or the Interdisciplinary Thematic Emphasis. Each course counted for the major must be completed with a “C” (2.0) or better.

Sequence of Core Courses


Because the core curriculum is designed as an integrated whole and builds upon the student’s general education, there is an order in which these courses need to be taken and there are certain prerequisites for them. LBST 300  and LBST 302A /LBST 302B  come first. LBST 302A  is a prerequisite for LBST 302B .

LBST 302B  and LBST 301  are prerequisites for LBST 303 , LBST 304 , LBST 305 .

LBST 401  and the Senior Seminar come last. LBST 401  requires the completion of LBST 304  and either LBST 303  or LBST 305 . The Senior Seminar requires senior standing, the completion of 90 units of college work.

Elementary Education Emphasis (21 units)


Arts and Humanities (6 units)


Social Science and Cultural Diversity (6 units)


Social Sciences (3 units)


Cultural Diversity (3 units)


Elective (3 units)


One upper-division course from Biological Science, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics or from any department or program in the above Arts and Humanities or Social Science and Cultural Diversity categories. MATH 303A  is highly recommended.

Interdisciplinary Thematic Emphasis (21 units)


The Interdisciplinary Thematic Emphasis (ITE) is designed for students who have broad interests that expand beyond the confines of a single department. For these students, the ability to construct their own area of interdisciplinary study by taking advanced coursework in several disciplines may be more beneficial than restricting their study to one of the various majors offered by the university. The Interdisciplinary Thematic Emphasis does not duplicate any existing major. It is a well-thought-out, highly individualized group of courses that, even though they come from various departments, have a common subject, focus or interest.

ITE students may center their coursework on an academic interest or may select courses that prepare them for later professional training or for specific careers.

Personalized Coordinated Program (18 units)


In consultation with a Liberal Studies adviser, ITE students select 18 units of upper-division coursework from various departments for the purpose of pursuing an interdisciplinary problem, theme or issue.

To ensure breadth of knowledge, ITE students are allowed to take: (a) no more than nine units from a single department; and (b) no more than 15 units from a single area of knowledge (humanities and arts, science, social sciences). ITE students must have their study plan approved by a Liberal Studies adviser prior to taking coursework.

Senior Project (3 units)


To integrate and synthesize knowledge acquired through their Personalized Coordinated Program, ITE students must complete a senior project (such as a thesis or a creative work relevant to the theme of their Personalized Coordinated Program) by enrolling in LBST 482  or three units of LBST 499  with a professor of their choice. ITE students should schedule an appointment with a LBST adviser immediately after deciding upon the thematic Emphasis in order to organize a project and enroll in the required units of LBST 482  or LBST 499 .

Total (120 units)


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Departments and Programs