Liberal Studies (for Teaching), Associate of Arts Degree
Banner Code: 3_AA_LIBS
Control Number: 18002
Financial Aid Eligible
The Liberal Studies/Teaching Degree offers future elementary school teachers an articulated transfer pathway and career ladder for a B.A. in Liberal Studies and the multiple-subject teaching credential. The focus of the degree is on content knowledge needed to teach in a K-8 setting and education courses that include early fieldwork opportunities for observation and practice. Coursework prepares students for the Multiple Subject CSET exam as required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for elementary school teachers in both regular and special education. Selected courses are also aligned with the multiple subject credential CSET waiver, depending on transfer institution and course. As a standalone degree without transfer the A.A., aligned with the requirements for No Child Left Behind, helps students become effective elementary school paraprofessionals in regular or special education classrooms. The degree is also appropriate for students pursuing a career other than in elementary school teaching (such as tutors and parents providing homeschooling) who would like their course of studies and degree recognition to include an emphasis in liberal studies and teacher preparation curricula. Students may select courses to simultaneously earn the Certificate in Educational Studies as well.
Program Level Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Apply knowledge, skills, experience, and feedback to make an informed choice to be employed or to continue study in the field of education.
- Document preliminary subject matter competency and ability to work effectively with students, teachers, parents, colleagues, and administrators in a school and classroom setting.
Review the Associate in Science and Associate in Arts Graduation Requirements and General Education requirements.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Language Studies | 10 | |
| Introduction to Public Speaking | ||
| Academic Reading and Writing | ||
| Critical Thinking and Writing | ||
or PHIL C115 | Logic and Critical Thinking | |
| Mathematics (One Course) | 3 | |
| Mathematics for Elementary Teachers | ||
| Geometry for Elementary Teachers | ||
| Natural Sciences | 7-8 | |
| One Course from each Area. One of the Courses must include a lab | ||
| Physical Science | ||
| Survey of Chemistry and Physics 3 | ||
or PHYS C140 | Survey of Chemistry and Physics | |
| General Geology | ||
| Earth Sciences for Teachers 3 | ||
| Biological Science | ||
| Introduction to Biology | ||
or BIOL C100C | Introduction to Biology Lecture/Lab | |
| Laboratory Activity | ||
| Introduction to Biology Lab | ||
or GEOL C105L | Geology Lab | |
| Arts and Humanities | 6 | |
| Select at least one course from each area | ||
| Arts | ||
| History and Appreciation of Music | ||
| Introduction to Theater | ||
| Humanities | ||
| Critical Thinking and Writing | ||
| Appreciation of Literature | ||
| American Literature through the Civil War | ||
| American Literature 1865 to Present | ||
| Shakespeare | ||
| British Literature to 1800 | ||
| British Literature since 1800 | ||
| Ethics | ||
| History and Political Science | 9 | |
| United States History to 1876 | ||
| American Government and Politics | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| World Regional Geography | ||
| History of California | ||
| World History 1 | ||
| Ethnic Studies (One Course) | 3 | |
| History of Ethnic Minorities in the United States | ||
or HIST C123 | History of Ethnic Minorities in the United States | |
| Racial and Ethnic Relations in America | ||
or SOC C233 | Racial and Ethnic Relations in America | |
| Education Courses | 9.5 | |
| Introduction to Computers in Education: Technology Proficiencies for Teachers 1 | ||
| Introduction to Teaching and Learning in Diverse Contemporary Classrooms Includes 10 hours of required fieldwork/observations | ||
| The Teaching Profession Includes 45 hours of required fieldwork/tutoring | ||
| Child Growth and Development | ||
| Suggested Electives | ||
| Select additional courses to complete at least 60 units. 1 | ||
| Tutor Training Includes a three-hour service learning component | ||
| Family, School, and Community Partnerships Includes 10 hours of required fieldwork/observations | ||
| Introduction to Special Education Includes 10 hours of required fieldwork/observations | ||
| Children's Literature | ||
| Personal Health | ||
| Mathematics for Elementary Teachers * | ||
| Geometry for Elementary Teachers * | ||
| Units Required for Major | 47.5-48.5 | |
| Local General Education or CalGETC pattern | Varies | |
| Electives to satisfy units requirement | Varies | |
| Total Units for Degree | 60 | |
- 1
Select courses based on the program requirements at the University you would like to transfer to. See your counselor when selecting these courses.
- *
If not used as Mathematics requirement above