Academic Catalogs

Liberal Studies for Elementary Education, Associate in Arts Degree

Banner Code: 2_AA_LSEE

Control Number: 18572

Financial Aid Eligible


The Liberal Studies for Elementary Education degree is designed to prepare students for transfer to a four-year university to obtain a bachelor’s degree, while satisfying subject matter coursework for the multiple subject teaching credential. Completion of the courses in this degree will partially satisfy requirements for California State University integrated and traditional teacher preparation programs.

The curriculum is designed for students who seek the pre-professional subject matter preparation for elementary school teaching consistent with the standards established by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Additionally, the degree curriculum may also serve as preparation for paraprofessional positions in the K-12 classroom settings.

Students preparing to become K12 teachers should work closely with their Counselor to determine the best pathway for meeting their educational goals. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should complete courses specific to the transfer institution of choice. Therefore, it is important to verify transfer major preparation through consultation with a GWC Teaching Counselor.

Program Level Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  1. Identify the qualities of an effective teacher as outlined in the California Standards for the teaching profession.
  2. Identify the purpose of and components of an effective professional portfolio aligned with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession.
  3. Develop effective observational skills in a school classroom.

Review Graduation Requirements and General Education.

Course Title Units
English and Communication Skills
ENGL G100Freshman Composition4
Select one of the following:3-4
CMST G100Interpersonal Communication3
CMST G110Public Speaking3
CMST G112Small Group Dynamics3
CMST G220Essentials of Argumentation3
ENGL G110Critical Thinking, Reading And Writing Through Literature4
PHIL G115Logic and Critical Thinking3
PHIL G125Critical Reasoning and Writing3
PSYC G130Critical Thinking in Psychology3
Math and Natural Sciences
Select one of the following:3-4
MATH G103Statistics For Elementary Teachers3
MATH G104Mathematics For Elementary Teachers3
BIOL G100Introduction to Biology4
GEOL G110Physical Geology4
GEOL G106Earth Science For Teachers4
PHSC G100Introductory Physical Science4
Social Sciences
Select one of the following:3
GEOG G100World Regional Geography3
HIST G170History Of The United States To 18763
HIST G161World History 13
PSCI G180American Government3
PSYC G116Child Growth and Development3
PSYC G118Life Span Developmental Psychology3
Arts & Humanities
Select one of the following:3
ART G100Introduction to Art3
ENGL G112Appreciation Of Literature3
ENGL G143Children's Literature3
ENGL G150American Literature through the Civil War (1865)3
ENGL G155American Literature 1865 To The Present3
ENGL G160Masterpieces of World Literature I (From Antiquity to the Mid-17th Century)3
ENGL G161Masterpieces of World Literature II (From the Mid-17th Century to the Present)3
ENGL G270British Literature to 18003
ENGL G275British Literature Since 18003
MUS G101History & Appreciation Of Music3
MUS G115Basic Music3
THEA G100Introduction to the Theater3
THEA G106Acting 13
THEA G111Theater History and Literature - Classical to 18003
THEA G112Theater History and Literature - 1800 to Modern3
Select 3-4 units from the following: 13-4
EDUC G102Teaching in a Diverse Society3
EDUC G103Technology Proficiencies For Teachers I2
EDUC G200The Teaching Profession3
HIST G140California History3
HIST G175History of the United States Since 18763
MATH G100Liberal Arts Mathematics3
MATH G115College Algebra4
MUS G103World Music3
PHIL G100Introduction to Philosophy3
PHIL G102History of Ancient Philosophy3
PHIL G120Ethics3
Major Total19-22
GE Pattern (Local, CSU GE-Breadth, or IGETC)18-39
Total Units60
1

Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should complete courses specific to the transfer institution of choice. Therefore, it is important to verify transfer major preparation through consultation with a GWC Teaching Counselor.