Liberal Studies

Undergraduate Information
Imperial Valley
Faculty

OFFICE: Lamden Hall
TELEPHONE: 619-594-6131 / FAX: 619-594-7828
WEBSITE: http://libst.sdsu.edu

Undergraduate Information

The Major

The liberal studies major is designed for students who intend to teach at the elementary or middle school levels. Individuals learn to think critically, analyze evidence thoughtfully, and write clearly and effectively. Graduates develop a rich understanding of the major subject areas, including why and how practitioners create new knowledge. They learn to identify and understand the developmental stages of children and to observe, interview, and tutor children effectively in classroom settings.

Many of the lower and upper division core courses are specifically designed for future teachers, including children’s literature, linguistics, history, mathematics, science, visual and performing arts, physical education of children, and child development. The content covered in these courses closely matches the content that teachers will ultimately have to teach in the schools.

Throughout the first three years, students work on critical thinking, research, and writing skills. During their second or third semester, they take ED 200 , Teaching as a Profession. In this course, they complete 45 hours of fieldwork during which they critically assess issues related to teaching in culturally and linguistically diverse school settings, learn about career paths, and evaluate their occupational fitness for the teaching profession. During their junior year, students take LIB S 300 , Introduction to Liberal Studies, where they complete an additional 30 hours of fieldwork. They focus both on the nature of the disciplines-goals, processes, and evaluation-as well as how the knowledge being learned will ultimately be used in the classroom. During their senior year, students complete LIB S 498 , Assessment in Liberal Studies. This course supports students as they complete their capstone projects. These interdisciplinary courses plus the core subject matter courses provide a strong foundation for students’ future careers.

Emphasis in Education-Generalist. This emphasis, designed to prepare students for teaching in elementary schools, is available only for transfer students who complete the California Community College Associate in Arts in Elementary Teacher Education (AAT) degree and complete the Transfer Model Curriculum (TMC) for Liberal Studies/Integrated Teacher Education. Students choose a literacy, mathematics, or science focus; no option is required.

Students who choose the literacy focus in this emphasis complete the 32 units and specific coursework required to earn a Middle School Subject Matter Authorization in English, provided they earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in each course. When coupled with a multiple subject credential, this authorization allows individuals to teach elementary school or English in middle school if they so desire.

Students intending to transfer to liberal studies from local community colleges are strongly encouraged to use electives to complete courses equivalent to ENS 241A , ENS 241B ; MATH 211 ; MTHED 212 ; and MUSIC 102 , so that they will have elective units available if they wish to pursue a career option that requires additional coursework or prerequisites. Transfer students should not take focus or option courses prior to matriculating at San Diego State University.

Emphasis in Elementary Education. This emphasis is designed primarily for students who wish to teach at the elementary school level or pursue a career that requires an interdisciplinary liberal arts degree. Students complete both a focus and an option. The 18-21 unit focus provides an opportunity for students to explore the habits of mind and methods used in a chosen subject area as they develop both their depth and breadth of knowledge and experience. Three foci are available: literacy, mathematics, and science. The six to seven unit option helps students (a) earn the Basic Certificate in Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language (when paired with a literacy), (b) begin preparation for the SDSU bilingual or special education credential programs, or (c) further explore the performing arts. This emphasis provides the greatest flexibility in meeting specific career goals or pursuing a variety of interests.

Students who choose the literacy focus develop depth in linguistics, literature, and theatre. The focus is designed so that they also complete the 32 units and specific coursework required to earn a Middle School Subject Matter Authorization in English, provided they earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in each course. When coupled with a multiple subject credential, this authorization allows individuals to teach English in middle school if they so desire.

Students who choose the mathematics or science focus learn to think like mathematicians or scientists as they build breadth and depth in their subject area. Once they have completed some of the coursework in their focus, they need to choose whether to take additional math or science courses or to complete one of the options described above. If they choose to take additional mathematics or science courses, they can qualify to teach middle school as described below under the mathematics or science emphases.

Emphasis in Mathematics. The demand for mathematics teachers continues to be high. Students complete the focus in mathematics described above plus a nine unit option in mathematics, which provide the 32 units and specific coursework required to earn a Middle School Subject Matter Authorization in mathematics, provided they earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in each course. When coupled with a multiple subject credential, this authorization allows individuals to teach mathematics in middle school if they so desire.

If students wish to further enhance their employability, they may attempt to pass the two CSET examinations-110 on algebra and 111 on geometry-required for a Foundational Level Mathematics certification. Graduates who pass these tests may choose to earn a multiple subject credential and add a single subject authorization by taking the extra, single subject mathematics methods course, Teacher Education 914. Those whose sole goal is to teach middle school, however, may choose to do the regular single subject credential program, which gives them the advantage of doing their student teaching in a middle school or high school class. A single subject credential in Foundational Level Mathematics qualifies individuals to teach general mathematics, algebra, geometry, probability and statistics, and consumer mathematics at the middle school or high school level.

Emphasis in Science. The demand for middle school science teachers also continues to be high. Students complete the focus in science described above plus a seven to nine unit option in science, which provides the 32 units and specific coursework required to earn a Middle School Subject Matter Authorization in science provided they earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in each course. When coupled with a multiple subject credential, this authorization allows individuals to teach science in middle school if they so desire.

With proper selection of courses (BIOL 101 , BIOL 101L ; CHEM 200 ; and PHYS 180A , PHYS 182A ) and completion of a portfolio, this emphasis also leads to a Foundational Level General Science certification. This program was approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing in October 2011. Thus, students satisfy subject matter competency; they do not have to pass the CSET science tests-118 on earth science and physics and 119 on life science and chemistry. For maximum employability, graduates may choose to earn a multiple subject credential and add a single subject authorization by taking the extra single subject science methods course, Teacher Education 914. Graduates whose sole goal is to teach middle school, however, may choose to do the regular single subject credential program, which gives them the advantage of doing their student teaching in a sixth, seventh, or eighth grade classroom.

Liberal Studies majors might also be eligible to pursue an accelerated BA/credential program through the College of Education’s Accelerated Curriculum for Educators (ACE) minor. Interested students should consult the Liberal Studies advisers at libst@sdsu.edu and the College of Education advisers at teach@sdsu.edu to learn more.

Advising

Advising is extremely important because students must make numerous decisions that include choosing their emphasis, focus, and option; selecting appropriate courses; and preparing for the senior-level assessments. See the website for current information, advising procedures, and e-mail questions. Information about SDSU credential programs and financial aid opportunities is available at the College of Education, Office of Student Services, 619-594-6320, and in the Graduate Bulletin.

Retention Policy

The liberal studies program expects that all majors will make reasonable academic progress towards the degree. Liberal studies premajors who have completed major preparatory courses, earned 60 units, but have less than a 2.7 will be required to meet with a Liberal Studies adviser to make an academic plan..

Impacted Program

The Liberal Studies major is an impacted program. To be admitted to the liberal studies major students must meet the following criteria:

Complete a minimum of 60 transferable semester units;
Have a cumulative GPA of 2.70 or better;
Complete all courses listed in Preparation for the Major;
Declare the liberal studies major.

To complete the major, students must fulfill the degree requirements for the major and emphasis described in the catalog in effect at the time they are accepted into the premajor at SDSU (assuming continuous enrollment).

Major Academic Plans (MAPs)

Visit http://www.sdsu.edu/mymap for the recommended courses needed to fulfill your major requirements. The MAPs website was created to help students navigate the course requirements for their majors and to identify which General Education course will also fulfill a major preparation course requirement.

Imperial Valley

An Interdisciplinary Program

The Major

Emphasis in Education-Generalist

Preparation for teaching in elementary school.

Open only to transfer students who have completed the Transfer Model Curriculum.

Focus in Literacy, Mathematics, or Science; no option.

Emphasis in Elementary Education

Preparation for teaching regular education, special education, or bilingual education in elementary school or English in middle school.

Focus in Literacy, Mathematics, or Science plus options in English as a second language, special education, bilingual education, or performing arts.

Emphasis in Mathematics

Preparation for teaching regular education in elementary school and/or mathematics in middle school.

Focus in Mathematics plus option in Mathematics.

Emphasis in Science

Preparation for teaching regular education in elementary school and/or science in middle school.

Focus in Science plus option in Science.

Emphasis in Education-Generalist. This emphasis is available only for transfer students who complete the California Community College Associate in Arts in Elementary Teacher Education (AAT) degree and complete the Transfer Model Curriculum (TMC) for Liberal Studies/Integrated Teacher Education. Students choose a literacy, mathematics, or science focus; no option is required.

Emphasis in Elementary Education. This emphasis is designed primarily for students who wish to teach at the elementary school level or pursue a career that requires an interdisciplinary liberal arts degree. Students complete both a focus and an option. The 18-21 unit focus provides an opportunity for students to explore the habits of mind and methods used in a chosen subject area as they develop both their depth and breadth of knowledge and experience. Three foci are available: literacy, mathematics, and science. The six to seven unit option helps students (a) earn the Basic Certificate in Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language (when paired with a literacy), (b) begin preparation for the SDSU bilingual or special education credential programs, or (c) further explore the performing arts. This emphasis provides the greatest flexibility in meeting specific career goals or pursuing a variety of interests.

Emphasis in Mathematics. The demand for mathematics teachers continues to be high. Students complete the focus in mathematics described above plus a nine unit option in mathematics, which provide the 32 units and specific coursework required to earn a Middle School Subject Matter Authorization in mathematics, provided they earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in each course. When coupled with a multiple subject credential, this authorization allows individuals to teach mathematics in middle school if they so desire.

If students wish to further enhance their employability, they may attempt to pass the two CSET examinations-110 on algebra and 111 on geometry-required for a Foundational Level Mathematics certification. Graduates who pass these tests may choose to earn a multiple subject credential and add a single subject authorization by taking the extra, single subject mathematics methods course, TE 914 . Those whose sole goal is to teach middle school, however, may choose to do the regular single subject credential program, which gives them the advantage of doing their student teaching in a middle school or high school class. A single subject credential in Foundational Level Mathematics qualifies individuals to teach general mathematics, algebra, geometry, probability and statistics, and consumer mathematics at the middle school or high school level.

Emphasis in Science. The demand for middle school science teachers also continues to be high. Students complete the focus in science described above plus a seven to nine unit option in science, which provides the 32 units and specific coursework required to earn a Middle School Subject Matter Authorization in science provided they earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in each course. When coupled with a multiple subject credential, this authorization allows individuals to teach science in middle school if they so desire.

With proper selection of courses (BIOL 101 , BIOL 101L ; CHEM 200 ; and PHYS 180A , PHYS 182A ) and completion of a portfolio, this emphasis also leads to a Foundational Level General Science certification. This program was approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing in October 2011. Thus, students satisfy subject matter competency; they do not have to pass the CSET science tests-118 on earth science and physics and 119 on life science and chemistry. For maximum employability, graduates may choose to earn a multiple subject credential and add a single subject authorization by taking the extra single subject science methods course, TE 914 . Graduates whose sole goal is to teach middle school, however, may choose to do the regular single subject credential program, which gives them the advantage of doing their student teaching in a sixth, seventh, or eighth grade classroom.

Orientation and Advising

Orientation is required. Both orientation and advising are extremely important. The SDSU Imperial Valley liberal studies adviser helps students choose which focus/credential option to pursue and develop an academic plan. The adviser also helps students understand how to sequence their course requirements, including pre-major courses, focus courses, restricted liberal studies major courses, the senior-assessment, and, if relevant, credential program prerequisite courses.

Retention Policy

Impacted Program

The Liberal Studies major is an impacted program. To be admitted to the liberal studies major students must meet the following criteria:

Complete a minimum of 60 transferable semester units;
Have a cumulative GPA of 2.70 or better;
Complete all courses listed in Preparation for the Major;
Declare the liberal studies major.

To be admitted to the liberal studies major with an emphasis in Education-Generalist, students must complete the Transfer Model Curriculum (TMC) for Liberal Studies and satisfy criteria “a” and “b.”

Major Academic Plans (MAPs)

Visit http://www.sdsu.edu/mymap for the recommended courses needed to fulfill your major requirements. The MAPs website was created to help students navigate the course requirements for their majors and to identify which General Education courses will also fulfill a major preparation course requirement.

Faculty

Program Director: Brum, Christopher, Associate Professor of Special Education (B.A. Northeastern University, Boston, M.A.; M.Ed., Ph.D., Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA)

Tenure and Tenure Track Faculty:

Herrera, Carlos R., Interim Associate Dean, Academic Affairs, SDSU Imperial Valley, Associate Professor of History (B.A., M.A., University of San Diego; Ph.D., University of New Mexico)

Castañeda, Donna M., Professor of Psychology, SDSU Imperial Valley (B.A., University of Washington; M.A., Ph.D., University of California, Davis)

Ramirez-Pimienta, Juan C., Professor of Spanish, SDSU Imperial Valley (B.A., University of California, San Diego; M.A., University of California, Los Angeles; Ph.D., University of Michigan)

Shumaker, Jeanette, Professor of English, SDSU Imperial Valley (B.A., University of Redlands; M.A., Ph.D., Claremont Graduate University)

Altamirano, Magdalena, Associate Professor of Spanish, SDSU Imperial Valley (B.A., Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico; M.A., Ph.D., El Colegio de Mexico)

Boime, Eric I., Associate Professor of History, SDSU Imperial Valley (B.A., University of California, Santa Barbara; M.A., Ph.D., University of California, San Diego)

Stampfl, Barry G., Associate Professor of English and Comparative Literature, SDSU Imperial Valley (B.A., Yale University; M.A., University of New Mexico; Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara)

Lecturers:

Bodus, Stacy M., M.F.A., Liberal Studies

Fuente, Suzanna, M.A., Liberal Studies

Emeritus Faculty:

Dunn, Roger M., Ph.D., 1983-2010, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, SDSU Imperial Valley; Professor of Psychology, SDSU Imperial Valley

Roeder, Phoebe E., Ph.D., 1975-2014, Lecturer and Coordinator, Liberal Studies and Natural Science Programs