Liberal Studies Program
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Description
The Liberal Studies degree is an interdisciplinary program designed for students interested in a career in elementary education. Required courses in the degree to serve to prepare student for transfer to public and private baccalaureate degree-offering colleges and universities. The curriculum included courses selected from Language and Rationality, Natural Sciences, Humanities, and Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Program Emphasis
Our mission is to assist San Diego Mesa College students to achieve their fullest potential as students, prepare them to transfer to CSU, UC or a private college/university or choice in order to become excellent teachers and leaders in the field of education. The courses in this program emphasize a number of student learning outcomes including critical thinking, communication, civic responsibility, global awareness, self-awareness, and interpersonal skill which form a foundation for effective teaching.
| Award Type | Units |
|---|---|
| Associate of Arts Degree: | |
| Elementary Education Preparation | 40-43* |
*and courses to meet graduation requirements, general education and electives as needed to meet the minimum of 60 units required for the degree.
Career Options
Most careers in teaching at the elementary school level require education beyond the associate degree. Students will need to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete the baccalaureate degree and achieve a credential. This degree program may also prepare students in careers other than elementary education, in that it provides a breadth of knowledge and skills found useful in a variety of career fields.
Program Goals
Students who complete the Liberal Studies Program with an emphasis in Elementary Education Preparation will be able to demonstrate: Global awareness and cultural sensitivity. Interpersonal skills in a diverse setting. Effective communication in teaching and learning environments.
Associate of Arts Degree:
Liberal Studies Elementary Education Preparation
For graduation requirements see Requirements for the Associate Degree.
Electives as needed to meet minimum of 60 units required for the degree.
Strongly Recommended SDCCD GE course selections: English 101 or 105 ; Mathematics 210A ; Biology 107 ; Art-Fine Art100 ; Geography 104.
| Courses Required for the Major: | Units | |
| COMS 103 | Oral Communication | 3 |
| EDUC 200 | Teaching as a Profession | 2 |
| EDUC 203 | Service Learning for Prospective Teachers | 1 |
| GEOG 104 | World Regional Geography | 3 |
| GEOL 104 | Earth Science | 3 |
| HIST 100 | World History I | 3 |
| MATH 210B | Concepts of Elementary School Mathematics II | 3 |
| MATH 212 | Children's Mathematical Thinking | 1 |
| MUSI 110 | Music for Elementary School Teachers | 3 |
| EXSC 240 | Physical Education in the Elementary Schools | 3 |
| Select one course from the following: | ||
| COMS 160 | Argumentation or | |
| ENGL 205 | Critical Thinking and Intermediate Composition or | |
| PHIL 100 | Logic and Critical Thinking or | |
| PHIL 103 | Historical Introduction To Philosophy or | |
| PHIL 205 | Critical Thinking and Writing in Philosophy | 3 |
| Select one course from the following: | ||
| ENGL 220 | Masterpieces of World Lit I or | |
| ENGL 221 | Masterpieces of World Lit II or | |
| ENGL 208 | Intro to World Literature | 3 |
| Select one course from the following: | ||
| BLAS 140A | History of the U.S., Black Perspective or | |
| CHIC 141A | U.S. History, Chicano Perspective or | |
| HIST 109 | History of the U.S. I | 3 |
| Select one course from the following: | ||
| BLAS 140B | History of the U.S., Black Perspectives or | |
| CHIC 141B | U.S. History, Chicano Perspective or | |
| HIST 110 | History of the U.S. II or | |
| POLI 102 | American Political System | 3 |
| Select one course from the following: | ||
| CHIL 101 | Human Growth and Development or | |
| PSYC 101 | General Psychology and | |
| PSYC 230 | Psych Lifespan Development | |
| 3-6 | ||
| Total Units = 40-43 | ||
Transfer Information
Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should complete courses required for the university major and the general education pattern required by that transfer institution. See catalog TRANSFER INFORMATION section. Additional courses may be required to meet university lower-division requirements. Course requirements at the transfer institution are subject to change and may be verified by a counselor or by consulting the current university catalog.
program learning outcomes
Students who complete the Liberal Studies Program with an emphasis in Elementary Education Preparation will be able to demonstrate:
- Global awareness and cultural sensitivity
- Interpersonal skills in a diverse setting
- Effective communication in teaching and learning environments
- Technological awareness
Students will be assessed through a combination of performance evaluations, written assignments, and written tests and quizzes.