Liberal Studies, Associate in Arts (AA): Education Emphasis

Program Overview

The Liberal Studies: Emphasis in Education Degree prepares students for transfer to a Liberal Studies—Teacher Education bachelor's degree program. It provides a foundation in English composition, critical thinking, oral communication, physical and life sciences, arts and humanities, and social sciences. The program aims to develop students' breadth of knowledge, critical thinking skills, and effective communication abilities, preparing them for a variety of careers in education.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Liberal Studies: Emphasis in Education Degree prepares students to transfer to a Liberal Studies—Teacher Education bachelor’s degree program. The degree is intended to provide students with options to select appropriate coursework to meet lower-division requirements of the Liberal Studies program of the four-year institution they are planning to attend.

Objectives:

• Prepare students for transfer to a Liberal Studies—Teacher Education bachelor’s degree program.
• Provide students with a foundation of knowledge in English composition, critical thinking, oral communication, physical and life sciences, arts and humanities, and social sciences.
• Develop students' breadth of knowledge across multiple disciplines.
• Enhance students' ability to connect knowledge across disciplines.
• Improve students' critical thinking and evaluation skills.
• Strengthen students' effective communication skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Outline:

Program Content:

The program consists of three main components:

• Core Requirements: These courses provide a foundation in English composition, critical thinking, oral communication, and physical and life sciences.
• Controlled Electives: Students select courses from the following areas: Physical and Biological Sciences, Social Sciences, and Arts and Humanities.
• Foreign Language: Students complete a foreign language course.

Program Structure:

The program is designed to be completed in two years of full-time study. Students typically take 15-18 units per semester.

Course Schedule:

The course schedule varies depending on the student's individual needs and goals. Students should consult with an academic counselor to create a personalized course plan.

Individual Modules with Descriptions:

Core Requirements:

• ED 101 Introduction To Teaching And Learning In K-12 Education: This course provides an overview of the teaching profession and the principles of effective teaching.
• COMM 121 Interpersonal Communication: This course focuses on developing interpersonal communication skills, including active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution.
• ENG 110 Composition and Reading: This course develops students' writing and critical reading skills.
• ENG 111 Critical Thinking and Composition Through Literature: This course develops students' critical thinking and writing skills through the analysis of literature.

Controlled Electives:

Physical and Biological Sciences:

• BIOL 100 Concepts Of Biology: This course provides an overview of the basic principles of biology.
• BIOL 140 Principles of Biology: This course provides a more in-depth study of the principles of biology.
• BMS 107 Human Anatomy: This course provides an overview of the human body's structure.
• BMS 108 Human Physiology: This course provides an overview of the human body's function.
• ERTH 101 Introductory Astronomy: This course provides an overview of the solar system, stars, and galaxies.
• ERTH 111 Dynamic Earth - Physical Geology: This course provides an overview of the Earth's physical features and processes.
• ERTH 151 Introductory Physical Oceanography: This course provides an overview of the physical properties and processes of the ocean.
• PHSC 103 The Physical Universe: This course provides an overview of the physical laws that govern the universe.
• PHYS 101 Conceptual Physics: This course provides an overview of the basic principles of physics.

Social Sciences:

• ANTH 103 Introduction To Cultural Anthropology: This course provides an overview of the basic concepts and methods of cultural anthropology.
• BLST 101 The African-American In U.S. History To World War II: This course examines the history of African Americans in the United States from the colonial era to World War II.
• ECE 102 Child, Family and Community: This course examines the development of children in the context of their families and communities.
• ECE 120 Child Growth and Development/Educators: This course provides an overview of the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development of children.
• ERTH 142/GEOG 105 Economic Geography: This course examines the spatial distribution of economic activities and resources.
• GEOG 102 Human Geography: This course examines the relationship between humans and their environment.
• HIST 101 History of the U.S. to 1877: This course examines the history of the United States from the colonial era to the Civil War.
• HIST 102 History of the U.S.
Since 1865: This course examines the history of the United States from the Civil War to the present.
• POLS 101 American Government And Politics: This course provides an overview of the American political system.
• PSY 100 General Psychology: This course provides an overview of the basic principles of psychology.
• PSY 140 Child Development: This course examines the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development of children.
• PSY 145 Human Development: This course examines the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development of humans across the lifespan.
• SOC 101 Introduction To Sociology: This course provides an overview of the basic concepts and methods of sociology.
• SOC 104 Social Psychology: This course examines the influence of social factors on individual behavior.

Arts and Humanities:

• ART 101 Visual Literacy: This course develops students' visual literacy skills.
• ART 103 History of Art, Prehistoric to Gothic: This course examines the history of art from the prehistoric era to the Gothic period.
• ART 104 History of Art, Renaissance to Modern: This course examines the history of art from the Renaissance to the modern period.
• CHST 115 Introduction To Mexican Literature: This course provides an overview of Mexican literature.
• CHST 131 History Of Chicano Art: This course examines the history of Chicano art.
• ECE 115 Children's Literature: This course examines the history and development of children's literature.
• ENG 221 Survey of British Literature: 800-1798: This course examines the history of British literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the Romantic period.
• ENG 222 Survey of British Literature: 1798-Present: This course examines the history of British literature from the Romantic period to the present.
• ENG 225 American Literature: Pre-Colonization to 1865: This course examines the history of American literature from the pre-colonial era to the Civil War.
• ENG 226 American Literature: 1865-present: This course examines the history of American literature from the Civil War to the present.
• ENG 231 World Literature: Ancient Times to 16th Century: This course examines the history of world literature from ancient times to the 16th century.
• ENG 232 World Literature: 17th Century to Present: This course examines the history of world literature from the 17th century to the present.
• MUS 110 Music Appreciation: This course provides an overview of the basic principles of music.
• MUS 118 World Music: This course examines the music of different cultures around the world.
• PE 250 Survey and Appreciation of Dance History: This course examines the history and development of dance.
• PHIL 100 Introduction to Philosophy: This course provides an overview of the basic concepts and methods of philosophy.
• PHIL 101 Introduction to Ethics: This course examines the basic principles of ethics.
• PHIL 102 Comparative World Religions: This course examines the major world religions.
• PHIL 200 History Of Philosophy: Ancient: This course examines the history of philosophy from the ancient Greeks to the Middle Ages.
• PHIL 201 History of Philosophy: Modern: This course examines the history of philosophy from the Renaissance to the present.
• TA 103 Theatre Appreciation: This course provides an overview of the basic principles of theatre.
• TA 111 Beginning Acting: This course provides an overview of the basic principles of acting.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Exams
• Quizzes
• Papers
• Presentations
• Projects
• Portfolios

Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are committed to providing students with a high-quality education. The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Group work
• Hands-on activities
• Field trips
The program also offers a number of unique approaches to teaching, including:
• Service-learning: Students have the opportunity to apply their learning to real-world problems through service-learning projects.
• Internships: Students can gain practical experience in the field through internships.
• Study abroad: Students can study abroad in a variety of countries.

Careers:

Graduates of the program are prepared for a variety of careers in education, including:

• Elementary school teacher
• Middle school teacher
• High school teacher
• Special education teacher
• Educational administrator
• Curriculum developer
• Educational researcher