Vanguard University of Southern California

The Liberal Studies Major

The Liberal Studies major allows students a broad selection of courses in core subject areas. It is the university-approved academic program for those seeking preparation to become an elementary school teacher. The major incorporates all of the course prerequisites for Vanguard's Graduate Education Credential Program. The Liberal Studies major has the approval of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, for those seeking a California Multiple Subjects Teacher Credential. (Students will refer to the Graduate Program in Education for specific information about pursuing a teacher credential.) 

Liberal Studies is also an excellent choice for those planning on entering graduate school. Examples of students who should consider the major are those planning on law school, seminary, elementary education or a public service career.

Major Course Requirements*

(Applies to students who enter the major beginning with the 2009-10 school term.)

The Liberal Studies program that is outlined below incorporates current core curriculum courses as well as additional content specific courses to meet the California Teaching Credential expectations for a Liberal Studies major. The student wanting to teach in an elementary school will take the following courses as indicated below.

   

English/Language, Literature, and Composition (a minimum of 18 units)

 

COMM 201C

Speech Composition and Presentation

3 units

ENGL 120C

Persuasive Writing

3 units

ENGL 220C

Research Writing

3 units

ENGL 300C

Literary Perspectives

3 units

  or ENGL 312CAmerican Diversity

3 units

  or ENGL 431C

World Literature I

  

  or ENGL 432C

World Literature II

  

ENGL 340

Children's Literature

3 units

ENGL 453

Language, Culture and Linguistics

3 units

  (A prerequisite for Graduate Education Program) 
  

Mathematics/Computer Science (a minimum of 9 units)

 

MATH 145C

Data Analysis

3 units

MATH 120

Math for Elementary Teachers

3 units

EDUC 330

Integrating Technology into Classroom Teaching

3 units

   

 

 

Science - 2 labs required (a minimum of 11 units)

 

PSCI 215, PSCI 215L

Fundamentals of Earth Science, Lab

3-4 units

BIOLLife Science Course3-4 units

PSCI 216, PSCI 216L

   OR CHEM 211, CHEM 211L

Fundamentals of Physical Science, Lab

Environmental Chemistry, Lab

3-4 units
   

Philosophy and Religion (a minimum of 18 units)

 

NT 101C

New Testament Survey

3 units

OT 201C

Old Testament Survey

3 units

THEO 101C

Foundations of Christian Life

3 units

  or THEO 103C

Introduction to Theology

  

THEO 300C

Developing a Christian World View

3 units

CHIS 400C

Christian Heritage

3 units

PHIL 201Introduction to Philosophy3 units
  or PHIL 210Critical Thinking 
   

Visual and Performing Arts (a minimum of 9 units)

 

ART 252C

History and Appreciation of Art

3 units

  or THEA 201CHistory of Theatre 
  or FINA 215CIntroduction to the Arts 
  or MUSC 202CIntroduction to Music 
  or THEA 102CIntroduction to Acting for Non-Majors 
  or THEA 200CIntroduction to Theatre 

ART 330

Art Techniques for Teachers

3 units

MUSC 337B

Music for Elementary Schools

3 units

   

Social Science (a minimum of 18 units)

 

ANTH 102C

Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

3 units

HIST 156C

United States History

3 units

HIST 203C

World Civilizations I

3 units

  or HIST 204C

World Civilizations II

 
HIST 456History and Geography of California3 units

POLS 155C

United States Government

3 units

  (A requirement for obtaining a California Teaching Credential) 

SOCS/BUSN 215

Economics (Macro)

3 units

   

Physical Education and Health (a minimum of 5 units)

 

KINE 145C

Lifetime Fitness and Wellness Lecture/Lab

1 unit

KINE 146C

Lifetime Fitness and Wellness Activity

1 unit

  or any KINE 146C one-unit activity course

KINE 435Physical Education for Elementary Schools3 units
   

Human Development (a minimum of 6 units)

 
PSYC 103CGeneral Psychology3 units

PSYC 320

Developmental Psychology

3 units

   

Areas of Emphasis (a minimum of 12 units)

 

Students must choose an emphasis from one of the following areas: Anthropology, Biological Science, Communication, English Literature, English Writing, History and Political Science, Kinesiology (Physical Education), Mathematics, Music, Physical Science, Psychology, Sociology, or Theatre Arts. As a capstone experience to the emphasis, each senior Liberal Studies student will participate in a portfolio/performance/demonstration assessment. Contact the Liberal Studies Department for details.

 

 

 

Professional Requirements and Prerequisites (a minimum of 9 or 10 units)**

CORE 100C

Cornerstone (Freshman only)**

1 unit

  or CORE 101C

College Learning Skills (3 units)

 3 units

  or CORE 102CWriting Intensive Cornerstone3 units

EDUC 100

Introduction to Education

3 units

EDUC 315

Teaching in a Multicultural Setting

3 units

  (Prerequisite for Graduate Education Program. To be taken during the junior or senior year.)
EDUC 499CSenior Capstone Seminar3 units
     

Electives (a minimum of nine or 10 units)

Recommended Electives:

 

EDUC 305

Tutoring in an Urban Setting

1-3 units

EDUC 441

Philosophy of the Christian School

1 unit

   

 

 


* This information is provided for ease of use, however it is not the official record. See the academic catalog for official course descriptions and requirements.