Liberal Studies, Teaching - Elementary Subject Matter Preparation Option, B.A.

Program of Study

The Elementary Subject Matter Preparation and Integrated Credential Program options both offer excellent curricular pathways to students interested in a career in elementary school teaching.  Both are based on the California Standards for Multiple Subject Preparation for future K-8 teachers. Coursework is selected to address the seven core subject matter areas of the K-8 curriculum: Reading, Language & Literature; History & Social Science; Mathematics; Science; Visual & Performance Arts; Human Development; and Physical Education.  
In addition, students in both options choose a Depth of Study module that explores one of these subject matter areas in great depth.

The B.A. in Liberal Studies (both ESM and ICP options) prepares students for the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET).  The CSET is a test of the future teacher’s mastery of the subject matter delivered in K-8 curricula; passing the CSET is a prerequisite for entry into most post-baccalaureate credential programs (including CSUSM’s) and is currently required for recommendation of a California credential. The ESM and ICP Options specifically aim to prepare graduates for entry into the next stages of teacher training and to ensure that as future teachers they will have a command of the subjects they teach.

Also see Liberal Studies, Border Studies Option, B.A.  

Program Student Learning Outcomes

The goals of the Liberal Studies Program are that of all our graduates:

• Learn to engage in reasoned thinking.
• Maintain open, inquiring, and skeptical minds.
• Know how to access and evaluate information.
• Develop cultural sensitivity and tolerance for cultural differences.
• Acquire environmental awareness.
• Establish a foundation for understanding social issues.
• Take responsibility for their thinking, actions, and impact on the world.

Students graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies will:

• In the area of interdisciplinary knowledge: 
  • a. Identify the approaches of multiple disciplines including their different questions and methods; 
  • b. Be able to frame questions about social problems from different disciplinary perspectives.
• In the area of multidisciplinary knowledge: 
  • a. Identify the interdisciplinary approach, its questions and methods; 
  • b. Be able to frame questions about social problems from an interdisciplinary perspective.
• Critically examine their role(s) in the communities with which they interact.
• Demonstrate skills needed to collaborate to achieve a goal.
• Collect, critically evaluate, and analyze primary and secondary data.
• Formulate an argument and present it effectively both orally and in writing.

ESM / ICP Program Student Learning Outcomes

In addition, students in the ESM and ICP Options will:

• Acquire a breadth of knowledge across the range of subjects included in the State’s requirements for future teachers, and depth of knowledge in one of the subject areas, as preparation for passing the CSET and applying to a credential program.
• Explain some of the ways in which this acquired knowledge will inform their teaching of K-8 students in California’s school system.

Career Opportunities

For students in the ESM and ICP Options, the B.A. in Liberal Studies is the first step in becoming a K-8 teacher. For students in the ESM Option who do not want to be teachers, the B.A. in Liberal Studies serves as a liberal arts foundation for high school, community college, and university student services jobs, NGOs focused on education issues, most graduate programs in the humanities and social sciences, and law school.

Graduates of Liberal Studies programs are well-positioned for entry into CSUSM’s Multiple Subject Credential Program. For complete and up-to-date information, please contact the School of Education or visit their website.
 

Special Conditions for the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies

In all three Options, all courses counted toward the Major, including Preparation for the Major, must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

Special Conditions for ESM and ICP Options

No course used for Preparation for the Major, Breadth of Study, or Depth of Study may be taken for a grade of Credit/No Credit.

Teaching Options:

The ESM and ICP Options both offer excellent curricular pathways to students interested in a career in elementary school teaching. Both are based on the California Standards for Multiple Subject Preparation for future K-8 teachers. Coursework is selected to address the seven core subject matter areas of the K-8 curriculum: Reading, Language & Literature; History & Social Science; Mathematics; Science; Visual & Performing Arts; Human Development; and Physical Education. In addition, students in both options choose a Depth of Study module that explores one of these subject matter areas in greater depth.

ESM and ICP students are prepared for the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET). The CSET is a test of the future teacher’s mastery of the subject matter delivered in K-8 curricula; passing the CSET is a prerequisite for entry into most post-baccalaureate credential programs (including CSUSM’s) and is currently required for recommendation of a California credential. The ESM and ICP Options specifically aim to prepare graduates for entry into the next stages of teacher training and to ensure that as future teachers they will have a command of the subjects they teach.

Overall Requirements for ESM

Preparation for the ESM Option (54-57 Units)

Breadth of Study Requirements (24-27 Units)

Depth of Study Requirements for the ESM Option (15-17 Units)

All students must fulfill the Depth of Study requirement by selecting and completing a 15-17 unit module of coursework clustered around one of the seven K-8 subject areas.  Various modules are offered by faculty in related academic fields.  Each module is designed to provide the student with a more focused and sustained study of a particular subject matter area.

The depth of study allows students to gain greater appreciation of the development of a given academic field, from basic concepts and methods to more advanced applications and theoretical horizons.  Prospective teachers may select a module in a given subject area in order to develop a particular classroom specialty, or to pursue an intellectual or creative interest.

Depth of Study coursework may also be applied toward completion of a minor (an official declaration of the minor must be filed with Registration and Records).

Depth of Study modules in one of six content areas are available.  Complete descriptions, including current course requirements for each depth of study module, are available from the Liberal Studies Advisors and are posted on the Liberal Studies website.

SCIENCE (SCI)

MATHEMATICS (MATH)

READING, LANGUAGE, AND LITERATURE (RLL)

HISTORY AND SOCIAL SCIENCES (HSS)

VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS (VPA)                                     

PHYSICAL EDUCATION and HEALTH (PEH)

ESM Total (99-101 Units)

Minimum Total (120 Units)

Students must take a sufficient number of elective units to bring the total number of units to a minimum of 120

Please consult a Liberal Studies Advisor for recommended teacher preparation electives.