Liberal Studies

John Freed, Ph.D., Division Chair of Arts & Sciences

Les Clements, Ph.D.

Lynn Goldfarb, Ph.D.

Doug Sweet, M.A.

Bachelor of Arts

The Liberal Studies program at Chapman's University College primarily serves three significantly different types of students and therefore has three options: the Multiple Subjects Teaching Emphasis, the Humanities Emphasis, and the Early Childhood Development Emphasis. Not all emphases or area concentrations of this degree may be offered at all sites.

Liberal Studies with the Multiple Subjects Teaching Emphasis is the undergraduate major of choice for the individual desiring to teach in an elementary classroom. Building on the interdisciplinary foundation of LBSU 300, this emphasis encompasses college instruction in the subjects that are commonly taught in California's elementary schools (K-8) and is designed to prepare the student to pass the state CSET examination, (CSET Prep courses are offered through extended education), and gain direct entry into a state-approved teacher credentialing program either at Chapman or at another university. NOTE: The post-baccalaureate credential program at Chapman University College requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 for the last 60 semester hours for admission.

Other students with an interest in the humanities may want the more flexible degree-completion pathway of the Humanities Emphasis. Designed to encourage multidisciplinary exploration this option offers students the opportunity of taking course work in language and media arts, other fine arts and cultural and historical studies. (NOTE: Students interested more specifically in the social sciences should consider the B.A. in Social Science program.)

The Humanities Emphasis provides students with a broad understanding of and appreciation for the ways human knowledge is constructed and demonstrated. This understanding may be applied creatively to any professional field or personal endeavor as they seek to transform their lives and the world around them. This option also provides a strong foundation for entry into graduate studies in the humanities, single subject teacher credentialing programs, international relations or the legal profession.

The Early Childhood Development Emphasis prepares an individual planning for a career in early childhood.

All courses taken in the major program must be passed with a grade equivalent of "C" or higher. Courses may be used to fulfill both major and general education requirements.

I. The Multiple Subjects Teaching Emphasis:

NOTE: Teacher Credential Programs: A California Multiple Subject, Single Subject or Education Specialist teaching credential requires both proof of subject matter competence — i.e. passing score on the appropriate CSET — and completion of an approved credential program. Students seeking one or more of the teaching credentials must make formal application to the teacher credential program. See your program advisor for information about the requirements and procedures for applying to the appropriate teacher credential program.

II. The Humanities Emphasis

This emphasis serves especially those students who wish to incorporate humanities courses with the broader Chapman University curriculum. The program builds upon the integration of liberal and professional studies manifested in LBSU 300 (University College Foundations) and extends its focus further into the liberal arts.

The Humanities Emphasis approaches the various ways of human knowing and acting in the world as its principal subjects. It is interdisciplinary by its very nature exploring the intersection of high and popular culture; historical, ethnic and gender identities; economics and politics; visual and verbal language and literacy; and technology and media. In this way the humanities emphasis is directly related to cultural studies.

A wide sweeping understanding of various cultural histories is the curriculum's foundation. The artistic, historical, religious and philosophical traditions of global cultures are examined through lenses that were shaped by the political and ethical reference points of the West. The Western lens itself is a subject of study and reflection.

Students pursuing the Humanities Emphasis must receive a grade equivalent of at least "C" for courses taken to fulfill major requirements. Courses may be used to fulfill both major and general education requirements.

III. The Early Childhood Development Emphasis

The Early Childhood Development Emphasis prepares an individual planning for a career in early childhood. This emphasis focuses on cross-discipline coursework in human development, education and early childhood and includes both theoretical and practical applications. Students will explore the cultural and social influences of the family and the community in the holistic development of young children. The upper division Early Childhood Development coursework encapsulates current thinking and research in the key areas of early literacy, preschool first and second language acquisition, observation, assessment, and intervention.

The capstone course examines current research and practice in early childhood education and explores professional organizations and issues of advocacy for young children. Students will create and present a final portfolio based on standards for early childhood educators as prescribed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Although not required for admission, the program is designed to complement previous early childhood educational training and fieldwork typically received in community colleges with state approved teacher permit programs. Upper division coursework can provide students with the depth of study required for entry into graduate studies in early childhood. The early childhood development emphasis provides students with a broad understanding of developmentally appropriate practices in the education of young children and a strong foundation for working with children and families in social and educational settings.

All courses taken in the major program must be passed with a grade equivalent of "C" or higher. Courses may be used to fulfill both major and general education requirements.