Courses | B.A. in Liberal Studies, Elementary Education

A survey of biological principles including: the cell, zoology, ecology, human anatomy, genetics, and origin of life theories. Notes: No lab is required, but BIOS 110 is the lab course designed to accompany this course. BIOS 100 without the lab (110) will not receive transfer credit at most other universities. Approved for Core Curriculum Science credit. Cannot be taken to fulfill elective requirements for these majors: Bio Sci: Secondary Instruction (BISI), Human Biology (BIHB), Biological Science (BIOS), Biochemistry (BCHM) or Environmental Science (BIES). Grade Mode: A.

Highlights in the development of World civilization with an overview of Western, Asian, African and Latin American civilizations to 1500. Examination of comparative cultural contributions made in the arts, sciences, government and religions. Includes regional geographic studies. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum World History credit. Grade Mode: A.

A survey of U.S. History from the time of European settlement, to the colonial period, to independence from Britain, the formation of the republic and the constitution, the issues of the early 1800s, and the Civil War.

The course provides students from diverse backgrounds with opportunities to consider their own health and wellness. Through a range of different learning experiences, the class considers issues from contemporary society that confront their health, well-being and quality of life.

Understanding, planning programs and implementing a range of fundamental movement and fitness activities designed for the elementary child: preparation for the upper-division methods course.

Appreciation of drama through an understanding of the components, terms, personnel, history, styles, and techniques of theatre. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Fine Arts credit. Attendance at selected plays is required. Grade Mode: A.

Highlights in the development of World civilization with an overview of Western, Asian, African and Latin American civilizations since 1500. Examination of comparative cultural contributions made in the arts, sciences, government and religions. Includes regional geographic studies. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture, one hour discussion.

A survey of U.S. history from Reconstruction, to the gilded age and progressive era, to the world wars, the cold war, and the present age. Major Supreme Court cases will be covered as will social and ethnic issues.

This course examines the structure and function of the school, foundations of education, qualities required for teacher effectiveness, and contemporary issues in education. Successful completion of this course constitutes one of the requirements for admission to the Teacher Preparation Program. CBEST must be taken or basic skills requirement met during this course for acceptance to a credential program. Lecture/Lab Hours: A 25-hour fieldwork practicum component is required. Notes: Special approval required. Must submit Certificate of Clearance forms and valid negative TB test results. Credential candidates must pass this course with a grade of "B-" or higher. Grade Mode: A.

During interrelated activities in program coursework and fieldwork, Multiple Subject education candidates learn, understand and use content-specific teaching strategies for helping grades K–6 students learn the state-adopted academic content standards for Math and Science. Notes: Credential candidates must pass this course with a "B-" or higher. Grade Mode: A.

Multiple subject teacher candidates identify, apply, appreciate the value of, and practice components and strands of culturally and developmentally appropriate dance and theater education for youth as found in the Visual and Performing Arts Framework and Student Academic Content Standards. Lecture/Lab Hours: A 15-hour fieldwork practicum component is required. Grade Mode: A.

During interrelated activities in program coursework and fieldwork, Multiple Subject candidates learn content-specific teaching strategies that are effective in achieving the goals of the acceptance of personal responsibility for lifelong health; respect for and promotion of the health of others; understanding of the process of growth and development; and informed use of health-related information, products, and services. Notes: Credential candidates must pass this course with a "B-" or higher. Grade Mode: A.

Survey of the theories, programs, and instructional practices for English language development, including first and second language acquisition and individual factors affecting language acquisition. Strategies for the application of theory to classroom practice and instruction in content area literacy are emphasized. Principles of educational equity, diversity, and cultural and linguistic responsiveness are examined. Lecture/Lab Hours: A 10-hour fieldwork practicum component is required. Notes: Credential candidates must pass this course with a "B-" or higher. Valid Certificate of Clearance and negative TB test results required for fieldwork. CalTPA #1. Grade Mode: A.

The course emphasis is curriculum and instruction through the planning and teaching of a variety of developmentally and ability-appropriate instructional strategies for all learners, including Universal Design of Learning and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTTS), differentiation, and assessment. Candidates will complete 60-hours of fieldwork. Candidates will design and teach several classroom lessons in local elementary schools.

A laboratory experience to accompany the lecture course. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hour laboratory weekly. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Science credit. Required for Liberal Studies majors, and optional for others. Grade Mode: A.

This course examines the structure and function of the school, foundations of education, qualities required for teacher effectiveness, and contemporary issues in education. Successful completion of this course constitutes one of the requirements for admission to the Teacher Preparation Program. CBEST must be taken or basic skills requirement met during this course for acceptance to a credential program. Lecture/Lab Hours: A 25-hour fieldwork practicum component is required. Notes: Special approval required. Must submit Certificate of Clearance forms and valid negative TB test results. Credential candidates must pass this course with a grade of "B-" or higher. Grade Mode: A.

Survey of the theories, programs, and instructional practices for English language development, including first and second language acquisition and individual factors affecting language acquisition. Strategies for the application of theory to classroom practice and instruction in content area literacy are emphasized. Principles of educational equity, diversity, and cultural and linguistic responsiveness are examined. Lecture/Lab Hours: A 10-hour fieldwork practicum component is required. Notes: Credential candidates must pass this course with a "B-" or higher. Valid Certificate of Clearance and negative TB test results required for fieldwork. CalTPA #1. Grade Mode: A.

A 60-hour fieldwork course to support Multiple Subject Credential candidates in application of teaching pedagogy. Candidates will design and teach a minimum of three lessons in local elementary schools. Notes: Credential candidates must pass this course with a grade of "B-" or higher. Valid Certificate of Clearance and negative TB test results required for fieldwork. Grade Mode: A.

The course emphasis is curriculum and instruction through the planning and teaching of a variety of developmentally and ability-appropriate instructional strategies for all learners, including Universal Design of Learning and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTTS), differentiation, and assessment. Candidates will complete 60-hours of fieldwork. Candidates will design and teach several classroom lessons in local elementary schools.

A 60-hour fieldwork course to support Single Subject Credential candidates in application of teaching pedagogy. Candidates will design and teach a minimum of three lessons in local secondary schools. Notes: Credential candidates must pass this course with a grade of "B-" or higher. Valid Certificate of Clearance and negative TB test results required for fieldwork. Grade Mode: A.

The course emphasis is curriculum and instruction through the planning and teaching of a variety of developmentally and ability-appropriate instructional strategies for all learners, including Universal Design of Learning and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTTS), differentiation, and assessment. Candidates will complete 60-hours of fieldwork. Candidates will design and teach several classroom lessons in local secondary schools.

Selected topics of current interest and concern are studied. Sections are offered each year upon sufficient demand. Topics are the following:

• Human Biology: Selected body systems and/or diseases will be studied in detail.
• Marine Biology: An overview of marine biology with an emphasis on local marine species and conservation. Topics include seaweed, invertebrate animals, fish, marine mammals, and the impact of humans.
• Zoology: This course provides a broad overview of invertebrate and vertebrate animal species with an emphasis on comparative anatomy and ecology.

Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Science credit. May not be used to fulfill elective requirements for BIOS, BIES, BISI, or BIHB majors. Grade Mode: A.

Literature research followed by oral presentation, group discussion and evaluation; independent thought and study stressed. Notes: May be taken twice for a maximum of 2 credits. Grade Mode: A.

This course examines ways to create meaningful curriculum that is aligned with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) program standards, the California Preschool Learning Foundations, and the California Common Core and Content Standards. Teacher candidates develop curriculum plans that integrate language and literacy, mathematics, and play for children ages 3 to 8. Particular attention is given to the key role of adult-child interactions and teaching strategies supporting physical, social and intellectual development for all children. Lecture/Lab Hours: A 9-hour field practicum component is required. Notes: Early Childhood permit candidates must pass with a grade of "C" or higher. Valid Certificate of Clearance and negative TB test results required for fieldwork. Grade Mode: A. 

The focus of this course is to provide an examination of family, community, societal, and cultural influences on children's schooling and learning. It highlights strategies for integrating family members and community resources into the learning process. Emphasis will be given to the exploration of culturally and linguistically appropriate anti-bias approaches that support all children and their families. Lecture/Lab Hours: An 18-hour field practicum component is required. Notes: Early Childhood permit candidates must pass with a grade of "C" or higher. Valid Certificate of Clearance and negative TB test results required for fieldwork. Grade Mode: A. 

This course offers an overview of childhood behaviors and effective strategies for managing these behaviors in the classroom. It includes a review of learning and developmental theories. The course introduces effective strategies that facilitate active learning and differentiated instructional practices that support diverse learning needs are introduced. Lecture/Lab Hours: A 9-hour field practicum component is required. Notes: Early Childhood permit candidates must pass with a grade of "C" or higher. Valid Certificate of Clearance and negative TB test results required for fieldwork. Grade Mode: A. 

This course explores the selection and use of formal and informal assessments to determine initial information for facilitating individual learning strategies and environments. Candidates enhance observational skills, assessment abilities, and communication reporting to families. Particular attention is given to the selection, administration, scoring, and interpretation of results obtained from assessments of young children to determine skills and abilities for the purpose of curriculum planning, learning environment design, and accommodations for children with special needs. Lecture/Lab Hours: A 12-hour field practicum component is required. Notes: Early Childhood permit candidates must pass with a grade of "C" or higher. Valid Certificate of Clearance and negative TB test results required for fieldwork. Grade Mode: A.

Study of the theories of writing and rhetorical models. Extensive practice in writing.

Introductory language course for education students: history of language, grammatical systems, usage/composition; teaching applications.

Poetry workshop. Students will read and critique each other's work, study selected modern and contemporary poems and investigate the creative writing process.

Fiction workshop. Students will read and critique each other's work, study selected modern and contemporary short stories and investigate the creative writing process.

Specific eras and movements in American literature. Two or more sections offered every year. The sections include American literature from Colonial America, the Constitution to the Civil War, the Civil War to the New Deal, and the New Deal to the present.

Specific eras and movements in literature from the nations of the British Isles: Wales, Scotland, the Republic of Ireland, and England. The sections include: Medieval literature, Renaissance literature, 17th-century literature, 18th-century literature, Romanticism, Victorian literature, Early 20th-century literature, and contemporary literature.

Studies of a selection of Shakespeare's plays, providing an overview of Shakespearean tragedy, comedy, and historical drama. Grade Mode: A.

Exploration of the cross-cultural transition process, focusing on healthy adjustment as a sojourner in a new culture. Attention given to understanding and applying grace to oneself and others, discerning cultural values, conflict styles, social stratification and celebration.

Principles and processes of communicating from one culture to another. Focus on different perceptions, ways of thinking, values, non-verbal expression, language expression and subgroups within a culture as they relate to the media and the message.

This course develops professionalism in TESOL teachers in three areas: effective intercultural communication, appropriate communication of different worldviews and values, and ethics for teachers in various contexts.

This course consists of three units of fieldwork in a country other than the United States of America. The student experiences teaching, researching, reflecting and praying which lays the foundation for understanding and explaining the ways in which educational influences shape the world's economies, polities, and societies, and their consequences for global conflict and cooperation. Students will learn to distinguish among different theoretical explanations for understanding schooling and education in a given society, think critically about their strengths and weaknesses, and apply them to a range of historical and contemporary issues.

The study of applied Sport Psychology, learning, motivation, social interaction, mental training for performance, applying behavioral skills for physical activity promotion, and specific psychological rehabilitation strategies.

Physical fitness and disease; nutrition and obesity; mental health and stress management; substance abuse (drugs, tobacco and alcohol); human sexuality. Supports the teacher certification requirement in health for physical education majors. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture. Notes: The course is designed for majors in kinesiology and physical education. Not for the Core Curriculum requirement in the sciences.

Overview of significant factors that influence and determine the learning and control of motor skills. Motor learning issues are examined from a behavioral perspective, and applications are made to teaching, coaching and rehabilitation settings.

A study and application of the core competencies of Transformational Leadership. Contemporary leadership settings in sport, fitness, health promotion and therapy will be given intentional focus. The objective will be to assist leaders and managers to achieve maximum effectiveness in their organizations. Students will have the opportunity to develop the knowledge and capacity to integrate their faith and to apply it to leadership in real life situations in sport and human movement.

Theoretical constructs that underlie explanations for health-positive or health-destructive behaviors and programs to address these. Behavioral theory related to health education/promotion, planning, and assessment in various communities. Health disparities, current health practices, and relevant health-related research and current topics will be covered. Grade Mode: A.

This is an intermediate course designed to further develop basic language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) by focusing on the cultural content, vocabulary and grammar necessary to develop intercultural communicative competence at an intermediate-high proficiency level.

This course will build upon and further develop the informal knowledge of Spanish that heritage learners bring to the classroom — usually from family and neighborhood exposure to the language — and cultivate formal speaking, reading, and writing abilities. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Foreign Language.

This course will help develop students' vocabulary and register while reviewing advanced grammatical structures of Spanish through thematic units, which target the development of advanced-level oral and written proficiency through readings and discussion of Spanish texts and culture broadly defined (film, literature, newspapers, pop culture, etc.), as well as writing assignments and oral presentations.

This course will help develop students' vocabulary and register while reviewing advanced grammatical structures of Spanish through thematic units, which target the development of advanced-level oral and written proficiency through readings and discussion of Spanish texts and culture broadly defined (film, literature, newspapers, pop culture, etc.), as well as writing assignments and oral presentations.

This course seeks to broaden the informal knowledge of Spanish that heritage learners bring to the classroom and focuses primarily on the development of formal speaking, reading, and writing abilities across a variety of topics and genres.

This course seeks to broaden the informal knowledge of Spanish that heritage learners bring to the classroom and focuses primarily on the development of formal speaking, reading, and writing abilities across a variety of topics and genres.

This survey course provides a panoramic view of the civilization and culture of the Spanish-speaking world (Spain, Spanish America, United States) from its early origins to the present day. Emphasis will be given to literary, artistic and cultural productions of each respective region. This class aims to help students attain an advanced level of intercultural communication in the target language with practice in the four skill areas (listening, speaking, reading, and writing).

This course examines the structure and function of the school, foundations of education, qualities required for teacher effectiveness, and contemporary issues in education. Successful completion of this course constitutes one of the requirements for admission to the Teacher Preparation Program. CBEST must be taken or basic skills requirement met during this course for acceptance to a credential program. Lecture/Lab Hours: A 25-hour fieldwork practicum component is required. Notes: Special approval required. Must submit Certificate of Clearance forms and valid negative TB test results. Credential candidates must pass this course with a grade of "B-" or higher. Grade Mode: A.

This course introduces the types and uses of assessments to identify the strengths and needs of exceptional learners and evaluate results to develop meaningful educational practice. It provides knowledge and skills necessary for selecting, administering, interpreting and reporting results of tests related to cognitive, affective, psychomotor and social development. Emphasis will be given to translating assessment data into making informed educational decisions. Lecture/Lab Hours: A 10-hour field practicum component is required. Notes:Education Specialist Credential and Certificate candidates must pass with a grade of "B-" or higher. Valid Certificate of Clearance and negative TB test results required for fieldwork. Grade Mode: A. 

The focus of this course is to provide teacher candidates with knowledge of learning disabilities including definitions, causes, and characteristics of learning disabilities in children. The course will provide students with the knowledge and skills to make accommodations and modifications (including adaptations with technology) for individuals with mild to moderate disabilities. Particular emphasis will be given to working on Student Study Teams to design instruction to meet the individual needs of underperforming students, to making referrals with appropriate documentation and to writing Individual Education Plans for students with identified learning disabilities. Lecture/Lab Hours: A 10-hour field practicum component is required.

This course focuses on principles and procedures for modifying behavior in the classroom with emphasis given to the identification of factors that contribute to behavioral problems, systematic data collection, objective reporting, and implementation of various methods of reinforcement. Lecture/Lab Hours: A 10-hour field practicum component is required. Notes: Education Specialist Credential and Certificate candidates must pass with a grade of "B-" or higher. Valid Certificate of Clearance and negative TB test results required for fieldwork. Grade Mode: A.

This course offers an overview of student characteristics, theory and teaching applications for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Major theories, teaching approaches, trends, etiological and diagnostic issues, classroom structure and environmental arrangements, research based instructional strategies, and family involvement will be discussed. Lecture/Lab Hours: A 10-hour field practicum component is required. Notes: Education Specialist Credential and Certificate candidates must pass with a grade of "B-" or higher. Valid Certificate of Clearance and negative TB test results required for fieldwork. Grade Mode: A.

Settlement and growth of the Anglo-American civilization; the American Revolution; growth of political, economic, social and religious institutions to 1800. Grade Mode: A.

Nationalism and the growth of sectionalism reform movements; Manifest Destiny; disruption of American democracy, Civil War and political reconstruction to 1877. Grade Mode: A.

Post-Civil War economic growth, immigration, trans-Mississippi settlement, industrialization, urbanization; America's rise to world power, Progressive Era and World War I. Grade Mode: A.

An introduction to basic color theory and oil painting techniques. Emphasis on observational representation including still-life, landscape and figure. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Fine Arts credit. Grade Mode: A.

Introduction to non-representational acrylic painting techniques. Emphasis on issues of color and design as applied to organic, geometric, and pattern abstraction. Grade Mode: A.

Major problems of social maladjustment from the viewpoint of the underlying processes of individual and social disorganization; deviant behavior, such as mental disorders, crime and delinquency, suicide, drug and alcohol addiction; social disorganization, such as population problems, family, poverty and war. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Behavioral Science.

This course will examine the experience of disability sociologically, with special attention toward the barriers to full equality and acceptance that people with disabilities face. We will also explore Christian views of disability and explore a theology of suffering and disability.