Liberal Studies Major: American Civilization and Culture Concentration (Contemporary Focus) B.A.

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Liberal Studies Major Program Director: R. Sandie Woods, Ed.D.

Concentration Program Director: W. Marshall Johnston, Ph.D.

Overview

Within the context of the Fresno Pacific Idea, the liberal studies major at Fresno Pacific University exists to prepare people with a foundation of knowledge needed to become community builders, peacemakers and advocates for change in roles requiring broad liberal arts scholarship. The major seeks to build:

The ability and desire to understand, evaluate and communicate ideas.
The ability and desire to discover ideas through disciplinary processes.
The ability and desire to engage in intensive study and service.
A sense of interrelatedness among knowledge, experience, responsibility and values.
A respect for diversity.

The liberal studies major is an interdisciplinary major that provides the content background for multiple subject candidates wishing to enter teacher education programs for teaching at the elementary level in the state of California. Additionally, the liberal studies major provides a rounded course of study in the liberal arts appropriate for preparation in numerous vocations.

Students must prepare a senior project in their last semester prior to graduation that is reviewed by undergraduate faculty and professional educators. In addition, students planning to enter the FPU teacher education program must maintain a GPA of 2.75 or better during their baccalaureate program. Grades of D+ or below are not accepted in general education, major courses or concentration courses.

The state of California requires that all students admitted to multiple subject credential programs pass the CBEST to prove basic skills and the CSET to prove subject matter competency.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

To understand, evaluate and communicate ideas.
To discover ideas through disciplinary processes.
To engage in intensive study.
To interrelate knowledge, experience, responsibility and values.
To respect diversity.

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno

Liberal Studies Major: General Education Requirements

Required Courses (47 Units)

Concentrations/Minors

Concentrations permit the candidate to specialize in areas of interest and depth. All students must complete a concentration of 12 or more units in one discipline or area of study or a minor. Concentration requirements may overlap with a minor.

General Education Requirements

PS 120 - American Politics and Society 3

Required Courses

American Civilization: Its Social Institutions

Select one of the following:

COM 410 - Media and Society 3
PS 371 - American Law and Legal System 3
PS 375 - Criminal Justice in America 4 Units
PS 385 - Urban Society and the Welfare State 3
SOC 350 - Marriage and Family 3

American Civilization: Its Social Dynamics

Select one of the following:

American Civilization: Its Changing Character

SOC 450 - Social Problems and Public Policy 3