Liberal Studies

About the Department

Dr. Selena Van Horn, Department Chair
Kremen Education Building, ED 350B
(559) 278-4011
svanhorn@csufresno.edu
kremen.fresnostate.edu/departments-programs/ls.html

The mission of the Liberal Studies Program is to provide rigorous and relevant subject matter preparation for elementary teaching that is committed to equity and social justice.

The Liberal Studies Program has received an Elementary Subject Matter Authorization from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. This authorization permits graduates from the program to satisfy the Subject Matter Proficiency requirement for the Multiple Subject Credential Program through completion of required coursework. This purposeful and carefully aligned sequence of courses represents the “Gold Standard” for subject matter preparation for future elementary teachers in the areas of Reading, Language, and Literature; History and Social Sciences; Mathematics; Natural Science; Visual and Performing Arts; Physical Education; and Human Development 

Center for Advising and Student Services

Education Building, Room 100
559.278.0300
kremen.fresnostate.edu/students/advising.html

Career Opportunities

Liberal studies majors preparing for careers in elementary teaching should expect to find a favorable job market. Recent statistical reports for the Central Valley show that the area population and the number of school-aged children continue to grow. This pattern of growth, along with anticipated attrition from the teaching profession will require additional well-prepared, credentialed elementary teachers.

As Liberal Studies candidates prepare for entrance into the teaching profession or other careers, they are provided expert assistance from the campus Career Development Center. Assistance in preparing placement files, preparing for job interviews, and searching for suitable employment is readily available for each candidate.

Programs

• Liberal Studies - ITEP Option, B.A.
• Liberal Studies, B.A.

Courses

• LS 100T - Topics in Liberal Studies
• LS 101 - Teaching for Justice: Accessibility, Cultural Sustainability, and Student Humanity
• LS 102 - Innovative Pedagogy: Integrating Educational Technology
• LS 105 - Physical Education & Human Development for Elementary School Teachers
• LS 110WS - Writing in the K-8 Classroom
• LS 111 - Literacies, Languages, and Literature
• LS 112 - Critical 21st Century Literacies in the K-8 Classroom Syllabus
• LS 113 - Interrogating Children’s Literature: Power, Representation, and Universal Design
• LS 115 - Understanding and Applying Social Science Content, Pedagogy, & Technology in K-12
• LS 120 - Community-Based Learning in STEM
• LS 121 - Climate Change Literacy: Integrating, Life, Earth, and Physical Sciences
• LS 122 - Teaching for Elementary Science Literacy
• LS 130 - Mathematics Instruction 1: Developing Concepts and Analyzing Instruction
• LS 131 - Mathematics Instruction 2: Quality Instruction and Assessment
• LS 140 - Critical Perspectives and Holistic Approaches to Curriculum and Assessment
• LS 141 - Learning Environments, Development, and Behavior Support in Elementary Schools
• LS 150 - Social Foundations of Education: School and Society
• LS 153 - Peaceful Problem-Solving in P-12 Classroom
• LS 195 - Clinical Practice 1