Liberal Studies, Department of

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Department Chair

Mark Fischer

Department Office/Website

Humanities 230
657-278-2794
lbst.fullerton.edu

Faculty

April Bullock, Mark Fischer, Margaret Garber, Kevin Lambert, Craig McConnell, Andrea Patterson, Angeles Sancho-Velazquez, Saul Tobias

Introduction

Liberal Studies is an interdisciplinary program that integrates ideas from the humanities and arts, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. Its central core course sequence traces the historical development of these areas of knowledge in their intellectual and cultural contexts from antiquity to the present. The other core courses compare and contrast the methods and underlying assumptions of the humanities and arts, the natural sciences, and the social sciences, explore the ways in which these disciplines communicate, and deepen knowledge in selected areas. The critical thinking and communication skills these courses develop provide students with the self-confidence that comes from being able to express one’s ideas clearly and effectively both orally and in writing. The core courses use a combination of lecture, discussion, and seminar to make the students not only well-rounded, well-educated persons but also more independent thinkers and more creative human beings.

The major in Liberal Studies is designed for students who desire the broadest possible liberal education as (1) a preparation for teaching all subjects in the elementary school classroom, as well as becoming a special education teacher, (2) an alternative approach to careers in business, (3) a preparation for entry into professional schools in the health sciences, law, ministry, etc., (4) a means of obtaining specific occupational requirements that cannot be met by coursework in a single department, and (5) a source of personal growth and development.

Degree Description

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies offers an interdisciplinary education in the arts and humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, together with rigorous training in critical thinking and argumentative writing. It thus establishes a secure foundation for any profession that requires general knowledge and prizes independent and creative thought. The program’s graduates have been successful in education, law, management, non-profit, and various entrepreneurial activities. Liberal Studies very effectively prepares students to obtain a multiple subject teaching credential and to pursue a variety of graduate degrees. Forming a diverse community and taking multiple perspectives, Liberal Studies students become well-rounded persons and life-long learners.

Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

• Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies

Programs and Courses Offered

Programs

• Liberal Studies, B.A.

• Food Studies Minor
• Liberal Studies Minor

Courses

Courses are designated as LBST in the class schedule.

• LBST 100 - Introduction to the Humanities (3)
• LBST 101 - Introduction to the Social Sciences (3)
• LBST 300 - Introduction to Liberal Studies (3)
• LBST 301 - Inquiry and Composition in Liberal Studies (3)
• LBST 302A - Historical Dimension of Liberal Studies (3)
• LBST 302B - Historical Dimension of Liberal Studies (3)
• LBST 303 - Liberal Studies in the Humanities and Arts (3)
• LBST 304 - Liberal Studies in the Sciences (3)
• LBST 305 - Liberal Studies in the Social Sciences (3)
• LBST 310 - The California Experience (3)
• LBST 315 - A European Tour (3)
• LBST 322 - Cross-Cultural Social Thought (3)
• LBST 323 - Cross-Cultural Humanities (3)
• LBST 330 - History of Early Science and Technology (3)
• LBST 331 - History of Science: Copernicus to the Present (3)
• LBST 333 - Evolution and Creation (3)
• LBST 335 - Science on the Silver Screen (3)
• LBST 337 - Science, Technology, and Society (3)
• LBST 340 - Food in the Social Sciences (3)
• LBST 341 - Ancient Eats: Food and Foodways in the Ancient World (3)
• LBST 401 - Knowledge in the Arts and Sciences (3)
• LBST 482 - Interdisciplinary Thematic Research Seminar (3)
• LBST 485 - Senior Seminar in Cultural Diversity (3)
• LBST 486 - Senior Seminar in Humanities and Arts (3)
• LBST 488 - Senior Seminar in Environmental Studies (3)
• LBST 489 - Senior Seminar in Gender Issues (3)
• LBST 490 - Senior Seminar in Great Books (3)
• LBST 491 - Senior Seminar in Literature and Sciences (3)
• LBST 492 - Senior Seminar in The History of the Information Machine (3)
• LBST 495 - Internship in Liberal Studies (3)
• LBST 499 - Independent Study (1-3)

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