liberal & civic studies
The L&CS program is a broad integrative course of study that seeks the education of the whole person. The program emphasizes multicultural awareness, self-assessment, ethical values, critical inquiry and social/environmental responsibility. The arts, academics, and social issues are integrated through service-learning experiences and coursework.
The Liberal & Civic Studies Program is based on the 3 principles of breadth, depth, and integration
- Breadth is provided through a balance of required and optional courses in the humanities, fine arts, sciences, social sciences, mathematics, religious studies, and physical education.
- Depth in an interdisciplinary field is achieved through an approved minor or concentration: 6 to 9 courses in an academic subject (e.g. history, English, mathematics, psychology) or in an interdisciplinary field (e.g. women's studies, multicultural studies, Montessori Thought).
- Integration is fostered in the Collegiate Seminar corses; in the 5 Liberal & Civic Studies Courses (121, 122, 123, Assessment & Portfolio 124, and Senior Capstone 130/31); and in the Field-Based Course.
L&CS is excellent for students who wish to pursue a creative and rigorous program of integrated studies as preparation for future careers in law, the non-profit sector, social work, public service, education, business, communications, or for future academic work on the graduate level. The program is particularly suitable for students who plan to become elementary teachers. As a broad and general liberal arts program, L&CS provides prospective teachers with knowledge in a variety of disciplines to support the educational needs of future elementary teachers. The L&CS curriculum is also useful to students preparing to take the CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers), as it covers a large percentage of subject areas tested.
Mission Statement:
The L&CS program seeks the education of the whole person. In addition to traditional academic goals, it strives to develop in its students a heightened self-awareness, ethical values, and habits of social responsibility. As an interdisciplinary program, it fosters the development of a disciplined mind, 1 that is aware of the great ideas of the past, that examines ideas across disciplines, and that strives to understand the important social issues of our times from multiple perspectives. In support of the Lasallian mission of Saint Mary's College, L&CS also promotes compassionate understanding of others and a sense of community that bridges diverse cultures and transcends national boundaries. In implementing its 3 guiding principles of breadth, depth and integration, the L&CS program engages its students in a variety of academic subjects and methodologies, supports in-depth study of a particular subject field or concentration, and facilitates meaningful integration of ideas that emerge from academic coursework, the arts, and community service. By encouraging flexibility in choice of courses, the Program enables students to develop a sense of individual responsibility and intellectual autonomy. L&CS, the program's governing board believes, is particularly conducive to the development of well educated individuals, who are uniquely prepared to take on the role of responsible citizenship in a democracy.
The Liberal & Civic Studies Program offers students the opportunity to combine a broad liberal arts course of studies with preparation for civic life in the 21st century. Instead of a major, students take an array of courses in the social sciences, humanities, sciences, mathematics, fine arts, and physical education. They also complete a minor. 5 L&CS courses help students integrate ideas and support community-based activities. The Program emphasizes critical and integrative thinking, self-assessment, service learning, and the themes of diversity (ethnic, gender socio-economic), American civic values, global awareness, and the environment. Graduates of this Program characteristically seek careers in education, law, public service, and business.
