This page uses javascript to help render elements, if you have problems please enable javascript.
 
Skip to main content
 
 
 
 
 
 
You are now inside the main content area
 
 

Interdisciplinary Thematic Emphasis

The Interdisciplinary Thematic Emphasis is designed for Liberal Studies majors who have interests that go beyond the confines of any single CSUF department. With the help of Liberal Studies advisors, these students design their own study plans and take courses from several academic departments centered on an interdisciplinary theme. This theme may reflect an intellectual interest or prepare students for later professional training and specific careers. The department offers a number of advising tracks that help students organize their coursework.

ITE Samples and Advising

FAQ'S

ITE Samples

See Examples of Interdisciplinary Thematic Emphasis Themes and Courses

ITE Advising Tracks

Advising Tracks enable students to focus their Interdisciplinary Thematic Emphases on specific areas in which departmental faculty have advising expertise. Following one of these advising tracks allows students to combine a broad education in the liberal arts with more focused interdisciplinary studies in an area relevant to their future professional or education goals. The department currently offers the following advising tracks:

What types of career opportunities are available for Liberal Studies majors who choose the Interdisciplinary Thematic Emphasis?

The Interdisciplinary Thematic Emphasis has long served students as preparation for special education teaching, middle school teaching, including the Foundational Level Math Credential and the Foundational Level General Science Credential, law school, advanced study in business or other graduate degree programs or professional schools, as well as careers in the health sciences, education, ministry, or the environmental sciences. This emphasis also attracts returning students who already have successful careers but want a well-rounded and personally enriching education. See a list of the professions or positions of recent alumni.

What are the requirements of the Interdisciplinary Thematic Emphasis?

In addition to the ten core courses (30 units) that all Liberal Studies majors take, students who have declared the Interdisciplinary Thematic Emphasis take six elective courses (18 units) that are organized around an interdisciplinary theme. To ensure interdisciplinarity, students may take no more than three elective courses (9 units) from a single CSUF department and no more than five elective courses (15 units) from any one of the three knowledge areas of Liberal Studies: arts & humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. A student's theme and elective coursework must be approved by a Liberal Studies advisor prior to enrolling in courses.

Students have explored such themes as current international problems, current domestic issues, economics and the environment, humanity and its natural environment, regionalism and marketing, cultural heritage studies, art and religion, the religious development of children, creative use of leisure, religion and economic attitudes, the cultural history of shame, social tensions of modernity as expressed in fiction and social science, etc.

Students also synthesize and apply their knowledge through an interdisciplinary research project related to their theme, carried out by either participating in the Interdisciplinary Thematic Research Seminar (LBST 482) or by taking an indpendent study course (499) with a professor of their own choosing.

Requirements for the Liberal Studies major under the Interdisciplinary Thematic Emphasis

How to declare the Emphasis

To declare your Interdisciplinary Thematic Emphasis, complete the top portion and Section (D) Emphasis of the Undergraduate Change of Academic Objective form and send it to Jennifer Schorz at jschorz@fullerton.edu