Mexican-American Studies, B.A.

 Option I, the General Program, requires a total of 68 units, of which 16 are in lower division and 52 are in upper division courses. Students seeking to combine the study of Chicano studies with elementary subject matter can satisfy both goals by following Option II, The Elementary Subject Matter Teacher Preparation Option. Option II requires completion of 60 units of General Education at the lower division, 12 units at the upper division and 6-8 units of graduation requirements (i.e., ENGL 102 and either the Introduction to Higher Education or Transition to Cal State L.A. course). It also requires 60 units in the major with the remaining 40-42 units as recommended electives for preparation for the CSET examination. Students who pass the CSET exam will have the option of taking other coursework. All options are designed for students to complete the undergraduate degree program simultaneously with requirements for either a California Multiple Subject Teaching or Special Education Internship Credential.

Particular requirements and restrictions apply to candidates for teaching. Therefore, early consultation with advisor is essential. Refer to The charter college of education section in the Academic Programs: College-Based and University-Wide chapter of this catalog for regulations governing all teaching credential programs.

Select 8 units from following with adviser approval:

Option II prepares prospective teachers for Grades K-8. Since passing the California Subject examinations for teachers (CSET) is a prerequisite for a teaching credential, students In Option II are expected to prepare for and take the three portions of the CSET: multiple subjects at their earliest convenience and report their results to a Chicano Studies advisor. Based on the CSET results and students’ previous coursework, advisors will recommend directed elective courses to help students prepare for any sections of the CSET that have not been passed. A grade of C or higher is required in all courses used to meet the major requirements for the elementary subject matter teacher preparation option.

Students who select Option II must complete the following coursework for a total of 180 units: 72 units of general education requirements, 6-8 units of university requirements (i.e., ENGL 102 and either the Introduction to Higher Education or Transition to CAL State, L.A. Course), 20 units of Mexican American Studies core courses listed below, 28 units in the depth area also listed below, 12 units of electives or from advisor recommended elementary subject matter courses (if the CSET has not been passed), and 40-42 units of electives In the depth areas and directed electives. At least 28 units must be upper division (300- or 400-level courses).

 Core Courses (20 units)

Required (8 units)

Select three additional upper division electives in Chicano Studies with adviser approval.

With adviser approval, students select 40-42 units from the following courses which are designed to strengthen the students’ preparation for the CSET examination. Students who have passed one or more subtests of the CSET may take, with adviser approval, other courses as electives.

If a student has not passed all sections of the Multiple Subjects CSET, with advisor approval, these electives must be selected from the list of elementary subject matter courses or from other appropriate courses (see “A: Multiple Subjects CSET Preparation courses” below). If a student has passed all sections of The CSET examination, then, with advisor approval, these electives may be taken in one or more depth areas. Students may also use their electives to pursue a teaching credential for elementary education (see “B: Multiple Subject Teaching Credential courses” and “C: Educational Specialist Courses” below).

A minimum GPA of 2.75 in the last 90 quarter units is required for enrollment in EDCI 300 or EDSP 300. See catalog, “Multiple Subject Credential” or “Education Specialist Credential,” for additional pre-requisites. An overall 3.0 GPA must be attained in all professional education courses with a minimum grade of “C” in each course. Students should see both a major adviser and a multiple subject or special education credential adviser regarding completion of the degree and other Credential requirements.

These courses are for a Multiple Subject (Elementary Education) Teaching Credential.

Completion of these courses and passage of the CBEST qualify students to be eligible for a Special Education Internship Credential with verification of employment from a cooperating school district. For a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential, students must complete the additional credential coursework in their area of specialization (i.e. Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Moderate/Severe Disabilities, Physical and Health Impairments or Visual Impairments). Students must consult with a Special Education adviser for specific program requirements.

Complete 8 units of appropriate work in the selected area of specialization.