Introduction to Child Development presents the major theories of child development and the milestones of physical, social/emotional, and cognitive development from the prenatal period through adolescence. Students identify the characteristics of play and their impact on development; describe the social development of children and adolescents including persons with special needs; understand the effects of a broad range of influences on development, including environmental (e.g. family, school, childcare, media, early intervention), cultural, economic, and gender; and identify sources of possible abuse and neglect and describe their impact on development. (Offered every semester.)

Lifespan Development: Transition & Change surveys theoretical perspectives of human growth and development across the life span and draws from current social science research in examining the complex array of social, psychological, and cultural forces that combine to determine each individual's life course. Emphasizes applications to real world settings and successful passage through the life course. (Offered spring semester.)

Cross-Cultural Human Development: In this course, students will learn how human development is influenced by, and influences, cultural norms and practices, and how culture plays a role in physical, cognitive, language, and socio-emotional development from infancy through old age. Developmental topics such as the family, socialization, language, gender, childrearing, schooling, health, and life events such as birth, rites of passage, marriage, and death will be examined through the lenses of cultural communities, cultural groups, and cultural institutions within the U.S. and internationally.

Behavioral & Emotional Disorders of Childhood & Adolescence explores common behavioral and emotional disorders which occur during childhood and adolescence such as attention deficit disorder, autism, depression, eating disorders, and conduct disorders. Physiological and environmental origins of the disorders are discussed as well as prevention, intervention, and treatment. Multidisciplinary and multicultural perspectives are included. (Offered fall semester.)

Infancy & Early Childhood focuses on developmental, behavioral, and other psychological theories in providing a rigorous introduction to the various biological, social, and cultural factors known to contribute to human growth and development during the initial phases of life (prenatal to preschool). Readings emphasize research and application in family and social settings. Human Development minor content course. Formerly LS 356. (Offered fall semester.)

Child Development provides a rigorous overview of theories and research concerning child growth and development. Focuses on children's social, cognitive, and psychological development with emphasis on multicultural and social policy issues. Addresses the current conditions of children in the local community and globally, emphasizing the need for diverse and culturally competent policies and practices. Formerly LS 360. (Offered every semester.)

Adolescence focuses on psychological, biological cognitive, and other ecological theories in examining adolescent development. The impact of culture and context on identity development and on successful transition to adulthood is emphasized. Human Development minor course. Formerly LS 365. (Offered every semester.)

Observation and Assessment introduces students to the strategies, techniques, and ethics of observing and recording student interactions in the classroom and the impact of culture upon those observations. Introduces a variety of assessment strategies and techniques. Human Development minor course. Formerly LS 366. (Offered only as interest warrants.)

Adulthood & Aging focuses on the theories and understanding of early adulthood, middle adulthood, and late adulthood. Emphasizes the consolidation of personal identity, the primary factors of adulthood, and healthy and successful aging. Draws readings from diverse sources, including psychological and sociological research and media. Formerly LS 371. (Offered fall semester.)

Geriatrics & Gerontology examines the key issues, complexities, and challenges around changing health and service systems in the aging process. Addresses the etiology of life altering events, quality of life for the elderly, and end of life choices. Issues are addressed from multicultural and international perspectives. Formerly LS 377. (Offered only as interest warrants.)

Service Learning in Human Development: In this course, students will apply and evaluate HDEV theory to service learning experiences, reflect on their SL experience and site as it applies to their professional development, develop skills in reflective, ethical, strengths- based practices for human development, and strengthen their interpersonal and intrapersonal abilities in their SL experience and area of study.

Special Topics courses study a particular topic in Human Development on an experimental or time-limited basis. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Offered only as interest warrants.)

Allows upper-division students to pursue courses on special topics. May involve such activities as readings and reactions to papers, term papers, reports on life experiences, and action research. (Offered only as interest warrants.)

Allows upper-division students to pursue courses on special topics. Requires completion of a community service project. May involve such activities as readings and reactions to papers, term papers, reports on life experiences, and action research. (Offered only as interest warrants.)

Nature of Language & Language Acquisition introduces the scientific study of language, which includes theoretical concepts (e.g. structural linguistics, sociolinguistics, language development in first and second language acquisition) and application of linguistics in reading and writing development. Students develop a knowledge base in linguistics, phonemic awareness, and syntax, and apply it in real-world educational settings. Requires successful completion of coursework that satisfies the ENGCOM and ETHICS ULRs, or GE equivalents. (Offered every semester.)

Nature of Language & Language Acquisition: Service Learning is an optional field-based service learning course which accompanies LS 392. Students spend a minimum of 24 hours per semester focusing on application of linguistics in reading and writing development in school settings. Requires completion of an approved community service project. (Offered fall semester.)

Provides leadership and mentoring opportunities and develops related leadership skills for California Mini-Corps students as they work in the classrooms and in the homes of migrant students in K-12. Must be admitted to the mini-corps program. (Offered as interest warrants). May be repeated for credit.

Assessment of Early Field Experience allows students who have extensive elementary school classroom experience to demonstrate having met the outcomes of LS 298S, the early field experience course required by State guidelines for future teachers. Students must complete CSU GE Area D prior to transfer to CSUMB to be eligible for this course.

Special Topics courses study a particular topic in the liberal studies majorfor lower division students. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Offered only as interest warrants.)

Introduction to Teaching & Learning introduces students to the teaching profession and classroom work by examining the daily work of classroom teachers in multicultural schools. Explores student and youth issues and schooling, the dynamics of school/parent/community relationships, and the effects of educational policies and practices on culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Students complete approximately 30 hours of early field experience through service learning activities. (Offered every semester.)

Major ProSeminar: Orientation, Perspectives & Lifelong Learning focuses on academic orientation and lifelong learning skills that are applicable in academic and professional contexts: basic and advanced writing skills, critical thinking, collaborative learning, academic self-development, research, and multicultural education. Students develop an Academic Learning Plan to guide their learning. (Offered every semester.)

Southeast Asian History and Cultures introduces the concept of culture, cultures, and cultural diversity in the U.S. with a specific focus on five Southeast Asian groups that migrated to the U.S. since 1975. Students develop the knowledge and skills of cross-cultural competence in a pluralistic and global society. Requires successful completion of coursework that satisfies the ENGCOM and Ethics ULRs, or GE equivalents. (Offered spring semester.)

In Teaching for Social Change, students learn the skills and theories of how to be agents of change, as educational professionals, in their communities. Students gain knowledge in integrating social action into K-8 school curriculum. Students engage in a social justice project relevant to a local issue or community. (Offered every semester.)

Innov Approaches to Schling: Issues in Education expands students' understanding of alternative education models and philosophies (e.g., Montessori, Waldorf, etc.). Students also explore the social environment in classrooms, and current trends and obstacles in teaching and learning. (Offered every semester.)

Issues in Comparative and International Education: The course introduces students to issues in comparative and international education in the context of a changing interrelated global society, by examining the historical events and processes that have impacted international education and the views of U.S. educators on issues of national security, development, development education, globalism, colonialism, nationalism, and ethno-nationalism of some globally representative national school systems in Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa.

Culture and Cultural Diversity introduces cross-cultural analysis of U.S. based social ethnic groups; power relations; and equity in social, political, and historical contexts. Explores contemporary issues of generational acculturation; construction of gender, race, class, abilities, and sexual identity; and environmental justice in the contexts of power, privilege, and discrimination. (Offered every semester.)

Multicultural Literature for Children and Young Adults: Familiarizes students with diverse and high quality children's literature across socio-cultural groups. Engages students in interpreting, from multiple perspectives, representations and socio-cultural patterns and symbols found across various authors and literary genres. Introduces students to various pedagogical approaches for the teaching of multicultural literature for children and young adults.

Multicultural Literature for Children and Young Adults: Familiarizes students with diverse and high quality children's literature across socio-cultural groups. Engages students in interpreting, from multiple perspectives, representations and socio-cultural patterns and symbols found across various authors and literary genres. Introduces students to various pedagogical approaches for the teaching of multicultural literature for children and young adults. Requires completion of an approved service learning project.

Special Topics courses study a particular topic in the liberal studies major. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Offered only as interest warrants.)

Allows upper-division students to pursue courses on special topics. May involve such activities as readings and reaction papers, term papers, reports on life experiences, and action research. (Offered only as interest warrants.)

Allows upper-division students to complete independent service learning experiences in the major. Students follow LS guidelines and requirements for service learning reflections, portfolio development, and assessment. (Offered only as interest warrants.)

Social Foundations of Multicultural Education: Service Learning examines issues, problems, and solutions to equitable schooling in a pluralistic society. Viewing schools as social institutions that transform the cultural and political dynamics of society. The course focuses on history, politics, and theories of education for culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Requires completion of approved service learning hours (approximately 20 hours) and community projects. (Offered every semester.)

The culminating learning experience in the major, Senior Capstone requires students to demonstrate and synthesize their learning across the disciplines through a well-defined research paper or project. Emphasizes both depth of content knowledge and reflection on students' growth through their coursework. Students may reflect on learning experiences, such as a learning Portfolio, begun in LS300 Major ProSeminar. Requires successful completion of coursework that satisfies the GWAR. (Offered every semester.)