Division Office
Education Building, 251
(661) 664-3420
(661) 665-6911 (fax)
email: pmiser@csub.edu
Dean: Dr. James H. George, Jr.

Dorothy Donahoe Hall, Room C102
(661) 664-3061
(661) 665-6950 (fax)
email: dcisneros@csub.edu
Director: David E. Cisneros

The Division of Undergraduate Studies at California State University, Bakersfield is unique in the California State University system. It is designed to insure that the classroom and non-classroom portion of the students’ University experiences supplement each other.

The most important feature of the Division is the Academic Information and Advising Center located in DDH C102. Here a student will be teamed with a General Studies Fellow. They are regular faculty who are selected to be advisors to lower division students. Specially trained and concerned about the academic progress and career planning of the students, they provide the link between the academic and the co-curriculum portions of the students’ University experience. The Center handles freshmen advising (all majors except Liberal Studies and Child Development majors), undeclared students advising, general education information, Intensive Learning Experience advising, and disburses information relative to various academic majors, university programs, and the many services available to students. Academic counselors, student peer counselors, General Studies Fellows - all are available to assist students. Both pre-scheduled and walk-in appointments are accommodated at the Center.

The Division also offers special General Studies courses. Most of these one or two unit courses focus on material unavailable in the academic departments (i.e. Test Anxiety, Focus on Women, Peer Counseling, Career/Job Search) or on topics in which lower division students express an interest. Students interested in having a special course need only to contact the Division Office (EDUC 251, 664-3420). The courses also provide for orientation to the University, instruction on study skills, and personal development. The course format is always informal and conducive to student-faculty exchange.
 

THE HELEN LOUISE HAWK HONOURS PROGRAM

The university offers a full four-year honors program to incoming freshmen and transfer students which includes the following academic and extracurricular advantages:

A series of special honors-only general education classes taught by the University’s best faculty members; priority at registration time; honors scholarships; senior honors seminars in which students complete a project under the direct supervision of a professor in their major discipline; personalized academic and career advising; waivers in required general education courses; travel/education opportunities; and frequent social events which help develop a sense of camaraderie and mutual support among the participants. Unlike most "honors" classes at the high school level, CSUB’s honors courses are not graded more severely than non-honors classes. Nor are honors students asked to take any extra courses as a result of being in the program, since each of the honors classes satisfies one of the lower or upper division general education requirements. Students can earn honors certificates and graduation recognition by completing either two years of the program or the entire four-year program.

The Helen Louise Hawk Honors Program is supported by a generous one million dollar grant from Helen Hawk Windes. It is administered by an Honors Council composed of five faculty members and a faculty director.

Information regarding the Helen Louise Hawk Honors Program is available from Dr. Michael Flachmann, Professor of English and Director of University Honors Program (FT 201D, 664-2121) or in the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies (EDUC 251, 664-3420).
 

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

GST 115 Academic Success Via Vocabulary (2)

This course will address the history, use, and effects of the English vocabulary in American culture. Such topics will include poetry, short stories, novels, newspaper and magazine articles, television, and careers. There will be class discussions, lectures, and writing assignments. Sample assignments will be to create poetry, read and analyze various writings, and to interpret the use of vocabulary and the author’s intent.

GST 118 Making it in College (2)

This course presents study techniques, memory tools, self-exploration exercises, and explores career and major alternatives. The object of the course is to help develop interpersonal communication skills and study skills necessary to succeed both in and out of the University. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis.

GST 119 Techniques of Peer Advising (2)

This class is designed for students who are interested in peer counseling and peer activities. It will provide an opportunity to explore information resources and develop skills that will allow them to offer assistance to fellow students. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis.

GST 121 Introduction to University Studies (2)

A series of seminars designed to aid the transition to the University studies for students with non-traditional backgrounds. The course will emphasize University survival skills and will utilize faculty and staff from the various disciplines and student services. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis.

GST 128 Stress Management (1)

Too much stress can affect your performance in school. This course will provide general information, guides for stress management, and wellness. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis.

GST 129 Women, Self-Esteem, and Academic Success (1)

Utilizes a group format for discussion and personal evaluation of how self esteem affects academic success and living. When women are able to build their self-esteem, they can increase their effectiveness and take charge of their lives. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis. Limited enrollment.

GST 131 Assertiveness Training (2)

A discussion-practice course designed to teach students how to express opinions, feelings, and attitudes in an effective and socially appropriate manner. The goal is to improve self-confidence and self-expression in academic and non-academic settings. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis. Limited enrollment.

GST 132 Women’s Day (1)

The Women’s Day program will focus on efforts to empower women and increase their participation in public office as well as deal with the ongoing issues of discrimination that they continue to face.

GST 134 Careers in the Physical Sciences (1)

Overview of the careers in Chemistry, Geology, and Physics for students interested in a degree and employment opportunities in these fields. The class will consist of presentations by professionals from the community, the CSUB Physical Sciences faculty, and CSUB Science alumni. In addition, there will be visits to local companies or government agencies that employ scientists. A field trip fee may be required.

GST 136 Thinking Critically (2)

This course is designed to help students develop the critical thinking skills necessary for persuasive, logical writing and effective reading. Students will study arguments, fallacies, and the uses of language as they write and discuss current, often controversial, issues. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis.

GST 138 Math Anxiety Reduction Group (1)

This course combines learning strategies for approaching mathematics with anxiety reduction techniques. Each session includes a combination of math study hints with careful desensitization of math fears or phobias. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis.

GST 142 Cinco de Mayo (1)

Plan, develop and carry out major activities of the Cinco de Mayo celebration and other Chicano cultural activities at CSUB. Emphasis will be on developing some skill in the planning and coordination of complex activities and on examining the historical, social, and educational roles of this and other cultural events in society.

GST 150 Lecture Series (1)

Lectures, discussions, and films on varied topics. One lecture, one discussion per week. May be repeated. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.

GST 151 Writing the Term Paper (2)

This course is designed to provide the college student with the skills necessary to write an effective term paper. Students will receive in-depth training in library research skills, choosing a topic, developing an outline, appropriate format, and writing the paper. Students are encouraged to take this course in conjunction with a course that requires a research paper.

GST 156 Adult Children of Alcoholics or Trauma (1)

Through topic lecture and group interaction, students who grew up in homes where they were emotionally, sexually or physically abused or neglected will: 1) examine the issues, thoughts and roles they assumed; 2) identify where these issues are affecting them today; 3) develop strategies to change unwanted behavior. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis. Enrollment is limited.

GST 157 Advancing Academic Confidence (2)

Advance your academic confidence by participating in this 6-week college skills course. It is designed to help you master the fundamental skills necessary to make each course a success--listening skills, getting the most out of lectures, memory techniques, SQ4R, etc. Truly a practical course designed to help any students do better academically. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis.

GST 160 Orientation to California State University, Bakersfield (1)

This course introduces students to the University, provides an opportunity to check basic study skills, and begins the process of career and life goal clarification. Students who enter the University with less than 20 quarter units are required to take this course. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis.

GST 160 Re-entry Rap (1)

Adult students often are faced with issues and considerations related to returning to an educational setting. Guest speakers will address such topics as: adult development, self-esteem building, home and family responsibilities, and career choice or change. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis.

GST 162 Coping with Test Anxiety (1)

Designed to teach students skills and techniques for coping with and overcoming anxiety in testing situation. Each session will include step-by-step procedures for enhancing physical relaxation, focused mental attention, and effective mastery of course material. Simultaneous enrollment in at least one 5-unit course is desirable. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis.

GST 166 Community Service Projects (1)

Designed to provide an opportunity for students to go into the community and participate in local established service projects while earning university credit. A variety of projects - such as Daffodil Days, Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, and others - will be available to choose from. Enrollment information is available in the Cooperative Education Office, DDH CC208, (661) 664-2411. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis.

GST 173, 174, 175 Afro-American Experience I, II, and III (1)

With the emphasis on the development of organizational skills, the primary focus will be planning and implementation of programs for the observance of Black History month. Enhances cultural awareness through personal involvement. Current issues will be explored in a small group format. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis.

GST 179 Accent Reduction in American English (2)

This accent reduction class is for those individuals whose American-English speaking ability is unclear due to interference from their birth language. This class is not speech therapy. It is a class designed to help those individuals whose dialect may pose a professional problem in the workplace. Classroom work will be augmented by additional practice times.

GST 181 Those Crazy Americans (2)

Designed specifically for F-1 and J-1 students. The course will examine those areas of American culture that often impede and confuse international students during their stay in the U.S. Leaving friends and family, and pursuing additional education in a 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th language in a totally new environment can be challenging. Course content will cover the many aspects of culture: values, traditions, food, rituals, verbal and non-verbal language, perception of self, family, and community. Students will compare and contrast American culture with theirs and other students’ home cultures. Open discussions will provide a forum for students to ask questions and express opinions about American situations they’ve encountered.

GST 184 Study abroad with ISEP (2)

CSUB is the only public university in California selected for institutional membership in ISEP (International Student Exchange Program). Under ISEP our students can study abroad at any of over one hundred universities in thirty-six countries around the world for one term, one year, or longer, paying only usual costs of fees, room and board here. This course will provide academic information on ISEP and other Study Abroad programs. Former ISEP participants and incoming exchange students will share their experience.

GST 185 U.L.T.I.M.A.T.E. I, II, and III (2)

Provides a series of courses that equip participants with education, training and development for student union leadership positions and roles in facility management/operation and on the governing board of the Student Union, Inc. Class members will also help to select, plan, and present Student Union activities and programs.

GST 189 Understanding Field Archaeology (3)

Basic introduction to field archaeology, intended to give the student an overview of, rather than intense training in, field archaeology. Trips to various archaeological sites and facilities in the Kern County area are the main focus of the course. A field trip fee may be required. (This is a cross-listed course with ANTH 191.)

GST 194 Master Academics, College Study Skills (2)

Students with learning disabilities and acquired brain injuries share common challenges in the academic environment. Through a lecture/discussion/lab format this course will help students recognize their strengths and weaknesses, utilize compensatory strategies, and understand their rights in higher education.

GST 195 Learning Disability Assessment (1)

Students who suspect they have a learning disability must be tested and diagnosed as LD before being able to receive educational accommodations under Section 504 of the National Rehabilitation Act. Contact the Disabled Student Services Center for more information.

GST 196 Introduction to Assistive Technology (1)

This course will introduce students to the newest software applications and equipment that are being used by persons with disabilities. Students will receive a general understanding of the use and function of assistive technology, specifically as it relates to educational and academic settings. Sessions will provide students with a hands-on opportunity to learn to use screen enlargers, screen readers, voice recognition programs, a Braille printer, Kurzweil, and CCTV. The objective of the course is to instruct students in alternative ways to obtain information through the most current assistive technologies.

GST 200 Meet the World (2)

Selected international students and faculty members will give presentations and lead discussions on the geography, culture, and recent events of their native counties. A variety of professors with personal interest and experience abroad will serve as the instructor and moderator. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis.

GST 205 Career/Job Search (1)

Assists students in selecting college major and/or career. Emphasis will be upon the value of self-knowledge and how it is acquired, exploration of options, career information resources, group discussions on the role of values, skills, and attitudes in making career decisions. Also helps students to prepare for a job search. Emphasis will be upon self assessment-personal traits, skills, methods used to communicate this to potential employers. Resume, letter writing, search strategies and information gathering techniques studied.

GST 209 Psychology of Prejudice and Tolerance (1)

This class will explore personal and psychological aspects of prejudice in connection with a field trip to the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, California. Each student will be expected to relate historical information to his/her life and culture in a reaction paper. Students must attend the first class meeting, (listed in the class schedule) the field trip, and the class discussion to obtain credit. Fee for field trip is required.

GST 210 Succeeding in College (1)

What does it take to do well at CSUB? Discussions of everything from note-taking to networking to managing personal finances will give you the inside track on getting the most out of the opportunities Cal State has to offer. Guest speakers, faculty, and students from various disciplines will share their perspectives on "Succeeding in College." Offered on a credit, no-credit basis.

GST 211 Succeeding in Careers (1)

Area professionals, CSUB faculty, and recent graduates will share with us their insights into what it takes to secure and advance in a position in your chosen career field. Guest lecturers and group discussion. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis.

GST 212 Succeeding in Life (1)

Discussion of strategies and planning college that students can use to lead productive, fulfilling lives. Ways to balance professional and personal needs and demands. Guest lecturers on various topics from "Reducing Stress" to "Interpersonal Communication." Offered on a credit, no-credit basis.

GST 219 Eating Management--Caring About Self (1)

The course is designed to provide a person with practical strategies and techniques to assist in developing a consciousness for appropriate eating behavior. The course will also incorporate the use of a computerized diet analysis program and encourage the development of a regular exercise program.

GST 220A Chicano Approach to Reality in Theatre I (2)

This course will attempt to give the student a basic introduction to the working methodology of El Teatro Campesino. The course will study and explore the philosophy of "pensamiento serpentino" and its application in the working style employed by El Teatro. The concepts in the course are the essence of playwright/director Luis Valdez’s approach to the theatre of reality as Chicanos, as human beings, as actors on the stage of the world.

GST 220B Chicano Approach to Reality in Theatre II (2)

The object of this course is to investigate and synthesize popular tradition of Chicano root. There will be an historical overview of "Hispanic Theatre" in the American Southwest/Aztlan during the last 500 years and its influence on contemporary Chicano Theatre. There will be student involvement and participation by small groups, conducted in bilingual/bicultural creative sessions.

GST 220C Chicano Approach to Reality in Theatre III (2)

The object of this course is to develop skills in storytelling. Emphasis will focus and concentrate on introducing the student to the acting techniques of actos, corrido, and mito. Improvisational games, voice projection and role playing for problem solving will be important elements of the course. Teatro activities will stimulate a creative awareness of body movement, mind concentration, and a positive self-image.

GST 220D Chicano Approach to Reality in Theatre IV (2)

This course will combine all the material covered in the last three Teatro tiers and place into action a Teatro production.

GST 224 Dynamic Geometries (Elementary and Review Geometry through Dynamic Geometries) (2)

A new class of computer programs called Dynamic Geometries facilitate exploration of geometric concepts and rediscovery of the beauty of Geometry. Use one of the programs to explore the basic concepts of plane geometry and gain confidence in your own ability to handle the fundamental functions and appreciate the organizing power of logical relations.

GST 225 ELM Preparation and Review (2)

The course will discuss test techniques and strategies, reduction of test anxiety, and cover three major mathematical areas: Algebra: Polynomials, rational expressions, powers and roots, solutions of equations and inequalities, standard graphs and functions; Geometry: Perimeter, area, simple volume, triangles, similarities, right angle trig; Data Analysis: Graphs and tables, finite probability, descriptive statistics. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis.

GST 245/445 Liberal Studies Portfolio Workshop (2)

What’s a portfolio and why do you have to do one? What are the benefits of a portfolio presently and in the future? This workshop offers a step-by-step process for making your portfolio the best it can be. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.

GST 261 Leadership, Public Service, and Citizenship (2)

The course seeks to increase student interests and understanding of the basic principles of and the need for effective leaders and responsible leadership in contemporary society. This includes the value of public service and informed citizenship.

GST 263 Public Presentations (2)

With an emphasis on enhancing leadership skills and providing motivation to achieve educational goals, this course will provide instruction in communication concepts, in-service training in campus resources, aspects of public speaking and related projects. Students will be required to participate in field work and presentations in the high schools.

GST 264 Academic Enrichment Workshop Series (2)

Students will undergo assessment to determine their own specific academic needs. A seven-session workshop will be designed to target those specific needs. This is a course that can greatly benefit those in need of academic support and those on academic probation.

GST 265, 266, 267 Mexican Culture and History Through Dance I (2)

Lecture consists of Pre-Columbia culture, influences from various different countries and their roles in creating Mexican fold dance traditions. Focus will be on the states located in Northern Mexico. Lab includes instruction on dances from various Mexican states and/or time eras.

GST 277 Special Topics (1-5)

This course provides students with an opportunity to examine areas of special interest and/or to allow investigation of topics not ordinarily covered in regular five unit courses. Topics may be proposed by students as well as faculty. May be repeated for different offerings. Special Topics courses will not satisfy any general education requirements. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only. Course descriptions are published in the quarterly class schedules.

GST 278 The Finer Things in Life--Entertainment at CSUB (1)

Provides an opportunity for students to attend events where outstanding artists perform or present work at CSUB while receiving credit. You will also speak with the performer and/or artists about their work. Written reaction papers required on chosen events.

GST 281 International Conflict--Who is Fighting Who? (2)

The world is seen as a place of conflict between and within different countries. Students will explore three to four international conflicts currently in the news; will learn the social, economic and political problems causing each conflict; will investigate different groups of nations involved; will review various solutions and discuss their potential for resolving each conflict. The critical role and responsibility of the USA will be discussed.

GST 282 Perspectives on African-American Women (2)

This course will explore perspectives on African-American women as seen through the eyes of social scientists and humanists. Particular attention will be given to enhancing self-esteem through oral and written expression. Topics will include "The African-American female" experience in: family, workplace, education, arts, community, religion, and the media. Students may propose their own topics.

GST 283 Women Who Eat (1)

Today women (and, to a lesser extent, men) believe they must be in a constant battle to conquer the urge to eat. This course addresses why such inner conflicts develop in the name of health and beauty, and shows how such struggles can, ironically, endanger physical health and mental well being. Increased insight can lead to freedom from the battle.

GST 284 Global Feminism (1)

The course will start with Eleanor Roosevelt (first Lady of the World) and her work for the United Nations; progress through the PBS video series, "An End to Silence: Women Grasp the Initiative," about women working to better themselves in eight countries; hear comments from several speakers with international backgrounds; and consider documents from the most recent International Women’s Conference.

GST 285 Women and Entitlement (2)

Women faculty members (and an occasional outside lecturer) will speak each week on their area of specialization with the emphasis on the entitlement of women to fulfill their individual potential. Women often have a lower sense than men of their own value, and of the rewards and recognition they are entitled to receive. Subjects to be investigated are: sports, literature, arts, psychology, education, finance and questions of role model and self-image.

GST 286 Women’s Entitlement Practicum Lab (1)

This one-unit practicum component moves from the idea of entitlement to action. Group exercises in esteem building and personal assertiveness will help participants become comfortable with active involvement in a variety of life settings.

GST 287A, 287B, 287C Occupational Opportunities I, II, III (2)

Have you avoided choosing your major? Are you unsure about what you’re going to do when you graduate? The process of selecting a career is often confusing and sometimes frightening. This course will help you explore occupational opportunities that are compatible with who you are, that will satisfy your personal needs, and fulfill your professional goals. Field trips to graduate schools, businesses, and professional sites will be included.

GST 296 Internship (1-5)

Students enrolled in this course are placed with businesses, organizations, or institutions in the local community so they can apply past and current coursework to real-world situations. The placements may focus on general familiarization with atmosphere and attitudes prevalent in a particular profession, specific skills required to pursue a career upon graduation, institutional politics, or management styles. Internships are graded on a credit, no-credit basis only.

GST 290 Club Literario (2)

To enroll in this course, students must belong to Club Literario "Hermes" under the advisorship of Dr. Helia M. Corral, Department of Modern Languages and Literatures. Students publish a bilingual literary magazine. The club raises funds; sponsors workshops, lectures and conferences on reading, writing, editing, publishing and literature; organizes cultural fieldtrips; and participates in CSUB’s student life.

GST 315 Grammar/Rhetoric Review (1)

This course will help students review the essentials of rhetoric and traditional grammar as they are used in English classrooms today at all levels of education. This course is required for students who want to tutor for the English or Communications Department. This course would be especially good for students who want to teach. It would also be helpful for any students who want to review grammar, usage, and rhetoric guidelines to improve their own writing.

GST 390 Microcomputers (3)

This course introduces students to various uses of the microcomputer. Different sessions of the course will use the IBM and MacIntosh microcomputers. This course meets the Liberal Studies Credential microcomputer prerequisite requirement.

GST 393 Introduction to Microcomputers-IBM PC (3)

This course is designed to allow the novice to learn how to use the IBM PC. There is a slight bias toward applications having to do with education. We will learn to use an editor, a word processor, a spreadsheet, and other applications depending on the interest of the class. This course is cross-listed with CMPS 431. This course meets the Liberal Studies Credential microcomputer prerequisite requirement.

HCOR 396 Community Service (1)

The course provides student volunteers with an opportunity to gain community service experience working with non-profit, governmental, educational or community-based service organizations. Open to all students in good academic standing, regardless of major or class standing. A student may suggest a suitable placement or request an assignment from the Human Corps office. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.