General Education Course Descriptions – Spring 2014

College

Course code & number

Title

Description

Semester/
Who takes

1

CHSS

ENGL 102

Freshman English 2

Building upon the skills and concepts introduced in FE1, this course aims to further develop students’ communication skills while exploring themes set forth in the AUA mission such as citizenship, leadership, community building, sustainable development, and service to society.  Students will examine how authors construct arguments and communicate persuasively through analyzing a variety of texts of different periods and genres. Students will also advance their communication and teamwork skills through class discussions, collaborative projects, and writing assignments.  The course includes weekly readings and assignments, a research-based group presentation, and a persuasive essay, in which students will investigate an important need in Armenia. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week. (3 credits)

Prerequisite: ENG 101 Freshman English 1

GE-F

Required for ALL students

Spring

ALL students

1

ACE

ENVS 101

Introduction to Environmental Studies

The course is designed for students to gain an understanding of basic environmental science principles, including an introduction to the structure and functioning of ecosystems and their physical and bio-chemical cycles. The course will emphasize the importance of these processes for human health as well as human impact on these processes. As a science course, the course will teach students to use the methods of scientific inquiry to raise questions about the global systems, their impact on humans, and human impact on them. Specific topics to be covered include but are not limited to biodiversity, quantity and quality of water, land, and air resources, environmental conservation, human population trends and dynamic, food and industrial production, and waste and toxicity. Topics will be supplemented by Armenia and Caucasus-specific cases. (3 credits)

GE-QS ALL

Fall & Spring

Open to ALL

2

SPH

PH 101

Basics of Healthy Lifestyle

The course provides an overview of concepts and issues related to mental, social, and physical dimensions of health with a focus on healthy behaviors and lifestyle. The course emphasizes preventive health practices which reduce risk factors associated with disease. The course enables students to analyze the relationship between healthy lifestyle and health and builds knowledge and skills to recognize and cope with health problems that they may face during their college years and later in life. Main topics include behavior change, mental health, stress and stress management, nutrition, addictions, physical exercise, and sexual behavior and STIs. (3 credits)

GE-QS ALL

Spring

Open to ALL

3

CSE

162

Introduction to Bioscience and its impact on research, business, and society

This course introduces students to important concepts, techniques and applications of bioscience, and explores its impact on research, business and society.  Students will study basic concepts of molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, molecular genetics, computational biology and biotechnology.  Some important applications of molecular and cellular biology in medicine and industry – such as molecular diagnostics of diseases, stem cell and transplantation, drug design and genetically modified foods – will be introduced.  Students will also discuss the political, ethical, and legal issues accompanying these topics and their current and future impact on society. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.

GE-QS ALL

Spring

Open to ALL

1

CHSS

CHSS 130

Introduction to
Art History

This course is an introduction to the elements of art: texture, form, shape, color, line and tone/style, proportion, perspective (and for film and mobiles, time/rhythm) as aspects of an artifact, art as it is produced, and art as it is perceived.  It is also a survey in both geographic and time dimensions of art as an expression of human creativity, focusing on painting, sculpture, architecture, photography and film, while making relevant connections to other aspects of culture: music, dance, ritual, literature, religion, technology, politics, commerce (advertising), and design.  This course will introduce students to the language of art, increasing recognition and understanding of references in popular culture, on clothing, and in film and other media. Visits to museums and excursions will be included in the learning activities. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.

GE-AH ALL

Spring

Open to ALL

2

CHSS

CHSS 111

Introduction to Ethics

This course introduces students to major ethical theories:  virtue ethics, deontology and utilitarianism.    Students will use these frameworks to analyze ethical issues and develop their own positions to perennial problems.  Special emphasis is placed on linking philosophical discussions to topics relevant to students as learners, workers, and citizens which may include numerous aspects of personal, social, professional and political life.   Students will read carefully selected readings from classical and contemporary philosophers.  Through rigorous in-class debates and discussions, students will be challenged to consider ethical dilemmas from different perspectives and weigh the strengths and shortcomings of various ethical theories.  Home tasks will include readings and writing assignments. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week. (3 credits)

GE-AH ALL

Spring

Open to ALL

3

CHSS

ENGL 120

American Literature I

This survey course introduces students to American literature from the beginning of European contact to the present, focusing on major authors and different literary genres. It examines the historical influences on the evolution of this body of literature and the construction of a distinct and complex American identity. Through close reading, class discussion and their own research and writing, students will explore how themes such as gender, race, class, spirituality, economics, and the environment play a role in the formation and evolution of the American experience. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week. (3 credits)

GE-AH for BAB and CS

Spring

Core E&C

4

CHSS

LING 105

Introduction to the Structure of English

This course is a systematic introduction to the structure of the English language. Students will acquire knowledge of the morphology, syntax, and phonology of contemporary English. They will explore the interrelation of form, meaning, and use and apply linguistic knowledge in the analysis of their own and others’ communication. Students are required to complete weekly reading assignments and home tasks in order to acquire knowledge of the concepts discussed in class. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week. (3 credits)

GE-AH for BAB and CS

Spring

Core E&C

5

CHSS

ENGL 125

Introduction to Acting Techniques

This course introduces students to the process of building a character and interacting on stage using movement, voice, and imagination. Throughout the course, students will explore techniques of improvisation and scene study, and develop the basic skills of the acting process. They will become familiar with the history and theory of the craft of acting, and apply relevant concepts and practices to critically analyze their own work and that of others. Coursework will include reading assignments, written critiques and reflections, and performance-based projects. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.  Credits: 3

GE- AH BAB and CS

Spring

Not for E&C

1

CBE

BUS 102

Introduction to Personal Finance

This course provides a framework for understanding the basics of financial literacy.  Emphasis is placed on students becoming familiar with key components of the Armenian financial system as they relate to personal financial health.  Topics to be addressed are an understanding of money origination and its turnover, basics of investing, insurance, banking products such as loans and savings accounts, credit and debit cards, current accounts, and others.  The course will also study the major principles of different types of interest calculations and, finally, the importance of having and maintaining a good credit score.  Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.

GE-SS for E&C and CS

Spring

Not for BAB

2

CHSS

CHSS 181

Introduction to Sociology

This course explores how societies function and change over time. Students will use sociological concepts and theories to analyze human behavior, social life, social policies, and social change, both in their individual lives, in their communities, and in the global community at large. Throughout the course, students will evaluate social issues and problems taking into account the dynamic relationship between individuals and society. Topics might include ethnic relations, sexism, and class bias. Home tasks will include readings and writing assignments. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week. (3 credits)

GE-SS ALL

Spring

Open to ALL

3

CHSS

LAW 110

Introduction to the Armenian Justice System

This course explains the institutions and processes of the Armenian justice system as they affect the lives of citizens, businesses and government agencies, including general courts, specialized courts, criminal, civil and administrative processes.   The course aims to equip students to understand their rights and remedies for violation of rights, as well as the role of various government bodies, courts, police, prosecutors, regulators, in the administration and establishment of justice in Armenian society.   Instructor-led course will draw on case studies to examine a range of common situations students, citizens, and businesses face in everyday life. (3 credits)

GE- SS ALL

Spring

Open to ALL

4

CHSS

LAW 160

Law & Justice in Popular Culture

This course explores how legal concepts, role models, and professional ethos in popular culture promote and reinforce the rule of law. The course aims to explore how dedicated individuals using the skills and arts of persuasive and knowledge of the law can expand justice in their societies by the use of legal mechanisms. Through the medium of film and literature followed by class discussion, the following basic concepts are reviewed: social contract theory, professional ethics, rule of law (e.g. resort to courts and legal structures to resolve conflict as an alternative to violence), comparative review of legal systems (e.g. use of juries, class action mechanisms, etc.) and standard defendant rights (right against self‐incrimination, right to counsel), professional responsibility for attorneys and judicial ethics, and legal advocacy. (3 credits)

GE-SS ALL

Spring

Open to ALL

5

CHSS

CHSS 182

Introduction to Clinical Psychology

Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. This introductory course will review theories of the mind and investigate normal human growth and development.  We will examine the life cycle of man from infancy to old age.  Personality disorders, neurosis, psychoses, substance abuse and developmental disabilities will be presented.  The class will include assessment of the individual by clinical interview. The types of psychological tests that a clinical psychologist uses to assess individuals will be identified.  An overview of current treatments of emotional disturbances with medication will be presented. Discussion of relevant topics in the field of clinical psychology will include ethics, educational, industrial, sports and forensic issues. Research methods will be introduced.  The course will conclude with a review of current therapeutic modalities. Three hours of instructor-led class per week. (3 credits)

GE-SS ALL

Spring

Open to ALL