American University of Armenia
2015-2016 University Catalog
August 1, 2015
Dear students, friends and members of the AUA community,
This University Catalog is your gateway to AUA’s array of academic programs and offerings for the 2015-2016 academic year.
The Catalog is a great way to explore possible areas of study, learn about the members of our world-class faculty, and access a wide range of opportunities and resources available at AUA. It also provides information about degree requirements, course descriptions and a broad range of academic options to help students chart their course through the curriculum.
As a member of the AUA community, you are part of a unique and diverse group of students, faculty, researchers, staff and alumni who are dedicated to the University’s mission: providing teaching and research programs in a setting that values and develops academic excellence, free inquiry, integrity, leadership and service to society. Armenia is an ancient land with a rich culture and a strong tradition of excellence in education. AUA builds on this foundation by adding the ideals of academic freedom, shared governance, social responsibility, interdisciplinary studies, and critical thinking. Let the passion for learning and the sense of mission present among the members of our community be your guides to an unsurpassed educational experience at AUA.
I invite you to explore AUA beyond the contents of this Catalog. Visit us on campus or online at http://www.aua.am.
Yours sincerely,
Armen Der Kiureghian
President
Effective Dates: July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016
University General Contact Information
American University of Armenia (AUA)
40 Marshal Bagramyan Boulevard
Yerevan, Armenia 0019
(+374 60) 69 40 40
The American University of Armenia is registered as the American University of Armenia Fund by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia, a non-profit organization, and is licensed as an institution of higher education by the Armenian Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Armenia. Accreditation status can be found at http://aua.am/accreditation-affiliations/.
Disclaimer: This Catalog aims to bring together the current policies and rules of the American University of Armenia (AUA) most relevant to students and the educational process. It is not comprehensive and it does not reflect changes or additions that may have come into effect since its publication. As at any on-going institution, AUA's policies continuously evolve to meet new conditions and needs. AUA reserves the right to make changes in course offerings, curricula, academic policies and other regulations affecting students, such changes to be effective as determined by the appropriate authority within the university. Unless otherwise specified, such changes apply to all current students, regardless of when they enrolled at the AUA The act of enrollment at AUA constitutes acceptance of these conditions. For a fuller understanding of AUA's policies, it is advisable to consult on line database at policies.aua.am, which will prevail in the event of a conflict with this Catalog.
General Information
Admissions Policies
Application Procedures – Undergraduate
Application Procedures - Graduate
Contact Information – Office of the Registrar
Office Hours – Office of the Registrar
Add, Drop, and Course Withdrawal
Financial Information
Tuition Assistance and Scholarships
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Business (BAB)
College of Business and Economics
Program Description (which must include typical length of program and expected career paths)
Information about General Education
Program Goals and Program Student Learning Outcomes
Course Listing (See course descriptions below)
Bachelor of Arts in English and Communications (BA EC)
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Program Description (which must include typical length of program and expected career paths)
Information about General Education
Program Goals and Program Student Learning Outcomes
Course Listing (See course descriptions below)
Bachelor of Science in Computational Sciences (BS CS)
College of Science and Engineering
Program Description (which must include typical length of program and expected career paths)
Information about General Education
Program Goals and Program Student Learning Outcomes
Course Listing (See course descriptions below)
General Education
Information about General Education
University-wide Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
Graduate Programs
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Program Description (which must include typical length of program and expected career paths)
Program Goals and Program Student Learning Outcomes
Course Listing (See course descriptions below)
Master of Political Science and International Affairs (M PSIA)
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Program Description (which must include typical length of program and expected career paths)
Program Goals and Program Student Learning Outcomes
Course Listing (See course descriptions below)
Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (MA TEFL)
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Program Description (which must include typical length of program and expected career paths)
Program Goals and Program Student Learning Outcomes
Course Listing (See course descriptions below)
Master of Science in Economics (MSE)
College of Business and Economics
Program Description (which must include typical length of program and expected career paths)
Program Goals and Program Student Learning Outcomes
Course Listing (See course descriptions below)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
College of Business and Economics
Master of Business Administration
Program Description (which must include typical length of program and expected career paths)
Program Goals and Program Student Learning Outcomes
Course Listing (See course descriptions below)
Program Description (which must include typical length of program and expected career paths)
Program Goals and Program Student Learning Outcomes
Course Listing (See course descriptions below)
Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering and Systems Management (ME IESM)
College of Science and Engineering
Program Description (which must include typical length of program and expected career paths)
Program Goals and Program Student Learning Outcomes
Course Listing (See course descriptions below)
Master of Science in Computer and Information Science (MS CIS)
College of Science and Engineering
Program Description (which must include typical length of program and expected career paths)
Program Goals and Program Student Learning Outcomes
Course Listing (See course descriptions below)
Program Description (which must include typical length of program and expected career paths)
Program Goals and Program Student Learning Outcomes
Course Listing (See course descriptions below)
Graduate Certificates
Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Policies
Grade Policies (including Grade Appeals and Academic Standing)
Residency and Graduate Continuous Enrollment
Subject Codes and Course Numbers
Student Resources
Information and Communication Technology Services
Office of Alumni Relations and Career Development
Course Descriptions
College of Business and Economics (CBE)
College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS)
College of Science and Engineering (CSE)
Acopian Center for the Environment (ACE)
Subject Codes are typically based on the College/School/Center that offers the course.
College of Business and Economics (CBE)
BUS 050 Pre-term Quantitative Methods (Credits: 0)
This intensive workshop for incoming students is designed to refresh the basic quantitative tools essential for the successful completion of the program. The course content provides the student with a number of mathematical and statistical tools frequently used in business analysis, marketing research, operations management and finance. Topics include: linear and exponential growth, data analysis and description statistics (mean, median, mode, range, variance, deviation), basic concepts of probability, hypothesis testing, introduction to linear regression, basics of linear programming, compound interest, discounting and calculation of Net Present Value. Topics may change according to the needs of the participating students. The main software used is Microsoft Excel. The course can be waived by placement test.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
BUS 101 Introduction to Busines (Credits: 3)
Introduction to Business is a required course for first-year BAB majors. This course addresses the basic functions and activities of business both individually and collectively in the generation of jobs, the production and dissemination of needed goods, the pursuit of innovation, the creation of social and personal assets, and the satisfaction of individual and societal needs and wants. The course also examines ways that individuals can responsibly manage their own financial health and welfare as part of the larger economic system. Students will be encouraged to relate the material covered to their own life experiences and to critical national and international challenges. Home tasks will include reading, writing reports on important current issues that relate to the subject matter, and reflections on personal observations and analyses.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
BUS 102 Introduction to Personal Finance (Credits: 3)
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.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
BUS 112 Social, Legal & Ethical Environment of Business (Credits: 3)
This course explores the basic social, legal and ethical environment of business by examining 1) the role of business in society, 2) the interactions between businesses as well as between businesses and governments, 3) basic legal frameworks for businesses, and 4) ethical standards in business, and finally 5) corporate responsibility. Students will apply appropriate social, legal, and ethical principles, frameworks and standards to analyze modern business scenarios. . Students will work individually and in groups to analyze case studies. Home tasks include reading, the writing of papers, and case study analysis. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
BUS 145 Intro to Financial Accounting (Credits: 3)
This course introduces students to the terminology, procedures and principles of financial accounting and reporting. Students will develop the necessary skills to 1) analyze routine business transactions and accounting information, 2) measure assets, liabilities, equities, and income, and 3) understand, analyze, and develop financial statements and other forms of financial reporting and communication.. Weekly home tasks will require students to complete weekly reading assignments and apply accounting procedures and principles in order to analyze routine business transactions and accounting information. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
BUS 146 Introduction to Managerial Accounting (Credits: 3)
This course introduces students to the value of accounting information for managerial decision-making involved in financial analysis, planning, and control. Through this course, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of managerial accounting, including product cost, cost-volume-profit relationships, cash budgeting and variance analysis, profit planning, and performance evaluation. Students will analyze the relationships between accounting techniques and other organizational activities such as strategy and employee motivation. Students will also learn to use accounting information to develop solutions for managerial challenges. Home tasks will include completion of reading assignments, problem sets and case study analysis. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: BUS 145
Corequisites:
BUS 160 Principles of Marketing (Credits: 3)
The course introduces students to the field of marketing and marketing management. Students learn to analyze, plan, and implement marketing strategies in order to achieve the objectives of a range of organizations. Students analyze cases that focus on key marketing tasks: marketing research, consumer behavior, segmentation and targeting, product and brand management, sales forecasting, pricing, marketing channels, and promotion and advertising strategies. Students will also have the opportunity to work in teams to develop and present an innovative marketing plan for a business of their choice. Home tasks will include completion of reading assignments and case study analysis as well as weekly progress on team marketing plan. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week time per week including discussions.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
BUS 177 Business Communications (Credits: 3)
This course explores the concepts and principles of internal and external business communications. Students will explore and analyze case studies and will engage in individual and group projects and presentations. Home tasks include reading, research, and case study analysis. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
BUS 201 Business Negotiations (Credits: 3)
This course addresses conflict resolution techniques as well as a broad range of negotiation challenges and strategies. Students will learn about the theory and application of effective negotiation. Through this course, students will be able to analyze individual, group, and organizational behavior and develop techniques to mediate and resolve conflict. Home tasks include reading and case study analysis. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: BUS 205
Corequisites:
BUS 205 Foundations of Management (Credits: 3)
The course provides a comprehensive introduction to principles of management. Through the course, students will become familiar with various organizational structures and functions and will develop the analytical tools to determine how organizational resources (money, time, and personnel) can be most effectively managed. The course will cover the following topics: organizational culture, individual and group behavior, leadership, motivation, teamwork, communication, and measures of organizational effectiveness. Home tasks will include completion of reading assignments and analysis of case studies. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
BUS 207 Management of Human Resources (Credits: 3)
This course examines the nature and scope of the human resources function including systems of rewards, assessment, and manpower development. Topics include selection, placement, training, personnel evaluation, and the role of managers. Students will explore research available for management problems and policies. Class format includes student presentations and case-study discussion. Three hour of instructor-led class time per week. Home assignments include reading and case study analysis.
Prerequisites: BUS 205
Corequisites:
BUS 210 Intro to International Business and Management (Credits: 3)
This course examines the management of international corporations in today’s global political and economic environment. Topics include management challenges faced by multinational corporations, the economics of trade, money and investment in the world economy, policies and behavior of governments and international organizations, and current issues regarding emerging economies and shifts in the political economy of global markets. Home tasks will include reading assignments, research, and case study analysis. Three hour of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: Completed four courses in the major
Corequisites:
BUS 211 Intro to Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Credits: 3)
The course examines the sources of motivation for entrepreneurship and innovation, and the skills, knowledge, and abilities of entrepreneurs and the innovators. Students will become familiar with the processes involved in starting a new venture or transforming an existing business. Integrating their business knowledge from previous coursework, students will generate innovative business ideas and develop implementable business plans. The course will explore the following topics: opportunity identification, feasibility of ideas, market analysis, legal and tax considerations, ownership options, and management and financing challenges and requirements. Home tasks will include completion of reading assignments, analysis of case studies, and development of business plan. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: BUS 205 BUS 160 BUS 145
Corequisites:
BUS 226 Money, Banking and Financial Institutions (Credits: 3)
This course examines modern theory of corporate finance and financial institutions. Topics covered include capital structure, distribution policy, incomplete financial contracting, financial intermediation, initial public offerings, market for corporate control, product market, corporate finance interactions, corporate organization and bankruptcy, and security design. Students will work collaboratively in groups to analyze financial institutions and apply relevant theories and frameworks to real-world business problems. Students will present their findings to their peers and business professionals. Home tasks will include reading, research, and case study analysis. Three hour of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
BUS 227 International Monetary Relations (Credits: 3)
This course explores international macroeconomic relationships. Topics include national income, accounting, and balance of payments; foreign exchange rates and exchange rate markets; money, interest rates, and exchange rate determination; prices, exchange rates, and output in the short run; international monetary arrangements; fixed versus flexible exchange rates; optimal currency areas; and international capital flows. The course relates basic economic theory to current international problems, using a policy-oriented approach. Home tasks include research, reading, problem sets, and case study analysis. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: ECON 121
Corequisites:
BUS 230 Introduction to Finance (Credits: 3)
The course introduces students to the principles of finance and their application to financial decision making in a variety of business enterprises. The course will examine the following topics: financial analysis and the problems of financial forecasting; capital budgeting, cost of capital, and working capital management; project risk management; time value of money; securities valuation; comparing financial objectives of manager and investor; and long term financing. Home tasks will include completion of reading assignments, problem sets and case study analysis. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week time.
Prerequisites: BUS 145 CSE 110 CSE 109 or CS 100
Corequisites:
BUS 232 Corporate Finance (Credits: 3)
This course builds upon topics covered in BA 230 Introduction to Finance and provides an overall introduction to the theory, methods, and concerns of corporate finance. Topics include time value of money and capital budgeting, risk and return, dividend policy decisions, security market efficiency, and optimal capital structure.
Prerequisites: BUS 230
Corequisites:
BUS 245 Intermediate Financial Accounting (Credits: 3)
This course builds upon concepts covered in BA 145 Introduction to Financial Accounting. This course will review accounting principles and examine the components of the asset side of the balance sheet: cash, accounts receivable, inventory, marketable securities, equity investments, PPE, and intangibles. Students are required to complete weekly reading assignments and problem sets. Home tasks will require students to apply complex accounting procedures and principles and analyze business transactions. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: BUS 145
Corequisites:
BUS 247 Intermediate Managerial Accounting (Credits: 3)
Building upon topics covered in BA 246 Intro to Managerial Accounting, this course explores alternative methods of accounting information for managerial decision making. Students will analyze the complex relationships between accounting techniques and other organizational activities including strategy, employee motivation, and the use of accounting information to develop solutions for managerial challenges. Home tasks will include completion of reading assignments, problem sets and case study analysis. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week time.
Prerequisites: BUS 146
Corequisites:
BUS 248 Financial Statement Analysis (Credits: 3)
This course examines financial reporting in the context of decision-making and contracting. Students will extract, interpret, and analyze financial statements with emphasis on identifying various objectives and incentives. Students will apply learned techniques to case studies and real-world business scenarios. Home tasks will include case study analysis and problem sets. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: BUS 145
Corequisites:
BUS 250 Tax Accounting (Credits: 3)
This course will introduce students to the Armenian tax code and the different categories of taxes applicable to individuals and companies, domestic and foreign, including profit tax, income tax, VAT, social security, property, land and other excise taxes. In addition to learning about the accounting and tax reporting requirements, students will also study elementary tax planning, taxation of basic import/export transactions including customs, and international taxation under double tax and foreign investment treaties. Home tasks will include problem sets, statutory interpretation and application, and review of tax authority guidance and administrative cases. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: BUS 145 BUS 245 (can be taken concurrently)
Corequisites:
BUS 253 Introduction to Auditing (Credits: 3)
This course examines the changing role of the auditor, the organization of the accounting profession, and the influences of oversight. Topics include auditing and reporting standards,audit planning and documentation, materiality and risk, internal control, statistical tools,legal liability, and professional ethics. Students will utilize journal articles and case studies to discuss and analyze theory. Home tasks include reading, case study analysis and problem sets. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: BUS 145
Corequisites:
BUS 254 Intermediate Auditing (Credits: 3)
This course builds upon topics introduced in BA 253,Introduction to Auditing, and focuses on auditing financial reports, internal controls, and Electronic Data Processing (EDP) systems. Topics include the personnel and payroll system, inventory, capital acquisition cycle, selected balance sheet and income statement accounts, audit reports, assurances and other services, professional ethics, and legal responsibilities. Also discussed will be the value value of internal auditing to a company’s strategy. Home tasks include reading, case study analysis and problem sets. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: BUS 253
Corequisites:
BUS 257 International Accounting (Credits: 3)
This course examines how generally accepted accounting principles and reporting practices have been developed and applied globally. Topics include inflation accounting and foreign currency translation, accounting for hedging transaction losses, management control in the foreign environment, analysis of foreign financial statements, transfer pricing and international taxation. Students will utilize case studies to compare practices and examine theory. Home tasks include research, case study analysis, and problem sets. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: BUS 145 ECON 228
Corequisites:
BUS 261 Sales Management (Credits: 3)
This course examines through case study analysis the strategic and tactical aspects of sales management with emphasis on strategies for managing a sales force. Business-to-business as well as business-to-consumer relationships will be covered. Students will engage in individual presentations as well as group projects. Topics include salesperson effectiveness, deployment, motivation, organizational design, compensation, and evaluation. Home tasks will include reading, research, case study analysis, and presentation preparation. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: BUS 160
Corequisites:
BUS 262 Consumer Behavior (Credits: 3)
This course examines the factors influencing consumer choices in the market place. Topics include consumer knowledge, rationality, judgment biases, risk-taking, dealing with conflicting values, and prospect theory. Students will work individually and in groups to analyze case studies. Home tasks include reading, research, and case studies. Three hour of instructor-led class time per week
Prerequisites: BUS 112 BUS 160
Corequisites:
BUS 263 Brand Management (Credits: 3)
This course examines the importance of building a brand as well as the ingredients for solid brand management. Topics include understanding brands, designing brand, and measuring brand usage. Students will work individually and in groups to analyze case studies and present findings. Home tasks include research and case study analysis. Three hour of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: BUS 112 BUS 160
Corequisites:
BUS 265 International Marketing (Credits: 3)
This course examines the economic, cultural, social, political, legal, and strategic influences on international marketing. Topics include product pricing, distribution, strategies and policies, market selection, and market research. Home tasks include reading, research, and case study analysis. Three hour of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: BUS 210 ECON 225
Corequisites:
BUS 266 Advertising Management (Credits: 3)
This course examines the theories, strategies, principles and practices of effective advertising management. Students will utilize theory and market research to analyze the design and management of advertising. Topics include consumer segmentation, target selection, consumer motivation and insight, and developing communications strategies. Students will work individually and in groups to analyze case studies. Home tasks include research and case study analysis. Three hour of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: BUS 112 BUS 160
Corequisites:
BUS 271 Tourism Destination Marketing (Credits: 3)
This course will examine the development and practice of marketing in the travel industry. The course will review basic concepts and practice as well as compare marketing in tourism and other industries. Home tasks includeresearch and case study analysis. Three hour of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: BUS 112 BUS 160
Corequisites:
BUS 275 Market Research (Credits: 3)
This course examines the role of market research in solving marketing problems. Topics include problem formulation, research design, alternative methods of data collection, sampling, and data analysis techniques. Students will work individually and in groups to engage in market research. Home tasks include research, case study analysis, and problem sets. Three hour of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: BUS 112 BUS 160 CSE 110
Corequisites:
BUS 276 Integrating Marketing Communication (Credits: 3)
This course explores the integrated approach to marketing products and services and the major marketing communication decisions made by brand managers. Topics include mass media advertising, public relations, sales promotion, direct response marketing and packaging. Students will work individually and in groups on various marketing projects throughout the semester. Home tasks include research and case study analysis. Three hour of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: BUS 112 BUS 160 BUS 275 (can be taken concurrently)
Corequisites:
BUS 278 Internet Marketing (Credits: 3)
This course will build upon BA 160 Principles of Marketing and investigate the opportunities and challenges presented by the continuing development of Internet Technology. Topics include e-business strategy, online consumer behavior, strategy alternatives, advertising, promotions, and public relations. Lectures and workshops will explore the use of the internet in market research and marketing communication between businesses and consumers as well as between businesses. Home tasks will include research and case study analysis. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: BUS 160
Corequisites:
BUS 279 Special Topics in Marketing (Credits: 3)
This course explores topics in business communication with emphasis on current problems and research. Topics to be announced prior to course registration. Three hour of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: BUS 112 BUS 205
Corequisites:
BUS 280 Introduction to Operations Management (Credits: 3)
This course examines comprehensively the role, responsibilities, and skill sets of operations managers. Through this course, students will learn how operations managers can effectively and efficiently transform human, physical, financial, and technical resources into goods and services. Students will also learn how to analyze, run and improve business operations across a range of industries. The course emphasizes operation-level decision-making, involving both process-design and resource decisions. Students are required to complete a final project in which they assess the effectiveness of management decisions and provide recommendations to a real world business challenge based upon an extensive analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data. Home tasks will include completion of reading assignments, problem sets and case study analysis. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week time per week.
Prerequisites: BUS 205 CSE 110 CSE 109 or CS 100
Corequisites:
BUS 281 Management of Information Systems (Credits: 3)
The course introduces students to information technologies as they influence the structure, processes, and strategies of organizations and economies, and as they influence the roles and techniques of management. Through this course, students will examine the role of information systems in solving business-related problems such as new product development, innovation, and competitive performance. Topics include computer-based information systems; managerial use, acquisition, and control of information systems and technology; ethical use of information; and emerging information technologies. Home tasks will include completion of reading assignments, problem sets and case study analysis. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week time per week.
Prerequisites: BUS 230
Corequisites:
BUS 285 Strategic Management (Credits: 3)
This course brings together the skills and information gained in previous courses with a focus on analyzing overall problems of business management. Topics include competitive environment, strategic positioning and firm-specific capabilities, economic logic, and administrative challenges associated with diversification choices. Students will develop a tool kit for understanding and analyzing strategic issues. Students will examine and analyze cases studies covering a broad range of business strategies and will work in groups to present strategies. Home tasks include reading, research, case study analysis, and presentation preparation. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: BUS 112 ECON 121 BUS 205
Corequisites:
BUS 286 Accounting Information Systems (Credits: 3)
This course examines accounting information systems, including their design, control, and use. Through this course, students will develop their abilities to understand the processing of accounting data through computerized systems and the controls that are necessary to assure accuracy and reliability of the data processed by these systems. Home tasks will include completion of reading assignments, problem sets and case study analysis. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: BUS 145
Corequisites:
BUS 292 BAB Internship (Credits: 0)
The Business Internship provides students with practical experience in professional settings, enabling students to apply the skills learned throughout the program. Placements must be approved by the Department Head. Approval will depend on both the suitability of the placement and the specific tasks and projects that the placement will entail. All internships require the writing of a report summarizing the internship experience.
Prerequisites: 10 Business courses. Needs approval of Program Chair.
Corequisites:
BUS 299 Capstone (Credits: 3)
As the culminating experience for the BA in Business degree, the Capstone course provides a transitional experience bridging concepts and skills introduced in prior courses and business practices in real world situations. In teams, students will draw upon their knowledge across the functional areas of business in order to analyze entrepreneurial opportunities and develop an innovative and viable business venture. Throughout the course, the teams will work to develop a written business plan and strategy for their venture under the mentorship of their advising instructor. During instructor-led weekly class meetings, students will review key components of business plans and have the opportunity to act as business consultants to their peers as they discuss, analyze, and support the development of one another’s capstone projects. At the end of the course student teams will present their projects to faculty and peers and often to business leaders and knowledgeable professionals. Students’ grades will be based upon the quality of the oral presentation and written business plan, proficiency in each of the functional areas of business, ability to make strategic and socially responsible business decisions, and competence working both independently and collaboratively. Home tasks will include completion of reading assignments and weekly progress on their capstone project. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: BUS 160 BUS 230 BUS 205 All previously required BAB courses
Corequisites:
BUS 300 Introduction to International Competitive Strategy (Credits: 2)
This course is intended to develop students’ ability to think strategically about business problems. At the same time it serves as an introduction to the use of the case method. The course is a systematic examination of models and techniques used to analyze a competitive situation within an industry from a strategic perspective. It examines the roles of key players in competitive situations and the fundamentals of analytical and factoriented strategic reasoning. Examples of applied competitive and industry analysis are emphasized. The course examines the different stages involved in making and implementing strategic decisions, defining the problem(s), establishing the criteria (both quantitative and qualitative), designing alternative solutions, and making a decision based on objective criteria and the ease of successful implementation of the solution chosen.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
BUS 301 Effective Comunications (Credits: 2)
This course prepares students to meet the challenge of professional oral communications. Through prepared and impromptu speeches, peer coaching, and lectures, it provides students with the opportunity to develop the necessary skills for effective public speaking, skills that will make them articulate, confident, organized, competent and persuasive speakers. The course exposes students to a variety of communication and presentation styles and modes, helps students develop critical listening skills, and improve their abilities to give, receive, and apply feedback.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
BUS 305 Managing People and Organizations (Credits: 3)
This course provides an intensive overview of the major concepts in organizational behavior and issues facing contemporary managers. The course approaches management as the processes and techniques used to reach organization goals by working with and through people and other resources. These processes include a study of individual differences, group behavior, organizational culture, job design and job satisfaction, motivation, decisionmaking, power and leadership, and communication. The course makes use of theories that transcend the workplace, such as the psychology of individual and group behavior. The course examines how people influence organizational events and how events within the organization influence people’s behavior. The course uses a combination of conceptual and experiential approaches, including case analyses, videos, simulations, group exercises and class discussions.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
BUS 306 Managerial Negotiations (Credits: 3)
This course introduces students to negotiation skills and practices and improves their abilities to diagnose conflict situations. It provides a conceptual framework to diagnose problems and promote agreements, both outside and inside an organization. Upon completion of this course, students will have a sound understanding of using negotiation and conflict resolution skills in a variety of settings. Course format involves simulated negotiation and experiential exercises, case analysis, discussion, and lecture.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites: BUS 305
BUS 307 Human Resource Management (Credits: 3)
The objective of this course is to introduce the student to a general overview of personnel policies and best practices in organizations. The course will focus on human resources from the perspective of the human resource professional. Specific topics to be covered include staffing, training and development, performance evaluation, compensation, employee discipline, work safety/health, and labor/management relations to name a few. This course will rely heavily on case analysis, along with didactic lectures, group discussions, and presentations.
Prerequisites: BUS 305
Corequisites:
BUS 308 Career Development and Strategies (Credits: 1)
Drawing upon human resources management and organizational studies and using case studies, this course examines how career paths and systems operate within an organization given the need for coherence between them and the strategy of the organization. The course also introduces students to several skills, tools and techniques required for effective career planning and advancement. The course provides students with the opportunity to practice and improve themselves in the following areas: identifying career goals and paths, dealing with gaps in their critical career and professional skills, professional networking and liaising. Students also examine the challenges and opportunities associated with the application of knowledge and skills learned in the program to their current/future work environments.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites: BUS305
BUS 309 Special Topics in Management (Credits: Variable)
Course Description tailored to course content when offered
Prerequisites: BUS 305
Corequisites:
BUS 310 International Business Management (Credits: 3)
This course introduces students to fundamental as well as current major topics in international business by focusing on the economic, cultural, social, political and organizational issues raised by the international operations of the firm. The course explores the firm’s motivations for international expansion, its choices of entering foreign markets, and examines the key components involved in operating facilities, strategic positioning and organizational structure in foreign markets. The course also covers the fundamental elements of cross-cultural management and working in an international context by examining the impact of cultural differences in key management activities. The course places a special emphasis on exploring the challenges and opportunities facing Armenian firms in their expansion into the Russian, European and other markets as well as the strategic and operational challenges and opportunities facing multinational firms in the South Caucasus and in the Armenian market, in particular.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
BUS 311 Entrepreneurship (Credits: 3)
The course is designed to explore the complexities of creating and sustaining an entrepreneurial venture. Concentration is on the impact of innovative behavior and its implication to decision-making. The primary focus of the course is on the behaviors involved in forming new enterprises: recognizing and evaluating opportunities; developing a network of support; building an organization; acquiring resources; identifying customers; estimating demand; selling, writing and presenting a business plan; and exploring the ethical issues entrepreneurs face. The course format includes case studies and discussion, in-class exercises, readings, and guest speakers.
Prerequisites: BUS 305 BUS 345 BUS 330 BUS 360
Corequisites:
BUS 312 Legal Environment of Business (Credits: 2)
This course provides students with a basic understanding of how legal, regulatory and political processes affect business strategy and decision making. Readings and lectures provide students with a basic background in the theoretical foundations and practical workings of the two main legal systems of the world, how they evolved and presently work. The course includes a survey of basic rules of criminal law, intentional torts, and negligence, the rules affecting the making and performance of contracts, general contract law as well as specific rules that exist in the sale of goods and merchandise, and in the purchase, ownership and sale of real property, and the choices available for dispute resolution, including mediation, arbitration, and trial at court.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
BUS 313 Corporate Ethics and Responsibility (Credits: 2)
This course examines contemporary issues in ethical behavior in organizations. Drawing from the fields of philosophy, law, ethics, business and society, and management, the course explores decision dilemmas that require multidisciplinary thinking as it pertains to corporate ethics and responsibility in today’s global marketplace. Emphasis is to practice decision principles that allow students to take into account their own moral principles in making business decisions. This course is taught drawing heavily on the case method along with didactic lectures, group discussions, and group presentations.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites: BUS 305
BUS 314 Leading Organizational Change (Credits: 2)
This course provides students with a broad understanding of the theoretical and operational underpinnings of management of change and corporate renewal in four domains: developing a strategic vision, designing new structures and processes, aligning individual motivation with organizational culture, and gaining support for the implementation of change. The course examines the impact of power and influence on decision-making, the politics of change, participative change approaches, reengineering, and organizational adaptation. The course relies heavily on case analysis, along with didactic lectures, group discussions, and presentations.
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Corequisites:
BUS 315 International Strategic Management (Credits: 3)
This course provides an opportunity for students to integrate concepts from prior functional courses through the development and implementation of a business strategy. The course format involves lectures, class discussion, comprehensive case studies and an intensive business strategy simulation. The latter requires student teams to formulate and implement strategy for a simulated firm within a highly competitive industry. The course is designed to deepen students understanding of strategy formulation, competitive advantage, rivalry and competition, negotiation, financial control, operational excellence, and team building.
Prerequisites: BUS 300 BUS 330 BUS 345 BUS 346 BUS 360 BUS 380
Corequisites:
BUS 319 Special Topics in Leadership (Credits: 2)
This course is designed to provide an in-depth examination of contemporary issues in organizational leadership. It is customized for students aspiring to acquire the necessary leadership skills and attributes to successfully compete in leadership roles in today’s global marketplace. Emphasis will be on helping each student become an ethical, effective, and empowered leader while inspiring excellence. The primary teaching method for this course will be case analysis, leadership training and experiential exercises.
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BUS 320 Data Analysis for Business Decisions (Credits: 3)
This course is an introduction to statistical methods and techniques as tools for management decisionmaking. Specific topics to be covered include: sampling and sampling distributions, parametric and nonparametric statistical inference methods, simple and multiple regression, and forecasting techniques as applied to business and management problems. Students will gain the ability to build forecasting models using a variety of techniques, employing mathematical and statistical models including regression techniques, time series analysis, and business and economic indicators for forecasting. Students will also learn to use various computer software including Excel, SPSS and Access.
Prerequisites: BUS 050 or placement test
Corequisites:
BUS 322 Managerial Economics (Credits: 3)
This course focuses on the economic decisions made by managers of business firms, and the structures of various market environments within which these decisions are made. The course reviews the application of fundamental concepts, such as opportunity costs, transaction costs and market power as they apply to managerial and individual decisionmaking. In addition, the course covers utility analysis, demand, supply, and cost functions, and applies these models to pricing and vertical integration issues. An introduction to the economics of information and uncertainty is included.
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Corequisites:
BUS 328 Economic Policy for Development and Competitiveness (Credits: 2)
The course combines a macroeconomic view of development and competitiveness and a microeconomic or businesslevel view. The macroeconomic analysis provides a contextual background for the discussions on the evaluation of business opportunities. Particularly, the course focuses on public policy as a basic element for ensuring national and industrylevel competitiveness. The course draws on economic development theory and refers to specific country cases as well as business cases to examine the challenges of equitable economic growth, reviews the role of technology, innovation, publicprivate partnerships, and entrepreneurship in promoting sustainable economic development, and analyzes public policies affecting poverty and inequality. The course aims at helping future business leaders make a meaningful impact on the economic competitiveness and prosperity of the country.
Prerequisites: BUS 322
Corequisites:
BUS 330 Financial Management (Credits: 3)
This course focuses on the firm’s goal to maximize shareholder value. Topics include risk, return and pricing of financial assets, time value of money, investment decisions, capital markets, and cost of capital and corporate financing decisions.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites: BUS 345
BUS 332 Corporate Finance (Credits: 3)
This course builds upon BUS 330 by examining advanced topics in corporate finance including dividend policy, mergers & acquisitions, cost of capital, capital budgeting and financial decision-making. Course concepts are integrated into the standard theories of risk and return, valuation of assets, the role of financial markets, and market structure.
Prerequisites: BUS 330
Corequisites:
BUS 336 Management of Financial Institutions (Credits: 3)
This course focuses on the study of financial policies and practices of commercial banks, savings and loan associations, pension funds, insurance companies, and other major financial institutions. It will review the current major problems facing senior managers in these financial institutions.
Prerequisites: BUS 332
Corequisites:
BUS 338 Investment Analysis and Management (Credits: 3)
This course will address theory and practice of investment analysis. Topics include organization of security markets, legal and institutional environment, financial intermediation, security classification and general principles of asset valuation with application to specific securities.
Prerequisites: BUS 332
Corequisites:
BUS 339 Special Topics in Finance (Credits: 0)
This course is designed to introduce graduate students to some of the emerging global trends in Finance. The course covers concepts and practice not covered by other Finance courses. The focus will be on areas that are likely to have wide applicability in Armenia and in the region.
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Corequisites:
BUS 340 International Financial Management (Credits: 2)
This course approaches financial management within an international context. Topics include international monetary system and financial markets, management of foreign investments, financing for development, foreign exchange markets and risks, international diversification, and global funds.
Prerequisites: BUS 332
Corequisites:
BUS 345 Financial Accounting (Credits: 3)
This is a foundation course designed to provide a basic understanding of the theory and practice of accounting, with emphasis upon principles, concepts and controls involved with Financial Accounting. The objective of financial accounting is to collect accurate, systematic, and timely financial data and other financial information, and to compile and consolidate it in an organized and systematic way, according to the principles and rules of accounting, for external reporting purpose.
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Corequisites:
BUS 346 Managerial Accounting and Control (Credits: 3)
Managerial Accounting is the process of identifying, measuring, analyzing and communicating financial information needed by management to plan, evaluate and control an organization’s operations. In this course students understand the role of a management accountant in organizations; identify relevant and irrelevant revenues and costs; understand cost-volume-profit analyses; calculate and interpret product costs, construct income statements and identify inventory balances, understand the budget process and responsibility accounting, and understand standard cost systems and production cost variances.
Prerequisites: BUS 345
Corequisites:
BUS 348 Financial Statement Analysis (Credits: 3)
This course provides a framework for using financial statements in business analyses. Emphasis is placed on understanding business as a financial system where management makes decisions in three key areas: investment, financing and operations. The course will outline the main financial statements used in the decision-making process and the main profitability and risk ratios used in comparing/assessing companies across different sizes and industries. The course will also include studying the main accounting principles used for compiling financial statements and analyzing qualitative information appearing in the financial statements and, finally, the role of financial Information in Valuation.
Prerequisites: BUS 346
Corequisites:
BUS 350 Taxation and Business Decisions (Credits: 2)
This course provides students with an overall framework for taking tax considerations into account when making business decisions. It provides students with a solid understanding of the decision contexts that give rise to tax planning opportunities, how to integrate tax strategy into the bigger picture of corporate decision making, and the impact that changes to transaction structure can have on aftertax cash flows. Many Armenian tax rules including profit tax, income tax, VAT, excise tax and property tax are reviewed throughout the course and a general framework of the tax rules are provided so as to facilitate a discussion of how they affect business decisionmaking.
Prerequisites: BUS 346
Corequisites:
BUS 351 Cost Accounting (Credits: 2)
Intense competition in product markets has forced firms to look inward to become more cost-efficient. Tracing various resource costs accurately to products has become increasingly important as product margins are squeezed. Through a number of case studies supplemented by some lectures, this course exposes students to recent advances in cost accounting, and highlights important inputs into the design of cost systems. The cases cover a variety of decision-making settings and illustrate the role of cost information in these settings. Specific topics to be covered include the important characteristics of good costing systems, various cost allocation systems, reporting and the control of scrap/spoilage/rework products, accounting controls for production activities and for decentralized operations, including transfer pricing, customers profitability analysis, sales mix variances and performance measurement, and capital budgeting.
Prerequisites: BUS 346
Corequisites: BUS 380
BUS 352 Armenian Taxation (Credits: 2)
This course focuses on all relevant Armenian Tax issues. Emphasis will be placed on taxes impacting business activities including: profits tax, income tax, VAT, excise tax, property tax, and tax administration. This course has a strong practical element in that students will be required to prepare various types of tax computations and offer advice on tax planning. Comparisons will also be made to tax regimes in developed market economies.
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Corequisites:
BUS 353 Auditing and Evaluation Controls (Credits: 3)
The focus of this course is on independent auditors’ examinations of accounting information systems and related internal controls and evidential matter as a basis for expressing an opinion on financial statements. In this course students will develop a sound understanding of auditing theory and concepts. The rationale and objectives of specific auditing techniques will be emphasized. The focus will be on helping students develop analytical and critical thinking skills. It will also cover professional ethics, internal controls, and International Standards of Auditing.
Prerequisites: BUS 346
Corequisites:
BUS 355 Advanced Financial Accounting (Credits: 3)
The objective of this course is to introduce students to the advanced topics such as Business Combinations, Consolidations, Accounting for Multinational Enterprises, Partnership, Governmental Accounting and Accounting for Nonprofit Organizations. At the completion of this course, the student will be able to apply the equity method to accounting for investments; understand the difference between pooling of interest and purchase methods of accounting for investment; prepare consolidated financial statements; prepare and discuss segment reporting; explain the accounting issues, presentation and alternatives relating to foreign current transactions and translations; and explain how governmental and nonprofit accounting differs from for-profit accounting.
Prerequisites: BUS 346
Corequisites:
BUS 360 Marketing Management (Credits: 3)
This course is an introduction to the role of marketing within the business firm. Quantitative methods and behavioral theories are utilized. It provides the student an opportunity to apply analytical concepts and techniques developed in psychology, economics, quantitative analysis, accounting, and finance to marketing problems. The course will utilize case studies, and oral and written presentations. Specific topics to be covered include: customer analysis and buyer behavior, market segmentation, market research, distribution channels, product pricing and strategy, pricing, advertising, and sales force management.
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Corequisites:
BUS 362 Services Marketing (Credits: 2)
Services marketing is intended to broaden the understanding of how marketing is practiced in the service industry. The course will apply the principles of service marketing to organizations in the private, non-profit and public sectors. Service Marketing is designed to help individuals understand the critical elements in the development of customer satisfaction and service quality in today's competitive business world.
Prerequisites: BUS 360
Corequisites:
BUS 365 Marketing Research (Credits: 3)
The objective of this course is to examine marketing research as an information providing activity for the purpose of management decision-making. Students will acquire the skills to examine alternative research designs and their relative strengths and weaknesses; to develop the meaning of measurement and scaling and their application in marketing research; to have a general understanding of the process of obtaining information by surveys of respondents, and to discuss the analysis of data obtained through marketing research Upon successful completion of this course, the students will understand how to develop a research proposal, compose questionnaires, and conduct market data analysis.
Prerequisites: BUS 320 BUS 360
Corequisites:
BUS 366 Advertising Management (Credits: 3)
This course is designed to give students the basic understanding of advertising principles and practices. Methods used and effectiveness of various types of advertising will be analyzed. Because our environment has grown increasingly complex and technology is rapidly changing, it is essential that students understand the role played by advertising in our society and the advertising consequences: every principle and practice that stimulates the purchase act.
Prerequisites: BUS 360
Corequisites:
BUS 369 Special Topics in Marketing (Credits: 0)
This course is designed to introduce graduate students to some of the emerging global trends in marketing and advertising. The subjects of Armenian market trends are investigated, as well as, global technology and developments which then are applied to the country's transitional business techniques. Different topics will be covered.
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BUS 373 Innovation Marketing (Credits: 2)
Students will learn about the wisdom acquired over many years regarding the managerial practice in new product development, innovation management, and launching of new products in the market. By the end of the course students are expected to be learn about the innovation process, how to create a successful innovation, the process of design and marketing new products, how to bring an existing product, service or technology into the market, and how state of the art innovation analytic methods can reduce risks and improve the possibilities of market success.
Prerequisites: BUS 360
Corequisites:
BUS 375 Competition Law (Credits: 3)
This course studies the relevant markets from the competition law perspectives. It Identifies and describes the ways by which IPR violations and enforcement may constitute anti-competitive practices and explains the limits on commercial communications in terms of misleading and discrediting. The course describes main types of regulation of unilateral and collective anti-competitive practices, mergers and acquisitions, as well as explains key challenges of anti-trust enforcement (including cross-border situations). The course will explore the rationale behind each land-mark case of the EU and US antitrust law and highlight the differences of regulation in the EU and US regimes. Student will learn about anti-trust regulations and enforcement practices, aimed at increasing competitiveness without engaging in anti-competitive conduct.
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Corequisites:
BUS 380 Operations and Process Management (Credits: 2)
The focus of this course will be on the quantitative aspects of the elements, which contribute to the effective and efficient operations of an enterprise. Emphasis will be equally placed on the means for attaining organizational objectives for both service and manufacturing oriented entities. Topical areas will be the planning for and management of services and/or products, the design of processes, facility location and layout, forecasting, scheduling, and quality control.
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Corequisites:
BUS 381 Management of Information Resources (Credits: 2)
This course is designed to make the students knowledgeable about the fundamentals underlying the design, implementation, control, evaluation, and strategic use of modern, computer-based information systems for business data processing, office automation, information reporting, and decisionmaking. The course focuses on using and managing information technologies to derive business value and to secure a competitive advantage.
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BUS 382 Supply Chain Management (Credits: 2)
This course focuses upon the strategic importance of supply chain management. The purpose of the course is to design and manage business- to-business to retail supply chain purchasing and distribution systems, and to formulate an integrated supply chain strategy that is supportive of various corporate strategies. New purchasing and distribution opportunities for businesses and inter/intra company communications systems designed for creating a more efficient marketplace are explored.
Prerequisites: BUS 380
Corequisites:
BUS 384 Digital Commerce (Credits: 2)
This course covers e-commerce applications, methodologies, and services that address business solutions needed for electronic procurement, supplier management, and customer relationship management. Real-life examples and case studies are examined to provide the student with working knowledge of constructing an E-Business, Business and Revenue Models, E-Marketplaces, Internet auctions, Internet and Web Programming, Legal Issues and E-Commerce /Digital Commerce strategy.
Prerequisites: BUS 380
Corequisites:
BUS 385 Project Management (Credits: 2)
In this course students learn project management skills that are essential for current or future managers regardless of their career concentration. Some of the topics covered include life cycle models; project selection; project monitoring and control; planning with uncertainty; managing scope, risk, quality, time and costs; procurement; human resources and communications; the critical chain method; and managing multiple projects. It also discusses commercial project management software and how to overcome its limited functionality to address the requirements of managing risky, complex projects in practice.
Prerequisites:
BUS 305 BUS 345 BUS 346 BUS 380
Corequisites:
BUS 390 Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Incubation (Credits: 4)
The purpose of this integrative practicum is to understand how new business opportunities are identified and commercialized. The course structure follows the evolutionary process of a new venture: Idea assessment, organization formation, capitalization, growth, and exit. The course integrates much of what students have learned in their first year courses and challenges them to apply the newly acquired knowledge and tools to a real business situation. The course combines theoretical and applied learning, including lectures, guest speakers, traditional case studies and “live” new venture projects. Under the guidance of the faculty and with the support of mentors, student teams take a multidisciplinary approach to the preparation and presentation of a business plan for a real new venture. In the process, students are expected to make difficult business choices with less than perfect information, dealing with ambiguity and uncertainty. Students conclude their project with an oral presentation in addition to a full written report.
Prerequisites: BUS 330 BUS 345 BUS 346 BUS 360
Corequisites:
BUS 393 MBA Internship (Credits: 0)
This is required for MBA students who lack at least two years of relevant fulltime or four years of relevant part-time work experience at the date of their admission to the program. The internship allows students to clarify their career goals, assess personal strengths and weaknesses in professional work environment, develop professional competencies, understand the culture and practice of particular profession, and improve their opportunities for future employment. Students work for at least 360 hours, under the guidance of an on-site supervisor, with small/medium size businesses manufacturing companies, governmental agencies or non‐profit and/or service organizations in order to analyze and solve actual and current problems facing the organization. At the end of the internship, a performance evaluation is given by the hosting organization. Students present an updated resume and a short written report describing their experience to complete the Career Development Strategies course. This course requires approval of the Program Chair.
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Corequisites:
Needs approval of the program chair.
BUS 395 Business Policy and Strategy (Credits: 4)
This FTMBA course provides an opportunity for students to cap and integrate concepts from prior functional courses through the development and implementation of a business strategy. The course is designed to deepen students understanding of strategy formulation, competitive advantage, rivalry and competition, negotiation, financial control, operational excellence, and team building. The course format involves lectures, class discussion, comprehensive case studies, an intensive business strategy simulation, and a consulting project. The strategy simulation requires multifunctional teams of students to formulate and implement strategy for a simulated firm within a highly competitive industry. The consulting project module challenges students with real-world problems faced by partner organizations in specific functional areas. Student teams, formed according to their selected MBA concentration tracks, work with the functional managers and senior executives at these organizations to develop applicable solutions. Students conclude their project with an oral presentation in addition to a full written report.
Prerequisites: BUS 300 BUS 345 BUS 322 BUS 330 BUS 305 BUS 360 BUS 380
Corequisites:
BUS 316 Organizational Leadership (Credits: 0)
This course will focus on an overview of the fundamental concepts of leadership in today's global marketplace. The course will serve as an introduction to tools for topics such as strategic thinking, leading change and performance, critical thinking, leading teams and groups, influencing others, conflict resolution and Emotional Intelligence to name a few. The method of instruction for this course will combine didactic lectures, self-assessments, case analysis and group interactions.
Prerequisites: BUS 305
Corequisites:
BUS 329 Special Topics in Economics (Credits: 0)
This course is designed to introduce graduate students to some of the emerging global trends in Economics. The course covers concepts and practice not covered by other Economics courses. The focus will be on areas that are likely to have wide applicability in Armenia and in the region.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
BUS 333 Advanced Corporate Finance (Credits: 2)
This course builds upon BUS 332 by delving deeper into the theory behind capital budgeting and valuation theory to examine new techniques for making these decisions, such as using option pricing models to make a capital budgeting decision, instead of the traditional net present value. The course covers mergers, leveraged buy-outs, divestitures and financial distress, along with the financial management of non-profit businesses. Additionally, the course examines in some detail the capital structure decision in terms of hybrid financing, and the most current instruments available for long funding of a corporation.
Prerequisites: BUS 332
Corequisites:
BUS 334 Commercial Banking (Credits: 2)
This course involves the study of modern commercial bank management, reasons for regulation; economics of banking, risk management including credit and interest rate risk, standards of liquidity, capital and solvency and recent changes in the modern commercial bank environment.
Prerequisites: BUS 332
Corequisites:
BUS 335 Banking Operations and Simulations (Credits: 3)
This course offers students a chance to take the theoretical underpinnings of commercial bank management and macroeconomics and apply it directly to operating a bank in a simulated environment. The Stanford Bank Computer Simulation will be enlisted to afford students an opportunity to simulate the managing of a large, metropolitan bank. Based on the economic data provided, students will need to forecast the direction of interest rates, set rates for loans and deposits, set fees for services, open or close branches, allocate the time of the bank's officers, and make other equally critical, logistical decisions that are in fact made every day by professional bank practitioners. The course will probe in great detail how bank profitability and value are impacted by operational decisions.
Prerequisites: BUS 332
Corequisites:
BUS 337 Risk Management (Credits: 2)
This course provides a broad-based survey of the fundamental risks faced by financial institutions and other firms. These include interest rate risk, market risk, credit risk, off-balance sheet risk, technology and operational risk, foreign exchange risk, energy risk, country of sovereign risk, liquidity risk, insolvency risk, model risk, and a myriad of others. Effective management of these risks is central to the performance of any firm. The course explores the various techniques used to identify risk, measure risk, and manage risk. The knowledge gained in basic finance, portfolio management, derivatives, business management, economics, and statistics will be made practical.
Prerequisites: BUS 332
Corequisites:
BUS 357 International Accounting (Credits: 2)
This course examines the international dimension of financial reporting and analysis. It provides students with an in-depth look at the multinational enterprise and the preparation and presentation of financial statements in different nations. Topics covered include international corporate taxation, transfer pricing, foreign currency translation, financial disclosure, and international accounting harmonization.
Prerequisites: BUS 346
Corequisites:
BUS 359 Special Topics in Accounting (Credits: 0)
This course is designed to introduce graduate students to some of the emerging global trends in Accounting. The course covers concepts and practice not covered by other Accounting courses. The focus will be on areas that are likely to have wide applicability in Armenia and in the region.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
BUS 364 International Marketing (Credits: 2)
The international arena is a requirement for any firm that wishes to achieve its maximum growth potential. The main objectives of this course are to present the main approaches to international marketing (from export to global marketing), help students to tackle strategic marketing problems facing international companies, and familiarize students with tools and techniques required in a complex and ever changing environment.
Prerequisites: BUS 360
Corequisites:
BUS 370 Strategic Marketing (Credits: 2)
It is an integrative course designed to provide an executive perspective of strategy. This course focuses on making and analyzing complex decisions to describe the firm's 38
strategies for long-term survival and growth in competitive markets. Techniques for analysis of environmental conditions and trends, opportunities and threats, and resource strengths and limitations are examined. The primary method of instruction will be case analysis.
Prerequisites: BUS 360
Corequisites:
BUS 372 Measurement Issues in Marketing (Credits: 2)
The objective of this course is to acquaint student will the application of various multivariate techniques to specific marketing problem areas. Students will learn how to apply factor analysis, discriminant analysis, cluster analysis, multidimensional scaling, and conjoint analysis to develop segmentation, product development, pricing and advertising models.
Prerequisites: BUS 320 BUS 360
Corequisites:
BUS 392 Strategic Project Consulting (Credits: 4)
The third-year integrative practicum combines theoretical and applied learning, including lectures, guest speakers, traditional case studies and “live” projects that requires student teams apply classroom learning to complex, real-world business challenges for partner organizations. Under the guidance of the faculty member(s) and with the support of mentors, student teams develop practical problem-solving and consulting skills while their partners – ranging from multinational corporations to local nonprofit organizations – benefit from the student’s experience and knowhow. Students are expected to integrate and apply the knowledge and tools acquired in the previous two years of MBA studies and in their professional career to a real business situation; enhance and develop their project management and consulting skills; and hone their leadership skills. Students conclude their project with an oral presentation in addition to a full written report.
Prerequisites: BUS 314 BUS 315 BUS 385
Corequisites:
ECON 120 Evolution of Economic Thought (Credits: 3)
This course examines the development of economic theories, models, and schools of thought from the birth of market economies to the present. Topics include the historical, institutional, and social forces shaping economic thinking and public policy. The course emphasizes foundational issues such as the role of the state in the economy, the social and economic consequences of property, prices, money, production, trade and other defining attributes of contemporary society. Home tasks include reading, research, and case studies. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: ECON 121
Corequisites:
ECON 121 Principles of Microeconomics (Credits: 3)
This course examines basic principles of microeconomics including core elements of supply and demand, opportunity cost, market equilibrium, elasticity, and income distribution. Students will use these basic principles to evaluate market efficiency and social welfare resulting from the interactions of consumers, firms, and government regulation and intervention. Students will learn to define these basic principles and appropriately apply them to analyze case studies and current economic problems. Students are required to complete weekly reading assignments and use appropriate software to solve problem sets. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
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ECON 122 Principles of Macroeconomics (Credits: 3)
This course examines aggregate economic activity in relation to the level, stability, and growth of national income, consumption, employment, interest rates, and inflation as well as the impact of the global economy. The course emphasizes the role and impact of monetary and fiscal policy on domestic and international economic stability and growth. Students will learn to describe and apply basic principles of macroeconomics as well as analyze the impact of monetary and fiscal policy on aggregate national and international economics. Students are required to complete weekly reading assignments and use appropriate software to complete problem sets and case studies. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
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ECON 221 Intermediate Microeconomics (Credits: 3)
The course examines the theories of utility and demand, production, cost functions in the short and long run general equilibrium analysis, and supply under differing market conditions of perfect competition and monopoly. Problems and applications are used to acquaint students with the implications of the theoretical concepts. Home tasks will include completion of reading assignments and problem sets. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: ECON 121 CSE 109 or CS 100
Corequisites:
ECON 222 Intermediate Macroeconomics (Credits: 3)
Building on topics introduced in BA 122, Principles of Macroeconomics, this course covers topics including per capita income theories and comparisons across countries and time, fluctuations in output and employment, and the role of government in influencing aggregate variables. Home tasks include reading, research, and case study analysis. Three hour of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: ECON 122
Corequisites:
ECON 223 Economics of Sustainable Development (Credits: 3)
This course examines the concepts and methods used to analyze the interactions among the economy, the environment and society. . Students will work individually and in groups to examinehow markets can address environmental and societal problems and promote sustainable development. Home tasks include reading, research, and case analysis. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: ECON 121
Corequisites:
ECON 224 Introduction to Econometrics (Credits: 3)
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to econometrics. Students will learn to apply relevant models and methods to estimate relationships between economic variables, test hypotheses, and solve economic problems using appropriate software. Topics include theoretic probability, random variables, single and multiple regression analysis, functional forms, omitted variable analysis, multicollinearity, heteroscedesticity, autocorrelation, simultaneous equations, and dynamic models. Home tasks will include completion of reading assignments and problem sets. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: CSE 109 or CS 100 ECON 121
Corequisites:
ECON 225 International Economics (Credits: 3)
This course examines globalization, international monetary issues, and international trade in a world of nation states and international and regional organizations. Students will explore theories and apply them to policy issues. Topics include foreign exchange markets, balance-of-payment adjustment, exchange rate theories, impediments to trade, financial crises, and monetary and fiscal policy in a global economy. Home tasks will include reading assignments and case study analysis. Three hour of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: BUS 112
Corequisites:
ECON 228 Economics of Development (Credits: 3)
This course examines the evolving definition of economic development and the changing processes that support and hinder it. Students will be introduced to a range of development theories and will analyze how economic development is impacted by education, income distribution, the rural and urban sectors, technology, investment, national and international policies and reforms, financial markets, foreign trade, foreign aid, and international institutions. Through this course, students will learn to measure economic development, analyze variables that contribute to or deter it, and develop evidence-based solutions to real-world economic challenges. Home tasks will include completion of reading assignments and case studies. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: ECON 121
Corequisites:
ECON 229 Special Topics in Economics (Credits: 3)
This course explores topics in economics with emphasis on current problems and research. Topics to be announced prior to course registration. Three hour of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: BUS 112 ECON 121
Corequisites:
ECON 101 Introduction to Economics (Credits: 3)
This course examines key concepts in both microeconomics and macroeconomics. The course explores individual consumer and industry behavior, supply and demand, market efficiency and equilibrium and the impact of government intervention. Students will also analyze the economy as a whole, especially issues related to output, unemployment, productivity, inflation, trade, and economic growth and development. Students will use these basic concepts to weigh different perspectives on monetary and fiscal policy and evaluate economic claims used in articles and newspapers, political campaigns, and debates. Home tasks will include reading assignments and problem sets. Three hours of instructorled class time per week.
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Corequisites:
ECON 300 Quantitative Methods for Economists (Credits: 0)
This course is an introduction to mathematics used in economics. Students learn to apply mathematical tools and methods in order to design models in economic analysis and to be able to read, understand, analyze and apply to economic theories and problems. Topics include integral calculus, multivariate calculus, optimization theory, linear algebra (matrix algebra), implicit function theorem, difference and differential equations. Students are required to complete weekly reading assignments and solve problem sets. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites: ECON 320
ECON 310 Economic Statistics (Credits: 0)
This course provides students with a survey of statistical methodology. Topics include probability and sampling, distribution theory, hypothesis testing, estimation, analysis of variance, confidence intervals, and linear regression. Students are required to complete biweekly problem sets by solving exercises and using statistical software. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
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ECON 311 Econometrics (Credits: 0)
Through this course, students learn to apply statistical methods to quantify economic relationships. Topics include econometric models, hypothesis testing, least squares, instrumental variables, panel data methods, and time series. Through lectures and weekly problem sets, students learn to use statistical software to test and estimate economic relationships and evaluate empirical economic research. Students apply what they learn to real data and write an empirical paper on a topic of interest. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: ECON 300 ECON 310
Corequisites:
ECON 315 Financial Econometrics and Time Series (Credits: 0)
This course is an introduction to data analysis and econometric modeling using applications in finance and time series. The course uses concepts from microeconomics, finance, mathematical optimization, data analysis, probability models, statistical analysis, and econometrics. The course will be 16 weeks long. Each week consists of one 150 minutes lecture. Finance topics include asset return calculations, risk and performance measures, portfolio theory, index models, and applied time series analysis. Quantitative methods involve basic matrix algebra. Statistical topics include probabilities, expectation, joint distributions, covariance, normal distribution, sampling distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing, data analysis, linear regression, time series methods and simulations. There will be weekly homework assignments requiring STATA programming. Students will work independently and periodically in groups to complete problem sets and group projects.
Prerequisites: ECON 300 ECON 310
Corequisites:
ECON 316 Topics in Applied Health Econometrics (seminar) (Credits: 0)
This course reviews a range of econometric methods that have been used for testing economic hypotheses in health outcomes. Starting with an introduction to health outcomes, the course will proceed to advanced econometric methods for addressing specific problems generated by either the nature of the data generation process or the economic relationships being examined. The course will develop your econometric skills in several ways. First, the course will review numerous econometric models and in each case discuss the type of problems the model is suited for, how to test hypotheses, and the shortcomings of various models. Second, you will be asked to prepare two presentations; first presentation will cover a particular method and second presentation will cover health condition related outcomes. Third, to assist in the development of your data management, modeling, computer, and interpretative skills, you will use Stata to analyze data. The topics to be covered, relevant reading material, and the grading process are described below.
Prerequisites: ECON 300 ECON 310
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ECON 320 Microeconomic Theory (Credits: 0)
The course covers key topics in the modern microeconomic theory at an advanced graduate level. It focuses on the behavior of individual consumers and firms in making economic decisions and on how these decisions affect market outcomes. Topics include consumer and producer theory, decision making under uncertainty, general equilibrium and welfare properties, market equilibrium and market failure, perfect and imperfect competition. Throughout the course, students analyze various microeconomic problems and policy issues by completing weekly problem sets. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to employ quantitative techniques to model economic phenomena from the perspective of the individual agents.
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Corequisites: ECON 300
ECON 330 Macroeconomic Theory (Credits: 0)
The course covers key topics in the modern macroeconomic theory at an advanced graduate level. It focuses on models of medium- and long-run macroeconomic dynamics and their empirical implications. Topics include different models of economic growth, theories of aggregate fluctuations, macroeconomic policy and their implications. Throughout the course, students analyze various macroeconomic problems and policy issues by completing weekly problem sets. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to employ quantitative techniques to model economic phenomena from the macroeconomic perspective.
Prerequisites: ECON 320 ECON 300
Corequisites:
ECON 335 Monetary Policy and Financial Markets (Credits: 3)
The course covers topics in monetary policy and financial markets. It consists of two parts. The first part focuses on monetary aspects of the business cycle and covers different theoretical models of monetary policy, as well as relevant empirical evidence. The second part focuses on pricing of bonds, forward and futures contracts, risk measures, portfolio analysis and asset pricing models. During the course MatLab is used to simulate models and implement different methods. Throughout the course, students analyze various problems and policy issues by completing the weekly problem sets. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to employ quantitative techniques to model monetary and financial phenomena, as well as to study the impacts of implemented monetary policy. The course requires a solid background in mathematics.
Prerequisites: ECON 300 ECON 320 ECON 330
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ECON 336 Macroeconomic Policy Seminar (Credits: 0)
The course explores 3 major areas of modern macro–economic policies including basic policy goals, instruments, policy design, applications and their consequences. First the most prominent types of monetary policy regimes will be discussed, such as Inflation Targeting under flexible exchange rate, which will be followed by discussion on various forms of monetary systems and exchange rate regimes. Second macro prudential and regulatory policies for maintaining financial stability will be investigated. The third topic of the course will be de devoted to fiscal policy. Finally the course will touch such topics as international policy coordination, supervision and coordination or tradeoffs among monetary and fiscal/macro prudential policies. The primary focus will be both on advanced economies and emerging markets including Armenia. The prevention and management of various types of economic crises will be discussed. In particular the 2008 US crisis, ongoing Eurozone crisis, their spillovers onto emerging markets and recent CIS region crisis and currency depreciations will be analyzed.
Prerequisites: ECON 300 ECON 300 ECON 300 ECON 300 ECON 330
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ECON 340 International Trade (Credits: 0)
In this course we will study the main topics in the area of international trade and trade policy. Firstly, we refresh our knowledge in micro-foundations, intensively used throughout the course. Then we study the traditional trade theories and review the relevant empirical literature. In the second part of the course, we discuss trade policies such as tariffs, quotas and non-tariff barriers, as well as the key role of foreign direct investments and multinational firms in economic growth. Throughout the course, much time will be devoted to analyze empirical challenges in the discipline.
Prerequisites: ECON 320 ECON 300 ECON 310
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ECON 350 Financial Economics (Credits: 0)
Much of modern financial economics works with models in which agents are rational and arbitrageurs can fix any mis-pricing. Behavioral Financial Economics is the area of finance which relaxes both of these assumptions. Behavioral models usually have two building blocks: limits to arbitrage, which make it difficult for rational traders to undo the dislocations caused by less rational traders; and psychology, which catalogues the kinds of deviations from full rationality we might expect to see. We discuss these two topics, and then consider a number of applications such as asset pricing (the aggregate stock market and the cross-section of average returns) or individual investor portfolio choice and trading behavior.
Prerequisites: ECON 300 ECON 320
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ECON 360 Public Economics (Credits: 0)
This course examines the role of government in the economy, and how the market may fail to produce efficient or equitable outcomes. We consider policies that may correct for market failures, and challenges posed by politics and incomplete information. The course will have a strong theoretical angle. It also includes an overview of the federal, state, and local budgets, and takes both a contemporary and historical look at the role of government in providing defense, infrastructure, education, pensions, health care, unemployment insurance, and other services.
Prerequisites: ECON 300 ECON 320
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ECON 361 Sustainable Development (Credits: 0)
The purpose of this course is to develop general understanding of sustainable development (SD) and the way this paradigm is translated into policy-making. Three basic blocks of the concept are presented step by step: economic development, social change and conservation of environment. The course will begin with reviewing the current state of the planet, exploring the inception of the SD concept, and international efforts undertaken in the mainstream of this concept since early 70s. Then the focus will shift to economic policy and discuss economic growth vs. economic development. The course will then move to the issues of social change, particularly addressing poverty and hunger, income inequality, education and human capital as factors of SD. Next the instructor will turn to the issues of overpopulation, urbanization, scarcity of natural resources and impact of these factors on SD.
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ECON 385 Economic Research Seminar (Credits: 0)
This course introduces students to economic research methods, prepares them to conduct independent research, and is essential for students’ capstone writing course. Students will be exposed to an array of research designs and reports, which they analyze and critique as well as use to inform the development of their own research. By mid-term, students prepare a formal proposal and presentation for their capstone research project, with the following components: 1) research question, 2) literature review, and 3) description of research methods. After receiving feedback from instructor and peers, students begin to collect and analyze their data. By the end of the course, students will complete a written report and present their findings from the research collected and analyzed. This report and presentation will serve as the basis for students’ capstone projects.
Prerequisites: ECON 300 ECON 310 ECON 311 ECON 320 ECON 330
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ECON 386 Capstone (Credits: 0)
As the culminating experience for the MS in Economics degree, the capstone course is a 3 credit writing course during which students write a report and deliver a presentation based on the research they began in the Economic Research Seminar course. Due to the individualized nature of capstone projects, students meet with their advisor to review the progress of their research and writing and receive guidance. At the end of the course students are required to produce and present to faculty and peers a research report (thesis) of publishable quality.
Prerequisites: All ECON required courses and at least 2 electives
Corequisites: ECON 385
College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS)
CHSS 101 Introductory Eastern Armenian (Credits: 3)
This course is an introduction to written and conversational Eastern Armenian for students with very little or no knowledge of the language. The course covers reading and comprehension, grammar rules, syntax and basic sentences. The course will also include visits by various scholars, writers, and artists, and trips to galleries and museums featuring ancient and contemporary Armenian artifacts and manuscripts.
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CHSS 102 Intermediate Eastern Armenian (Credits: 3)
This is an intermediate level Eastern Armenian course for students with basic knowledge of the language. Students must be able to read and write Armenian, and have basic conversational skills. The course is designed to enhance reading, speaking, and writing skills through the use of literary texts, through the application of syntax rules, through lectures, class discussions, group work, videoaudio presentations, visits by various scholars, writers and artists, and occasional visits to galleries and museums. Students will be introduced to the evolution of the Armenian language, to classical and modern Armenian (similarities/differences), and to Western and Eastern Armenian (similarities/differences). They will also become familiarized with the classical orthography through some original texts. The selected texts will be provided in the form of a Course Reader designed for intermediate level learning and through additional texts handed out by the instructor throughout the course. The reader will contain poems, short stories, fables and short essays. The students will be assigned to read and to analyze the texts both in oral and written forms.
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CHSS 110 Introduction to Philosophy (Credits: 3)
This course aims at introducing students to some fundamental problems from various branches of philosophy: ontology, epistemology and ethics. Questions regarding the existence of matter, God, causation, free will and other minds, the possibility of knowledge, as well as some ethical questions will be addressed during the course. Students will read carefully selected writings from classical and modern philosophers. Students will be asked to write short essays and participate in wellstructured debates and discussions. This course will help students develop critical and creative thinking skills, the ability to deal with uncertainty, conceptualize and theoretically analyze real life situations and problems. Home tasks will include readings and writing assignments. Three hours of instructorled class time per week.
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CHSS 111 Introduction to Ethics (Credits: 3)
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 inclass 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.
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CHSS 112 Introduction to Logic & Rhetoric (Credits: 3)
The course introduces basic laws of logic, forms of thought, strategies and devices of developing and presenting public speeches. The course concentrates on two main questions: 1) How to reason well? 2) How to make a convincing speech or write a convincing essay? Students are expected to read selected texts on logic and rhetoric, prepare and perform oral speeches and write essays using various strategies, logical and rhetorical techniques of argumentation. Speeches and essays will be on various topics, for various audiences. During the course students will also scrutinize, analyze and assess historical as well as contemporary speeches from public and political life. Three hours of instructorled class time per week.
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CHSS 114 Introduction to Religion (Credits: 3)
The course examines religion as a phenomenon of human culture. It firstly introduces the students to the main theoretical approaches and methods through which religion has been studied by historians and social scientists. Secondly, the course looks at the major themes in the study of religion. These themes will be examined drawing on particular religious traditions and through the lens of the theoretical approaches covered. Readings will include theoretical writings about religion by classics and contemporary authors, and primary texts from various religious traditions and by representatives of those traditions. The course combines lectures, inclass discussions, and analytical essays. Its broader aim is to give the students an understanding of the richness of the religious traditions of the world, and to develop skills to analyze religious phenomena and to situate them in their historical contexts. Three hours of instructorled class time per week.
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CHSS 127 World Civilizations 1 (Credits: 3)
The course explores the meaning and importance of interdisciplinary study of world history by introducing students to distinctive features and characteristics of civilizations that had developed in the Old and New worlds from the earliest times to 1700 CE. It will emphasize the importance of primary sources and of critical analysis of academic theories. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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CHSS 129 Global Perspectives and Site Stories: The Path of Armenia from the Past Into the Future (Credits: 3)
This course takes a close look at the historical, cultural, political, global, and economic factors surrounding Armenia’s reemergence as an independent state in the late 20th century and its trajectory in the 21st century. Students will become acquainted with the main events and factors shaping contemporary Armenia and analyze different interpretations of the recent and more distant past as a frame for thinking about current events and longer term scenarios for the Armenian state and nation, placing an emphasis on global and regional issues. The course will be instructorled, supplemented by group discussion, and may include visits to cultural or historic sites as well as individual or group projects.
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CHSS 130 Introduction to Art History (Credits: 3)
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 per week.
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CHSS 140 Music Appreciation (Credits: 3)
This course aims to equip students to listen to, understand and discuss music as a cultural and aesthetic form of human creativity through acquaintance with Western European classical music from various periods. In this course students will learn to identify the basic elements of music, instruments, voice, genres, and styles, and will learn terminology used to discuss pieces of music as an art form and historical creation of a particular composer and period. The basic underpinnings of music in physics, psychology and brain science will also be introduced. The course requires extensive listening to music in and out of class, class discussion, and short papers on various composers and compositions. The course may also include mandatory attendance at concerts and a short research paper or class presentation on a work or composer of the students' choice as an individual or group project.
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CHSS 141 Understanding the Twentieth Century through Music (Credits: 3)
This course is designed to give students insight into the various cultural, political, economic, social and artistic developments of the twentieth century through the study of different types of music written between 1901 and 2000. Music is an indicator and/or trigger of significant social changes of the past century. The course is focused on revealing the social and cultural circumstances at the root of musical developments, regardless of the type of music (academic, pop/rock, alternative, etc.) The course introduces a vast number of terms and ideas that have influenced both music history, as well as many other fields of modern culture and life. Special attention is paid to the formation of the music industry as a separate and potent market. The course requires listening to music in and out of class, reading articles related to the history of music and modern history in general, engaging in class discussion, as well as writing short papers on various topics. The course may also include a research paper or class presentation as an individual or group project. Three hours of instructorled class time per week.
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CHSS 151 Intro to French Language & Culture (Credits: 3)
In this course, students will explore how French culture has been shaped by language, geography, historical events, and foreign and internal forces and groups. We will also examine how France and the French language have played an important role in the areas of culture, arts, cinema, fashion, and cuisine. The importance of the French language and culture has waxed and waned over the centuries, depending on France’s economic, political and military importance. French culture today is marked both by great ethnic, regional, and socioeconomic diversity and by strong unifying tendencies. Through the study of a variety of sources including media, film, literature, and visual arts, students will gain an understanding of what constitutes the “French identity” of the 21st century.
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CHSS 152 Intro to Korean Language and Culture (Credits: 3)
This course introduces students to the basics of Korean language, culture and history, as well as current trends in Korean society and economy. The course also explores Korean identity and its relationship with other countries in the region, through film, media, literature, and popular culture. By the end of the course students should be familiar with simple phrases and the Korean alphabet and able to identify key Korean historic and cultural figures and events, and explain the salient features of Korean culture, its origins and evolution. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
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CHSS 153 Introduction to Iranian Language and Culture (Credits: 3)
The course is an introduction to the history of Iranian culture as expressed in its languages. It introduces the students to the main stages of the history of the Iranian civilization and the group of languages collectively called “Iranian” which are spoken on the territory of Iran and adjacent areas. We will look at what the idea of “Iran” has denoted historically, and what it means in today’s world. We will study the types of literatures produced in these languages, including poetry, prose, religious writings and scriptures, and scientific works ― and will read passages from representative works in translation. We will look at the mutual influences between the Iranian and other cultures throughout history, and at the cultural roles of the major Iranian languages spoken today, such as Persian, Tajik, Dari, Pashto, and Kurdish. The course is based on lectures, inclass discussions, and analytical essays. Three hours of instructorled class time per week.
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CHSS 180 Intro to Psychology (Credits: 3)
This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of psychology and to the major topics of psychological inquiry. Topics include theories of the mind and investigate normal human growth and development and examines the lifecycle of humans from infancy to old age. An overview of current psychological theories explores topics such as types of temperament, physiological bases of behavior, life-span development, altered states of consciousness, sensation, perception, memory, thinking, motivation, emotion, personality, individual differences and stress. The course will also include basics of experimental psychology and introductory research methods. Three hours of instructor-led class per week.
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CHSS 181 Introduction to Sociology (Credits: 3)
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 per week.
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CHSS 182 Introduction to Clinical Psychology (Credits: 3)
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.
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CHSS 183 Statistics for Humanities and Social Sciences (Credits: 3)
The course is designed to facilitate student learning to understand the underlying concepts and philosophy of statistics and why we use these concepts to interpret the world around us. The course will develop skillsets to properly interpret statistical applications provided in the humanities and social sciences literature and media sources, and to critique the misuse and proper use of statistics. Special emphasis will be placed on developing communication skills to properly explain the meaning of these findings to the general public. The course will also provide students practice with basic SPSS statistical applications using humanities/social science databases. Basic Gaussian statistics and the development and interpretation of scales will be covered. Students will be graded by quizzes and exams, group projects, oral presentations and participation. Three hours of instructorled class time per week including discussions and problem sets.
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CHSS 190 Armenian Heritage and Culture (Credits: 3)
This course is aimed at taking on a few broad spheres of the Armenian world. More than one instructor will be offering multiple perspectives on the rich legacy of the nation through lectures and presentations that touch upon such topics as the origins of the Armenian people, twentiethcentury Armenian history, including the Armenian Genocide, Soviet Armenia, and the NagornoKarabakh conflict, plus other policy issue areas, an overview of the economy of the Republic of Armenia, including the role of the Diaspora in it, insights into the geography of Armenia, as well as environmental issues facing the country, and also the heritage of the Armenian Church.
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CHSS 195 Intro to Archaelogy (Credits: 3)
The course introduces students to world archaeology emphasizing its key achievements, concepts, practices, and importance to contemporary society. The most interdisciplinary among social sciences and the humanities, current archaeology integrates in its practice approaches and methods across different fields of human knowledge: from linguistics and art history to nuclear physics, biochemistry, computer science, and environmental studies. Special attention is devoted to the distinctive role of archaeology and cultural heritage management in the present and future of the Republic of Armenia and of the Armenian Diaspora. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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CHSS 201 Political Philosophy (Credits: 3)
This course examines some of the deepest questions about politics and society. Why should we have government and what would things be like without it? Is there a duty to obey government or are people sometimes justified in resisting it? What form should government take and in particular, is democracy the best form of government? How much freedom should people have and is society justified in restricting freedom? What form of property system should society have and should society try to redistribute income and wealth? We will also examine the contribution that feminism has made to social and political thought. The course is organized around five main topics: 1. State of Nature, 2. Political Obligation, 3. Forms of Government, 4. Freedom and Rights, 5. Property and Social Justice. Among the thinkers whose work will be covered are Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Mill. Course work will involve essays, research, presentations, and close reading of philosophic texts. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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CHSS 211 Great Books (Credits: 3)
In this course students will perform close reading of cornerstone texts of Western tradition. There will also be discussions of the questions raised by the students, facilitated by the instructor. Student learning will be assessed based on writing a number of response papers, and one longer essay that students will also "defend". The students will develop close reading and close listening skilss, and learn how to work through complex, ambiguous, or contradictory philosophical problems both within one given text and across several texts. Chosen works include Plato, Machiavelli, and the Founding Fathers. This course does not presume any background in political theory or philosophy, but does expect students spend a lot of time on reading. Three hours of instruction-led discussion per week.
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CHSS 240 Music and Literature (Credits: 3)
This course is designed to give students insight into the various cultural, political, economic, social and artistic developments of the twentieth century through the study of different types of music written between 1901 and 2000. Music is an indicator and/or trigger of significant social changes of the past century. The course is focused on revealing the social and cultural circumstances at the root of musical developments, regardless of the type of music (academic, pop/rock, alternative, etc.) The course introduces a vast number of terms and ideas that have influenced both music history, as well as many other fields of modern culture and life. Special attention is paid to the formation of the music industry as a separate and potent market. The course requires listening to music in and out of class, reading articles related to the history of music and modern history in general, engaging in class discussion, as well as writing short papers on various topics. The course may also include a research paper or class presentation as an individual or group project. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
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CHSS 251 Topics in Cinema (Credits: 3)
This course examines the cultural fault lines between generations arising from immigration – forced or voluntary. Building on what they have studied in other Gen Ed courses, students analyze films depicting ethnicity and culture as intrinsically intertwined and explore the linguistic, cultural and communication gaps between children of immigrants and their parents and/or grandparents. The course also grounds discussion and analysis in fiction and nonfiction writings that address cultural identity, assimilation/integration/alienation, acculturation, the role of memory in history, cultural roots and rhizomes, and the “poetics of relation.” Three hours of instruction-led instruction per week.
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CHSS 281 Development Policy (Credits: 3)
This course is a survey of the literature on key determinants of development “Development” at the statelevel and “development” at the project level. We begin by considering some of the factors that drive state development, including economic growth, poverty reduction, social inequality, etc. We study different development models most popular in different periods of time, and then move on to the analysis of state policies in health and education, population and migration, and the linkages between investments in human capital and economic growth. The course then moves on to other key topics in international development including accountability and good governance, conditionalities, monitoring and evaluation of results, etc. The course concludes with a discussion on the scope and limitations of foreign aid and the institutions that implement aid policies. Three hours of instructor-led class per week.
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CHSS 282 Trade (Credits: 3)
This course examines the international trade system and the economic concepts and political institutions upon which it is based. Topics covered include a brief history of the development of trade, players and processes involved in trade, the role of trade in development, trade policy and politics, comparative and competitive advantages of nations, gains and losses from trade, international trade negotiations, and effects of regionalization and globalization. The course has an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on case-studies, theory and empirical studies. Students will be expected to make individual and group presentations and engage in case-study analysis in discussion. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
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CHSS 290 Cultural Geography (Credits: 3)
This course is an interdisciplinary course that uses cultural habitats as a window on how individuals and groups develop their societies and way of life, coexisting with neighbors and shaping and being shaped by their environment. Geographers study ‘culture’ to understand the ways in which culture is constructed, maintained, diffused, and sometimes contested within space and place. The diversity of human culture is embedded in our shared geographies and is used as a force of inclusion, exclusion, and power. This course examines the varied perspectives and processes that shape our everyday experiences and seeks to raise awareness of the plurality of cultural landscapes. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
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CHSS 250 Introduction to Translation (Credits: 3)
This course aims to provide students with an understanding of the field of translation and the basic skills necessary to begin translating texts from English to Armenian and Armenian to English. Students will become familiar with the major practical and theoretical approaches and methods to translation. They will be encouraged to view translation as a process, involving planning, drafting, and revision for clarity and precision. Students are required to complete short readings and weekly writing assignments, which may include but are not limited to response papers, vocabulary journals, and translations from a range of texts from various disciplines. Three hours of instructor-led discussions per week.
Prerequisites: E&C 140 E&C 141
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CHSS 380 English for Translators (Credits: 3)
The aim of this course is to raise students’ general English language proficiency in preparation for the Certificate in Translation Program. The course will help students develop an ability to read and write in a variety of genres with an emphasis on writing skills and the effective use of grammar necessary to function as an English/Armenian translator.
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CHSS 381 History and Theories of Translation (Credits: 3)
This course aims to investigate the history of translation and the theories that have accompanied the changing roles of translation in the societies where they have been put into practice. Translation is viewed here as a factor that has contributed to shifts in intellectual, literary and cultural trends. This course also examines the main theoretical concepts currently discussed in translation studies, and demonstrates how they influence translation in practice. By taking a discourse and intercultural studies approach, rather than a purely linguistic approach, this course explores the impact of translation as a force for change and trace the ways in which texts are received by readers in different cultural contexts.
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CHSS 382 Practicum in Translation (Credits: 3)
The practicum component aims to consolidate the theory and practice of translation covered in the previous courses. The course helps student translators develop and expand their own translating and editing techniques, and to facilitate the integration of their skills and knowledge through largescale practice. It enables students to translate a wide variety of genres in professional areas (literary, medicine, law, business, etc.) so that they can make informed choices about their own professional future. Students are guided through their apprenticeship in stages—observation, controlled practice of translation techniques, and increasingly difficult and lengthy texts. Throughout the practicum, students receive constructive feedback and assistance and evaluate peer performance.
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CHSS 383 Consecutive & Simultaneous Interpreting (Credits: 3)
Consecutive and Simultaneous Interpreting is a course grounded in theory and practice and specifically set up to train professional interpreters. The course offers students an opportunity to get acquainted with the theoretical and professional frameworks of consecutive and simultaneous interpreting. Students will learn to interpret in various professional areas such as literature, medicine, law, business, etc. Worksite learning is a key component of the course during which students will perform live interpreting tasks under supervision and shadow professional interpreters at work.
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E&C 103 Introduction to Language and Culture (Credits: 3)
This course provides an overview of the structural, biological, and historical aspects of language and focuses on the socio-cultural aspect—the connections between language and culture, and the ways in which language is used in various cultural and social contexts. Examples of regional variation, social variation, ethnicity, gender, age, style, register, and the status of the speaker’s language will be discussed and illustrated during the course. Students are required to complete weekly reading assignments. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
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E&C 104 Introduction to Communications (Credits: 3)
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of communication studies. Students will examine the components of human communication as it takes place within interpersonal, group, organizational, and public contexts and become familiar with the historical development of mass media and its role in society, looking at the print and electronic news media, advertising, public relations, and the Internet. Students will also explore developments in the theory of communication from the mid20th century to the present. They will apply theoretical models to critically assess contemporary means and patterns of communication and use these models to analyze and develop their own written and oral communication in different formats. Course work will include media and reading assignments, as well as case studies and oral and written projects. Three hours of instructorled class time per week.
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E&C 105 Introduction to the Structure of English (Credits: 3)
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.
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E&C 120 American Literature I (Credits: 3)
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.
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E&C 121 English Literature I (Credits: 3)
This course introduces students to English literature from the Elizabethan period through the twentieth century and focuses on the development of various literary genres, as well as on the works of the most significant literary figures. The class will cover the major literary movements from English Renaissance humanism to Postmodernity and may also include marginal literary voices and ephemeral literature from English letters to provide context and balance. Students are required to write analytical essays and complete weekly reading assignments. Three hours of instructorled class time per week including discussions and tasks.
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E&C 125 Introduction to Acting Techniques (Credits: 3)
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.
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E&C 130 Introduction to Journalism (Credits: 3)
This course examines the nature of journalism as an area of mass media, its history and role in creating public opinion and disseminating information, and the impact of technology on journalism today. Students will be introduced to the meaning of “news” definition, qualities of, evaluation and selection, and channels and audiences for news. The theoretical part of the course is paired with the actual practice of journalism: reporting (gathering information), exploring news values, news styles, form and organization of news stories, and writing various types of news: hard news, features, interviews, and critiques. Students will be required to complete weekly reading and writing assignments. Three hours of instructorled discussion per week.
Prerequisites: FND 101 FND 102
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E&C 140 Expository Writing (Credits: 3)
This course is designed to develop students’ writing skills for use in a wide array of academic and professional contexts. Students will become familiar with the linguistic and rhetorical features of different genres of objective and informational writing, critically analyzing samples of effective writing in order to use them as models for their own work. They will be encouraged to view writing as a process, involving planning, drafting, and revision for clarity and precision. Students are required to complete short readings and weekly writing assignments, which may include but are not necessarily limited to summaries, reports, memos, narratives, expository analyses, and syntheses. Three hours of instructorled discussion per week, along with inclass and take home assignments.
Prerequisites: FND 101 FND 102
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E&C 141 Persuasive Writing (Credits: 3)
This course is designed to develop students’ persuasive writing skills for use in a wide array of academic and professional contexts. Students will become familiar with the structural and rhetorical features of formulating and communicating arguments in a persuasive manner, taking into consideration such factors as audience, reasoning, evidence, and style. They will be encouraged to view writing as a process, involving planning, drafting, and revision for clarity and precision. Students are required to complete short readings and weekly writing assignments, which may include but are not limited to persuasive essays, letters, reviews, and proposals.
Prerequisites: FND 101 FND 102
Corequisites:
E&C 200 Introduction to Discourse Analysis (Credits: 3)
This course introduces students to the study of discourse through hands-on analysis of real language in use, taking into account the linguistic features and functions of spoken, written, and multi-modal communication as well as the social, cultural, and political contexts in which it occurs. We will explore how meaning is created and relationships are enacted within and across an array of genres and use this knowledge to interpret and construct texts within different social and professional contexts. Course work will include reading assignments, written analyses, and practical application. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: E&C 103 E&C 105
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E&C 231 Public Speaking (Credits: 3)
This course aims to develop students’ speaking skills for a variety of public and professional situations. Students will explore fundamental principles and practice of public oratory with an emphasis on all phases of communication: conception, design, organization, research, writing, rehearsal, and delivery. Students will gain skills and confidence in conveying and modulating message and meaning in different registers through formal and extemporaneous public speeches, expository/informative and persuasive presentations for public meetings and conferences, and other speaking tasks. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week, plus in-class and take home assignments.
Prerequisites: FND 102
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E&C 232 Public Relations (Credits: 3)
This course explores the role of the public relations practitioner as a specialist in both internal and external communication, an analyst of public opinion, and a counselor to administrators and corporate leaders. It examines the theories and practices of public relations and provides students with opportunities to implement their skills and knowledge in authentic tasks, including developing a public relation plan, designing activities and events aimed at managing an organization’s reputation, and working with the media. Students are required to complete weekly reading assignments and in-class and home tasks to acquire knowledge of the topics covered in class. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
Prerequisites: E&C 238
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E&C 238 Media & Society (Credits: 3)
This course builds upon Introduction to Communications (COMM 104) and explores historical and contemporary issues in the interaction between media and society. Students will examine and develop critical perspectives on media and the interplay between media institutions, media content, and culture. The course will introduce mejor theories used in analysing media and its effects, as well as examine the characteristics of individual media: newspapers, magazines, books, radio, television, film, the Internet, and social media. The core concepts of media ehics will also be discussed. Course work will include media and reading assignments, as well as collaborative media projects. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: E&C 104
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E&C 240 Creative Writing (Credits: 3)
This course is designed to develop students’ writing skills by exploring various creative genres (poetry, fiction, playwriting, nonfiction, memoir, etc). Students will become familiar with literary forms, styles, and traditions, critically analyzing samples in order to improve their own work. The core of this course is based on original student writing, therefore students will be required to submit short work on a weekly basis, depending on the genre and focus. They will be encouraged to view writing as a creative process, involving honest exploration of ideas and the imagination. They will practice free-writing, drafting, and revision for clarity, precision, and literary effect. Students will also be required to actively participate during each class, discussing assigned texts and other students’ writings. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week, along with in-class and take home assignments.
Prerequisites: E&C 140 or E&C 141
Corequisites:
FND 110 Physical Education (Credits: 0)
Under Armenian law, all university students are required to take 120 hours of Physical Education, and 40 hours of First Aid and Civil Defense training during their studies. At AUA, Physical Education is scheduled for the first two years, and First Aid and Civil Defense are scheduled during your first year only. (Course description pending final approval.)
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FND 152 First Aid (Credits: 0)
Under Armenian law, all university students are required to take 120 hours of Physical Education, and 40 hours of First Aid and Civil Defense training during their studies. At AUA, Physical Education is scheduled for the first two years, and First Aid and Civil Defense are scheduled during your first year only. (Course description pending final approval.)
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FND 153 Civil Defense (Credits: 0)
Under Armenian law, all university students are required to take 120 hours of Physical Education, and 40 hours of First Aid and Civil Defense training during their studies. At AUA, Physical Education is scheduled for the first two years, and First Aid and Civil Defense are scheduled during your first year only. (Course description pending final approval.)
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FND 101 Freshman English I (Credits: 3)
This course aims to introduce students to the AUA’s core values—academic excellence, free inquiry, integrity, scholarship, leadership, and service —while building students’ communication skills. Students are challenged to translate these values into practice and reflect upon two interrelated themes: how might these values enrich their potential as lifelong learners and leaders, and how might these values help students collectively build a productive and democratic community. Throughout the semester students will sharpen their oral and written communication skills by engaging in class discussions and debates as well as by utilizing the various stages of the writing process to produce wellorganized paragraphs, letters, and short essays. Students will also have the opportunity to build an array of academic skills and familiarize themselves with university resources including the Papazian Library, Center for Academic Excellence, and Writing Lab through formal inclass trainings and home tasks. Three hours of instructorled discussion per week.
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FND 102 Freshman English II (Credits: 3)
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 researchbased group presentation, and a persuasive essay, in which students will investigate an important need in Armenia.
Prerequisites: FND 101
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FND 103 Armenian Language & Literature 1 (Credits: 3)
Sections taught in Armenian – This course exposes students to a variety of texts by Armenian and non-Armenian poets, playwrights, and novelists across various historical periods. Students will study the linguistic and literary values of these texts, gaining an understanding of how literature reflects and constructs the Armenian identity in social, cultural, political, and historical contexts. Students will further develop their knowledge of the Armenian language and skills in literary analysis through close reading, writing, discussion and presentation. This course is designed for students with intermediate to advanced Armenian language proficiency. Classes are conducted in Armenian and include texts in original Eastern or Western Armenian as well as English. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week. Section taught in English – This course exposes students to a variety of texts by Armenian and non-Armenian poets, playwrights, and novelists across various historical periods. Students will study the linguistic and literary values of these texts, gaining an understanding of how literature reflects and constructs the Armenian identity in social, cultural, political, and historical contexts. Students will gain an appreciation of the Armenian language and develop skills in literary analysis through close reading, writing, discussion and presentation. This course is designed for students with little or no Armenian language proficiency. Classes are conducted in English and include texts translated from Eastern or Western Armenian as well as in original English. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
Prerequisites: FND 102
Corequisites:
FND 104 Armenian Language & Literature 2 (Credits: 3)
This course involves close reading of influential works by Armenian writers in their historical, cultural and comparative context. The course examines the linguistic and cultural value of epic, short story, and spiritual literature through which students will gain an understanding of the interrelationship between literature and various aspects of Armenia’s history and development. Students are required to draw upon literary theories and influences in their final project and presentation, which may be either an original work or a sustained essay on an influential literary work. This course is designed for students with an Advanced to advanced background of the Armenian language. Although the course will be conducted in Eastern Armenian, it will expose students to literary works in both Western and Eastern Armenian. Three hours of instructorled discussion per week.
Prerequisites: FND 103
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FND 121 Armenian History 1 (Credits: 3)
This course examines the ancient history of Armenia, its land and people, beginning with pre-historic times through the reign of King Trdat III and the Conversion of Armenia to Christianity with a critical lens from various perspectives. This course examines the geo-political, economic, and socio-cultural development of the Armenia and explores the relationship between ancient Armenia and other ancient civilizations. The course will include individual and group assignments, requiring students to analyze and integrate evidence from various disciplines in order to investigate the ancient roots and influences on various aspects of Armenian identity and development. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week. (Most sections will be offered in English; however, some will also be available in Armenian for those able to work with Armenian language sources).
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FND 122 Armenian History 2 (Credits: 3)
This course covers various episodes and aspects of the history of the Armenian people and their territories, beginning with King Arshak II (4th century CE) through the establishment of the modern Republic of Armenia and renewed independence in the 21th century. The course explores the political, economic, and cultural trends within and beyond Armenia to understand Armenia’s development and identity in its global context. Students will be required to conduct independent research using primary and secondary sources to analyze contemporary issues through a historical or comparative lens and to evaluate and synthesize evidence and arguments from various disciplines, effectively communicate their ideas to a broad audience, and present their findings utilizing appropriate software and technology. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to be forward-looking, to analyze Armenia’s unique history in order to anticipate challenges and opportunities for development. Students will also be challenged to think of themselves as informed and responsible historical actors capable of positively influencing Armenia’s history. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week. (Most sections will be offered in English; however, some will also be available in Armenian for those able to work with Armenian-language sources).
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LAW 110 Introduction to Armenian Justice System (Credits: 3)
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. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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LAW 142 Introduction to Human Rights (Credits: 3)
The Introduction to Human Rights course will introduce students to the key concepts, rules and debates in the theory and the practice of contemporary international human rights. In particular, the course focuses on the historical development and philosophical and political foundations of human rights. Students will also explore international and national mechanisms for the protection of human rights, e.g. UN treaty and charter mechanisms, European systems of human rights protection, national judiciaries, human rights institutions and civil society organizations. Students will examine selected human rights and freedoms in order to understand human rights in practice. At the end of the course students study the national and international legal grounds for limitations and derogations from human rights. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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LAW 160 Law & Justice in Popular Culture (Credits: 3)
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. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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LAW 201 Armenian Constitution (Credits: 3)
The course aims to present the evolution, structure and content of the Armenian Constitution in a historical and comparative perspective. Building on an understanding of the role and content of constitutions in modern governmental systems, the course will analyze the Armenian Constitution and its role in the legal system of Armenia, focusing on bases of the constitutional order, separartion of powers, the system of checks and balances, supremacy of the constitution, constitutional right and values, as well as the relationship between international law and the Constitution. A separate emphasis will be given to direct implication of Constitutional provisions, including the protection of fundamental civil and human rights. The roles, powers and responsibilities of various constitutionally defined government structures: the President, the National Assesmbly, the Government, Judiciary and local self-government bodies. The constitutional amendment procedure will be analyzed from a historical and comparative perspective. Current trends in constitutional law and the amendment process will also be discussed. The course content will involve a topic devoted to the role and functions of the Constitutional Court, and its rullings in the evolving constitutional system of Armenia. The instructor-led course will include class presentation and discussions.
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LAW 262 Public Advocacy (Credits: 3)
Increasingly lawyers, because of their insight into public policy, are called upon to use their skills to advocate in the court of public opinion and other fora beyond the formal courtroom and deliberative assembly. This course aims to equip students with models and skills to be effective public advocates. In addition to learning theoretical models and case studies, students will be called upon to design advocacy strategies and make written and oral presentations in simulations of public deliberation. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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LAW 300 International Legal English (Credits: 3)
This course introduces students to English terminology and constructs related to basic legal concepts and general aspects of legal systems. The course also teaches students to perform legal practice skills in English as they relate to the following commercial law topics: company formation and management; capitalization; contract negotiation; remedies and assignment; employment issues; sale of goods law; real and intellectual property problems; negotiable instruments; secured transactions; debtor‐creditor interactions; and competition law. More than other fields, precision and competence in written expression is a tool of the legal profession. The course reinforces core reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in English and prepares students to obtain the International Legal English Certification upon successful completion of the ILEC exam. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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LAW 304 Legal Methods and Argumentation (Credits: 3)
This course is a legal problem solving based introduction to legal method and legal analysis as practiced in Western law today. Students will learn basic research skills, sources of precedent, the role of precedent and the development of precedent in the common law, the reading and "briefing" of cases, the reading and interpretation of statutes, the legal analysis of factual problems, objective legal writing (IRAC method) and basic legal argument. Argumentation is the use of effective reasoning to persuasively communicate an idea or position. Since classical times, argumentation has been a highly valued skill, even an art form.In this course, students will learn how to make deductive and inductive arguments; how to identify and utilize the elements of rhetoric; how to evaluate the claims, evidence, and inferences underlying arguments; how to understand and manipulate burdens of proof; and generally how to identify and utilize other argumentation frameworks and techniques. To complete the course students must present an argument, field questions from the class and/or participate in a formal debate with another student. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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LAW 315 Survey of American Law (Credits: 3)
This course aims to give an overview of American law for non-US-lawyers. It approaches American law from a comparative, systemic point of view. The course examines the institutions, processes and main substantive areas of US law, viewing US legal system as a well-developed model, whose operation, evolution, problems and trends are well studied and documented. The course requires extensive reading of primary US materials (court decisions, statutes, regulations) as well as secondary sources on US legal doctrines and the American/common law way of thinking about legal problems. Upon completing the course, students should be able to identify the typical ways legal issues are handled in the US system in various common fields of law and to be able to explain them in terms of other legal systems they may be familiar with, e.g., the Armenian or continental legal systems. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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LAW 319 Topics in American Law (Credits: 3)
Course Description tailored to course content when offered.
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LAW 330 European Union Law (Credits: 3)
This course gives an overview of the European Union institutional and legal structure, its foundation documents, and regulatory framework, as well as issues relating to transactions and economic activity in the EU. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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LAW 334 European Convention on Human Rights (Credits: 3)
This course gives an overview of the European Convention on Human Rights and the procedures for appealing cases to the ECHR. Topics include applicability of ECHR in domestic courts, a survey of the most important ECHR precedents and trends. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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LAW 339 Topics in European Law (Credits: 3)
Course Description tailored to course content when offered
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LAW 340 Public International Law (Credits: 3)
From a legal problem solving perspective this course explores public international law in both an Armenian and regional context. Topics reviewed include sources of public international law and its contemporary development, the expanding scope of international actors (including non‐State actors like corporations), the utility of international and domestic fora and reviewing modern day challenges to future public international law development. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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LAW 341 International Law from an Armenian Perspective (Credits: 3)
This problem-oriented course aims is to teach students the specifics of rules of international law as they apply to Armenia and Armenian issues. Topics will include current international law issues facing Armenia, including the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict, EU-Armenia relations, Armenia-Turkey Relations, national security and trans-border environmental and cultural heritage issues. The course is practice oriented, going beyond analysis of applicable legal norms and precedents to consider available enforcement mechanisms, and remedies. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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LAW 342 Human Rights Law (Credits: 3)
By presenting legal problems for discussion and resolution, this course introduces students to the principles and the practice of contemporary human rights law in the world and in an Armenian context. Attention is given to the development of individual claims against states regarding issues of torture; civil and political rights; economic, social and cultural rights; and women and ethnic minority rights. Also explored are contemporary challenges to international humanitarian law and individual accountability through the development of international criminal law. Sources of law reviewed include international treaties, customary law and Armenian legislation. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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LAW 344 International Criminal Law (Credits: 3)
International criminal law is a rapidly growing modern discipline of law. The historical goal for the development of this discipline was to end the impunity of individuals responsible for mass atrocities. International criminal law is a body of law containing legal provisions, institutions and traditions from pubic international law, comparative criminal law and human rights law. One of the aims of this course is to introduce students the key areas of international criminal law by engaging them in reading, researching, problem solving exercises and discussion regarding the most important aspects of this discipline. The other aim of this course is to promote interest in international criminal law among the members of the legal community of Armenia. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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LAW 345 Human Rights & Criminal Justice (Credits: 3)
In this course students explore a number of fundamental human rights that are applicable during criminal procedure from the moment of arrest to the final appellate decision. These criminal justice rights are examined in various situations where such a right may compete with other values and public interests, e.g. effective control of and fight against criminality. It is in such situations that different societies or decision-makers and policy-makers engage with complex and often controversial choices. The first part of this course will concentrate on pre-trial rights in the phase of investigation, while the second part focuses on trial rights during trial and appellate phases. The last two classes conclude this course by exploring the causes and solutions of ‘wrongful convictions’, a phenomenon that draws increasing attention in parallel to technological and scientific development. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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LAW 348 International Humanitarian Law (Credits: 3)
This course immerses students in the principles and the practice of contemporary International Humanitarian Law through an evolving complex case study. To teach advocacy and analytical skills, students are assigned various roles as they represent the interests of conflicting parties, divergent governmental interests and international organizations. Taught in conjunction with the ICRC, specific areas of IHL addressed include the qualification of armed conflicts, legal protections for non‐combatants, prisoners of war, civilians, and cultural property as well as legal limits on the use of weaponry. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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LAW 350 Business Organizations (Credits: 3)
This course focuses on corporations, their formation and structure, the role of shareholders, management, regulators and other stakeholders, capital structures, kinds of securities, corporate financing, open vs. closed companies, and typical transactions and documents involved in corporate formation and investments. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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LAW 352 International Business Transactions (Credits: 3)
This course covers basic international sales of goods and services transactions, leasing, licensing, as well as investment, financial and secured transactions, and the typical kinds of documents and issues practitioners and client face in such transactions, including choice of law, dispute resolution, intellectual property, security, authority, custom s, tax and other regulatory matters. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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LAW 354 Tax and Corporate Finance (Credits: 3)
National taxation plays an important role in the public and economic policy of any country, serving many ends: economic, social, political, moral to name a few. However, in light of increasing crossborder mobility of goods, services, capital and labor, taxes became a crucial tool for international policy and economic competition. This course is an introduction to international aspects of taxation with particular focus on tax competition, double taxation treaties, transfer pricing. The course will also examine how the tax system of Armenia is facing the challenges posed by the rapidly integrating global economy. The Armenian perspective on each of the major topics discussed will be presented throughout the course. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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LAW 356 Intellectual Property (Credits: 3)
This course aims to give students an overview of the kinds of intellectual property rights (copyright, patents, trademarks, trade secrets, etc.) and to introduce the fundamentals of intellectual property law through discussion and analyses of leading US court decisions. The course will also explore the main differences between the European, Armenian and the US Intellectual Property legislation and case law, as well as discuss the main issues involved in IP protection, registration, licensing, and litigation. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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LAW 359 Topics in Business Law (Credits: 3)
Course Description tailored to course content when offered.
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LAW 363 Topics in Comparative Law (Credits: 3)
This course gives an overview of civil and common law systems as well as the methods and sources of comparative law. Topics may include comparative institutions (e.g., courts), comparative substantive law (e.g., contracts or property), or historical and jurisprudential comparisons, and other legal systems (e.g., Islamic law, canon law, Armenia’s Datastanagirk). Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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LAW 365 Administrative Law (Credits: 3)
Individuals deal with administrative law from the moment their birth certificate is issued until the issuance of their death certificate, as well as every time they cross a street regulated by traffic lights in between. Administrative law regulates the exercise of many fundamental human rights, such as the freedom of association and assembly, freedom of expression and regulation of media, freedom of religion and free enjoyment of property. In many countries administrative law also regulates the launch and conduct of business, such as business registrations, licenses and inspections. In some countries administrative law governs eligibility for government benefits. Finally, administrative law guarantees judicial review of administrative action as a remedy against unlawful agency action. The aim of this course is to provide students with advanced knowledge of administrative law from Armenian, American and European perspectives, as well as to develop a number of skills necessary for practicing administrative law in Armenia. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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LAW 367 Negotiations (Credits: 3)
This course aims to give students a framework for conducting orderly and effective negotiations, including preparation for negotiations, techniques and documents for handling typical situations that arise in business negotiations or dispute settlements. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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LAW 369 Topics in ECHR: PostSoviet and Regional Caselaw (Credits: 3)
During this course students will critically study a number of selected judgments and decision of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in respect of the states in the Eastern and Central European region, as well as by post-Soviet states parties to the ECHR. As a result of such intensive case-studies, students will identify the structural, systemic causes and patterns of violations of the ECHR rights in the region. Students will also become proficient in analyzing, comparing, discussing and presenting complex international judgments. They will be able to identify the applicable judgment, distinguish it from inapplicable judgments and apply it to relevant factual situations to solve legal problems. In addition to regional knowledge on human rights violations and their causes, student will acquire skills for drafting complaints and making submissions to the ECtHR. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
Prerequisites: LAW 334
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LAW 370 International, European & National Environmental Law (Credits: 3)
Environmental law is a global issue. This problem-oriented course introduces the various international European and national environmental law standards and frameworks applicable to various spheres of environmental concern. This course aims to familiarize students with the key concepts in the field of environment and considers how the environmental law may be used to facilitate environmental protection. The course will discuss the history, development, sources and principles of international environmental law and provide an overview of the international legal system in the context of environmental protection.
The course will review the global issues related to environment, such as the environmental impact assessment and public participation, atmospheric protection, climate change, transboundary water and
biodiversity to analyze the creation, implementation and effectiveness of international and the national environmental law. The course will address the role that international institutions play in the field of environment. The course will pay particular attention to global environmental problems such as the conservation of biological diversity and the international responses to climate change. The course will examine cross cutting issues, including the relationship between human rights and the protection of the
environment. It will present the environment related case-law of the European Court of Human Rights. The course will cover the problems related to mining policy issues in Armenia. The course intends to provide overview of nuclear safety and civil protection legislation of Armenia. Three hours of instructorled discussion per week.
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LAW 371 Introduction to Environmental Law (Credits: 1)
This course focuses on International and Armenian laws governing issues related to air pollution, water and forest resources protection, biodiversity safety and land contamination. Moreover, the course will provide with a brief introduction to issues related to special protected natural areas and laws regulating specific environmental ecosystems existing in Armenia. Environmental impact assessment (EPA), control over payments for natural resources utilization and environmental pollution fees will be discussed during the course with connection to regulatory mechanisms incorporated into national civil, administrative and criminal legal acts. The course will also include the analysis of local and international case-law related to environmental protection. At the end, a hypothetical case study will be introduced for a mock-trial related to a common environmental law case. One hour of instructor-led discussion per week.
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LAW 390 Master's Paper (Credits: 3)
This is the Program's capstone experience, completed under the supervision of Program’s faculty. The Master’s Paper requires substantial research and writing and may include field work or case studies. Students shall select topics and determine the appropriate format and kind of research required in conjunction with the faculty advisor. All 2nd Year Students should enroll in this course in the Fall Semester and plan to complete their Master’s Paper by the end of the term.
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LAW 391 Independent Study (Credits: 3)
Course Description tailored to course content when offered.
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LAW 392 Clinical (Credits: 3)
The Clinical Opportunities are designed to permit students to gain practical experience in a law-related institution (e.g., courts, parliament, administrative body, NGO, mediation program) under the supervision of an experienced practitioner or legal researcher. Clinicals are non-credit, extracurricular activities. They are also an opportunity to do public service and gain experience as a practitioner. They should be approached with the same professionalism as any work assignment and with the same seriousness as regular, graded academic work. Clinicals may also involve internships, externships, or research at the AUA Legal Research Center or other approved site. Check with the Program Chair about Clinical Opportunities.
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PSIA 101 Introduction to Political Science (Credits: 3)
This course provides students with an introduction to the approaches in the study of politics. The course explores major concepts prevalent in political science including power, democracy, political culture and constitutionalism. It identifies the major fields of study within the discipline and familiarizes students with the differences in approach that each follow from a comparative perspective. Students are expected to complete regular assignments in order to acquire knowledge and to practice skills discussed in class.
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PSIA 102 Introduction to US Government (Credits: 3)
This course introduces students to the structures and functions of American government and politics. Students study the major institutions, how political parties interact with government, how elections are conducted and how policies are made. This is done within an historical context. American Federalism and the changes in how government attends to problems both foreign and domestic are covered. Students are expected to complete regular assignments in order to acquire knowledge and to practice skills discussed in class.
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PSIA 103 Introduction to Armenian Government (Credits: 3)
This course is a general introduction to the structure and functions of Armenian Government and its institutions, from historical, legal and comparative perspectives. The role of each branch of the government, the scope of its authority, and checks and balances in the system, will be examined in light of constitutional design and ongoing political processes, along with the relationship between the national, regional and local levels of government. Specific issues will include the state tax and budgeting process, fiscal accountability, lawmaking and regulationmaking, civic participation in the process, and mechanisms for public oversight of government activities and protection of individual rights as well as the military, law enforcement, and security agency’s special responsibilities and authority. The course aims to help students understand the role of government in the 21st century and the rights and responsibilities of 21st citizen in public and governmental affairs, in light of international best practices and Armenia’s development. Three hours of instructor-led instruction per week.
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PSIA 300 Western Political Thought (Credits: 3)
This course is an introduction to Western Political Thought from a historical perspective. It covers all the essential ideas since early Greeks to the twentieth century that have shaped the political process and institutionalization of governance in Europe and the United States.
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PSIA 302 Graduate Research and Scholarly Writing (Credits: 3)
This is an entry graduate-level course in research methods with a dual emphasis on: (1) comprehension of the fundamentals of social science research and competencies in identifying and consuming research literature; and (2) improvement of individual academic writing, including summarizing and synthesizing, critical analysis, argumentation, using citations, paraphrasing, etc. As a part of these two components, the course will also touch upon working with Excel – data entry, basic analysis, use of workbooks and graphs. The teaching methodology used in this course is learning by doing, with guided feedback, accompanied by readings, lectures, exercises, home assignments, peer reviews, and group work.
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PSIA 303 Research Methods in Political Science (Credits: 3)
Introduction to research methods in political science covering the overall logic and theory of empirical research and the major quantitative and qualitative data collection methodologies and statistical analyses used.
Prerequisites: PSIA 302
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PSIA 310 Comparative Politics (Credits: 3)
Course description pending
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PSIA 311 Regional Politics (Credits: 3)
The course gives an insight on the regional political developments. Features of political cultures, traditions of statehood and key domestic developments in Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan and Georgia will be addressed. The course also reflects upon Armenia’s relations with those countries. The course is composed of lectures, seminars, discussions and presentations.
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PSIA 320 International Relations (Credits: 3)
This course aims at giving students an introductory level knowledge required to understand and analyze contemporary international politics. The course targets examining the theoretical and normative foundations of international relations, analyzing the mission, objectives and policies of international intergovernmental organisations, critically “reading” and understanding foreign policies of selected leading and small states alike, as well as touching upon the role that various non-state actors play in the world.
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PSIA 323 International Governance (Credits: 3)
This is an MA level course that explores factors affecting international governance in the 21st century, framed within an environment of uncertainty, marked by a relationship of universality and particularity in space and time. International governance illustrates pressures upon state sovereignty, borders, national interests, including specific attention toward security, justice, energy, modernity, demography, technology, economy, ageing, migration, environment and health. Key actors include Westphalian states, international organizations, civil society and non-state movements. Theoretical analyses will include those of Foucault, Derrida, Habermas, Campbell, R.B.J. Walker, Castells, Der Derian, Wendt, Wallerstein, and others.
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PSIA 324 Security Policy (Credits: 3)
This course addresses a number of security policy related issues, including decision making in the national security matters, strategic planning and implementation of security politics on the executive and different agency levels, implications of globalization and human rights on security related issues, interdependence of foreign, defense, intelligence and security policies. The course also reflects upon Armenia’s experience of national security policy planning and implementation.
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PSIA 325 Conflicts and Geopolitics in the Caucasus (Credits: 3)
This course gives a critical perspective to ethnic and geopolitical developments in the region and tries to position them along with major theories of ethnicity. The course provides theoretical background on the existing discourses of nationalism, ethnicity and geopolitics with an objective of seeking a deeper understanding of the origins and dynamics of ethnic conflicts. Study of protracted conflicts in Nagorno-Karabakh, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Chechnya, and Dagestan constitutes the bases of the course, other latent conflicts are also considered.
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PSIA 326 Theories of Globalization (Credits: 3)
This course will explore globalization primarily from a theoretical view, though empirical applications will be included.While there will be substantive elements of knowledge, the primary emphasis will be in processing skills, i.e., in conceptualization, diagnosis, analysis and solution building. We are particularly interested in the scientific method, policy analysis and social science. It is the interaction of these three models that create the framework for the course. Attention will be given to the causes of globalization and the outcomes globally.
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PSIA 335 International Conflicts in XXI Century (Credits: 3)
This writing-intensive course covers various issues pertaining to conflicts of international character in XXI century and is aimed at improving the understanding of the universe of state actors, international organizations and their interests, the environment of modern conflicts and possibilities of conflict resolution in the frameworks of international organisations and through ad hoc 'coalitions of the willing'. The issues of global governance will be explored to understand international mechanisms that are currently employed for conflict prevention and resolution, such as the role of humanitarian and human rights organizations and international tribunals, in parallel with more conventional means such as peacekeeping missions or third-party mediation. To that end, we will enter the corridors of the United Nations and regional organizations in order to see how they deal with those crises in places such as Libya, Mali, Syria, Ukraine, Nagorno Karabakh, DRC or Colombia, and why, inter alia, criminal prosecution of masterminds of atrocity crimes in one place is not necessarily the right path to pursue in another.
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PSIA 340 Public Administration (Credits: 3)
The course studies the role and scope of bureaucracy in the modern state; examination of issues in the formulation and implementation of public policy; planning, programming, and decision-making in the bureaucratic policy-making process.
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PSIA 343 Public Finance and Budgeting (Credits: 3)
This course develops a general understanding of the policy of public budgeting and finance. It presents a general overview of Western public finance and budgeting systems with an emphasis on the processes of planning, programming, appropriation, taxation, spending and managing a budget deficit. The course covers both theoretical aspects of public finance and budgeting, as well as politics, processes and institutions in government budgeting. Students also learn the peculiarities of government budgeting in Armenia in comparison with the Western system.
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PSIA 344 Public Policy Analysis (Credits: 3)
The course consists of three parts. In the first part concepts and theories of public policy analysis are discussed. The general framework for policy analysis is presented. The second part of the course focuses on tools and methods of policy analysis, with a specific focus on one quantitative (regression analysis) and one qualitative (focus groups) method of obtaining and systematizing relevant data. The third part of the course applies theoretical and the methodological knowledge discussed in the previous two sections to the Armenian reality.
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PSIA 345 Development Policy and Strategy (Credits: 3)
This course starts by considering some of the factors that drive or hinder development, including economic growth, reduction of poverty and inequality, access to resources, education and health care, etc. Then, the course moves on to cover the basis of political decisions made by governments of developing countries across a range of themes. Here, the course explores competing approaches to the role of the state in development and also engages in debates on the characteristics essential for development, contrasting in particular institutional approaches and the good governance agenda. Finally, the course dedicates sessions to sector-level policies: agricultural, industrial, employment, and poverty reduction policies.
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PSIA 347 Environmental Policy (Credits: 3)
The aim of this course is to introduce the tools, approaches and institutions that govern political decision-making in the field of environmental conservation and natural resource management. The course starts with an overview of global environmental issues of concern to all humanity and their impact on people’s life. Students further explore the international and national policy frameworks that focus on environmental issues and zero in on their solutions. Students learn about history of environmental policy and politics in the US, Europe (and particularly EU) and former Soviet Union; emergence and evolution of green parties, social movements and groups. Armenia’s international obligations in environmental sector are presented to students.
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PSIA 348 Policy and Program Evaluation (Credits: 3)
Program Evaluation is the systematic use of empirical information to assess and improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and equity of public or nonprofit programs and policy interventions. Evaluation is increasingly required by funders and policy makers concerned with accountability and efficient use of public or private resources. In addition, many governments and nongovernmental organizations have built the logic of evaluation into their work through performance management and monitoring systems. This course trains you in different types of program evaluation, including needs assessment, formative research, process evaluation, monitoring of outputs and outcomes, impact assessment, and cost analysis.
Prerequisites: PSIA 303
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PSIA 350 Macroeconomics (Credits: 3)
An intensive course in macroeconomic analysis that studies the performance of the national economy and the global economy.
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PSIA 351 Microeconomics (Credits: 3)
This course covers the essential microeconomic principles and applies them to public decisions. It covers the key principles of microeconomics, such as supply, demand, and market processes and provides extensive coverage of topics that concern public sector decisions.
Prerequisites: PSIA 350
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PSIA 353 International Political Economy (Credits: 3)
An overview of international political economy (IPE) from a theoretical and empirical perspective. Focuses on substantive elements and their mixture with process dynamics. Analytical models will include scientific method, policy and social science concepts and methods. Emphasizes macro and micro empirical findings. Reviews normative and empirical findings. Evaluates interaction of states and non-states. Analytic methods primarily qualitative with inclusion of empirical quantitative results.
Prerequisites: At least one course in social science, preferably in public policy or introductory economics
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PSIA 367 Topics in Political Science (Credits: 3)
Course Description tailored to course content when offered.
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PSIA 368 Topics in International Affairs (Credits: 3)
Course Description tailored to course content when offered.
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PSIA 370 European Integration (Credits: 3)
The course will provide an understanding about the European Union (EU) as a unique `regional´ institution with the highest degree of delegation of competencies from the national to the supranational level. European integration is treated as a large case with its specific aspects (history, institutional interplay and policies) analyzed through the lenses of the EU-intrinsic mid-range theories and IR theories.
Prerequisites: PSIA 320 PSIA 371
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PSIA 371 European Union and the World (Credits: 3)
This course examines the relationship between the European Union and the World. It focuses on the emerging role of the EU as a bloc in foreign affairs; we examine how the EU has evolved as a major player in international affairs in different policy domains. Theoretical streams of regionalism and governance will concentrate on past, present and future geo-strategic interests and behavior.
Prerequisites: PSIA 320
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PSIA 372 European Neighborhood Policy (Credits: 3)
The course focuses on the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP), encompassing also the Union for the Mediterranean and the Eastern Partnership, developed by the European Union (EU) towards its political periphery, namely, North Africa/Middle East, and the former Soviet Union. It additionally deals with the EU’s policy in different domains, i.e. trade, democracy, human rights, public administration, civil society, justice, migration, etc.
Prerequisites: PSIA 320 PSIA 371
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PSIA 383 Distributive Justice (Credits: 3)
Should society have a just distribution of wealth? What is a just distribution? One that is equal, lets people keep what they earn, promotes overall happiness, gives people what they deserve, or something else? This course examines whether distributive justice should be a goal of society and examines competing theories of distributive justice. The theories to be examined are utilitarianism, liberal egalitarianism, capabilities approach, libertarianism, and communitarianism. In examining these theories, the course will cover topics such as taxation and incentives, unconditional basic income, and the moral limits of the market. Thinkers covered include Rawls, Nozick, Dworkin, Cohen, Sen, Walzer, Sandel, and Marx.
Prerequisites: PSIA 300 or permission of Instructor
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PSIA 384 Civil Society and Social Capital (Credits: 3)
This course analyses the concepts of civil society and social capital and explains their prominence in current social science. As a first building block, the course material includes relevant works of major social theorists, sociologists and political scientists. The course then makes a transition from theoretical concepts to empirical studies of civil society and social capital. The last part of the course is dedicated to applying the concepts and the approaches to the Armenian reality. The course is envisioned as a seminar with active student participation in class discussions.
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PSIA 385 Global Justice (Credits: 3)
This course examines whether ideals of justice should be applied across the world, by examining debates in global justice. Should principles of distributive justice be applied globally or are they only relevant to particular societies? Is global justice an unrealistic goal? Do people in wealthy nations have a duty to give to the starving overseas? Is poverty a human rights violation? Do we have obligations towards our co-nationals and if so, do these obligations defeat the claims of global justice? Would military intervention to achieve global justice be justified? Should there be open borders between nations? Should there be a world government? Do we have duties towards future generations? What are the implications of any such duties for climate change? These and other questions will be addressed in this course.
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PSIA 390 Research Design (Credits: 1)
This seminar is designed to assist students in preparing their research for their final, capstone experience in Political Science and International Relations. This includes Master’s Essays, Internship Reports and Policy Papers. Before one can embark on their final papers, students must plan and prepare for the activities and actions necessary to complete the final paper. This course is mandatory for ALL second year students.
Prerequisites: Must have completed a minimum of 27 credits in the degree.
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PSIA 391 Policy Internship Project (Credits: 2)
Prerequisites: PSIA 390
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PSIA 392 Master's Essay (Credits: 2)
Prerequisites: PSIA 390
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PSIA 393 Policy Paper (Credits: 2)
Prerequisites: PSIA 390
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PSIA 399 Independent Study (Credits: 3)
This course is designed to permit students to design and complete a course of study under the supervision of an instructor for credit. Such courses typically address a special area of interest of the student and instructor outside the standard offerings of the program and have an interdisciplinary or research component. The course must include a co-designed syllabus and evidence of learning equivalent to a standard 3-credit course. Independent study courses are subject to the instructor's approval and Program Chair's consent.
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TEFL 300 English for Language Teachers (Credits: 2)
The course is designed to improve students’ English proficiency with a primary emphasis on the speaking skill. The following language areas are targeted: speaking accuracy, fluency, complexity, pragmatics, and pronunciation. These areas are practiced through a variety of speaking genres including, but not limited to, a formal presentation, impromptu speech, small talk, telephone conversation, oral summary, lesson presentation, and news story. As students prepare for these and other assignments, they are expected to watch and listen to a lot of authentic material relevant to their professional and personal interests. The content of the course is tailored to MA TEFL students. Hence, the assignments in terms of content and format are closely linked to students’ academic and professional needs. One to two hours of instructor-led discussion per week. One to two hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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TEFL 301 Introduction to TEFL Methodology (Credits: 3)
The course surveys language teaching approaches and methods and their underlying principles, with a particular focus on the basic questions of language acquisition and affective/cultural variables that impact on second and foreign language teaching and learning. The course provides an overview of the historical development of language teaching, addresses the roles and responsibilities of the modern language teacher, and introduces the basic concepts of motivation, learning styles and strategies, learner autonomy, course evaluation and assessment, exploring how current understanding of language learning and language acquisition informs teaching practice. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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TEFL 302 Teaching Language Skills I (Credits: 3)
This first part of a two-part language skills course introduces the underlying theories and classroom practices for teaching ESL/EFL reading, writing, listening and speaking. The course highlights the nature of literacy and oral language development, beginning language skills (phonemic awareness, phonics, pronunciation), and meaning-focused language instruction. As a foundational, practical course in the MA TEFL program, there is a focus on developing students’ technical abilities to effectively design and deliver classroom activities that target language skills and integrate them into coherent lesson plans. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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TEFL 303 Teaching Language Skills II (Credits: 3)
Teaching Language Skills II builds on the foundational, practical skills presented in TEFL 302. Specific topics in this course include vocabulary development, fluency, comprehension, the writing process, and learning strategy instruction. The course highlights the reflective process in teacher development. Students will engage in frequent application and evaluation of various activities in microteaching and actual teaching contexts. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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TEFL 304 Classroom Assessment (Credits: 3)
This course focuses on school/classroom-based assessment. It provides the latest information on the theoretical principles of language testing and assessment and discusses the implementation of the principles in real life practices. The primary focus of the course is on language assessment in classroom context. In addition, the course provides learners with knowledge and skills required for critically examining the existing tests and selecting or developing appropriate tests for their own academic context. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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TEFL 305 Research Methods (Credits: 3)
This course will lay the foundations for the students to learn about various principles and issues regarding research methods in second or foreign language teaching and classroom research. The course will look at the various viewpoint involved in research, the issues raised by quantitative and qualitative research, how the research program is to be structured and carried out, and how to report findings. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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TEFL 306 Practicum (Credits: 3)
Supervised student teaching with the following goals: improve the effectiveness of EFL teachers, consolidate the theory and practice of teaching methods covered, help student teachers develop and expand their own teaching/learning techniques, facilitate the integration of new EFL teaching methods, teach and be guided in an authentic EFL class, get constructive feedback and assistance, learn how to reflect on one’s own teaching as a means of improvement, improve time and classroom management in the EFL classroom, practice peer observation and evaluation. The course does not meet face-to-face on a regular basis.
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TEFL 307 New Technologies in TEFL (Credits: 3)
Once viewed primarily as a domain studying computer-mediated means of learning and teaching languages, this field has expanded to include new tools such as mobile and cloud technologies, and social media. This course will survey current trends and best practices in new technologies specific to the TEFL field. It will provide an overview of related theory and practice in the areas of social media and networks, digital video and storytelling, digital games, 3D virtual worlds, mobile technologies, distance and open education, open educational resources, and cloud computing specific to TEFL. Students will engage in research, hands-on, and material development projects to enhance their practical skills of using technologies for teaching purposes. They will also learn how to harness the strengths of new technologies to become life-long learners in their profession. Students are expected to be conversant in Internet and basics of second language acquisition. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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TEFL 309 Curriculum Design (Credits: 3)
This course will help students to develop a deeper understanding of the principles and procedures that inform current practices in language curriculum design, how they impact classroom pedagogies and shape materials development. TE 308 will also equip students with a variety of theoretical resources and insights for the formulation and implementation of appropriate language courses. Students will gain insight into EGP (English for General Purposes) and ESP (English for Specific Purposes). ESP includes many areas such as EAP (English for academic purposes), EOP (English for occupational purposes), EST (English for science and technology), etc. Finally, the course will enable students to develop a critical view of curriculum design as it relates to Armenia’s EFL context. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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TEFL 310 Teaching Internship (Credits: 3)
Students enrolled in TE 310 will teach a group of students independently. During that time, they will function as independent teachers and operate as the main teachers in their class. During their Teaching Internships, MA TEFL students will: 1) Teach a group of students independently, 2) Receive supervision and support from their Faculty Mentor, 3) Benefit from class observations by their Faculty Mentor, 4) Develop supplemental teaching materials to accompany textbook, 5) Craft their own lesson plans, 6) Design their own classroom tests and quizzes, 7) Develop their own teaching materials, 8) Compile a teaching portfolio. This course does not meet face-to-face on a regular basis.
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TEFL 320 Introduction to Language (Credits: 3)
An introduction to language in all its aspects as studied in the field of linguistics, including a focused concentration of how this approach relates to language education. This course explores biological, historical, and social/cultural aspects of language, and then addresses the system of language, looking at phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and discourse analysis. It covers most areas of linguistics at the introductory level, familiarizing students with general principles and key vocabulary in these areas, and exploring the relationship between the study of linguistics and language teaching. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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TEFL 321 English Grammar: Structure and Pedagogy (Credits: 3)
This course studies English sentence structure – morphology, syntax, and semantics – as it relates to the teaching and testing of ‘grammar’. The students examine the sentence level grammar of English in terms of both the forms and functions of basic grammatical elements. Thus, the focus is largely on syntax and semantics, with phonological and morphological aspects of sentence level grammar considered as necessary for the fullest understanding of the structure of English. The consideration of the functions of grammatical elements requires some consideration of discourse and how grammar plays a role in creating discursive structures in longer texts. In addition, the students also learn to develop their own lesson plans and materials for teaching grammar consistent with contemporary theory and the need to focus on form within a meaning-based or communicative approach. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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TEFL 322 Seminar on Current Topics in Applied Linguistics (Credits: 3)
This course promotes an informed understanding of the relationship between knowledge, theory and practice in the field of language study as understood in Applied Linguistics. It encourages students to investigate how various ways of looking at language can influence their thinking about language teaching. The aims of this course are to: 1) Familiarize students with major issues and insights in the field; 2) Introduce students to some current topics and debates in the field; 3) Study in some depth particular articles as a way to acquaint students with particular issues and topics of potential interest to them. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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TEFL 323 Second Language Acquisition (Credits: 3)
This course explores the various theories that scholars and researchers have put forward concerning second language acquisition, or how people learn languages. Since it is language learning that is being examined, it is important to understand what language is. Linguistics explores this question, and hence, this course draws to some extent on insights from linguistics. In addition, as people and learning have both social and psychological dimensions, the course also draws on insights from sociology and psychology. In other words, SLA is an inter-disciplinary subject that draws on all three disciplines, as well as the sub-disciplines and research areas that inter-relate them. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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TEFL 330 Endangered Languages and Biodiversity (Credits: 1)
About 70 percent of all languages currently spoken on Earth occur in approximately one-fourth of the planet’s land area (excluding Antarctica) that is designated as a Biodiversity Hotspot or High Biodiversity Wilderness Area. As is the case with species occurring in the biodiversity regions, many of the languages spoken in the Hotspots and High Biodiversity Wilderness Areas are unique to individual regions, thereby marking the sole opportunities to maintain them. Moreover, many of the languages occurring in these regions are spoken by small numbers of people indicating that much of the linguistic diversity (and, by implication, cultural diversity) currently present in biodiversity regions is in danger of disappearing in the foreseeable future due to the high vulnerability of small groups to changes in their cultural systems and environments amid rapid globalization.” From: http://users.ox.ac.uk/~romaine/lingbiodiversity.html. Through readings, class materials and lectures, this course introduces students to Earth’s Biodiversity Hotspots and the linguistic and cultural groups that live in these hotspots. The course is co-taught by ACE and TEFL and sensitizes students to current linguistic and biodiversity issues.
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TEFL 340 Special Topics in Applied Linguistics (Credits: 3)
Course Description tailored to course content when offered.
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TEFL 341 Special Topics in TEFL (Credits: 3)
Course Description tailored to course content when offered.
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TEFL 390 Independent Study in TEFL/Applied Linguistics (Credits: 3)
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TEFL 391 Capstone Preparation (Credits: 3)
Students enrolled in TEFL 391 must meet with their Capstone Committee or adviser on a regular basis during the semester, to discuss their proposals and report on details about their MA capstone. Students will only meet a few times as a class. At the end of the semester, students will write a proposal for their capstone and present it in class for feedback and discussion. The course does not meet face-to-face on a regular basis.
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TEFL 392 Capstone Project (Credits: 3)
This is the second part of the MA TEFL capstone. During the semester, students will complete the capstone that they proposed in TEFL 391. In the process, they will have a few face-to-face class sessions, meet with their Capstone Committee or adviser on a regular basis, and write an MA Thesis or MA Design Project. In addition to the written work, students will present their final capstone publicly. The course does not meet face-to-face on a regular basis.
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TEFL 393 Comprehensive Examinations (Credits: 3)
Students enrolled in TEFL 393 prepare for Comprehensive Exams, one of the capstone options available for MA TEFL students. Comprehensive Exams consist of examination sessions administered over two days. They take place on campus and are scheduled in the students’ last term of study at AUA. Students attend an initial orientation session, receive detailed exam guidelines, including dates, times, and location of the comprehensive exams, a reading list, and sample exam questions. This course does not meet face-to-face on a regular basis, but will include an initial meeting and additional sessions as needed. Students are strongly encouraged to form study groups and use all the materials provided to them to prepare for the comprehensive exams.
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College of Science and Engineering (CSE)
CS 050 Intro to Java and C++ Programming (Credits: 3)
Bridge Course.
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CS 100 Calculus I (Credits: 3)
This introductory course covers topics including: functions of one variable, transcendental functions, introduction to complex numbers, polar coordinates, limits, continuity, derivatives, techniques of differentiation, differentiability, extrema of differentiable functions, applications of differentiation, indefinite and definite integrals, mean value theorem, relatedrates problems, and the fundamental theorem of calculus. Students are required to complete weekly problem sets in order to develop basic proficiency in the mathematical foundations introduced in the field of Calculus. Three hours of instructorled class time per week including discussions and problem sets.
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CS 101 Calculus 2 (Credits: 3)
This course builds on CS100 and covers topics including: the definite (Riemann) integral, applications of integrals, improper integrals, numerical series, Taylor series. Students are required to complete weekly problem sets in order to develop proficiency on the subject. The format of the course is three hours of instructorled class time per week including discussions and problem sets.
Prerequisites: CS 100
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CS 102 Calculus 3 (Credits: 3)
This final course in the three-term Calculus sequence spans the following topics: vectors in multiple dimensions; functions of several variables, continuity, partial derivatives, the gradient and Jacobian, directional derivatives, extrema, Taylor’s Theorem, Lagrange multipliers; multiple integrals, line integrals, surface integrals, divergence theorem, Green’s theorem, Stokes’ theorem. Students are required to complete weekly problem sets in order to demonstrate intermediate competency in multi-variable Calculus. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week including discussions and problem sets.
Prerequisites: CS 101
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CS 103 Real Analysis (Credits: 3)
The fundamental concepts in analysis are rigorously treated with emphasis on reasoning and proofs. The topics include completeness and order properties of real numbers, limits, continuity and uniform continuity, conditions for integrability and differentiability, infinite sequences and series, basic concepts of topology and measure, metric spaces, compactness, connectedness, continuous functions on a compact set, the contraction mapping lemma. Students are required to apply practical analytical methods to formulate, critically assess, and solve problems which arise in computational sciences and mathematical modeling. Three hours of instructorled class time per week including discussions and problem sets.
Prerequisites: CS 102 CS 104
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CS 104 Linear Algebra (Credits: 3)
This introductory course covers topics including: vectors, dot products, hyperplanes in Rn; systems of linear equations, Gaussian elimination; matrix operations, determinants; vector spaces, linear independence, change of basis, eigenvectors and eigenvalues, the characteristic equation; the spectral theorem; complex vector spaces, complex eigenvalues, Jordan canonical form, matrix exponentials, differential equations. Students are required to apply practical analytical methods to solve problems which arise in computational sciences. Students will also learn to formulate a matrix representation of basic problems seen in mathematical modeling. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week including discussions and problem sets.
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CS 105 Ordinary Differential Equations (ODE) (Credits: 0)
The course examines topics including: first order equations, solution methods, higher order linear equations, series solutions, Laplace transforms, systems of linear equations, linear systems with constant coefficient, systems with periodic coefficients, existence and uniqueness of solutions, phase plots, eigenvalue problems, eigenfunction expansions, Sturm-Liouville theory, linearization about critical points, limit cycles, Poincaré-Bendixson theorem, Hartman-Grobman theorem, chaotic solutions and strange attractors, applications. Through the course, students will learn to formulate representations of basic problems seen in mathematical modeling. Students are required to apply practical analytical methods to solve problems which arise in computational sciences. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week including discussions and problem sets.
Prerequisites: CS 101 CS 104
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CS 106 Probability & Statistics (Credits: 0)
The topics covered in this introductory course include: axioms of probability; conditional probability, independence; combinatorial analysis; random variables and distributions; expectation, variance, covariance; transformation of random variables; limit theorems, the law of large numbers, the central limit theorem; Markov chains; applications; statistical estimation; correlation, regression; hypothesis testing, maximum likelihood estimation, Bayesian updating; applications. Students are required to complete problem sets in order to demonstrate rudimentary foundational knowledge in mathematical modeling and to apply practical analytical and numerical methods to solve problems in computational sciences. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week including discussions and problem sets.
Prerequisites: CS 103
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CS 110 Introduction to Computer Science (Credits: 3)
The course provides students with a broad foundation in computer science. Topics include: introduction to digital technology, historical review from valves to integrated circuits; logic gates; binary, octal, and hexadecimal systems; evolution of computer architecture, Von Neumann architecture, basic components, internal and external interfaces, types of removable media; introduction to operating systems. Students should be able to demonstrate basic understanding of the software and hardware systems related to computational sciences, and demonstrate strong understanding of the relevant common software and information technology. Students will develop rudimentary foundational knowledge in mathematical modeling and gain proficiency using software and hardware systems related to computational science. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week including discussions and problem sets.
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CS 111 Discrete Mathematics (Credits: 3)
This is an introduction to discrete mathematics and discrete structures. The course examines topics including: propositional logic; Boolean algebra; introduction to set algebra; infinite sets; relations and functions; recurrences; proof techniques; introduction to number theory; elementary combinatorics and graph theory; applications to computer science. Students should be able to apply discrete numerical methods to solve problems which arise in computational sciences. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week including discussions and problem sets.
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CS 112 Numerical Analysis (Credits: 0)
The course investigates topics including: floating-point arithmetic, cancellation and rounding, random number generation; finding of roots of nonlinear equations and systems; interpolation, extrapolation, function approximation; numerical integration, Gaussian quadrature; Monte-Carlo methods; numerical solutions of ordinary differential equations, predictor-corrector methods, shooting methods for boundary value problems. Students are required to formulate, critically assess, and apply practical numerical methods to solve problems and subtasks. Through the problem sets and group projects, students will demonstrate intermediate proficiency in designing and analyzing complex data structures and algorithms as well as in developing and testing software tools and methods relevant to numerical analysis. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week including discussions and problem sets.
Prerequisites: CS 101 CS 104
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CS 120 Introduction to Object Oriented Programming (Credits: 3)
The course will survey the following topics: control structures, functions, arrays, strings, introduction to UML, classes and data abstraction, inheritance, introduction to polymorphism, abstract classes and interfaces. Students are required to develop basic proficiency in utilizing and testing software systems related to computational sciences and in applying at least one programming language to software development. Three hours of instructorled class time per week including discussions and problem sets.
Prerequisites: CS 110
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CS 121 Data Structures (Credits: 3)
The course explores topics including: basic object-oriented programming principles; linear and non-linear data structures – linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, tables and graphs; dynamic memory management; design of algorithms and programs for creating and processing data structures; searching and sorting algorithms. Students are required to complete programming projects in which they design, analyze, and develop complex data structures in at least one programming language. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week including discussions and problem sets.
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CS 130 Computer Organization (Credits: 3)
Functional organization and operation of digital computers. Coverage of assembly language, addressing, stacks, argument passing, arithmetic operations, decisions, macros, modularization, linkers, debuggers. Device drivers will be considered.
Prerequisites: CS 110 CS 121
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CS 131 Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) (Credits: 0)
The topics include: concepts of human computer interaction, techniques for user interface design; user-centered design, interface development techniques, usability evaluation; overview of interface devices and metaphors; visual development environments, other development tools. Students should be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of software and hardware systems related to computational sciences. Students should also be able to formulate and critically assess problems and sub-tasks including identification of sources and investigative techniques related to the field. Students are required to complete group projects in which they formulate, critically assess, and investigate problems relating to software and hardware systems. Students will complete formal presentations in order to develop experience communicating to audiences both within and outside the discipline. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week including discussions and problem sets.
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CS 132 Computer Networks (Credits: 0)
The course examines topics including: data communication, circuit and packet switching, protocols; server / client applications, socket programming; TCP, UDP, flow control, congestion control; Internet protocols, routing, switching technologies; local area networks, error detection and correction; basic concepts in mobile computing. Students are required to complete practical exercises in design in order to develop intermediate knowledge of hardware and software networking systems related to computational sciences. Through various course assignments, students will develop a high level of proficiency in broad-based IT skills as well as gain experience investigating new material in this realm.
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CS 140 Dynamical Systems (Credits: 0)
The course covers topics including: concepts of continuous and discrete dynamical systems; orbits, fixed points and periodic orbits; 1D and 2D maps; stability of fixed and periodic points, sinks, sources and saddles; Lyapunov exponents; chaos; linear and nonlinear systems; periodic orbits and limit sets; chaotic attractors and fractals; maps of the circle, hyperbolic dynamical systems, horseshoe maps; symbolic dynamics, topological entropy. Students are required to solve problems in computational science utilizing concepts and methods from mathematical disciplines of mathematical modeling. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week including discussions and problem sets.
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CS 201 Complex Analysis (Credits: 0)
The course examines the theory of functions of one complex variable. The topics include complex numbers, complex functions, differentiability, Cauchy-Riemann equations, analytical functions; complex integration, the Cauchy integral formula, calculation of residues, Liouville’s theorem, the Gauss mean value theorem, the maximum modulus theorem, Rouche’s theorem, the Poisson integral formula; Taylor-Laurent series; singularity theory; analytical continuation; elliptic functions; conformal mapping, applications to ODEs and PDEs. Students are required to complete weekly problem sets and proofs in order to develop advanced knowledge of analyticalal methods. Students will learn to utilize advanced methods to formulate, assess, and solve problems and subtasks in computational science as well as across a broad range of disciplines. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week including discussions and problem sets.
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CS 205 Equations of Mathematical Physics (Equations of MP) (Credits: 0)
The course explores the following topics: first-order equations, the classical equations of mathematical physics, classification of second-order equations, the Cauchy-Kovalevsky theorem, harmonic functions, the Dirichlet principle; initial-value and boundary-value problems for hyperbolic, elliptic, and parabolic equations; systems of equations; special functions. Students are required to apply practical analytical methods to solve problems which arise in computational sciences at an intermediate level. Students will learn to formulate a representation of problems seen in mathematical modeling at the intermediate level. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week including discussions and problem sets.
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CS 211 Introduction to Algorithms (Credits: 3)
The course surveys topics including: review of main abstract data types; sorting algorithms, correctness, space and time complexity; hashing and hash tables, collision resolution strategies; graph algorithms; divide-and-conquer algorithms, dynamic programming; NP-completeness. Students are required to critically analyze, formulate and solve problems using analytical knowledge related to algorithms. Students should also be able to display proficiency in designing and analyzing complex algorithms and understand the software relevant to this field. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week including discussions and problem sets.
Prerequisites: CS 121
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CS 213 Optimization (Credits: 0)
The course explores the following topics: optimization problems; dogleg and hookstep methods; simulated annealing; approximation algorithms; introduction to game theory; scheduling; basic optimization models in financial markets; nonlinear continuous optimization; conjugate gradient methods, Newton-type methods. Through the course, students will develop the ability to critically analyze and solve problems using advanced knowledge related to optimization and contemporary methods in optimization techniques. Students will also develop proficiency in designing and analyzing complex data structures and algorithms. Additionally, students are required to complete individual projects in order to develop their ability to discover and learn relevant material on their own. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week including discussions and problem sets.
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CS 220 Parallel and High Performance Computing (Parallel HPC) (Credits: 0)
The course examines topics including: concept of concurrency, Flynns’ taxonomy; shared memory models, multithreading; non-shared memory models, message passing programming; parallel algorithms, parallel libraries; performance speedup, evaluation of parallel algorithms, Amdahl’s law; communication, synchronization. Students should be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge related to contemporary methods in parallel and HP Computing. Students are required to draw upon investigative techniques related to this field in order to critically analyze and solve problems using advanced knowledge. Coursework will require students to develop a high degree of proficiency in designing and analyzing complex data structures and algorithms as well as the use of one or more programming languages. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week including discussions and problem sets.
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CS 240 Mechanics (Credits: 0)
The course surveys a range of topics including: the principles of relativity and determinacy, the Galilean group, Newton’s equations; systems with one and two degrees of freedom, conservative force fields, angular momentum, dynamics of a system of n points, the method of similarity; generalized coordinates, variational principles, Lagrange’s equations; conservation laws; integrations of the equations of motions, the two-body central-force problem; collisions between particles; small oscillations; rigid bodies; Hamilton’s equations; Poisson brackets, canonical and non-canonical transformations; the Hamilton-Jacobi equation, adiabatic invariants; canonical perturbation theory. Students are required to develop expertise in the application domain of mechanics. Students will complete individual research projects in order to develop advanced proficiency in discovering and analyzing new material. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week including discussions and problem sets.
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CS 246 Artificial Intelligence (AI) (Credits: 0)
The course covers topics including: basic artificial intelligence concepts; Bayes networks; hidden Markov models; supervised machine learning, unsupervised machine learning, reinforcement learning; games; image processing, computer vision, robot motion planning; natural language processing. Students are required to complete models and projects in order to develop intermediate level expertise in the application domain of artificial intelligence, and associated knowledge and experience in the contemporary computing technology of AI. Through coursework, students will complete and present their independent research to a broad audience. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week including discussions and problem sets.
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CS 296 Capstone (Credits: 0)
Students will select a topic from their respective tracks and work on the course-long project under the mentorship of the advising instructor. No more than ten students will be mentored by one advisor. Students will discuss each others’ projects at scheduled weekly meetings led by the instructor. At the end of the course the projects will be presented and demonstrated orally and the project reports will be submitted in writing. Students are required to formulate and critically assess problems and sub-tasks including identifying sources and conducting independent research. Students should likewise be able to demonstrate expertise in core domains and in contemporary computing technologies. Students are required to produce technical documentation with references and demonstrate the capacity to discover and learn new material through independent research. Students are also required to draw upon critical thinking skills in a broad context and work as part of a team. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
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CS 310 Theory of Computing (Credits: 3)
Theory of computation comprises the fundamental mathematical properties of computer hardware, software, and applications. This theory deals with computational models (or abstract machines) and investigates computational power of these models. The finite automata, pushdown automata and Turing machines are the computational models that are widely used in applications and theoretical research. This course aims to provide students with a foundation for using these models both for practical and theoretical needs.
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CS 311 Theory of Algorithms (Credits: 3)
Review of main abstract data types. Sorting algorithms: correctness, space and time complexity. Graph algorithms. Algorithmic Paradigms: divideandconquer, greedy, dynamic programming. NPcompleteness and approximation algorithms. The course aims at providing students with the tools and techniques for designing efficient algorithms.
Prerequisites: CS 320 CS 111
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CS 312 ObjectOriented Analysis and Design (Credits: 3)
The UP (Unified Process) and the principle of iterative and incremental software development, UP artifacts, usage of UML (Unified Modeling Language) notation for representation results of analysis and design, studying and applying of design patterns, usage of CASE (ComputerAssisted Software Engineering) tools to aid in analysis and design.
Prerequisites: CS 121
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CS 313 Advanced Topics in Algorithms (Credits: 3)
Course Description tailored to course content when offered.
Prerequisites: CS 311
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CS 315 Cryptography (Credits: 3)
Introduction of basic principles and methods of modern applied cryptography. Demonstration how cryptography can help to solve information security problems and our focus will be basically internet security. Students will learn to understand and evaluate real life security problems that cryptography can solve. They will also discuss various open problems in applied cryptography. Finally, students will implement cryptographic primitives used in common real applications. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week including discussions and problem sets.
Prerequisites: 3rd year standing
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CS 318 Advanced Topics in the Theory of Computation (Credits: 3)
Course Description tailored to course content when offered.
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CS 320 Data Structures and Algorithms (Credits: 3)
This is a foundation course that prepares for all subsequent CIS courses. Students will develop skills in design of algorithms and efficient implementation of Java programs for creating and processing data structures. The course covers principles of objectoriented programming through indepth discussion of linear and nonlinear data structures, such as linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, tables and graphs. The pivotal topics include recursion, dynamic memory management, searching and sorting algorithms. The course also focuses on further development of Java programming skills, including GUI components, exception handling, generic classes, collections, multithreading and basics of networking.
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CS 322 Software Engineering (Credits: 3)
Software life cycle processes including analysis, design, modifying and documenting large software systems. Topics include software development paradigms, system engineering, functionbased analysis and design, and objectoriented analysis and design. Students will implement a working software system in a team environment.
Prerequisites: CS 320
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CS 323 Advanced ObjectOriented Programming (Credits: 3)
Basic principles of object oriented analysis and design utilizing UML, advanced object oriented programming principles, design patterns, frameworks and toolkits, Agile software design processes. Development of a midsize programming project working in teams.
Prerequisites: CS 320
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CS 324 Internet Application, Design and Development (Credits: 3)
Issues in application design specific to Internet hardware, software and users. Students will develop a variety of projects and a final project. Topics will include HTML integration, CGI programming, XML, Java servlets, internationalization issues, clientserver and database connectivity.
Prerequisites: CS 320 CS 322
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CS 325 Development of GeoCollaborative Applications (Credits: 2)
Pending
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CS 326 Database Systems (Credits: 3)
Relational query languages. Semantic data models. Logical and physical database design. Privacy issues. Implementation techniques (catalogs, query optimization, concurrency control, security and integrity enforcement)
Prerequisites: CS 121
Corequisites: CIS311
CS 330 Computer Organization (Credits: 3)
Functional organization and operation of digital computers. Coverage of assembly language, addressing, stacks, argument passing, arithmetic operations, decisions, macros, modularization, linkers, debuggers. Device drivers will be considered.
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CS 331 Operating Systems (Credits: 3)
The organization and structure of modern operating systems. System level programming in Windows and Unix Operating Systems.
Prerequisites: CS 320 CS 330
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CS 332 System Administration (Credits: 3)
User administration. Operating system installation, tuning and control. Network administration. Security management. Performance tuning and management.
Prerequisites: CS 331
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CS 333 Network Programming (Credits: 3)
(Pending)
Prerequisites: CS 320 CS 121
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CS 334 Performance Analysis and Queueing Theory (Credits: 3)
The course reviews basics of probability theory, stochastic processes, especially Markov chains, and Laplace and z-transforms before proceeding with the analysis of queueing systems. After introducing basic laws of queueing theory, such as Little’s result, the analysis of single- and multi-server quueing systems is dicsussed. Also product-form open and closed queueing network models and efficient methods for their analysis: the convolution algorithm and mean-value analysis. Principles of descrete simulation methods are discussed to deal with systems not lending themselves to queueing analysis. The emphasis of the course is gaining insight into the behavior of systems with various workloads.
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CS 335 Introduction to EDA (Credits: 3)
Structure of modern VLSI chips. Basic understanding of VLSI device manufacturing process. Overview VLSI chip design flow, including the System-Level design and interaction with SW and FW development process and teams. Understanding of modern SoC architectures: FW, SW, HW levels. Specifics for Analog-mixed-signal, CPU/RAM and other HW fabrics, and ASIC. Overview of digital circuits, standard cells. Digital design, standard-cell design. Overview of the Front-end and back-end. Detailed review of the back-end design phases. Introduction to EDA tools SW architecture: data layer, user-interface, algorithmic layer. Introduction to basic design patterns and architectures for DB and UI design for EDA tools. Overview of algorithms and data structures used in EDA. Detailed overview of back-end problems, and their corresponding mathematical problem formulations from combinatorial optimization, computational geometry, mathematical programming. Detailed study on concrete examples. Overview of simulation and analysis techniques. Detailed study of concrete examples.
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CS 345 Bioinformatics (Credits: 3)
The course starts with a brief introduction to molecular biology. The course then investigates the main algorithms used in Bioinformatics. After a brief description of commonly used tools, algorithms, and databases in Bioinformatics, the course describes specific tasks that can be completed using combinations of the tools and Databases. The course then focuses on the algorithms behind the most successful tools, such as the local and global sequence alignment packages: BLAST, SmithWaterman, and the underlying methods used in fragment assembly packages.
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CS 350 Software Project Management (Credits: 3)
Methods and procedures for managing a software development project. Includes notions of project planning, time, cost and resource estimation, project organizational types, staffing (team assembly) and training considerations, leading and motivating computer personnel, and methods for monitoring and controlling the progress of a project. Quality management and risk assessment are considered. Case Studies of successes and failures will be studied.
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CS 355 Entrepreneurship (Credits: 3)
Seminar exploring the complexities of creating and sustaining an entrepreneurial venture. We concentrate on the impact of innovative behavior and its implication to decision making. The primary focus of the course is on the behaviors involved in forming new enterprises: recognizing and evaluating opportunities, developing a network of support, building an organization, acquiring resources, identifying customers, estimating demand, selling, writing and presenting a business plan, and exploring the ethical issues entrepreneurs face. The course consists of case studies and discussion, inclass exercises, readings, guest speakers, and an outside project.
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CS 390 Capstone Practicum in Software Engineering (Credits: 3)
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CS 391 Independent Study (Credits: 3)
Special study of a particular problem under the direction of a faculty member. The student must present a written, detailed report of the work accomplished. Approval of the CIS Program Chair and the instructor is required.
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Needs approval of the program chair.
CS 395 Capstone Preparation (Credits: 3)
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CS 396 Capstone Thesis Writing (Credits: 3)
Prerequisites: CS 395
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CS 399 Special Topics in CIS (Credits: 2)
Advanced studies covering special topics selected on an annual basis.
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CSE 109 Business Mathematics (Credits: 3)
This course treats standard one-variable calculus with an emphasis on business and economics applications, as well as a short introduction to multivariable calculus. It is designed for business students, who want a brief course in Calculus. Calculus topics include the derivative, methods of finding derivatives, business applications of derivatives, the integral, methods of integration, business applications of integration, and the calculus of the exponential and logarithmic functions. Multivariable calculus topics include partial derivatives and finding local extrema. Students are required to complete weekly reading assignments and solve in-class and homework problem sets. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
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CSE 110 Applied Statistics (Credits: 3)
This course introduces the necessary core quantitative methods that will be needed in future offerings as part of the BA in Business program. Statistical software and the use of spreadsheets are integrated throughout so that students better comprehend the importance of using modern technological tools for effective model building and decisionmaking. The course will make use of a dataoriented approach in exposing students to basic statistical methods, their conceptual underpinning, such as variability and uncertainty, and their use in the real world. Topics include data collection, descriptive statistics, elementary probability rules and distributions, sampling distributions, and basic inference. The course will also cover selected nonstatistical quantitative techniques applied to business models, including curve fitting, optimization, and introduction to the time value of money.
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CSE 141 Introduction to Data (Credits: 3)
The goal of the course is to present the basic concepts of data analytics, starting from the basics of descriptive statistics and ending with applications of text mining. Students will learn how the statistics is used to model uncertainty, discover patterns in data and make actionable decisions. Basic methods of statistical inference and predictive modeling will be covered. The models and methods will be applied in different fields such as business, social sciences, health care, sports, etc. We will use open source analytical software R in doing statistical calculations. No prior knowledge in programming or experience with R is necessary for the course. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: CHSS 183 or CSE 110 or CS 100
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CSE 145 Geographic Information Systems (Credits: 3)
This course is meant to introduce students to geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial analysis: setting up, analysing, visualizing, and solving problems using data and maps. With advancements in the information technologies more and more industries are relying on GIS to analyse and visualize data. This course will look at applications of GIS in environmental sciences, public health, sustainable transportation planning, land use mapping, telecommunications, hydrology, meteorology, police dispatching, crime patterns, etc. The course will also look at remote sensing technologies like radar, LiDAR, GPS, and the role they play in collecting and analysing data. Another aim of this course is to spark interest in different types of students: from students interested in learning about GIS, to future professionals in fields regularly using GIS, to data enthusiasts and software developers. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
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CSE 151 Introduction to Energy Sources (Credits: 3)
Energy drives the human civilization, and any economic growth or poverty alleviation directly involves use of energy resources. This course serves as an introduction to various sources of energy and the mechanisms to harness and convert them to more useful types of energy. Fossil fueled, solar, hydro and nuclear sources and some of their effects on the environment and safety issues will be discussed. This course fulfills general education requirements of the American University of Armenia. There are no prerequisites for this course beyond basic mathematical skills. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
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CSE 162 Introduction to Bioscience and its Impact on Research Business and Society (Credits: 3)
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 instructorled class time per week.
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CSE 171 Conceptual Physics (Credits: 3)
This course will explore the basic concepts in physics and physical processes. The conceptual viewpoint taken in the course will focus more on the physical description of the processes and phenomena rather than the detailed mathematical equations that govern them. The course will cover topics in mechanics of moving bodies, heat transfer, propagation of sound, properties of light, electricity and magnetism with special emphasis on everyday experience and practical illustrations taken from real life, e.g. art, music, sports, the home. For each of the processes covered in the course, a brief historical perspective will be given, followed by a description of its physical principles, and finally the basic equations that describe it mathematically. Students will be exposed to reallife applications of the theories discussed in the classroom. Three hours of instructorled class time per week.
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CSE 175 Relativity (Credits: 3)
The course explains Einstein's Theory of Relativity without requiring science background. The explanation of the theory demands no prior knowledge of mathematics or physics beyond an ability to do simple arithmetic. The first portion of the course introduces some of the main concepts of the theory and discusses experimental tests by using no more than arithmetic and simple geometry. The further progress requires algebra and more advanced mathematical techniques. The concepts are explained in a way accessible to beginners, i.e. those without a background on physics. Three hours of intruction-led class time per week.
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CSE 181 Creativity and Technological Innovation (Credits: 3)
This course introduces students to creativity and its elements, the creative mind and thinking, techniques, concepts and applications leading to technological innovations. Lectures will provide examples of creative thinking and technological innovations from real life creators and technology innovators whose work is well known. Students will work in groups. Each group will create a technological project attempting to solve a real life need based on the knowledge gained and discussed during the semester. Students will be introduced to various problem-solving techniques. Upon completion of this couse, students will be able to think creatively and they will be familiar with the process of technological innovation and innvention. Three hours of intruction-led class time per week.
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CSE 262 Quantitative Biology (Credits: 3)
Biology has long been considered a descriptive science with few components in research methods. Since the discovery of the DNA structure and advances in genetics and biotechnology, biology has evolved into an exact and quantitative science. Today, biology uses tools adapted from statistics, mathematics, big data management systems and high performance computing. This course presents state-of-the-art computational biology, provides hands-on experience with tools and approaches for scientific computing in biology, and discusses current and upcoming challenges of transforming biological data into biological knowledge. Three hours of intruction-led class time per week.
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CSE 285 How Things Work (Credits: 3)
This course introduces students to detailed explanations behind the theory, function, and operation of selected technologies, answering the question, How does that work? This is a course in the physical and technological innovations in everyday life employing a minimum of mathematics. It explores the principles of automobiles, propulsion, digital media, cellular technologies, cyber security, nuclear and solar power generation, computer systems, etc. In-class demonstrations will aid in demystifying many topics. Lectures will look inside products from our daily lives to see what scientific principles make them work, focusing on their principles of operation, histories and relationships to one another. Students will work individually, and additionally, present to the class as a group on an emerging technology. The course will be split into three themes: The Digital World, Power and Energy, and Daily Motion. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
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IESM 050 Intro to MATLAB (Credits: 3)
Three hours of lecture per week. MATLAB (MATrix LABoratory) is a leading software used for numerical analysis. It provides an environment for computation and visualization. Students will work toward developing a working knowledge of MATLAB to implement and test algorithms, thus enabling a deeper understanding of and facility working with analytical engineering tools.
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IESM 300 Probability Theory (Credits: 3)
This course is an introduction to the mathematical study of randomness and uncertainty. Axioms of probability, conditional probability and independence, combinatorial analysis and application, discrete and continuous random variables, expectation, variance and covariance, transformation of random variables, moment generating functions, characteristic functions, limit theorems, selected probability models, binomial, polynomial, Poisson, hypergeometric, normal, uniform, exponential, lognormal and gamma distributions, simulations, bivariate normal vector, the simplest time‐dependent stochastic processes, Markov chains, Poisson process, the Brownian motion, the Black‐Scholes option pricing formula, engineering applications.
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IESM 301 Analysis and Design of Data Systems (Credits: 3)
Three hours of lecture per week. Review of data systems and data processing functions; technology; organization and management; emphasizing industrial and commercial application requirements and economic performance criteria; survey of systems analysis, design; modeling and implementation; tools and techniques; design-oriented term project.
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IESM 310 Engineering Statistics (Credits: 3)
Three hours of lecture per week. Elements of statistical inference, point and interval estimation, regression and correlation, hypothesis testing, maximum likelihood estimation, Bayesian updating, use of statistical software.
Prerequisites: IESM 300
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IESM 311 Quality Assurance and Management (Credits: 3)
Three hours of lecture per week. Principles and methods of statistical process control, quality engineering, total quality management, as applied to manufacturing and service industries.
Prerequisites: IESM 310
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IESM 313 Data Mining & Predictive Analytics (Credits: 3)
Exploratory Data Analysis; Classification: Decision Trees, Model Evaluation, Overfitting; Linear and Logistic Regression; Association Analysis; Cluster Analysis; Anomaly Detection; Model Building and Validation
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IESM 315 Design and Analysis of Experiments (Credits: 3)
Three hours of lecture per week. Principles and methods of design and analysis of experiments in engineering and other fields, realworld applications of experimental design, completely randomized designs, randomized blocks, latin squares, analysis of variance (ANOVA), factorial and fractional factorial designs, regression modeling and nonparametric methods in analysis of variance.
Prerequisites: IESM 310
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IESM 320 Operations Research I (Credits: 3)
Deterministic linear optimization models and applications: linear programming, duality, postoptimality (sensitivity and parametric) analysis, formulation of linear programs, optimal allocation and control problems in industry and environmental studies, convex sets, properties of optimal solutions, simplex and revised simplex algorithms, problems with special structures, e.g., transportation and assignment problems, network problems.
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IESM 321 Operations Research II (Credits: 3)
Deterministic and stochastic models and methods in Operations Research, network analysis, integer programming, unconstrained and constrained optimization, deterministic and stochastic dynamic programming, Markov chains, queuing theory.
Prerequisites: IESM 300 IESM 320
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IESM 325 Decision Analysis (Credits: 3)
Three hours of lecture per week. Formulation, analysis and use of decision-making techniques in engineering; operations research and systems analysis; decision trees and influence diagrams; Bayesian decision theory; utility theory; multiple-attribute decision analysis; introduction to Game Theory.
Prerequisites: IESM 310
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IESM 330 Simulation of Industrial Engineering Systems (Credits: 3)
Three hours of lecture per week. Design, programming and statistical analysis issues in simulation study of industrial and operational systems, generation of random variables with specified distributions, variance reduction techniques, statistical analysis of output data, case studies, term project.
Prerequisites: IESM 310
Corequisites: IESM 321
IESM 331 Production Systems Analysis (Credits: 3)
Three hours of lecture per week. Analysis, design and management of production systems. Topics covered include productivity measurement; forecasting techniques; project planning; line balancing; inventory systems; aggregate planning; master scheduling; operations scheduling; facilities location; and modern approaches to production management such as Just-In-time production.
Prerequisites: IESM 310 IESM 321 (can be taken concurrently)
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IESM 335 Facilities Planning and Design (Credits: 3)
Three hours of lecture per week. Modeling and design of plant layout and balancing of conveyor systems; activity relationships and space requirements; analysis of integrated materials control systems involving functions of storing, recalling, delivery, inventory, and computer control; design and evaluation of automated warehousing and order-picking systems.
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IESM 339 Production and Operations Management (Credits: 3)
This course will introduce concepts and techniques for design, planning and control of manufacturing and service operations. It was created in collaboration with the MIT Sloan of Management course, Operations Management. The course provides basic definitions of operations management terms; tools and techniques for analyzing operations; and strategic context for making operational decisions. It incorporates HBS cases and HBR articles. The material is presented in six modules:
Prerequisites: IESM 321
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IESM 340 Engineering Economics (Credits: 3)
Three hours of lecture per week. Analysis of economic investment alternatives, concepts of the time value of money and minimum attractive rate of return, cash flow analysis using various accepted criteria, e.g., present worth, future worth, internal rate of return, external rate of return, depreciation and taxes, decision making under uncertainty, benefitcost analysis, effects of inflation (relative price changes).
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IESM 341 Introduction to Management (Credits: 3)
An examination of the inter-relationships of structure, operations, and management processes in modern organizations. The basic functions of Western management, including their application to managing in Armenia’s changing organizations. Emphasis will be placed on acquiring knowledge and skills necessary for the effective practice of management.
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IESM 342 Microeconomics (Credits: 3)
The course is to introduce students the fundamentals of economics, with particular focus on microeconomics. Engineers are responsible for designs of products and systems that are not only technically feasible but also economically viable. In particular, industrial engineers are often responsible for initiating major investments; e.g., should we introduce a new product or build a new manufacturing plant? Such decisions require taking into account many factors, including the time value of money, taxation, estimation and risk analysis. At the same time they require adequate knowledge and understanding of the surrounding economic environment, i.e. market forces and economic factors that affect business decisions; factors behind Government policies and their possible implications for businesses.
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IESM 343 Financial Management (Credits: 3)
The course is to introduce students the fundamentals of financial management. Engineers are esponsible for designs of products and systems that are not only technically feasible but also economically viable. In particular, industrial engineers are often responsible for initiating major investments; e.g., should we introduce a new product or build a new manufacturing plant? Such decisions require taking into account many factors, including the time value of money, taxation, estimation and risk analysis. At the same time they require adequate knowledge and understanding of the surrounding economic environment and financial markets.
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IESM 345 Supply Chain Management (Credits: 3)
This course focuses upon the strategic importance of supply chain management. The purpose of the course is to design and manage business-to-business to retail supply chain purchasing and distribution systems, and to formulate an integrated supply chain strategy that is supportive of various corporate strategies. New purchasing and distribution opportunities for businesses and inter/intra company communications systems designed for creating a more efficient marketplace are explored.
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IESM 347 Design and Innovation of Information Services (Credits: 3)
The course aims to provide with theoretical and practical insight into the key concepts and issues that guide the design and development of modern information services. The students will explore the contextual considerations of designing information services through in-depth examination of expanding possibilities for innovation and associated risks that modern-day devices, data, content, systems and infrastructures offer. Of particular interest will be the structuring and design of problems in industries with complex ecosystems using Soft Systems Methodology and Unified Modeling Language with special stress on capturing and analyzing information requirements of parties involved.
No prerequisite knowledge is required. As part of the course, students will design their own information service to address a problem of their choice, using all the depth of technical and social issues facing companies, individual users and societies.
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IESM 348 Investment Management (Credits: 3)
The course introduces investment management with the focus on practical applications and analysis of the theories covered. It provides students training on understanding the investment process and the intuition behind it. During the course, students will get basic knowledge of financial markets, valuation of investment tools, investment strategies, and management tools. Either you want to pursue a career as investment professional, as a manager of a company or as an individual investor, you will need to make decisions requiring knowledge and good understanding of financial markets and investments. In this course you will focus on applications and methods, using real-world data, cases and project to make strategic inferences and fully understand the topics covered.
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IESM 349 Enabling Competitive Advantage through Information Technology (Credits: 3)
This class is intended to introduce students to the critical role of information technologies (IT) in enabling competitive strategies. Our particular focus will be the impact that IT can have on non-IT companies, from industries such as transportation, supermarkets, financial institutions, and healthcare. This is not a “how-to” guide on managing enterprise information systems. Rather, the focus is on the word Enable, and we will explore how different companies have used IT to develop significant competitive advantage in the marketplace. The course will consist of case readings and discussions, short assignments, group project, and mid-term and final exams.
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IESM 350 Alternative Energy (Credits: 3)
The course reviews: the basics of the alternative energy generation options, the respective technologies and resources, as well as the economic, environmental and urban aspects of their introduction into the modern society. Topics include: the role and the current status of the alternative energy in the modern society, energy and force – phenomena and units, solar radiation characteristics, carbon cycle and traditional sources of energy, solar thermal processes (options), such as wind, solar heat, ocean heat and wave, solar hot water, solar electricity, passive solar, solar photon processes, such as solar photovoltaics – from principles to systems, biomass, biofuel, biogas, etc, nuclear power – fusion and fission, infrastructure related economics, distributed power, energy storage, etc.
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IESM 351 Engineering Green Buildings (Credits: 3)
The course introduces students to the latest practices and technologies in reducing the environmental impact of buildings and the built environment with specific focus on energy, water, and waste. Students will be expected to gain analytical and quantitative skills in analyzing energy, water, and waste with the aim of estimating ways to achieve “carbon neutrality” “zero emissions” among other green goals. Students will also be introduced to green building norms established by the US Green Building Council as well as other international comparatives.
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IESM 352 Decision Making Tools for Energy Use and Generation (Credits: 3)
The course reviews: The course will focus on non‐design decision tools. The analytical tools to be covered will include financial (payback period, NPV, and IRR), economic (Input‐Output, Cost‐Benefit), and environmental (Life Cycle Assessment, McKinsey Carbon Abatement Analysis, Carbon Footprint, Water Footprint, Ecological Footprint). Many of these analyses will be relevant for a wide range of industries including transportation, construction, manufacturing, as well as energy. The course will use cases and simulations to teach and deepen understanding of core concepts and methodologies.
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IESM 360 ComputerAided Design (Credits: 3)
Fundamentals of part design, computeraided design tools and data structures, geometric modeling, transformations, CAD/CAM data exchange, mechanical assembly.
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IESM 361 Computer-Aided Manufacturing (Credits: 3)
Introduction to manufacturing processes; cutting fundamentals; design for manufacturability; design for machining; process engineering; NC fundamentals; manual NC programming; computer-aided part programming; group technology.
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IESM 362 Advanced CAD/CAM Applications (Credits: 3)
Advanced surface and solid modeling, top down and bottom up assembly, finite element analysis, sensitivity studies, optimization, advanced computeraided part programming and manufacturing, mold design, team work.
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IESM 390 Integrative Project in Modern Production Methods (Credits: 3)
Two hours of lecture and discussion and six hours of field work per week. This is a projectbased course that involves field work (in manufacturing or service organizations) and integrates and synthesizes knowledge gained from several courses (e.g., operations management, operations research, statistics, and quality management). Student teams, supported by several faculty members, will work with industrial companies to identify improvement opportunities and help in implementing them.
Prerequisites: IESM 310 IESM 320 IESM 395
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IESM 391 Individual Study (Credits: 3)
Special study of a particular problem under the direction of a faculty member. The student must present a written, detailed report of the work accomplished. Approval of the IESM Program Chair and the instructor is required.
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Needs approval of the program chair.
IESM 395 Capstone Preparation (Credits: 2)
Review of Capstone objectives and procedure, faculty and industry representatives’ presentation of suggested research topics, field trips to the local companies, literature survey and classroom presentation by students. Students select the topic of their capstone project and the supervisor and prepare and submit the project proposal. Students draft a literature survey on their selected topic, which will constitute a section or chapter of the capstone project report. The completed and approved Proposal for Culminating Experience Requirement form must be filed in the College office prior to the end of the course.
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IESM 396 Capstone: Thesis (Credits: 4)
One of the two Capstone options offered by the Program. Supervised individual study employing concepts and methods learned in the program to solve a problem of significant importance from a practical or theoretical standpoint. This option is more appropriate for those students who are interested in an in-depth R&D experience.
Prerequisites: IESM 395
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IESM 397 Capstone Project (Credits: 1)
One of the two Capstone options offered by the Program. Supervised individual study employing concepts and methods learned in the program to solve a problem from a practical standpoint. This option is more appropriate for those students who are inclined to practical work and do not necessarily aspire for intensive research training.
Prerequisites: IESM 395
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IESM 399 Special Topics in IESM (Credits: 3)
Advance studies on special topics selected on annual basis. Consent of the Instructor is required
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PH 101 Basics of Healthy Lifestyle (Credits: 3)
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.
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PH 201 Global Health (Credits: 3)
This multidisciplinary course is designed to explore global health and how it impacts all of us globally and locally. The course develops skillsets for interpreting, developing and using global health indicators and methods, and to explore the application of measures to improve the wellbeing of people globally and locally. The course will include an exploration of topics including leading causes of death, disease and disability, mental health, socioeconomic impacts on health, maternal and child health, media and health, disasters and war (including earthquakes and genocide), climatic change, gender equity and humanitarianism. The course will confer theory and practice for developing and measuring indicators of health and wellbeing. Students will be graded based on quizzes and exams, group projects with reallife problems, oral presentations and participation.
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PH 302 General Principles of Public Health Problem Solving (Credits: 3)
An introduction to the diverse profession of public health and a guiding paradigm for public health problems solving, this course emphasizes the development of essential skills in critical thinking and group process. Student groups will complete an analysis of a current public health problem, including recommended courses of action. Evaluation components consist of individual and group participation, an individual written critique and other written assignments, a group paper, and a group presentation.
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PH 303 Special Studies Seminar (Credits: Variable)
Seminar series offered by MPH faculty for MPH students.
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PH 304 MPH Elective (Credits: 1)
Special seminar topics offered by guest faculty for MPH students.
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PH 310 Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health (Credits: 3)
This course utilizes the PRECEDEPROCEED framework for analyzing the behavioral and sociocultural determinants of public health problems and the role of the individual, family, and community in addressing public health problems. Evaluation is based upon class participation, an examination, and a project carried out in the community or the AUA Health Center.
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PH 311 Problem Investigation in Environmental Health (Credits: 3)
This course presents the broad concepts and principles used in organizing and assessing the major environmental health problems in low/middle income and in industrialized countries. Student evaluation is based on quizzes, examinations, and a project.
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PH 320 Data Management Systems (Credits: 1)
Students will apply their knowledge of database, spreadsheet and statistical packages to the development of appropriate database and management information systems to process and analyze raw data. Issues of database design, coding schemes, data cleaning, and handling missing data will be addressed. Evaluation is based upon graded problem sets.
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PH 321 Inferential Biostatistics (Credits: 5)
This course introduces the major concepts of modern statistics as applied to problems in public health and medicine. The topics begin with an understanding of life tables and survival curves, progress to concepts of probability and distributions, and conclude with inferential reasoning and simple regression. Evaluation is based on problem sets, quizzes, and examinations.
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PH 322 Epidemiology (Credits: 3)
This course introduces the principles and methods of epidemiologic investigation of infectious and noninfectious diseases. Epidemiologic reasoning and assessment is demonstrated through faculty lectures and problem solving exercises. Evaluation is based upon a midterm and final examination.
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PH 323 Biostatistics: Modeling and Sampling (Credits: 4)
This course advances the concepts of linear regression to a unified perspective of generalized linear models, including multivariate regression, logistics regression, and loglinear models. Established and recently collected data sets will be analyzed using these methods. The course also addresses issues of sampling, sample size, and power calculations with respect to a number of study designs. Evaluation is based on problem sets, quizzes, and examinations.
Prerequisites: PH 321
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PH 324 Intermediate Epidemiology (Credits: 3)
This course builds upon the introductory course in epidemiology as well as courses in survey design and sampling. Students learn to assess the impact of bias and confounding and techniques for mitigating those effects. Special consideration will be given to the role of casecontrol studies in addressing a variety of health and organizational problems. Evaluation is based upon examinations and practical exercises.
Prerequisites: PH 322
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PH 330 Health Economics and Finance (Credits: 4)
This course consists of two components. The first component addresses the basics of health sector financial management, including simple budgeting, variance analysis, and benefit/cost analysis as tools for assessing the financial health of an organization. The second component of the course explores the application of basic micro and macro economic principles to the health sector. Evaluation is based upon homework assignments, quizzes, projects and exams.
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PH 331 Comparative Health Systems (Credits: 2)
This course provides an overview of the conceptual aspects of the macro level organization of health care systems worldwide. The course presents the economic and financing mechanisms underlying changes occurring in the health sector. It also provides a critical comparison of the philosophy, organization, financing, and benefit packages of different health care systems, comparing low, medium, and highincome countries. Evaluation is based upon a quiz, a group project, and a takehome examination.
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PH 332 Program Planning (Credits: 3)
This course addresses the analytic and practical considerations in designing and implementing a field program. Topics addressed include manpower and facilities planning, design, and implementation considerations, and planning for evaluation. Evaluation is based upon a student project.
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PH 340 Health Services Management (Credits: 3)
This course provides the practical and theoretical underpinnings of the organization and management of health organizations. Specific emphasis is placed on individual leadership and management skill development. Evaluation is based upon examinations and student projects.
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PH 350 Project Development and Evaluation (Credits: 4)
This course provides a thorough grounding in the basic methods of health services evaluation, focusing on research designs, threats to reliability and validity, and instrumentation. Emphasis is on critical analysis and assessment of study designs. Evaluation is based upon an examination, studentprepared evaluation protocols, and critiques of published papers.
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PH 351 Qualitative Research Methods (Credits: 3)
This course introduces the methods and techniques used in conducting qualitative research. Course sessions will focus on the development of practical research skills relevant to the collection, management and analysis of qualitative data useful for the design, implementation and evaluation of public health programs. Methods for data collection will include individual indepth interviews, individual and group/social observations, and focus group discussions. Note: The formative research projects will form the basis for development of a formalized survey instrument during PH352.
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PH 352 Survey Research Methods (Credits: 3)
This course demonstrates the application of health survey research methods in the field. Topics include the design, implementation, and evaluation of a health survey instrument, including probability sampling, questionnaire design, interview techniques, coding procedures, and planning for the analysis and presentation of the findings. Evaluation is based upon an examination, participation in field projects, a written report, and a presentation. Note: The data generated during this exercise will be analyzed as part of PH323.
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PH 360 Training of Trainers (Credits: 3)
This course prepares MPH graduates to effectively respond to the enhanced job responsibility of providing formal and informal inservice training to professional colleagues and coworkers. The course will prepare students to develop objectivebased learning modules and to develop and refine effective presentation and teaching skills. Evaluation is based upon short quizzes, presentations, and the development and delivery of a brief instructional module relevant to the student’s professional objectives.
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PH 381 Graduate Research Seminar (Credits: 3)
This course begins a structured emphasis on application of core knowledge and critical thinking skills. Students will critically review and discuss a number of relevant journal articles with an orientation toward the application of these insights to the health context of Armenia and the region. Students will also critically review on-going student projects. (Pass/Fail only)
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PH 390 MPH Project Planning (Credits: 1)
This course allows students to formulate a preliminary project proposal for their MPH Project. Students will apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the first year curriculum to shape and focus a tentative project proposal and implementation plan. Evaluation is based upon successful completion of a draft proposal.
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PH 391 Master's Project Implementation I (Credits: 3)
Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, students will concentrate on implementing and completing the Masters Project defined during course SPH 390.
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PH 392 Master's Project Implementation II (Credits: 4)
Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, students complete a master’s project, concluding with a paper of publishable quality and oral presentation to faculty and relevant members of the public health practice community.
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PH 393 MPH Internship (Credits: 3)
The goal of the MPH internship is to have a public health experience that provides an opportunity to contact with public health professionals and participate in reallife projects in a meaningful way. The internship will provide a significant practical experience in populationbased health prior to graduation. (Pass/No pass only)
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University-wide
GCE 600 Graduate Continuing Enrollment (Credits: 1)
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Acopian Center for the Environment (ACE)
ENV 101 Introduction to Environmental Sciences (Credits: 3)
The course aims to introduce students to basic environmental science principles, including 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 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 and problem sets. Students are required to attend three field trips over the weekend. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
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ENV 202 Environmental Projects (Credits: 3)
This upper division course is designed for undergraduate students to gain a deeper understanding and competence in environmental project design, implementation, and evaluation. The projects can be in technology, science, conservation, management, restoration, promotion/marketing, education, and other related topics. The course, however, emphasizes data collection and analysis for assessing the success and impact of project ideas. The students will design and complete a project for the course. The types of environmental projects will vary depending on student and faculty agreement. The projects may be related to the following broad topics: Clean technologies; IT, satellite, remote sensing solutions in environmental protection; alternative transport, clean transport; renewable-energy generation or energy efficiency; sustainable water use, solid waste management, sustainable agriculture and food production; mining pollution prevention/ management; forest protection/management/restoration; watershed rotection/management/restoration; air-quality protection/management/restoration; and flora or fauna monitoring/conservation/restoration. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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ENV 230 Water (Credits: 3)
Without adequate supply of freshwater our economies will not function and our health will not be secured. Human overuse and pollution of freshwater can also cause political conflict as well as damage ecosystems. This course will examine water from various perspectives including ecological, human health, resource stewardship, economic, and legal/political. Specific topics to be covered include water supply and use in manufacturing, mining, energy, agriculture and domestic life; potential for resource efficiency and optimization; water quality and types of water pollution, methods of testing and monitoring water quality and conditions of freshwater ecosystems; water purification and wastewater treatment; water planning and management tools/models including those for watersheds, surface, and ground waterresources; new technologies, such as desalination, to access freshwater; and international and national laws on water. The course includes field and lab work opportunities as well as introductory approaches to modeling water systems.
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ENV 300 Natural Environment and Humans (Credits: 1)
The course is designed for graduate students from disparate disciplines to gain an overview of environmental principals and current environmental issues. The course will cover four broad areas. First it will discuss what ecosystems are, how they function, and the main processes keeping them stable. Second, it will review key environmental issues including climate change, loss of biodiversity, nitrogen and phosphorous cycle disruptions, eutrophication, chemical pollution (including persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, particulate, etc.), degradation of natural habitats (deforestation, grasslands change and wetlands drainage), and so on. Third, basic environmental concepts, frameworks, and tools will be presented including sustainability, planetary boundary, ecological footprint, carbon footprint, and TRACI. Finally, the course will present broad review of regulatory and market-based policy directions employed to address environmental change. Topics will be supplemented by Armenia and Caucasus-specific cases.
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ENV 301 Environmental Policy (Credits: 2)
Environmental policy is a powerful tool, which puts into motion national and international strategies targeting environmental protection, bio-diversity conservation, and sustainable development. It establishes links between the theoretical knowledge on the environmental issues and practical efforts to address them; prepares the groundwork for the stakeholder dialogue and participation in environmental decision-making processes. The aim of this course is to make the students familiar with the basics of environmental policies. It will also introduce the tools and approaches that influence political decision-making processes in the field of environmental conservation and natural resource management.
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ENV 302 Environmental Economics (Credits: 2)
The purpose of this course is to develop understanding of economic effects of environmental policies, including the costs and benefits of alternatives. The course will make students familiar with historic and modern economic paradigms and their environmental implications. During this course students will learn about economics of pollution, principles of sustainable management of resources and protection of biodiversity. The attention also will be paid to the issues of pollution control and environmental protection, where costs and benefits are difficult to estimate, and much of subject matter failing outside the competitive market system. It is an area where common property resources need to be allocated sensibly to the public goods. The ways of achieving sensible allocations such as emission and effluent charges, “user charges” or disposal of waste, environmental taxes and tradable pollution rights will be discussed. One of the major topics of the course are an assessment of the economic value of the environment, including direct and indirect use values, lost of recreational trips and hedonic methods. The attention also will be paid to environmental compliance issue and cost-benefit analysis of environmental impacts and environmental policies. Students will learn about relations of environmental economics and other fields, including ecological economics. The course will be concluded by future trends of the subject, including trends of environmental policies from global and country level perspectives.
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ENV 303 Sustainable Development (Credits: 2)
The purpose of this course is to develop general understanding about the paradigm of sustainable development and how this concept is translated into policy-making. Three elements of the concept are presented step by step: economic development, social change and conservation of environment. The course begins with reviewing the last 60 years of world development, exploring the inception of the SD concept, and international efforts undertaken in the mainstream of this concept since early 70s. Then the focus shifts to economic policy and discusses economic growth vs. economic development. The course next moves to the issues of social change, addressing poverty, hunger, entitlement and public participation in decision-making. The course further dwells upon issues of democracy, governance, and human freedoms as factors of development. Next the instructor turns to the issues of overpopulation, scarcity of natural resources and impact on sustainable development. The attention then turns to sustainable management of natural resources and sound environmental practices. The course concludes with the overview of national development strategies and international development efforts to achieve broad-based sustainable development. All the issues presented in the course are studied in strong relationship with the local setup in Armenia in order to deepen students’ understanding of the current stage of development in Armenia and country’s prospects for sustainable future.
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ENV 304 Built Environment and Biodiversity (Credits: 3)
AUA ACE has also partnered in organizing special courses for groups and professionals that do not traditionally see their work related to the environment. In 2012, AUA ACE participated in offering a course, which included intensive field research, called the Built Environment and Biodiversity. The course was offered in cooperation with the United Nations University and the AUA College of Science and Engineering. The course introduced the topic of biodiversity preservation to architecture, urban planning, and landscape architecture students.
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ENV 310 Ecology, Biodiversity, and the Future (Credits: 2)
This course will focus on the principles of ecology and the maintenance of biodiversity. Threats to biodiversity such as deforestation and invasive species will be discussed as well as efforts to maintain biodiversity such as natural reserves, reserve design, and ecological restoration. The course will include lectures and discussions on these topics and include one day-long field trip. 20 hours of classroom meetings and one field trip outside of class will be required.
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ENV 311 Environmental Science and Conservation (Credits: 2)
The health of Armenia’s environment is critical to the sustainable development of the Republic. Environmental Science and Conservation introduces the fundamental concepts of environmental science and conservation in an Armenian context. Topics covered include human population growth, ecosystem theory, water resources, water pollution, air pollution, ozone depletion, global warming and local climate change, soil degradation, energy resources, solid waste management, and biodiversity. 20 hours of classroom meetings and one field trip outside of class will be required.
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ENV 312 Environmental Ornithology (Credits: 2)
The course consists of 10 lessons (20 hours). Each lesson will be dedicated to a group of birds (such as Raptors, Woodpeckers, Waterbirds, etc). The birds are taken as means of explanation of current environmental threats. During each class you will learn some peculiarities of ecology with the help of each bird group and also will learn how to recognize birds and how to identify them in nature.
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ENV 320 Geographic Information Systems and Environmental Analysis (Credits: 2)
The course aims to introduce and develop introductory and intermediate skills in application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to visualize, analyze, and interpret relationships, patterns and trends in the fields of environmental management, public health, sustainable agriculture and transportation. GIS as a tool, however, is applicable to a wide variety of fields and industries, including marketing, logistics, urban development, and so on. Students will also learn to use Global Positioning System (GPS) units to collect spatial data.
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ENV 321 Remote Sensing and Environmental Analysis (Credits: 1)
The course aims to provide a basic understanding of land-use mapping with remote-sensing techniques.The focus will be on multispectral remote sensing and pixel based image classification. For land use mapping, freely available satellite data from the Landsat mission will be used. Processing will be done with ArcMap10 or similar software.
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ENV 330 Business and Environmental Sustainability (Credits: 1)
The course is for graduate students with interest in business, management, and economics. It offers an overview of environmental challenges facing the planet today including climate change, loss of biodiversity, natural resource depletion, chemical pollution, and more. The course discusses corporate responses, political activist and governmental pressures on corporations, regulatory and market-based policy solutions, and technological innovations that are helping address these environmental challenges. Topics are supplemented by Armenia and Caucasus-specific cases.
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ENV 360 Environmental Field Study (Credits: 4)
This four-credit class will be held during the spring and summer quarters, and meeting times will be by arrangement with the instructor. The class will prepare students to conduct independent research in the environmental sciences. The course will teach the competencies necessary to plan and implement data collection and write a scientific paper. The course will include a lab practicum on the determination of accuracy and precision in data collection as well as reading and discussion of the fallacies of logic and perception that may bias data interpretation. The course will culminate with a research report on original data collected in a field exercise. The field exercise may be coordinated with ongoing research in Armenia, and the course may be supplemented by seminars with visiting faculty and scientists.
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ENV 390 Independent Research (Credits: 6)
The course is a continuation of previous, which will culminate with a research report on original data collected in a field exercise. The field exercise may be coordinated with ongoing research in Armenia, and the course may be supplemented by seminars with visiting faculty and scientists.
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