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, video-audio 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 well-structured 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 instructor-led 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 instructor-led 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, in-class 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 instructor-led class time per week.
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CHSS 125 History of the Middle East (Credits: 3)
A critical survey of the history of the Middle East from the period of Hellenism (323 BCE) to the present. The course especially focuses on the interplay of powerful political, cultural, economic and ideological forces that brought to life the formation and rise of Christianity and Islam, the millennial conflict between the Islamic and European imperialisms, interactions between the Roman-Byzantine, Iranian, Arab, and Turkic ethno-cultural worlds and political systems, westernization and transformations of the Middle East in the course of the First and Second World Wars, and the current regional sociopolitical and economic dynamics. Special attention is paid to the place of Armenia and Armenians in Middle Eastern history. This is a lecture course enhanced by students’ analysis of readings concerning main and supplementary topics. Evaluation is based on letter grading of students’ individual oral presentations, research essays, quizzes, and participation in group projects.
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CHSS 127 World Civilizations I (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 128 History of the Modern World (Credits: 3)
A critical introductory survey of the history of the Modern World from the beginning of the Age of Great Geographic Discoveries in the 15th century to the present. The course explores especially the foundations and transformations of modern imperialism, globalization, nation state, industrializations, forms of sociopolitical and economic organization, financial capitalism, international and domestic competition and conflict, the current technological civilization and humanism, the individual and the collective from a general perspective of history of civilizations. This is a lecture course enhanced by students’ analysis of readings concerning main and supplementary topics. Evaluation is based on letter grading of students’ individual oral presentations, research essays, quizzes, and participation to group projects.
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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 instructor-led, 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 (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 instructor-led 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 socio-economic 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 Introduction 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 Japanese Language and Culture (Credits: 3)
This course introduces students to the basics of Japanese language, culture and history, as well as current trends in Japanese society and economy. The course also explores the Japanese 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 Japanese writing system and able to identify key Japanese historic and cultural figures and events, and explain the salient features of Japanese culture, its origins and evolution. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
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CHSS 154 Armenian Language and Culture (Credits: 3)
What better way to start learning or refreshing your Armenian while gaining a deeper understanding of Armenian culture than with an authentic immersion experience at AUA in the heart of Yerevan? Through films, class projects, excursions, readings, and other hands-on activities, this five-week course aims to build Armenian language proficiency while helping students become conversant in Armenian culture. The course is designed for students from complete beginner to intermediate level Armenian proficiency (Eastern or Western). Taught by an experienced, award-winning instructor from UCLA, differentiated learning activities will be offered for students at various levels assuring a fulfilling experience for all.
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CHSS 155 Introduction to Russian Language and Culture (Credits: 3)
Introduction to Russian Language & Culture explores the development of the Russian culture from historical and comparative perspectives. This course systematically covers the events, factors and figures that have shaped Russian civilization and worldview as reflected in literature, film and the arts. The course is designed to develop critical thinking and analytical skills through class discussions and projects about Russia’s past and present situation. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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CHSS 156 Introduction to Latin Language and Culture (Credits: 3)
Introduction to Latin Language & Culture aims to give students a working knowledge of Latin grammar sufficient to read basic texts and appreciate the rich literary and cultural heritage of the classical Latin tradition. Texts and culture will be considered in their historical context, with special emphasis on their continuing influence. In addition to excerpts from original texts, students will be exposed to more extended works of history, philosophy and culture in translation, with the aim of gaining insights into the sources of Western civilization. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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CHSS 180 Introduction 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.
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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 instructor-led class time per week including discussions and problem sets.
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CHSS 185 Introduction to Genocide Studies (Credits: 3)
Genocide is a crime against humanity that has occurred throughout history. This course will focus on genocide in the 20th and 21st centuries from legal, political, sociological, psychological, cultural, ethical, ethnic, religious, economic, historical and comparative perspectives. Special attention is paid to the Armenian Genocide, Jewish Holocaust, Rwandan Genocide, and other 20th and 21st century genocides, the Genocide Convention, the International Criminal Court, and other institutional and international responses to genocide. Prevention, intervention, deterrence, and remedies for genocide are also covered in the course, as well as genocide education and reconciliation. Assessment based on essays, examinations and presentations. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
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CHSS 186 World Regional Geography (Credits: 3)
World Regional Geography is an introduction to the discipline of geography and how the discipline makes sense of the vast complexity of cultures, economies, and environments around the world. This course is an introductory examination of global geography using the regional geography approach which gives context by breaking down continents into smaller geographical segments that share similar qualities – economics, culture, religion, environment, language, geopolitics, defense, security, economic viability, etc. – and allows for deeper understanding and better dialogue when discussing global issues. Upon completion, students should be able to describe variations in physical and cultural features of a region and demonstrate an understanding of their functional relationships. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
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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, twentieth-century Armenian history, including the Armenian Genocide, Soviet Armenia, and the Nagorno-Karabakh 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 192 Introduction to Classical Cultures (Credits: 3)
This course will introduce students to a few ancient cultures conventionally deemed “classical”. Through exposure to language, literature, history, philosophy, and art, students will gain an appreciation of the lasting impact that these cultures have had on world civilization. The question of what makes the classical will act as an overall theme of the critical engagement with the elements of culture under discussion. Students will be assessed based on class participation, in-class essays, and a final paper. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
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CHSS 195 Introduction to Archeology (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 196 Archaeological Excavation Practice (Credits: 4)
Students will be excavating the oldest sedentary agricultural community in the Southern Caucasus located in the Ararat plain of Armenia. The settlement named Masis Blur dates back 8000 year before present and contains remarkably well preserved architectural remains of the New Stone Age (Neolithic period), along with an abundance of stone and bone artifacts, which paint a detailed picture of vibrant life of the ancient inhabitants of the plain of Ararat. Students will have a unique opportunity to learn how to excavate mud-brick architecture, document archaeological contexts and artifacts, record scientific information, process finds in a laboratory setting, and catalogue them in a digital database. Students will have the opportunity to discover and apply their natural skills by documenting the finds through digital photography, illustration, and expand on their knowledge of statistical analysis.
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CHSS 210 Philosophy, Politics and Economics Seminar (Credits: 3)
This course integrates the methods of the three component disciplines of the PPE minor. Students will apply the methods, theories and concepts learnt in PPE courses to various problems or policy questions. The course aims to enable students to analyse, propose, and defend policies from philosophical, political, and economic perspectives. In weeks 1-5, students will study a selection of readings on PPE and write a paper defending a position in a specific policy area. In weeks 6-8 several guest lecturers will make presentations on current policies of Armenia. In the remainder of the course, students will propose their own policy study and write a paper critically analysing different policy options and defending a specific policy.
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CHSS 211 Great Books (Credits: 3)
This course will work through a few cornerstone works in the field of political writing from the Western tradition. Students will closely read original texts, as a whole or in excerpts, and participate in discussions facilitated by the instructor involving one or more of the questions raised by them. Assessment will be based on writing a number of responses, and one longer essay, including a “defence”. The class will lead to the development of close reading and close listening, as well as working through complex, ambiguous, or contradictory philosophical problems both within one given text and across the texts chosen. Some of the most enduring questions of the human experience are addressed in the chosen works, which include Plato, Machiavelli, and the Founding Fathers. This course does not presume any background in political theory or philosophy, but does expect a lot of time spent on reading.
Prerequisites: One lower division course that clusters with
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CHSS 220 The Study of History (Credits: 3)
The course explores one singularly important question: how do we know what we think we know about human societies and ourselves from the perspective of history, which underlies the theories and philosophies of historical research. It analyzes the development of historical thinking in the course of nearly five thousand years – from the discovery of linear time in the Ancient Near East to the current research in globalization. Explorations of social and intellectual processes shaping the search for facts, construction of historical narratives, transmission of historical memory, and interpretations of the goals and meaning of history are at the core of this course. This is an interactive course consisting of instructor’s introductory lectures to the study of each specific topic and students’ proactive work with primary sources, complemented by analysis of major texts, artifacts, and concepts. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: One lower division course that clusters with
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CHSS 230 Asian Art (Credits: 3)
An iconographic and aesthetic analysis of the three principal Asian religious traditions: Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic. Study of painting, sculpture and architecture as reflective of various cultures’ definitions of the Divine, life and the afterlife and value structures. Emphasis on the silk route and migration of style. Exams and final paper. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: One lower division course that clusters with
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CHSS 231 Armenian Visual Traditions: Illuminated Manuscripts/Miniatures (Credits: 3)
This course is an introduction to the visual traditions of historical Armenia from the ancient period to the seventeenth century. The study of Armenian painting is largely a study of illuminated manuscripts, their texts, illustration and ornamentation. Students will become familiar with the methods of Medieval and Early Modern Armenian book illustration, codicology, paleography, and the history of the book as art object in the Armenian literary experience. In addition to examining individual illustrations in their original contexts, the course will consider the role of individual artists in transforming manuscript illumination without the infrastructure of traditional “schools” of painting. This course will include trips to local collections of Armenian manuscripts, including the Matenadaran where students will view and analyze manuscripts as well as other works on exhibit. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: One lower division course that clusters with
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CHSS 232 Topics in Western Art History (Credits: 3)
This course introduces works of art and monumental architecture as complex cultural repositories from ancient civilizations of the West to the present. While exploring Western art, architecture and objects, students will gain familiarity with artists, their artworks and the historical contexts under which these works were conceived and produced. The course emphasizes close looking and visual analysis while using theories of visualization and visuality to examine the phenomena of cultural production and the consumption of a range of media. The course examines how images and objects function, and how they mediate what we see and experience. This course will provide students with the tools to accurately and describe works of art, iconography, stylistic developments, and the cultural and historical contexts of various sculptures, paintings and architecture. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: One lower division course that clusters with
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CHSS 240 Music & 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.
Prerequisites: One lower division course that clusters with
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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: EC140 EC141
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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.
Prerequisites: One lower division course that clusters with
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CHSS 280 Clinical Psychology (Credits: 3)
Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. This 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.
Prerequisites: One lower division course that clusters with
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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.
Prerequisites: One lower division course that clusters with
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CHSS 285 Genocide Studies and Human Rights Seminar (Credits: 3)
This upper-level interdisciplinary course explores in-depth one or more themes the phenomenon of genocide as a gross violation of human rights through class discussion, research and presentations. Themes may include genocide prevention and education, genocide reparations and remedies, genocide interventions and righteous/rescuers, and will vary from year to year. Assessment based on class preparation, contribution to class discussion, final presentation.
Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: One lower division course that clusters with
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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.
Prerequisites: One lower division course that clusters with
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CHSS 291 Modernism (Credits: 3)
This course is designed to develop students’ skills in analysis, critical thinking, and communication. From 1890-1950 the western world went through a profound transformation that involved industrialization, two world wars, the erosion of colonialism, the rise of psychology, Fascism, Communism, and other massive historical events. At the same time, there was an explosion of innovative literary and artistic output to make sense of all these intense changes: it became a movement known as Modernism. In this course students will engage with various modernist texts which may include poetry, fiction, essays, and also art, films, and music. They will be expected to keep a reading journal and/or write in-class responses to readings. Students will be required to participate in class discussions and give one presentation to the class. There will be a mid-term exam, final exam, quizzes, as well as written assignments. Three hours of instructor-led discussions per week, along with in-class and take home assignments.
Prerequisites: One lower division course that clusters with
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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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EC 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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EC 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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EC 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.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
EC 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.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
EC 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.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
EC 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.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
EC 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 instructor-led discussion per week.
Prerequisites: FND101 FND102
Corequisites:
EC 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 instructor-led discussion per week, along with inclass and take home assignments.
Prerequisites: FND101 FND102
Corequisites:
EC 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: FND101 FND102
Corequisites:
EC 151 Consecutive and Simultaneous Interpreting (Credits: 3)
This course introduces the theory, research, and practice of consecutive and simultaneous interpreting. It focuses on the practical techniques and skills of consecutive and simultaneous interpreting from English into Armenian and from Armenian into English within a variety of professional areas and for a range of purposes. The course also aims at furthering students’ command of both Armenian and English through interpreting exercises and thematic glossaries. Students are expected to complete weekly readings and other home assignments and be prepared for in-class discussions, tasks, and interpretation practice. Three hours of instructor-led class per week.
Prerequisites: FND102 FND104
Corequisites:
EC 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: EC105 OR EC103
Corequisites:
EC 222 World Literature 2 (Credits: 3)
This world literature course is designed to engage students in critical analysis of significant literary texts from around the world. The aim is to explore perspectives on society and culture through the study of writers from diverse backgrounds working in various literary genres. Possible themes may include transnationalism, moral ambiguities across cultures, the transition from colonial to postcolonial, or the nature of translation. Through discussions and written assignments, students will improve their critical thinking, analytical writing, and oral communication skills. All texts will be read in English translation. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: EC120 OR EC121
Corequisites:
EC 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: FND102
Corequisites:
EC 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: EC238
Corequisites:
EC 233 Professional Communication (Credits: 3)
Effective written and spoken communication is a core competency for professional and public life. This course is designed to give students a comprehensive view of the scope and importance of professional communication in a variety of settings. It aims to develop students’ writing, speaking, and interpersonal skills and specific tools for communicating in complex environments and accomplishing strategic academic and professional goals. Students will refine communication skills necessary for internships and permanent workplace positions. More specifically, students will gain skills in writing letters, emails, resumes, proposals, formal and informal reports, agendas, and work plans with an awareness of succinct written expression necessary for professional communication. Students will develop informative, persuasive, and extemporaneous oral skills for networking, telephone, Internet-based and face-to-face interviews, and presentations. Because effective group communication is a necessity in today’s workplace, students will learn and practice skills in managing meetings, dealing with conflict, and leveraging the power of diversity, at both the individual and cultural level. Students are required to complete weekly assignments in order to acquire knowledge of the topics discussed in class. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week, plus in-class and take home assignments.
Prerequisites: EC140 OR EC 141
Corequisites:
EC 234 Advertising (Credits: 3)
Advertising and marketing communications are a pervasive presence in modern life and an essential skill for communications professionals. This course explores the principles and practices of advertising and its role within marketing communications. Students will develop a critical understanding of how advertising functions in global and local contexts and become familiar with the components of the advertising process, including market research, media planning, and creative strategies. They will learn how to identify the target audience, determine which medium or combinations of media provide the best means to reach it, and create effective messages. Students are required to complete weekly reading assignments and in-class and home tasks to acquire the knowledge of the topics covered in class. Three-hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
EC 235 Communications Ethics (Credits: 3)
In a continuously connected world, communication has taken on a pervasive role in our lives, raising a new range of ethical issues for communications professionals and non-professionals alike. This course examines ethical and legal aspects of human communication as it takes place within interpersonal and public contexts. Students will be introduced to basic theories of ethics and then guided through current controversies relating to such topics as privacy, freedom of speech, censorship, the right to be informed, and propaganda. They will explore theoretical ethical issues connected with the acquisition, storing and sharing of information and become familiar with relevant Armenian legal codes. Students are required to complete weekly reading assignments in order to acquire knowledge of the concepts discussed in class. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week including discussions and tasks.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
EC 236 Survey/Polling Methodology (Credits: 3)
Decision making in the fields of mass communication, marketing, and public relations relies on the ability to conduct research and critically interpret data. This course introduces students to the theory and practice of survey research, thus advancing their understanding and skills in social science research methodologies. Students will learn how to understand and critically analyze data and results from survey research and public opinion polls. They will also learn how to collect, analyze and interpret original survey data. Students will be required to complete weekly reading assignments to acquire knowledge and practice skills covered in class. They will also conduct individual or group projects including fieldwork, written assignments, and oral presentations. Three hours of instructor-led discussions/class time per week including discussions and tasks.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
EC 237 Introduction to Filmmaking (Credits: 3)
Film is the medium of our age, combining audio, visual, symbolic and narrative elements to produce impactful messages. This course is designed to empower students with the ability to express themselves and communicate effectively in the medium of film, providing them with an understanding of how and why films are made. Students will learn the core principles and techniques of filmmaking, both in theory and practice. The course will combine discussions on the history, language, forms and functions of film with hands-on technical instruction in developing projects from start to finish (planning, shooting, editing). Students will collaborate in teams to create short films focusing on specific skills and concepts. They will complete written assignments, and view and critique a selection of films and each other’s work in class.
Prerequisites: EC238
Corequisites:
EC 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 major theories used in analyzing 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 ethics 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: EC104
Corequisites:
EC 239 Campaigning for a Cause (Credits: 3)
Campaigning is an increasingly widespread form of public relations and communications in the networked age applicable well beyond the political sphere. This course is designed to guide students through the entire chain of a successful campaign in a range of sphere, including but not limited to polishing the idea (clear understanding of the cause and its importance), strategizing and planning (a step-by-step roadmap towards achieving the goal), targeting the right audience, and developing the message through analysis and research. The course will incorporate elements of communication, fundraising, and grassroots advocacy, including the use of crowd-funding and social media. Students will explore the basic principles of successful campaigns, analyze case studies of local and international campaigns, and develop the practical skills necessary to plan and conduct successful campaigns. Students will be required to complete weekly readings and other home assignments and writing assignments. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
Prerequisites: EC238
Corequisites:
EC 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: EC140 OR EC 141
Corequisites:
EC 243 The Practice & Art of Non-Fiction (Credits: 3)
Non-fiction is a diverse genre of writing that is in high demand in almost all spheres. This writing skills course aims to familiarize students with various forms of non-fiction (memoir, feature writing, grant proposals, in-depth reviews, photo-essays, blogging, essays on art or culture, journalism, etc.). Texts will be read closely and analyzed in order to gain a wide breadth of knowledge about craft and style. Students will be encouraged to view writing as an analytical, ethical and creative process, involving the exploration of ideas, information, and facts. They will write in class, produce longer essays, and also conduct outside research. Students will practice free-writing and drafting, followed by revising for clarity, precision, and effect. They will also be required to actively participate during each class, discussing assigned texts and other students’ writing. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week, along with in-class and take home assignments.
Prerequisites: EC140 OR EC 141
Corequisites:
EC 244 Writing for Media (Credits: 3)
Working in media today demands flexibility, creativity, and critical awareness of the art and practice of writing in an ever-changing media environment. This course builds upon students’ basic writing skills by developing the skills used in writing for different media, with an emphasis on reporting, public relations, advertising, and professional communication. Students will explore theory and practice in writing for print, television, radio, and the internet, including traditional websites as well as blogs, social media, and other new media. They will analyze content, style, format, and other features of writing, and apply their understandings to their own written production. Students are required to complete weekly reading and writing assignments in order to acquire knowledge of the concepts discussed in class and integrate them into their own writing. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week including discussions and tasks.
Prerequisites: EC140 EC141
Corequisites:
EC 245 Advanced Writing for Special Purposes (Credits: 3)
This advanced writing course aims to bring genre, style and content into focus. The ability to produce tailored texts and messages for special purposes, audiences and fields is one of the most highly sought skill sets in the field of communication. It takes a combination of content knowledge, linguistic facility, audience sensitivity, and institutional knowledge. Students will learn how to analyze specialized discourse in order to develop their own skills for specific fields, including tools and resources, preparation and authentication of terms of art. Themes may include touristic writing and economic, political and cultural fields. Course content themes will vary from term to term and be tailored to instructor and student interest. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: EC140 EC141
Corequisites:
EC 253 Literary Translation (Credits: 3)
This course familiarizes students with the history, theory and practice of literary translation. Students are encouraged to view translation as a creative process similar to that of creative writing. The aim of the course is to help students cultivate general translation techniques while focusing specifically on stylistic and semantic creativity in a workshop setting. Assignments include 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 different literary genres. Knowledge of Armenian is required. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week including lecture, seminar, workshop discussions.
Prerequisites: FND104 EC 240 OR
CHSS 250
Corequisites:
EC 260 Negotiation (Credits: 3)
Almost every interaction of daily life involves some kind of negotiation process, thus negotiation is broadly conceived to be a form of communicative activity encompassing business, professional and personal life. This course aims to develop students’ negotiation and persuasion skills by introducing them to new paradigms for collaborative problem solving, starting with when and why people negotiate After presenting different styles and models of negotiation, the course considers the effectiveness of each and teaches tools and frameworks to better prepare for negotiation; e.g., an understanding of the different elements at play, awareness of trust and relationship-building dynamics, modes of persuasion, active listening skills, and strategic thinking and analysis skills. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week, plus in-class and take-home assignments.
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Corequisites:
EC 261 World Media (Credits: 3)
This interdisciplinary course explores how media have transcended national boundaries and created new cultural spaces with their own rules, perspectives and values. It looks at how world media, including news and entertainment, have created and serve global audiences and are being used to promote economic and geopolitical goals. Special attention will be paid to how world media contribute to a country’s soft power and the kinds of media that have been employed, with commercial success, as vehicles for country branding and promotion. Topics will include the role of digital communities and diasporas in these multipronged media initiatives, as well as the blurring of the lines between viewers and consumers, artists and producers, information and entertainment, news and advertising, politics and popular culture. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week. Student performance will be assessed through individual and/or group written and oral presentations, case studies and/or essays.
Prerequisites: FND102
Corequisites:
EC 262 Filmmaking 2 (Credits: 3)
Students will build upon the visual storytelling techniques they learned in Introduction to Filmmaking. In addition to further exploration of cinematic grammar, narrative structure, theory and history, they will study the art of the documentary and the specific techniques and approaches to applying their storytelling skills to a non-fiction format. During the course students will conceive and complete a long-form fiction or documentary project. Students will develop their ideas from treatment to screenplay and then work collaboratively in crews to realize their projects, expanding their knowledge and experience in every phase of production. Each student will be required to critique and explain their own and each other’s work in classroom discussions and written assignments. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: EC237
Corequisites:
EC 263 Opinion Making in the Age of New Media (Credits: 3)
This course examines the nature of modern journalism as a practical tool for influencing and shaping public opinion. Moving beyond traditional journalism, it will explore such genres as talk shows, political satire, multimedia journalism, and social media, examining cases from both Armenian and world media to develop an understanding of how various media mechanisms function and how they can be effectively employed. Students will explore case studies and specific examples from Armenia and abroad to analyze how public discourse can be shaped, shifted, and focused on issues of importance, with attention to how political satire is used to influence public opinion and conduct of public officials. They will learn to detect bias in media and attempts to manipulate public opinion and explore new tools to identify impact, ranging from statistical methods to psychological and physiological/brain activity monitoring. Throughout the course, students will undertake public relations and journalism projects, applying the methods and tools they have learned. They will be required to complete weekly reading and writing assignments, case studies, and media projects. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
Prerequisites: EC130 EC238
Corequisites:
EC 264 PRTrack B TBD (Credits: 3)
Prerequisites: EC232
Corequisites:
EC 290 Research Methods (Credits: 3)
This course introduces students to research methods in the fields of English language and literature, linguistics, writing and translation, and communications and media studies and prepares them for their capstone project in the subsequent term. Students will refine their skills of library research as they identify and formulate research questions. They will learn how to apply qualitative, quantitative, and hybrid methods of investigation to seek answers to their research questions. They will also explore the ways in which data collection and analysis connect to project planning and implementation. Students are expected to complete regular assignments in order to acquire knowledge and practice skills discussed in class. They will then employ what they have learned in the development of a capstone proposal. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week including discussions and tasks.
Prerequisites: EC103 EC104 EC105 EC120 EC121 EC130 EC140 EC141 EC200 EC238
Corequisites:
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.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
FND 102 Freshman English 2 (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 research-based group presentation, and a persuasive essay, in which students will investigate an important need in Armenia.
Prerequisites: FND101
Corequisites:
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: FND102
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 instructor-led discussion per week.
Prerequisites: FND103
Corequisites:
FND 110 Physical Education (Credits: 0)
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
FND 152 First Aid (Credits: 0)
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
FND 153 Civil Defense (Credits: 0)
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
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).
Prerequisites: FND104
Corequisites:
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).
Prerequisites: FND 121
Corequisites:
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.
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LAW 112 Armenian Constitution (Credits: 3)
The course aims to present the evolution, structure and content of the Armenian Constitution in a historical and comparative perspective. The course shall focus both on the current Constitution and the Draft. 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 social life, focusing on bases of the constitutional order, separation of powers, the system of checks and balances, supremacy of the constitution, constitutional rights and values. A separate emphasis will be given to direct application 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 Assembly, the Government, Judiciary and local self-government bodies.
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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 learn 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.
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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.
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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.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
LAW 339 Topics in European Law (Credits: 3)
Course Description tailored to course content when offered
Prerequisites:
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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 349 International Trade Law (Credits: 3)
This course focuses on the legal system regulating the international trade based on the World Trade Organization agreements. The objectives of the course are to provide students with understanding of the multiple legal documents and their hierarchy in the complex WTO legal framework, present the analysis of the rules and definitions, as well as the WTO cases. The course will also include policy discussions on the existing framework, its positive and controversial aspects, and potential for improvement.
In addition to analyzing the economic/political implications of the legal issues within WTO and between the trading partners, the course will touch upon the major preferential trade agreements and specifically Armenia, which has recently joined the Customs Union within the Eurasian Association.
This course is recommended for law students who intend to practice in law firms providing services to companies engaged in international trade and/or other organizations involved in resolving and or regulating international trade related issues, both domestically and internationally.
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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: LAW334
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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 regulation making, 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 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.
Prerequisites: One lower division course that clusters with
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PSIA 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.
Prerequisites: One lower division course that clusters with
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PSIA 282 Survey of Regional Politics (Credits: 3)
Survey of Regional Politics aims to provide insights into the existing and emerging dynamics of the Caucasian region. The course will identify and analyze features of political cultures, traditions of statehood and key domestic developments in Turkey, Azerbaijan, Iran, Georgia, as well as foreign policy priorities and interests of Russia, EU, USA. Special attention will be paid to Armenia’s relations with its neighbors and different geopolitical interests pursued by major global stakeholders. The course consists of lectures, discussions and student presentations. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.
Prerequisites: One lower division course that clusters with
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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 in the Social Sciences (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.
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PSIA 310 Introduction to Comparative Politics (Credits: 3)
Comparative analysis of political elites, governmental institutions, and political processes in selected industrial, developing and socialist countries. A representative sampling of countries would include the United States, Britain, France, Germany, India, Saudi Arabia, China, Egypt, Iran, Mexico, Russia, Syria and Israel.
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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 327 EU/Global Politics (Credits: 3)
The main objectives of the course are: to supply knowledge to the students on what the EU is, what it does and how can we evaluate it as an actor in world politics; to offer understanding about the EU external relations in different policy domains, and enrich their knowledge on all important regions on the globe and the EU’s relations with them.
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PSIA 328 Caucasus in the Global Context (Credits: 3)
This course studies the relationship between the Caucasus and other major actors in international politics. It focuses on the emerging role of the Caucasus in world politics, the foreign policies of other important actors that affect the Caucasus and important policy dimensions such as regionalism, security, conflict studies, and identify/legitimacy politics.
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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 341 Organizational Behavior (Credits: 3)
This course provides consideration of general theories and concepts of organization and bureaucratic behavior, strategies for control, stability, and change in modern state systems. This course is designed for graduate students with the expectation that they will expand their knowledge of those areas of organization life that deal with human relations and organizational psychology. The course will highlight how this knowledge will assist administrators in more effectively dealing with others in public and private organizations.
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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.
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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: PSIA350
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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.
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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.
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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: PSIA320
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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.
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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.
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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.
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PSIA 391 Policy Internship Project (Credits: 3)
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PSIA 392 Master’s Essay (Credits: 3)
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PSIA 393 Policy Paper (Credits: 3)
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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 components. 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 TEFL 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 311 Vocabulary Teaching and Learning (Credits: 3)
This course provides students with insights regarding both vocabulary learning research as well as best practice in vocabulary teaching. Both are supported through a corpus-linguistic approach and hands-on activities in the classroom. In addition, the course reviews current research and standards regarding vocabulary assessment. Examples and materials pertain to teaching English as a second or foreign language. Three hours of instructor-led discussion and experiential learning per week.
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TEFL 312 Teaching Test Preparation Courses (Credits: 1)
The objective of TEFL 312 is to help students become successful test preparation teachers. The course presents key features of major English language proficiency tests and prepares students to design and teach test preparation classes. While the course introduces tips and strategies to prepare English learners for proficiency tests, the emphasis is placed on teaching the language and skills through materials and activities based on communicative language teaching principles. Fifteen instructional hours based on instructor-led discussion.
Prerequisites: TEFL301 OR TEFL302
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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 350 Educational Leadership (Credits: 1)
TBD
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TEFL 360 Teaching English to Young Learners (Credits: 3)
TBD
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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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