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School of Humanities & Social Sciences - Available Courses

School of Humanities & Social Sciences - Available Courses

The courses listed below are expected to be offered at least every two years and a reevaluation of the entire course curriculum will be carried out every two years in order to maintain an updated list of course offerings.

Art

Art 120: Art Appreciation: Principles of Design

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the general principles of design, that is, to the formal elements in any work of visual art (painting, sculpture, photography, film, contemporary installation art, etc.). The course will be thematic and topical and will consider examples from all periods of Western and non-Western Art. Included in the formal coursework will be visits to local museums and galleries to examine firsthand artworks illustrating the different principles studied.

Art 130: Introduction to Photography, from the analog to digital era

This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in art and techniques of photography. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on experience, this course aims to develop students’ creative vision, technical skills, and critical thinking in the realm of photography. Throughout the semester, students will be expected to photograph consistently, present assignments and projects in class and develop skill in using photography as a tool for visual communication. Class time will consist of lectures, demonstrations, critique of students’ work, lab work and field trips. In addition, students will be exposed to key photographic artistic movements and will learn to analyze and appreciate various genres and styles of photography. In addition to technical skills, this course will foster students’ creative development by encouraging experimentation and self- expression. Through regular assignments and projects, students will learn to apply theoretical concepts and technical skills to create visually engaging and conceptually meaningful photographs. Critiques and discussions will provide opportunities for constructive feedback and peer collaboration, promoting growth and refinement of artistic vision. Lastly, the course will introduce students to basic image processing, the digital equivalent of the darkroom, equipping them with the necessary skills to enhance their photographs and bring their vision to life.

English

English 101: Composition I

This course reviews the basic principles of paragraph writing and introduces the major rhetorical modes of narration, description and exposition through discussion of theory, examination of model essays, and writing practice. In addition, students are introduced to information literacy by spending seven two-hour sessions in the library, developing effective search strategies, understanding the differences between types of resources, and using critical skills with which to evaluate resources.

English 102: Composition II

This course builds upon the expository writing skills presented in Eng101. First, it introduces students to the mode of argumentation by analyzing various types of arguments and presenting the essential tactics used in definition, cause, evaluation, refutation and proposal. At the same time, it introduces students to research paper writing by guiding them step by-step in the process of forming an argumentative thesis, incorporating sources together with their own thinking into papers, and documenting sources.

English 120: Introduction to Literature

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the literary genres of poetry, drama and short fiction prose, and to familiarize them with a variety of literary techniques specific for the analysis of each genre. Students read a selection of classic and contemporary works within these genres and engage in analysis of narrative, study key poetic techniques that make meanings happen and discuss critical approaches as part of an attempt to become better readers and a more critical audience, thus providing a broad literary basis for ensuing theoretical and critical discussions. Students also gain an enhanced aesthetic appreciation of literature as art and come to value its role in education and everyday life.

English 204: Business/Professional Communication

The course instructs students in all aspects of professional communication including writing, reading, speaking and listening. It offers business and computer science students in particular opportunities for vocabulary enrichment and structural methods. The course gives students the opportunity to practice and improve their overall use of professional communication skills, both orally and in writing. The overall aim of the course is to enable students to realize their full potential in terms of the sophistication, relevance and fluency of their professional communication skills.

English 210: Creative Writing

This course aims to introduce students from all majors to the field of creative writing. It consists of three parts: an introduction to the practice of poetry, an introduction to the practice of fiction writing and an introduction to writing for commercial purposes (business, marketing, etc.). In these three parts respectively, students will practice basic forms of poetry, narrative techniques, the art of storytelling, and they will engage in projects applying basic rules of copywriting. The course will be interactive in the form of workshops including writing sessions, discussions, lectures and self-reflection. Through the course students will explore, develop and reflect upon their own writing style; practice basic forms of poetry, narrative techniques and categories in fiction; gain a basic understanding of the rules in copywriting; use different techniques of writing to produce writing to order and enhance their overall creative skills.

English 220: Introduction to Twentieth Century Poetry and Drama

This course introduces students to twentieth century poetry and drama through the consideration of selected texts from both genres that represent major thematic and stylistic concerns of the period. Students will be able to reflect upon the diverse directions taken by poets and dramatists throughout the century and some of the factors which have influenced literary developments while critically analyzing the components of both genres and their effects. The first part of the course will concentrate upon poetry and examine poetic techniques, structure, language and style and their relationship to meaning; where appropriate tracing similarities and differences in the works studied. In the second part of the course, selected plays will be studied, focusing upon dramatic conventions, structure, language and style, with careful attention being given to the performative aspect of the texts and influences that have helped shape twentieth century theatre practice.

English 221: Short Fiction

This course focuses on in-depth critical reading of and writing about short fiction (short stories and/or novellas) within the context of the traditions and innovations which have concerned these genres, and with respect to the standard elements of short fiction. Through the in-depth study of seminal short novel practitioners such as Herman Melville, Henry James, Joseph Conrad, Edith Wharton, James Joyce, Franz Kafka, Philip Roth, Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Alice Munro, students learn to recognize both the stylistic features distinct to each writer as well as the common thematic and technical threads that group them together. Whenever possible, readings will be supplemented with their film adaptations.

English 224: Post World War II British and American Drama

The course aims to introduce students to the systematic study of different kinds of drama by British and American playwrights from the period after the Second World War up until the start of the 21st century. It further aims to enhance their capacity to understand and think analytically about dramaturgy; to recognize the importance of the conventions of drama in the construction of meaning; to further develop their literacy skills so that they will be more critical and responsive readers and more exact and confident writers; to improve students’ understanding of drama as both a literary and a performance medium and the connection between the two; and to introduce students to the synergy between dramatic texts and developments in theatrical practice, and how each informs and shapes the other.

English 230: British Literature and Culture

This is a standard survey course that guides students to the study of British literature in a more historical and culturally contextual fashion. This course aims to help students explore the interface of literature and society, and to provide them with appropriate tools for more advanced contextualized literary study. Students will learn to contextualize individual texts, recognize literary trends and cultural modes, evaluate literary and social movements, and be able to follow and discuss the evolution of British literature from the age of Chaucer within each cultural frame. While the focus of the course is primarily on so-called canonical writers and texts, class discussions and overarching critical perspectives look beyond such classifications.

English 235: Introduction to Literary Theories and Criticism

This is an introductory survey of major contributions to literary theory and criticism, focusing especially on text and textuality, and especially the social, cultural and political aspects of textual interpretation. It will provide students with a basic theoretical background in literary and critical theory, while attempting to develop a coherent overall context that helps unravel the variety of approaches, theorists and technical language in a lucid and comprehensive way. More specifically, students will be able to define both literary theory and literary criticism and explain the emergence of these two fields as a discipline of study; display a comparative understanding of the theories; be able to apply theories to literary texts; learn how to analyze a literary text according to a given approach; become active participants and be able to make some personal sense of the theories and criticisms.

English 250: Advanced Writing & Professional Communication

The purpose of this course is to provide instruction and practice in the skills and strategies necessary to produce effective written and oral communication in any professional context. The course addresses topics such as persuasive writing techniques, formal professional communication (including executive summaries, legal documentation, letters and reports) as well as intercultural communication, professional writing in the ‘e-world’ and advanced public communication writing & speaking skills. The course is designed to foster skills development in the areas of critical thinking, presentation techniques, application of accepted professional frameworks to new ideas and use of innovative writing, with the aim of preparing students for realistic professional situations.

English 259: Postcolonial Literature

The course approaches contemporary literature by Anglophone writers from different parts of the world as an index both of distinct cultures and of cultural interaction and/or imposition, examining the ways in which the repercussions of imperialism and colonization can be traced in these works. Employing the concepts and theory of postcolonial studies and literature, students engage in close reading of selected works in order to determine how major thematic and stylistic concerns are reflective of diverse intellectual and cultural realities. As a critical reading and writing course, it will offer students the opportunity to develop a deeper awareness of the impact of social, political, economic, and cultural contexts on human creativity, types and styles of interaction, and perspectives.

English 268: Women and Literature

The course examines the evolution of women’s literature from the 19th to the 20th century through a study of selected texts by Anglophone women writers. Coventry Patmore’s “The Angel in the House” (the only text studied written by a man) serves as the background against which students will study a variety of texts written by women writers that respond to and deconstruct this female portrait, gradually “killing the Angel” and working to create new fictional portraits and a new discourse for women and women’s literature while moving beyond the literary canon.

English 273: Introduction to Linguistics

The course Introduction to Linguistics gives a selective overview of linguistic studies from various branches, such as anthropological linguistics, cognitive linguistics, functional linguistics, formal linguistics, psycholinguistics, and second language acquisition. The focus is on language as a dynamic set of symbolic resources with many levels of expression: an acquired system of communication among the human species, an interactive system for expressing and creating both individual and socially constructed meanings, and an orthographic system for developing literacy. During the semester, the global, social, and personal meanings of language will be considered.

English 274: Applied Linguistics in Teaching Theory and Practice

This course aims to introduce and analyze the fundamental principles and techniques of Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is designed to offer students a solid grounding in current approaches to teaching English as a second/ foreign language, with an emphasis on practical applications to classroom settings. Students are expected to develop lesson plans, manage a classroom, design teaching materials for particular age groups and teach grammar and vocabulary as well as the productive and receptive skills as they apply their learning in a real teaching context.

English 275: Sociolinguistics: Introduction to Language and Society

The course explores the general framework for understanding how human communities use language to say or fail to say what is meant and investigate the particular linguistic styles conventionally used by social subgroups. During this exploration, students are challenged to do the following: 1) Situate sociolinguistics in its discipline; 2) Acquire fluency in using terms & concepts to examine social uses of language; 3) Become familiar with relevant research; 4) Expand research experience and hone research skills; 5) Develop awareness of linguistic styles, our own and those of others around us; 6) Apply this learning to analyzing social situations, complications & misunderstandings; 7) Enhance preparation for entering the world of work, regardless of the profession.

English 284: Literature through Performance

This elective course encourages recognition and appreciation of the symbiotic relationship between artistic disciplines. Through a focus upon elements of theatre and performance and their practical application with regard to selected literary works, students will gain significant insights into how the medium of performance opens out new possibilities for the comprehension of text. Students will strengthen their critical understanding of literary conventions; become acquainted with diverse performance conventions, skills and traditions, and their practical application; gain firsthand experience of the ways in which the distinctive features of a literary text can be rendered into a performance and the factors that need consideration; develop their communication skills in a variety of contexts; and evolve into more responsive, sensitive and reflective readers and audiences.

English 292: Literature, Culture and Art in EFL teaching

This elective course will focus on how literature, culture and the arts can be used as pedagogical tools employed in the educational process, and more specifically in the teaching of English as a foreign language (EFL). Students will gain insight into modern theories of language teaching and experiment with learner-centered educational methods, which will inspire them to make their own teaching more creative and multicultural. The course will be interactive since students will be engaged in various creative activities, using literary texts, poems, films, music and the arts to eventually create their own, authentic and creative lesson plans and present them through microteaching to their class.

English 299: Teaching Approaches and Methods: Past and Present

This course explores the past and current theories of language teaching methodology. Students gain an insight into the major and minor trends in twentieth-century language teaching as well as investigating alternative approaches and methods. It aims to clarify the relationship between approach, design and procedure, and present a model for the description, analysis, and comparison of methods. Further investigation is carried out for each method in terms of analyzing its underlying theoretical approach, the specific design features associated with each method and finally the procedures which are linked with each method including classroom techniques and practices. Additionally, current communicative approaches are examined along with the post-methods era.

English 300: Image/Text/Culture

This interdisciplinary course examines the images and texts of film, television, art, photography, and advertising (with a strong emphasis on film) and how they come to characterize and shape our everyday lives. Using case studies, students learn how to recognize, read, and analyze culture within a particular social, cultural, or political context, touching upon such important issues as race, gender, class, ideology, and censorship.

English 310: Design and Evaluation of teaching and assessment materials

In this course students will increase their critical awareness of approaches and methodologies in a range of EFL contexts and gain further insight in critically evaluating teaching and assessment materials. They will be given the ability to critically reflect on their own beliefs about teaching and learning, and develop their expertise in the creation of inclusive teaching materials at different levels and for different age groups. During the course, students will be able to synthesize all of the above, and create their own teaching and assessment materials, implemented through microteaching to their classmates.

English 320: The Other in Literature and Media

The Other has been a very common figure in literature as well as media, especially television and film. This course will focus, in an interdisciplinary fashion, on the various portrayals of “otherness” as they appear in diverse socio-historical contexts and from diverse points of view. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of written and visual texts and critically explore how Otherness has been imagined and portrayed in terms of gender, social class, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity and religion. Students will also consider the figure of the “Other” in Greece, as well as the figure of the Greek as the “Other” within the context of 20th century United States. They will be encouraged to interrogate culturally dominant assumptions regarding “otherness” as well as read canonical texts against the grain, with a special focus on Western constructions of the “Other”.

English 325: Pedagogical Foundations in Second Language Acquisition

In this course students explore the theory of second language acquisition (SLA) in general and its implications for teaching and learning in particular. The course aims to review general linguistic theory, explore aspects of morphology, phonology, semantics and syntax, theories of 1st and 2nd language acquisition, L1 interference in L2 acquisition, language universals, error analysis, language variations and disorders, sociolinguistics, bilingualism, and application of theory to 2nd language teaching methodology.

English 340: Comparative Literature

The course aims to engage students in a comparative study of literary representations of sexuality from antiquity to present times. Terms such as ‘sex’ and ‘sexuality’ are often used interchangeably, without considering their many different connotative meanings at different historical periods, or in different cultural contexts. The course is divided into three parts: a) philosophy and sexuality, b) class, gender, sin, and sexuality, and c) Freud, psychoanalysis and sexuality, which will bring us back to philosophy. Works in translation will help us reveal the nuanced role of language itself in terms of constructing sexuality.

English 350: Advanced Writing: Writing for Social Change

Writing for Social Change is a longstanding rhetorical tradition of using public writing as a tool for social critique and as a means of personal, community, institutional, and/or political dialogue and transformation. In order to develop a sense for social critique, the course addresses a variety of social issues such as class, gender, sexuality or race, that are sites of struggle for social change. Students will explore a variety of texts from the media, literature, film or popular cultures in order to understand how content, style, structure and format vary across a range of reading and writing situations. They will explore the relationships among the text, writer, audience, and context, and discuss how these relationships shaped the writer’s choices. Then they will be asked to apply this theoretical knowledge by writing in different genres and for different audiences, adapting the voice, tone, format and structure of their writing to meet the needs of the audience.

English 370: Literature and Film

This course will explore, in an interdisciplinary manner, some of the most important post-war literary and cinematic representations of conspiracy and paranoia on two main topics: the Cold War and the assassination of president, John F. Kennedy. Both events have been much documented and represented by seminal writers and filmmakers through a variety of aesthetic styles. Some of the questions that will inform the content of the course and guide our discussions include the following: what are the basic elements of conspiratorial narratives? Why do conspiracy and paranoia go hand in hand? How is history revisited in the arts? In what ways could cinema be seen as a more effective medium/vehicle for conspiratorial narratives? Is there a social function or utility in these texts? What are the strengths and weaknesses of this genre? And, most importantly, why are they so extremely popular?

English 380: The Business of Literature

The course will introduce students to the contemporary mechanics of literary production and to the forces making a book available, promoting it to a best seller, or silencing it. More specifically, it will focus on the changing market conditions for literature, both in a historical perspective and on the basis of selected case-studies. Students will discuss literature within a social and business frame and approach literary production in particular as a revealing cultural phenomenon in the context of a given socioeconomic reality. In doing so, students will sharpen their intellectual and critical skills and become alert to the interdependence of various fields which are traditionally considered separately. In addition, they will address and challenge underpinning canonical practices and biases.

English 390: Senior Thesis I

This is the first part of a course in which the students are required to write an 8,000-word thesis. It forms a fundamental component of the BA Hons English curriculum, serving both its pathways, which offers students the opportunity to cultivate the abilities and skills necessary for the realization of a medium-scale research project, from the formulation of the initial research question to its final submission. Combining what is often encountered as either final year Dissertation or Advanced Research & Writing Skills, the course offers an integrative, hands-on and project-focused approach deemed particularly useful both to a wide variety of professional settings and to the advancement to graduate studies.

English 395: Senior Thesis II

This is the second part of a course in which the students are required to write a 8,000-word thesis, or a 6,000 word thesis if accompanied by a strong multimedia component. It forms a fundamental component of the BA Hons in English curriculum, serving both its pathways, which offers students the opportunity to cultivate the abilities and skills necessary for the realization of a medium-scale research project, from the formulation of the initial question to its final submission. The course offers an integrative, project-focused approach deemed particularly useful both to a wide variety of professional settings and to the advancement to graduate studies.

English/Humanities: 246 American Literature and Culture

This course aims to provide students with insights into contemporary American literature, culture and society through an examination of selected literary texts and non-fictional sources which reflect the socio-cultural contexts of particular ‘moments’ in America’s historical trajectory from the mid-nineteenth century to the present. Students will be exposed to a variety of texts from different fields including: literature, the visual arts, political/historical essays/commentaries, and music.

European Studies

Communication

Communication 127: Communication, Culture & Society

Covering a range of different forms and contexts of communication (interpersonal, group, public, mediated, verbal and non- verbal communication) and using cases and scenarios drawn from everyday life, the course explores the ways communication and culture interrelate and interact, with particular focus on the workings and failures, potentialities and constraints of human communication.

Communication 215: Foundations of Contemporary Media

The course aims to acquaint students with the foundations of mass communication and the technological and social dynamics that have shaped their evolution. It will help students gain a better understanding of the evolving media landscape, the role of media industries, the effects of technological breakthroughs, and the ethical, political, and legal debates related to the media. It focuses on the fundamental socio-historical development in the media, both at the level of their role as industrial and cultural institutions, and in the light of the ethical and legal terms of their operation. Special attention is given to the most recent of technological breakthroughs in media development, i.e., the digital revolution, and to its transformative consequences over the whole of the media/cultural industry landscape.

Communication 217: Media in Transition

The course offers an overview of the historical development of media as industrial and cultural institutions, as well as the ethical and legal framework of their operation. Covering both print (newspapers, magazines, books) and audio/visual media (photography, cinema, sound-recording, radio, television, internet, mobile media) the course explores how changes in communication technology interrelate with the changing roles and fortunes of media industries and media audiences/users, and pays special attention to the digital revolution and to its transformative consequences over the whole of the media/cultural industry landscape.

Communication 219: Introduction to Film Studies

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the study of the cinematic experience from the perspective of those who create films and those who consume them. Students are expected to gain insight into all the stages of filmmaking, from developing the script, to visualizing their stories, organizing and executing the film production, and editing their images and sounds into a final audiovisual product, while discussing abstract questions of history, philosophy, and art. In order to complete their introduction to psychocinematics, students work with the science behind cinematic arts, and investigate the question: “Do we all “see” the same story on screen, and, if not, what makes our responses different?”

Communication 227: Media Theory

The course covers the major theoretical perspectives that have shaped the field of media studies. Through the examination of their distinctive insights, concepts and problematics, the course emphasis is on the comprehension and evaluation of the contribution these perspectives had to the understanding of media and media-saturated modern society. The theories are presented and discussed in their historical and ideological context, aiming at developing a critical understanding of their viewpoint and import.

Communication 233: Introduction to Journalism

The course provides students with an overview of the fundamental concepts of journalism. It will bring them closer to the profession of journalism by engaging them with work across all media platforms – print, broadcast and online – and helping them to acquire basic journalistic skills. Students will explore the profession of journalism both at a theoretical but also at a highly practical level and will discover new ways to tell a story. Techniques, methods and models guiding the contemporary practice of journalism will be given particular emphasis.

Communication 270: Digital Content and Storytelling

This course explores the world of online content and storytelling through a variety of digital and social media. Students gain insight into the uses and strengths of each medium - from Facebook and TikTok to blogs and podcasts - as they learn to convey their messages through appropriate channels. Using selected case studies and best practices and via hands-on workshops, they will work together to identify common mistakes made in the digital world today, while realizing the endless possibilities it offers in order for them to reach their audience in the most impactful way. Applying the rules of storytelling, students will familiarize themselves with developing content for the various platforms and realizing the potential each piece of content holds.

Communication 315: Intercultural Understanding and Communication

This course aims to introduce students to a rounded understanding of how interactions between people from different cultural backgrounds take place and the influences that affect such processes. In today’s globalized world this seems to be central to our existence as increased cross-cultural contact and exchange has become the norm. Drawing on case studies from diverse social and cultural contexts, students will acquire knowledge and skills for more effective intercultural communication understanding and practices. It provides students with basic knowledge on how communication practices are patterned by culture, helping them to acquire a reflexive approach to their own cultural identity and communication styles.

Communication 317: Communicating Through New Media

This course offers a broad but in-depth introduction to theories of the new media as well as the impact and influence of the new media on various aspects of socio-cultural life, including journalism, art, identities, politics, social issues, and so on. Overall, it adopts an applied approach by examining the various socio-cultural aspects of the new media in concrete settings and thus aims to provide students with an understanding of the crucial changes that most socio-cultural sectors have undergone due to the evolvement of new media.

Communication 327: Research Methods and Practice

In this course students are given the opportunity to develop an understanding of the major approaches in Humanities and Social Sciences regarding the design of research as well as data collection and analysis. It is a crossover that links to all courses in the curriculum that require either critical understanding of or engaging in research and of paramount importance to the thesis courses. The course is designed to provide students with research skills which are in high demand in a variety of contemporary professional settings, and necessary for their academic advancement to a graduate degree. It will discuss various research methods and in each of the methods studied, the aim is to focus on its practical applications and uses, examine in- depth notable cases of published research, and appraise their social utility.

Communication 345: Μedia Ethics in the digital age

The course introduces students to the key issues of media ethics not only as an essential tool to safeguard fair and credible News reporting, but also as an important element of the journalists’ professional identity in the digital age. Looking at ethics as the thread to connect the different stages and actors of this online transition, students will familiarize themselves with the ways and the tools the Media use to respond to their societal role, to find alternative funding models to use, and to perform better in engaging a diverse public while trying to face the phenomenon of disinformation. Through analyzing the principles of ethical commitment and the way they are challenged within the digital landscape, students will be introduced to the debate on how to reverse the public’s distrust in News and Media.

History

Music

Philosophy

Politics

Politics 101: Contemporary Politics

The purpose of this course is threefold. First, it explores various dimensions of what political scientists call “governance” and what psychologists call “Machiavellian Intelligence,” namely those instances in our daily lives where humans, by their very nature, engage in activity one might call “political.” Second, the course examines different aspects of the formal, systematic study of political phenomena, commonly known as the academic discipline of political science. Finally, it considers basic elements of negotiation, from simple exchanges with neighbors to formal diplomatic relations in contemporary international relations.

Politics 201: Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Issues

This course examines the key actors and issues in the field of international relations. It focuses in particular on various institutional, social, and economic issues of current interest. At the same time the course provides an introduction to the main classic and contemporary trends in international relations scholarship.

Politics 202: Political Theory

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to political ideas and their different interpretations in modern times. The course will also focus on various key themes and concepts, such as freedom, justice, rights, and sovereignty, and on classic modern schools of political thought. Emphasis will be given to expositions of theory in its historical, social, economic and political context.

Politics 207: The Modern Greek Nation-State and issues in Greek foreign policy

This course analyzes contemporary Greek society by exploring some of its institutions and structures as well as its sociopolitical practices. A thematic organization of the course allows for particular idiosyncrasies of the Greek state to be investigated in depth. Topics for examination are: the Modern Greek state structure, a civil society indicative of clientelism and populism, public administration and the role of political parties, the Greek Orthodox Church and religion, the Greek economy and the European Union, and the role of geopolitics.

Politics 229: The US Federal Government

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the basic workings of the American federal government, through a study of the Constitution, of political institutions, and of core values (rights, freedom, property, etc.). In addition, the course will provide a general overview of the evolving character of American political life from the colonial period to the present. Such phenomena and issues as lobbies, the role of the media, and the changing face of the American population (districting) will also be considered; so too will a rudimentary explanation of state and local government be offered. Finally, the course will introduce students to the overlapping methodologies inherent in the study of comparative government.

Politics 230: Comparative Politics

The course studies and compares politics across states, by exploring several questions through research on similarities and differences among countries and within and between political systems. In the process, students will discover various ways in which institutional and non-institutional variables determine the answers to complicated questions like why nations thrive or fail, how culture affects governance quality, or what drives change within states and across borders. Country cases will be drawn from different regions of the world to ground students in the set of tools of comparative analysis, so that they may use these tools to further examine and link facts to the larger questions of international relations. The course will thus enhance student capacities to explain political phenomena, and eventually make predictions, using the comparative method.

Politics 233: International Law and Organizations

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the complex, yet interesting system of international law and to the basic concepts and theories of international organizations and how they have changed the mechanisms of reasoning behind the making, implementation and enforcement of international law. A large portion of the course will focus on the fundamental principles of international law, the law of treaties, the relationship between international and domestic law, the imperative of human rights and the impact that international organizations have in the field of international relations, such as peacekeeping operations, human security and terrorism.

Politics 240 International Migration

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the issues and concerns of international migration, particularly as these have been brought about by globalization. The course will systematically examine the processes of international migration, push and pull factors, economic factors, as well as how international migration is innately connected with conflict and war, climate change, economic inequalities, and other factors. Theories and conceptual frameworks will be utilized, as will several case studies from around the world. Debates about borders and sovereignty will be addressed, as well as the recent securitization of migration, as countries take actions to stop migratory flows and adopt policies to discourage migrants wanting to enter.

Politics 250: Politics and New Technologies

The course is aiming at providing students insights into the following: The rapid development of technology over the past two centuries: first, second, third industrial revolution; the upcoming/current fourth industrial revolution. How technological progress is affecting politics: the limits of human activity and machine work. “Technophobia” and conservative restrains vis-à- vis technological advancement. Politics and new technologies in warfare. How technology affects gender. Artificial intelligence and the limits of human mind.

Politics 301: War and Human Security in the Modern World

In many respects war seems to be a major preoccupation of humankind. This course sets out to examine various perspectives on the causes, nature, and implications of war and genocide, as well as familiarizing students with the major issues and concepts associated with violent conflict. In addition students will become engaged with the dynamics of efforts to establish peace and resolve conflicts through an examination of applied theoretical frameworks and case study analyses.

Politics 304: Women, Power, and Politics

This course provides an examination of the intersection of gender with politics, emphasizing the social construction of gender as well as the notion of citizenship and the part of women within a democratic polity. The course addresses the evolution of public policies affecting both men and women, legal systems and women, and the emerging role of women in state and non- state political institutions. The course will also explore the challenge that feminist theory has made to the traditional theories of politics and international relations.

Politics 306: Contemporary Development Issues

This course explores contemporary research on international development and its various economic and social implications and aspires to enlighten students as to how development theory and practice emerges within an historical and political context. Students are given the opportunity to further their knowledge of different aspects of international development. It will also assist students in understanding the political factors of economic inequality in the developing world.

Politics 332: Human Rights

This senior seminar will focus on the basic principles of human rights. Building on the foundation PS&IR students will have received from Politics 233, International Law and Organizations, it will introduce students to the international and regional conventions and instruments which encode human rights. The course will cover the following issues: how human rights develop; the struggles for human rights, where these rights are encoded; and how to monitor that laws are being enforced. The course will also reflect on how international organizations reflect the values of human rights, not only in their monitoring and campaigning but also in their own practice.

Politics 333: Diplomacy

This course considers the overlapping disciplines of diplomacy, negotiation, and conflict resolution. The course begins with an overview of the historical evolution of contemporary diplomatic relations. The students are introduced to different types of international negotiations. The final segment of the course reviews case studies in complex multiparty conflict resolution. Student evaluation will be based in part on participation in a practical simulation.

Politics 334: Global Security Challenges

This course sets out to highlight the evolution of the concept of security (from State to human security and beyond) and the dynamism of international law and policy responses vis-à-vis a series of global threats (terrorism, threats to human health, environmental disasters, migration, financial threats). Students will be exposed to moral, legal and policy dilemmas highlighted in specific case-studies concerning global security threats and will be required to examine in depth and critically assess them. In order to fulfill those objectives, the main actors involved and the main tools employed in dealing with these threats will be presented and a series of primary sources related to the case-studies will be commented upon.

Politics 350: Senior Thesis I

An intensive, two-semester research project guided by one or more AAU faculty. Part One.

Politics 351: Senior Thesis II

An intensive, two-semester research project guided by one or more AAU faculty. Part Two.

Practicum

Psychology

Psychology 101: Introduction to Psychology

This course aims at providing a comprehensive introduction to the essential principles of the academic discipline of psychology by addressing such important topics as the function of the human brain, perception, language, development, learning, motivation, emotion, intelligence, personality, psychological disorders, and social behavior. The student is introduced to major theories of human behavior and is encouraged to assess critically the contribution and applicability of psychological research to daily life through class discussions, presentations and written assignments.

Psychology 120- Developmental Psychology I

The study of human development is the study of progression and change. This course is designed to introduce students to the study of developmental psychology and provide an overview of the major theories and topics in developmental psychology. The emphasis is on the pre-natal period and early childhood. However, later periods of development will be addressed in Developmental Psychology II. Theory and research will be presented in areas such as biological, motor, cognitive, emotional, and social domains from the prenatal period through early childhood.

Psychology 121: Developmental Psychology II

This course will focus on research and applications in the field of human development. Human development is the study of how people change and remain the same across the lifespan. The aim is to provide a review of the progression through the initial developmental stages (prenatal development and early years) that was taught to the students in Developmental I and to further expand their knowledge of understanding on human development from school years through adulthood. Areas such as biological, motor, cognitive, emotional, and social domains will be covered and these processes will be described within a theoretical and empirical framework.

Psychology 130: Cognitive Psychology

This course will help students to acquire knowledge regarding core issues, theories and experimental findings in cognitive psychology. The course intends to cover the main topics of the field of cognitive psychology as the main mental processes play a key role in human Behavior, thinking and decision making process. Nowadays, as the information people encounter and the situations they immerse themselves in are diverse, the understanding of the working process of language, perception, learning, memory, etc is necessary. Focus will also be given to the progression of the cognitive field and the investigation of real-world issues through controlled laboratory scientific experimentation.

Psychology 150: Psychophysiology of Behavior

This is a course which will provide an overview of the principles, theory, and applications of psychophysiological assessment and students will become familiar with current psychophysiological research findings. It is concerned with the biological bases of behavior and it can offer an understanding of psychophysiological aspects of behavior, emotions, and cognition to your foundation of knowledge and skills. The aim of this course is to introduce major psychophysiological measures and help students understand what psychophysiologists do, how they think about psychology and behavior. It introduces to students theory and research in major areas of human psychophysiology with emphasis to the major methodological principles in human psychophysiology as well as to the study of behavior and psychopathology.

Psychology 170: Personal Development & Employability

The aim of this course is to improve awareness of career pathways and to improve students’ abilities to reflect on, and present, the skills, attributes and experience gained from an academic degree and how this can support them achieve graduate employment. Students will develop their self-awareness and gain an enhanced understanding of what motivates them in the workplace. Students will learn about options available to psychology graduates and other majors and approaches to independently researching career possibilities. Students will also build their appreciation of how to navigate the graduate recruitment process, gaining practical experience of how to market themselves in written applications and in interviews.

Psychology 200: Adulthood and Aging

The goal of this course is to provide a critical analysis of the methods and theories that have been applied to the study of human ageing from a psychological perspective through the study of major theories of aging, changes in physical and mental health, personal transitions, and social relationships, as well as death and dying.

Psychology 202: Personality Theories

This course will help students to deepen their knowledge regarding the formation of human personality and its impact on several areas of life. Also, the course intends to cover the main theoretical approaches, their strengths and limitations as well as their application to the explanation of psychopathology and problematic behavior. As nowadays, in the field of psychology, a lot of researchers and professionals suggest an eclectic approach, students need to be acquainted with the various theoretical schools and be able to apply basic theoretical information to real-life examples in practice. Focus will be also given to relevant issues, such as the genes and environment debate, gender differences and cultural perspectives so that students develop a holistic approach to the understanding of human personality.

Psychology 204: Social Psychology

The aim of this course is to develop student’s knowledge and understanding of key areas in Social Psychology such as: social thinking (which includes the topics of the self-concept; self-serving bias; stereotypes and prejudice), social influence (which includes the topics of persuasion; health and well-being in today’s societies) and social relations (looking at the topics of aggression, discrimination, liking and helping). Biological, cognitive, emotional and socio-cultural aspects will be discussed while presenting the above key areas. The students will also learn about the related field of Community Psychology and how its main principles and research findings apply to contemporary communities. Finally, research related issues such as ethics and methodologies in Social Psychological research will be covered. By presenting the main concepts, theories, research methods and key studies in Social Psychology, the course aims to help students evaluate the usefulness of the above in today’s societies as well as recognize the limits of generalizing social psychological research to all gender/ethnic/cultural/age groups.

Psychology 205: Research methods and Statistics

In this course students are given the opportunity to develop an understanding of the research process and familiarize themselves with basic statistical terms and key methodologies and methods in Psychology research. In specific students learn about statistics-related concepts (populations, samples, variables). They are introduced to quantitative data analysis and in particular, descriptive statistics where they learn about identification of variables, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and variability, normal and sampling distribution, hypothesis testing, type I and II errors, t – test for 1 sample and 2 independent samples, Pearson correlation, Chi – square independence test. It is associated with Psychology 101 and Math 101 and other courses that include introduction to research methods and statistics such as Psychology 211.

Psychology 206: Research methods and Qualitative Analysis

In this course students are given the opportunity to develop their critical understanding of the research process in Psychology and build a solid ability to evaluate methodological issues in specific Psychology research studies and carry out a research study themselves. Students will advance their knowledge of qualitative data analysis (mainly thematic analysis, narrative analysis and discourse analysis) and of critically evaluating the quality criteria of research studies (in terms of validity/transferability, reliability/ dependability, objectivity/reflexivity, truth/credibility, generalizability/local-groundedness). Finally, the students acquire the knowledge and skills to design and conduct a piece of small-scale original research. This course provides valuable preparation for final year thesis. It is associated with Psychology 101 and other courses that include introduction to research methods such as Psychology 211 and Psychology 205.

Psychology 211: Historical, Philosophical & Research Foundations of Psychology

This course aims to introduce students to major conceptual and historical paradigms and models in psychology, the history of psychology as a science, the social and cultural construction of psychology, the most interesting developments in the history and concepts of science and to the concept of the self or mind. They will learn about the philosophical origins of psychology, introspection, behaviorism, psychodynamic theory, evolutionary psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology and neuroscience and they will be re-introduced to major figures in the history of psychology, including Wundt, Pavlov, Skinner, Piaget and Freud etc. The ways in which psychologists and psychiatrists have investigated human nature will be examined, and major controversies in the field along with basic philosophical assumptions made in the sciences of human nature will be explored. In addition, students will be introduced to the fundamental principles of research methodology in Psychology such as different research designs, sampling techniques as well as basics of descriptive statistics.

Psychology 215: Positive Psychology

This course will provide students with the opportunity to learn about Positive Psychology and study how humans prosper in the face of adversity. Students will be introduced to contemporary science-based methods for enhancing the well-being, happiness and positive aspects of human experience. Various findings related to positive states such as happiness, creativity, well-being, optimism, resilience, altruism are discussed and their implications in real life are examined.

Psychology 218: Clinical Psychology I: Psychopathology

This course will help students gain a thorough and critical understanding of clinical issues and specifically, mental health and illness, definition of psychopathology, diagnosis and various factors that should be taken into account in the process of identifying several psychological disorders. As mental health professionals need to be aware of all the important issues and ethics in the clinical field, students need to be acquainted with the main psychological disorders and critically apply theoretical information to case studies and real life examples from professional practice. Therefore, focus will be given to assessment, causation, risk factors and effects of the main psychological disorders but also students will be introduced to the basic principles of treatment and prevention strategies. Moreover, they will be acquainted with issues of stigma and social exclusion so that they are aware of diversity issues and their implication on clinical practice.

Psychology 221: Neuropsychology

This course aims to enable the students have a good grasp of the most recent advances, and a critical assessment of the literature in the field of neuropsychology. The focus is on particular neuropsychological conditions and cognitive dysfunctions that are the result of known structural brain damages. With respect to brain damage, the focus is on assessment and treatment methods. All these factors are studied in their single and combined effect on normal neurocognitive outcome as well as on mild to severe cognitive dysfunction in adult. For that purpose, a broad range of research methods is overviewed and explained, including longitudinal, interventional, experimental, patient-related, psychophysiological, and neuroimaging techniques. Discussed syndromes and disturbances: neglect syndrome, apraxia, aphasia, dementia, epilepsy, disturbance of visual processes, memory disorders and disorders of attention and executive functions.

Psychology 240: Forensic Psychology

This is a course which will provide students with the opportunity to learn about Forensic Psychology, a recent subfield of Psychology which emphasizes the application of research and practice in other areas of psychology (e.g., cognitive psychology, social psychology) to the legal arena. The course covers the history, basic principles and objects of study of Forensic Psychology. Some important thematic areas are introduced such as forensic cognition (how offenders think), psychology of criminal behavior and victimology, the role of psychology in police and legal processes, assessment and treatment of offenders in forensic settings.

Psychology 250: Psychopharmacology

This is a course which covers the basic principles of psychopharmacology. The course investigates the questions of what drugs are and how they influence psychological phenomena. Diverse types of drug use and abuse are explored. The course addresses questions on how and why drugs are used for treatment for psychopathological conditions, which are the mechanisms of addiction, what is tolerance and abuse. It also addresses the main and side effects of psychoactive drugs and how these are associated with effects on perception, emotion and behavior.

Psychology 255: Sports Psychology

During this course students are given the opportunity to further their knowledge of how individuals behave in sport and exercise as well as behavior patterns in sports and exercise settings. The course aims to introduce students to the study of people and their behavior in exercise contexts and provide an overview of the history, current status and future directions of this ever-growing field of study. Students shall identify and be able to critically apply principles and guidelines to enhance performance, help adults and children benefit from sport and exercises and cope with stress, anxiety, and arousal issues.

Psychology 303: Educational Psychology: Inclusive & Special Education

This course aims to provide students with an understanding of a range of issues where psychological concepts, theories and methods have been applied in an educational context. We will look both at research in educational psychology and the educational policies that this research informs. Issues of relevance along the different tiers of education will be considered. The nature of early education will be addressed as well, with policy and research concerning contemporary debates such as the significance of play; the concept of learning readiness and the age at which children should begin formal education. Pre- school interventions and a range of special needs/developmental disorders & interventions will also be explored. The nature of early education will be addressed as well, with policy and research concerning contemporary debates such as the significance of play; the concept of learning readiness and the age at which children should begin formal education. Pre-school interventions and a range of special needs/developmental disorders and interventions will also be explored, emphasizing to the concept of inclusive education.

Psychology 305: Counselling and Psychotherapy

This course will help students to further deepen their knowledge regarding the prevalent counselling theories and approaches and psychotherapy research and critically evaluate them and apply related theory to case studies from professional practice. They will also get acquainted with the interview process, the therapeutic process and relationship, the counselling skills and the ethical issues on both theoretical and practical basis. Focus will be given to diversity issues in counselling, such as ethnicity, social class, age, gender, sexual orientation, etc. Moreover, the emphasis of this course on experiential learning and personal awareness and development will facilitate students to better comprehend the role of the psychologist in the counselling field and apply the knowledge and skills to their practicum.

Psychology 310: Organizational Psychology

Through this course the students will understand in depth the influence and interaction between organizations and the groups and the individuals who lead and work within them and will learn to analyze how these processes shape outcomes related to the use of human capital and to organizational effectiveness. The students will also learn to critically reflect on the roles, behaviors, interactions and outcomes they have had or will have themselves while participating in organizations or institutions. This course will start by presenting the history of organizational psychology and the topics of study and practice for organizational psychologists and will then discuss different structures and cultures of organizations. It will continue by covering various processes unfolding between organizations, groups and individuals (such as leadership, motivation for work, resistance to change, persuasion, team- working, problem solving, conflict/collaboration) and also examine how these processes shape various outcomes related to the performance and wellbeing of groups and individuals and the operation and growth of institutions. Research designs and methodologies in organizational psychology will also be covered.

Psychology 320: Dialectical therapy

The aim of the course is to introduce the fundamental concepts and methods of behavioral therapy and to provide a basic introduction to DBT formulation, and treatment planning. The course also provides an overview of behavioral techniques and will familiarize students with the general theoretical context, as well as the main therapeutic principles within each theoretical approach. It will also consider the applications and empirical based evidence for the success of each approach and is designed to explore how certain approaches in psychotherapy can be employed to provide an insight into mental health problems, drawing on many theories and therapeutic practices to provide a better understanding.

Psychology 330: Psychology of immigration

This course will present demographics/diversity of immigrant populations, motivating factors for migrating, and the myths/ stereotypes around immigrants’ characteristics and behaviors. It will then discuss the psychological experience of immigration in different contexts, as well as health, psychosocial well-being and psychopathology issues that may emerge and the services that need to be provided for addressing immigrants’ diverse health, mental health and social care needs. Through this course the students will gain in depth understanding of the characteristics, experiences and needs of immigrant populations and will learn to make recommendations to improve practice and policy affecting immigrants of all ages and backgrounds.

Psychology 340: Psychology of addiction

Students are given the opportunity to develop their understanding of psychological and biological aspects of substance misuse and addiction as well as the potential treatment methods. Other non-substance addictions are also discussed such as gambling, internet addiction etc. The course aims to teach students how to assess and diagnose substance use disorders and in short to provide an overview of the psychosocial and neurobiological bases of addiction, the factors that affect addictive behavior and also how to describe and analyze appropriate therapeutic interventions.

Psychology 350: SENIOR THESIS I

This is a required course for psychology majors. It constitutes the first term of a year-long research project, at the end of which the students are required to submit an 8,000-word thesis. In the Fall Term, they submit a 3000-word draft of the thesis, with main emphasis being the literature review.

Psychology 351: SENIOR THESIS II

This is the second part of a course in which the students are required to write an 8,000-word thesis. It is a fundamental component of the Psychology curriculum in which the students display their ability of formulating a research question which they research and write a detailed analysis of in 8,000 words.

Psychology 360: Advanced Applied Statistics for Psychologists

In this course, students are given the opportunity to develop an understanding of the research process and familiarize themselves with main paradigms and advanced statistical methodologies in Psychology research. The course helps students understand the strengths and limitations of different research paradigms, various research methodologies and methods in Psychology, as well as apply advanced statistical techniques and learn: a) about the main descriptive statistics techniques, b) inferential statistics techniques, c) non – parametric tests, d) correlational analysis and e) high order (factorial) AN.O.VA statistical methods. Students are also given the opportunity to analyze the aforementioned methods using SPSS, using Psychology examples and data. Students will also learn why Psychology is an empirical science and how empirical research can be designed step-by-step in Psychology. Additionally, students will acquire statistical literacy (at the level of advanced statistics) through practical classes that will allow the learnt concepts and analytic techniques to be practiced, both by hand and through using a computer and the relevant software (SPSS).

Psychology 370: Psychology of Trauma

This course will explore psychological trauma from a variety of viewpoints and will draw on research and applications from various trauma-related topics such as childhood trauma, adult sexual assault, war, domestic violence, etc. Note: This course is not purely academic, so it is very possible that you, someone you know, or any of your classmates have survived very significant crises or traumas in their lives. Some of the lectures, media presentations, and guest speakers may have a strong emotional impact on you, so it is recommended that all students seek out some form of support during this course; a list of support services will be provided.

Psychology 400: Clinical Psychology II: Psychological Assessment

This course provides students with an opportunity to develop further their knowledge and skills in the areas of observation, measurement and psychometric assessment, including the use of formal psychological tests. Also, the aim is to explore the theory and application of psychological tests as measures of personality, intellectual functioning, attitudes etc. and learn how to use certain types of tests, their advantages and disadvantages, and test reliability and validity. Additionally, students will gain insight into the appropriate use of tests, tests construction, administration of tests and interpretation of test results.

Research

Social Sciences

Social Science 210: Introduction to Global Studies and Human Geographies

This course sets out to explore a number of subjects relating to the study of geography and politics. Students will be exposed to topics such as world/regional geography, cartography, geopolitics, politics and the environment, colonial/postcolonial geographies, and development, while the multidimensional and trans-disciplinary nature of geographical and political studies will be emphasized throughout. The course will also investigate such topics as world systems theory, cultural change, and globalizations.

Social Science 215: Studies in Media and Contemporary Society

This course aims to analyze and explore media representations, media regulation, elite-mass communication, media production in a global age, communication and media power. A comparative approach will be employed for analysis of different regional and national communications systems. A final segment of the course will examine the concept of mass society, media power and globalization. Examples and case studies will be taken from American and European sources.

Social Science 323: Race and Racisms

This course sets out to examine various sociological perspectives on race and the processes of racialization. Students are given the opportunity to develop their understanding of the idea of race and key aspects and practices of racism. Students will gain insights into the evolution and construction of race in history and familiarize students with different types and forms of racism. In order to fulfill these objectives in a satisfactory manner, this course embraces and interdisciplinary approach at both the theoretical and applied levels.

Social Science 349: Contemporary Globalization

This course aims to give the students a complex understanding of the processes of globalization. We will first look at how different theoretical perspectives make sense of globalization, i.e., what it is, whether it is a novel set of phenomena or not, and what its impact is on our world. With the background of this theoretical diversity, we will then go into studying in depth the institutions and impact of globalization. We will explore how globalization shapes and alters the economic, political and social structures of societies, and what specific roles the global institutions play in this transformation. We will also look at the gender dimension of this claim. Finally, we will discuss those political movements which criticize and provide alternatives to globalization.