Earth and Environmental Sciences - Freshmen

Course # HUSS 1051

Credits 4

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites: None

Course Description

This course is an introduction to philosophy. It aims to provide students with the basic knowledge of philosophical theories, categories, and topics. We explore major philosophical discussions in the contemporary world ranging from epistemology to aesthetics. The course does not presume to dictate any philosophical doctrine, its purpose is to help students develop skills of reasoning, responsible decision making, and to reflect on things non-pragmatic.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

• Use philosophical categories accurately in discussing philosophical topics;
• Untangle (latent) premises upon which (their own or others’) philosophical statements are made;
• Identify inconsistencies and potential errors that require attention and investigation;
• Take a systematic approach, to ensure that issues are viewed in a “bigger picture” and essentials are not overlooked;
• Defend a stance in a debate reasonably (using relevant facts, knowledge of theories, coherent arguments);
• Discuss philosophical issues responsibly (amicably and cooperatively).

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # HUSS 1203

Credits 3

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites: None

Course Description

This course explores the origin, doctrine, beliefs, and practices of the selected world religions.  Its lessons consist of an introduction to religion and the academic study of religion. Religions are taught by considering their historical and geographical origin. Students study major teachings and devotional practices including views of the absolute, ceremonial rituals, sacred experiences, founding, and sustaining stories. The course seeks to develop and promote an understanding of how global religious traditions reflect the social contexts in which they emerged, and in turn how the traditions affect and transform those societies as well. Throughout the course, students are challenged to think and write with sophistication, intelligence, and critical insight, and analyze primary and secondary sources about major religious traditions. The course has an underlying expectation of helping students to articulate and defend a point of view or thesis on matters of significance or controversy. Scientific study of religion prompts students to question the various aspects of doctrines, and beliefs, and at the same time appreciate the plurality of meaning and interpretations that believing community attach to their religion.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

• Describe the nature and diversity of world religions from a historical perspective.
• Assess various theories, concepts, and materials (e.g., written texts, oral reports, archaeological data) central to the academic study of religion.
• Describe how world religions form in their geographic, social, and historical contexts.

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # COMP 2012

Credits 5

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites: Calculus

Course Description

Information Technology is an introductory informatics course, which covers basic programming methods and tools used by researchers in the arts to manipulate, manage and analyze relevant data in statistics. The focus of the course will be on the R programming language, which students will use to solve problem-sets in statistical analysis using real statistical data. Basic statistical functions like summary() and describe(), data visualization, and data manipulation techniques are introduced. This course analyses generic programming language concepts and techniques, and demonstrates their implementation in statistical analysis using R. The most relevant functions in data science, such as indexing, conditional statements, loops, customized functions, algorithm design, descriptive statistics, linear regression, decision tree, random forest, t-tests etc. are explained. The main goal of this course is to give students an understanding of the breadth of different programming applications. Students learn how to design and write effective code using R to perform routine and specialized data manipulation, management, analysis, and statistics tasks. The tasks will be accomplished by identifying and using existing R, R-Markdown packages as well as appropriate open-source software extensions.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

• Explain the theoretical concepts of different datatypes
• Conceptualize and create loops and if/else statements in R
• Create customized functions in R to handle results
• Manipulate data for descriptive statistical analysis in R
• Use R to perform mathematic calculations
• Use special packages, such as ggplot2, R -Markdown, plotly, to convert graphs and convert plain text to formatted text
• Use MS Excel for summarizing data, creating graphs & charts
• Using the packages dplyr, tidyr, shiny, randomForest, caret, e1071 and xgboost for various statistical analysis, data manipulation, graphing and creating machine learning algorithms.

Course Assignments and Grading

Course # HUSS 1116

Credits 6

Prerequisites and/or Corequisites: None

Course Description

This comprehensive and transformative course is designed to enhance students' transition from general academic communication to specialized communication across various academic disciplines. The course aims to equip freshmen with the skills necessary to excel in effective rhetoric, critical analysis, and compelling writing. Students will explore the intricate relationship between concepts and communication in their chosen field, progressing from foundational understanding to advanced application. Through engaging classroom instruction, practical exercises, collaborative activities, and comprehensive assessments, students will cultivate the ability to convey complex theories, arguments, and research findings with clarity, precision, and persuasion. By the course's conclusion, students will be well-prepared to succeed in diverse academic and professional contexts, equipped with robust communication skills pertinent to their chosen field. 

Course learning outcomes

Upon the completion of the course, students will be able to:

• communicate intricate concepts and arguments, tailoring the message for diverse audiences and levels of expertise.
• construct central arguments, evidence, and underlying assumptions within various texts.
• research, evaluate and synthesize relevant sources to construct well-informed and evidence-based arguments.
• construct logically coherent arguments grounded in theory and empirical evidence, while addressing counterarguments.
• craft academic papers that adhere to disciplinary standards of writing, including proper citation and referencing.
• Course Assessments and Grading 

Course # DMNS 1006

Credits 6

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites: Precalculus

Course Description

Calculus is a foundational course at UCA. This introductory calculus course covers differentiation and integration of functions with applications. The course is designed in a way that provides students with a thorough grounding in concepts and applications, analytical techniques, and numerical methods of Calculus.

In this course, students study mathematics that deals with the precise definition of a limit, limits graphically and algebraically, infinite limits and limits at infinity, continuity and one sided limits, basic differentiation rules and rates of change, Implicit differentiation, applications of derivative, computing indefinite integrals, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus,  techniques of integration, applications of integrals, logarithmic differentiation, inverse functions and derivatives of inverse functions, exponential functions, using exponential and logarithmic functions to model compound interest, exponential growth and decay,  functions of several variables and their applications.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

• Compute limits and derivatives of algebraic, trigonometric, and piece-wise defined functions.
• Compute definite and indefinite integrals of algebraic and trigonometric functions using formulas and substitution.
• Use the derivative of a function to determine the properties of the graph of the function and use the graph of a function to estimate its derivative.
• Estimate a propagated error using a differential.
• Solve problems in a range of mathematical applications using the derivative or the integral.
• Determine the continuity and differentiability of a function at a point and on a set.
• Determine whether a function has an inverse function. Find the derivative of an inverse function.
• Use exponential and logarithmic functions to model compound interest, exponential growth and exponential decay.
• Solve optimization problems involving functions of several variables.

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # HUSS  1117

Credits 3

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites: None

Course Description

This course is designed to equip Freshmen with essential communication skills tailored for success in professional and workplace settings. Through interactive lectures, practical exercises, case studies, collaborative projects, and a dedicated module on multimodal texts, students develop a solid foundation in effective communication strategies, adapting their skills to various professional contexts. The course emphasizes written, verbal, nonverbal, digital, and multimodal communication techniques, preparing students to navigate diverse workplace scenarios and excel in their future careers.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon the completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills suitable for professional contexts.
• Utilize nonverbal cues to enhance interpersonal interactions and convey professionalism.
• Employ digital communication tools and platforms proficiently in workplace settings.
• Analyze and adapt communication strategies to address diverse workplace challenges.
• Collaborate efficiently within teams to achieve common communication goals.
• Create and interpret multimodal texts, incorporating visual, audio, and textual elements.

Course Assessments and Grading  

Course # HUSS 1035

Credits 3

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites: None

Course Description

This Beginner Tajik Language course is designed for non-native speakers aiming to achieve beginner-level proficiency in Tajik, equivalent to low A1/A2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The course focuses on developing foundational skills in vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and basic communication, allowing students to engage in simple conversations, introduce themselves, and navigate everyday situations. By the end of the course, students will be able to understand and produce basic written and spoken Tajik in everyday contexts.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Use basic vocabulary, sentences, and expressions for everyday situations.
• Participate in simple daily conversations, comprehending the main ideas in short oral communications.
• Ask and answer grammatically correct questions related to basic needs using short phrases and sentences.
• Demonstrate comprehension of simple words and phrases in face-to-face conversations.
• Write simple sentences with appropriate grammar and vocabulary.
• Use simple and some complex sentences when speaking.
• Read and understand the main ideas of short written and oral texts on everyday topics.
• Communicate basic needs in a culturally appropriate manner.
• Gain a fundamental understanding of Tajik language structure.

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # HUSS 1036

Credits 3

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites: None

Course Description

This course aims to help students achieve overall Tajik language proficiency, leading to Intermediate user language defined as low B1/B2 levels on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The course is designed for students who already have a foundational understanding of Tajik language, having completed a beginner course or having some prior experience with using Tajik language. The course will assist them develop their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to confidently use the language in various everyday life situations.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand and use appropriate vocabulary, sentences, and expressions in everyday life;
• Read and understand the main idea of and acquire some additional information from written and oral texts focused on everyday topics;
• Participate effectively in a daily conversation using appropriate language and understand the main ideas in from lengthy conversation in common everyday context;
• Write more difficult paragraphs using appropriate grammatical structures;
• Use a variety of more difficult complex sentences when speaking;
• Understand spoken Tajik in various contexts, including conversations, radio programs, and simple news broadcasts;
• Identify main ideas, specific details, and implied meanings.

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # HUSS 1037

Credits 3

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites: None

Course Description

This upper-intermediate Tajik language course is designed for students who have a solid foundation in the language and are looking to further develop their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. The course focuses on refining grammar, expanding vocabulary, and enhancing fluency in both formal and informal communication. Students will engage with more complex texts, participate in discussions on a variety of topics, and strengthen their ability to express ideas clearly and accurately in Tajik.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

• Express ideas fluently, accurately and appropriately, using a wide range of vocabulary
• Read and understand long texts and identify their main points
• Identify the main idea(s), specific details; summarize and paraphrase information in a text
• Prepare and deliver engaging oral presentations
• Understand complex texts, speeches and interviews
• Write clear and well-structured paragraphs to express their points of view
• Utilize communication techniques in conversations and written pieces
• Write short essays with good introduction, body and conclusion
• Write formal and informal letters
• Display appropriate grammatical accuracy and lexical range in their speech and written works.

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # COOP 1001

Credits 2