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1. The Freshman Writing Program
Composition, Critical Reading, and Library Skills (ECLT 112)
Sessions are devoted to writing expository prose with special attention to rhetorical methods, discussion, critical reading and thinking, and to instruction in the use of the library. Credit: 4 hrs. Grading in this course is on a Pass/Fail system.
Composition and Research Paper (ECLT 113)
Sessions are devoted to analytical reading, methods of research, and the process of research paper writing. Students will be responsible for producing a sequence of at least four research papers on related topics or on a common theme. Prerequisite: ECLT 112. Credit: 5 hrs. Grading in this course is on a Pass/Fail system.
Placement of Students
Students may be exempted from one or both courses by a series of placement exams.
Dropping
Students may not drop these courses.
2. Scientific Thinking
Scientific Thinking (SCI 120) emphasizes the unifying aspects of the scientific approach to the study of nature and human behavior. About one-third of the course is devoted to a discussion of the nature of scientific inquiry and investigation. The course focuses on the process of fact identification and concept formation and testing. In the remainder of the course students are exposed to applications of the approach in various disciplines.
The course sets some of the major concepts and theories of science into a broad historical, philosophical, and cultural context and traces the development of these theories and concepts to their present status. This serves the double purpose of acquainting the students with the appropriate setting in which a given idea gained relevance and exposes them to the evolution of current methods of investigation. Credit: 3 hrs.
3. Philosophic Thinking
Philosophic Thinking (PHIL 220) presents various types of philosophical discourse (dialectical, analytical, critical, etc.) stemming from different epochs of philosophy, and dealing with the main subjects of philosophy. It is introductory and aims to involve students in the philosophical quest. It tries to bring out the common grounding of the academic disciplines in the "desire to know" and to help students to recognize this desire as something pertaining to human nature. Philosophy is first shown in its works, and participation in these works is then invited through the communal attempt to understand them. Finally, unity is sought in variety: the spirit of philosophy is portrayed through its works. Prerequisite: SCI 120. Credit: 3 hrs.
4 . The Seminar
Core Seminar (SEMR 200) is an interdisciplinary course in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. Its goal is to foster the critical interpretation of texts. In this course, students read a variety of texts from different disciplines in an attempt to explore new ideas and new approaches to knowledge. Each week, students attend general lectures and then meet with their tutors in small groups to discuss the readings. The Seminar is an integral part of AUC's program of liberal education. By asking questions about human nature, society, culture, and the natural and supernatural worlds, students will develop their critical-analytical skills and broaden their understanding of themselves and the world in which they live. Prerequisites: PHIL 220 and ECLT 113. Credit: 3hrs. Offered in Spring.
Core Honors Seminar (SEMR 300) is an interdisciplinary honors course which is an elective sequel to Core Seminar 200. The focus of Core Seminar 300 is the critical exploration of ideas stemming from a selection of texts representing a variety of cultural traditions both past and present. Because Core Seminar 300 is an honors course, students will be expected to demonstrate skills and a degree of commitment that are more advanced than those normally associated with other 300-level courses. Prerequisites: Core Seminar 200 with 3.4 overall GPA and/or consent of the Core Seminar Supervisor. Credit: 3hrs. Offered in Spring. Grading in this course is on a Pass/Fail system.
5. Arab History
Arab History (MEHT/HIST 246) presents the history of the Arab-speaking Middle East from pre-Islamic times to the modern era, with emphasis on the principal political, economic, social, religious, and cultural developments and their relevance to the contemporary Middle East. The course introduces students to historiographical methodology and different interpretive approaches. It attempts to foster a critical attitude toward sources and provides a context in which students can apply skills and concepts acquired in other core curriculum requiremnts courses. Prerequisite: ECLT 113. Credit: 3hrs.
6. Arab Society
Arab Society (SOC/ANTH 210) offers a description and analysis of social and cultural characteristics and problems of contemporary Arab society, taking into consideration the specific historical, economic, and ideological forces that shape it. Social basis for Arab unity and identity is examined and students receive an introduction to basic concepts and principles for understanding social phenomena. Prerequisite: MEHT/HIST 246. Credit: 3hrs.
7. Arabic Literature
Students who hold the Arabic Thanawiya ‘Amma must take one of the following courses:
Survey of Classical Arabic Literature (ARBS 207)
A study of classical Arabic literature with an emphasis on poetry from the pre-Islamic, early Islamic, Umayyad, and Abbasid periods. Also a study of some prose forms such as Kalila wa Dimna, maqama, Jahiz's stories in al-Bukhala, and al-Ma‘arri's Risalat al-Ghufran. Prerequisite: Arabic Thanawiya ‘Amma, placement examination, or consent of instructor. Credit: 3hrs.
OR
Survey of Modern Arabic Literature (ARBS 208)
A study of Arabic literature of the modern period from the beginning of the century up to the present time including poetry, the novel, the short story, and the play with special emphasis on the Arabic literature of Egypt. Attention is given to analyzing texts and literary appreciation. Prerequisite: Arabic Thanawiya ‘Amma, placement examination, or consent of instructor. Credit: 3hrs.
Students who do not have a Thanawiya ‘ Amma certificate or its equivalent may take one or both of the two Arabic literature courses in translation (that is ARBS 337 or ARBS 338), but should note that if they do, they will be required to take certain Arabic language courses. See "Arabic Language Requirements" below.
Core Curriculum Electives
The Core Curriculum Electives consist of the following:
1. Four credit hours of natural sciences, selected from |
