Communications and Media - Freshmen

Course # MDIA 1211

Credits 6

Course Description 

This course introduces the skills and knowledge needed to be effective storytellers and to develop impactful narratives in a culturally relevant manner.  The key historical, economic, technical and cultural developments are examined to gain an understanding of the evolution of English writing for media. The fundamentals of writing clarity, an eye for criticality, an awareness of audience as well as the importance of a proper structure, and format are key elements of the course.  This course will introduce students to the basic skills and knowledge needed to write for newspapers, magazines as well as for a range of digital media. The competencies gained in this course will be useful for all the production courses, but especially Media Production (Text) and Specialised Media Labs (Text). 

Course Learning Outcomes 

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

• Describe a brief history of media in English and relate it to the Central Asian context.
• Identify key rules of writing for publication
• Discuss the various forms of writing used in mainstream media
• Identify the key components of professional interviewing techniques
• Demonstrate, through practical exercises, the basic differences in writing for different short and longform formats, including print, sound and screen. 
• Describe how writing for media is evolving in digital environments.

Course Assessments and Grading 

Course # HUSS 1045

Credits 4

Course Description 

The course is designed for foreign students studying Russian with the aim of mastering elementary skills of written and oral speech in a limited number of situations in everyday, socio-cultural and academic spheres of communication. In Russian language classes, students are taught correct writing and all types of speech activity: writing, reading, listening and speaking. The most important task of these courses is to create such conditions that help to stimulate students' interest in the material being studied and to assimilate the content of the material. Starting with the study of the alphabet and familiarizing themselves with the correct pronunciation of letters, they will learn elementary conversational speech, social behavior, simple ethical and aesthetic norms of communication in Russian. Using examples of dialogues and polylogues, they will learn to retell the texts they read, based on the lexico-grammatical material of the lessons. Much attention is paid to practical mastery of the Russian language in all types of speech activity and spheres of communication, of which a considerable amount of time is devoted to social and educational spheres.

Course Learning Outcomes 

Upon the completion of this course, students should be able to: 

• to be able to read Russian correctly and fluently;
• listen to and adequately understand other people's speech;
• to speak fluently and correctly within the studied topics;
• to be able to evaluate and reason correctly.

Course # HUSS 1046

Credits 4

Course Description 

The course is designed for foreign students who mastered the initial stage program. An important condition of these courses is that the students are well prepared, and that they can fully grasp and work through the material they have learned, both grammatical and lexical. Informative saturation will help develop intellectual skills and the ability to cognitive activity in general. For example, on tasks of such types as "let's argue", "convince a friend", reasoning over statements. On examples of texts with pre-text and post-text tasks, receiving lexico-grammatical tasks, engaging in discussion, students practically master the Russian language in all types of speech activity and spheres of communication, replenish their vocabulary.  

The student performs a certain load on each academic week, both during the classes and independently. Creative approach to the fulfillment of text assignments, mastering the entire lexical minimum on the topics, working on exercises, both in written and oral form are encouraged at each class. Written work must be turned in on the due date.

Course Learning Outcomes 

Upon the completion of this course, students should be able to: 

• to be able to read Russian correctly and fluently;
• listen to and adequately understand the speech of others;
• to speak fluently and correctly within the limits of the topics studied;
• be able to evaluate and reason correctly
• to have intermediate level writing skills.

Course Assessments and Grading 

Course # HUSS 1047

Credits 4

Course Description 

The course is designed for foreign students who have an advanced command of Russian. The main goal of the course is to develop speaking and writing skills in Russian at a professional level and in different spheres of communication, including official communication, business and academic communication (both written and oral), as well as to teach them how to analyze publicist and artistic texts and minimal skills of creating such texts. The course is designed for 52 hours. Classes are held 2 times a week for two paired academic hours. Classes are organized interactively. Texts on different topics, styles and genres are selected for independent work.

Course Learning Outcomes 

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

• to improve grammatical and linguistic competence (systematization and generalization of linguistic material in order to use it in the form of written or oral texts in situations of educational-professional and scientific spheres of communication;
• improve discursive competence
• improve social competence (ability to understand the main social and behavioral characteristics of interlocutors)
• to form socio-linguistic competence (ability to use various speech strategies and tactics used in educational, professional and scientific spheres of communication).

Course # HUSS 1232 

Credits 2

Course Description 

This course offers students a comprehensive introduction to Kyrgyzstan's geography. By examining the country's physical and human geography in detail, students will gain insight into the unique features of the country’s landscape, climate, biodiversity, and geographical landmarks and resources. 

Utilizing primary sources, maps, and visual aids, students will learn fundamental geographic concepts and theories that have significantly shaped and continue to influence the field of Kyrgyzstan's geography and its associated subdisciplines. 

Course Learning Outcomes

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

• Develop a thorough understanding of Kyrgyzstan's geography, including its notable landmarks, climatic patterns, and natural characteristics. 
• Critically analyze various forms of information presented in lectures and seminars, enhancing their comprehension of geographical processes and socio-economic dynamics. 
• Interpret and evaluate various geographical sources, including historical and contemporary maps, photographs, and other visual materials. 
• Through these objectives, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of Kyrgyzstan's geographical characteristics and its broader significance within the field of geography.

Course Assessments and Grading 

Course # DMNS 2031

Credits 6

Prerequisites: Calculus for Arts with a minimum grade of “D.” 

Course Description

Probability and Statistics for Communications and Media is a course that provides students with an introduction to the basic concepts and methods of probability and statistics as they relate to the field of communications and media. The course covers topics such as descriptive statistics, probability distributions, statistical inference, and regression analysis. Students will learn how to use software to analyze data and will also be introduced to statistical models and methods commonly used in the field of communications and media. The course aims to equip students with the statistical tools and knowledge necessary to understand and analyze data in a variety of contexts within the field of communications and media. 

Course Learning Outcomes

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

• Implement basic concepts of probability and statistics, including descriptive statistics, probability distributions, and statistical inference.
• Use software to analyze data and apply statistical models and methods commonly used in the field of communications and media.
• Interpret statistical results in the context of communications and media research.
• Describe the assumptions and limitations of statistical models and methods.
• Communicate statistical results and conclusions effectively in written and oral forms.
• Use statistical reasoning and critical thinking to inform decisions in communications and media.
• Recognize the importance of ethical considerations in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data in communications and media.

Course Assessments and Grading 

Course # MDIA 2072

Credits 6

Prerequisite/Recommended: Media Literacy

Course Description 

This course explores the notion of audience and the ways in which consumption of media guides and shapes its production. Beginning with the genealogy of the character of the audience, students are introduced to theories, concepts, and ideologies in relation to political, economic, and socio-cultural paradigms to analyse the underlying principles of meaning reception and interpretation by audiences. There will be an emphasis on the role of the citizen communicators by examining emerging social discourses and media technologies and institutions through which civic agency in the forms of participation and advocacy are structured and find expression. Not only how media messages are perceived and understood at the theoretical level, but also how they may lead to changes in the social and political behaviour of the consumers. Through creative practices and media experimentation, students learn how to develop concepts and scenarios and apply analytical techniques in response to real cases for the intended impact and change and the skills of critical thinking, reflective practice, and constructive collaboration with peers. 

Course Learning Outcomes  

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

• Map the current trends to key historical moments in the evolution of contemporary media audiences.
• Analyse and contextually evaluate the critical perspectives in media audience behaviour and research. 
• Examine audience environments, develop concepts, and ideate scenarios that can ensure impacts and changes for the better.
• Define their own conviction and discursive position in relation to emerging audience identities and activities.

Course Assessments and Gradings  

Course # HUSS 2042

Credits 6

Course Description 

The course aims to introduce students to the sociological study of society. This introductory course of sociology will study and analyze social interactions, social institutions, and societal change patterns. This course will examine the key theoretical and methodological techniques used in sociology to address a variety of themes, including culture, class, race/ethnicity, gender, education, deviance, social change and so forth through a sociological perspective. This course provides students with an intellectual opportunity to learn, unlearn, and relearn about self, others, and society, as well as to position themselves preparing to design and adapt future societal norms. The course design will involve students in developing their own sociological toolkit to analyze society by investigating the social structures, institutions, and social interactions that continue to shape human behavior and societal relationships. Students will address issues of culture, socialization, inequality, and deviance through a combination of readings, seminar discussions, visual sociological activities, and research project; as well as gain a better understanding of how AI-powered chatbots and technologies are rapidly influencing larger social systems.       

Course Learning Outcomes  

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

• Identify basic concepts and theoretical perspectives in sociology. 
• Describe the social history of human societies and socialization across social life. 
• Develop sociological imaginations / critical thinking skills and apply them to analyze social phenomenon, diverse types of social structures, collective actions, and social changes in society.
• Identify, describe, and apply sociological research methods on contemporary and historical social issues.
• Communicate in diverse peer groups and collaborate to work as an effective team member on joint projects.

Course Assessments and Grading 

Course # HUSS 1080

Credits 0

Course description 

Physical education strengthens health and develops students' physical and mental abilities. Physical exercises and sports games are the way to a powerful and functional body, clear mind and strong spirit. The course is practical and theoretical, covering basic concepts of anatomy and physiology and health and safety requirements.   

Course learning outcomes 

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

• perform a range of physical activities 
• understand health and safety requirements for a range of physical activities
• describe the role and progress of sport in Central Asia
• chose an appropriate physical activities program for their age and gender 
• identify tiredness and its symptoms to control the body during athletic exercises 
• describe the technique of running for a long and a short distance and jumping
• accomplish running for a short and a long distance and jumping according to all necessary norms
• describe the rules of a range of sports games
• participate in a range of sports games according to their rules and techniques

Course Assessments and Grading 

The course will be graded with PASS/FAIL.