Earth and Environmental Sciences - Fall 2023 Freshmen

Course # DMNS 1003

3 Credits

Course Description

The course explores the concepts of culture, tradition, and change in Central Asia. The focus is on factors that have produced the cultural complexities of contemporary Central Asia and how key life-cycle events and celebrations (marriage and death), the verbal arts, music, films, and dance embody and transmit the cultural memory and values of the region’s diverse peoples. The course helps students to explain how Central Asia’s cultures and cultural expressions present a diverse set of influences and values. The students delve into customs and practices that are subject to change and innovation. Cultural expressions are the heritage of a complicated past, as well as valuable resources for nurturing innovation, understanding, and cooperation within contemporary societies. The students discuss the role of state and non-state cultural and art institutions and global organizations in safeguarding and revitalizing the cultural heritage of Central Asia.

Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Explore values, customs, and social systems and practices of various cultures to interpret the diversity of Central Asian cultures.
• Analyze issues of identity and value of contemporary Central Asian culture to cultivate a critical approach to the study of cultural practices
• Explore one’s own cultural identity and values to embrace the co-existence of identities and cultures throughout Central Asia and the world.
• Produce proposals for cultural heritage projects.

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # HUSS 1103

3 Credits

Course description

This course explores the history of the modern Tajikistan. The course consists of two parts. The first part of the course concentrates on the events that led to the creation of Tajikistan as a Soviet national republic. These events include the geopolitical power play associated with Russian Bolshevik conquest of Central Asia. The course emphasizes links and connections between borders which were artificial and porous but became crucially important forming and forging the national identity. In this course students will also learn about key development in the history of modern Tajikistan in Soviet period, in particular, the Soviet collectivization, modernization, industrialization. The second part of the course deals with the events that unfolded in the history of modern nation state of Tajikistan after its independence, including civil war, peace building, unity and development of Tajikistan as a nation state.

Learning Outcomes

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

• Discuss the key features, facts and frameworks that make up the history of modern Tajikistan.
• Explore the ways national boundaries and cultural identity are created through socio- political processes.
• Locate the history of modern Tajikistan into wider history of nation-states in Central Asia
• Employ critical thinking to analyze and interpret primary and secondary sources, provide comprehensive understanding of the past events and their significances in molding present and future.

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # HUSS 1113

3 Credits

Course Description

This course explores the formation of Tajik people/nation in different periods of history, starting from the creation of the first societies, and states in pre-modern Central Asia. It investigates two key themes. The first is the role of geography, politics, and economics in determining the fate of the people, of an ethnic group in the region. The second is the contingent nature of identities, in particular, ethnic identity. In other words, identities are never unchanging or natural, but they are the product of wider circumstances. Central Asia’s position as a trading corridor meant that different cultures and the institutions associated with them were widely disseminated and intermingled. By exploring how the development of states and societies is influenced by the interplay of geography, climate, cultures, religions, and civilizations, students will be equipped to think critically about their own national identity.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, every student will be able to:

Discuss the contingent nature of culture, identity, and religion in human societies:

• Explain why identities change.
• Analyze reasons how geographical place, socio-economic and political changes influence identity

Compare different encounters between Eurasian cultures and religions and their impact on the formation of ethnic group:

• Explore the ways in which Central Asia has acted as a thoroughfare for people and ideas.
• Discuss how Central Asian polities have affected the development of ethnic groups.
• Explore how the Tajik nation was formed.

Utilize primary sources to challenge established historical narratives to:

• Determine when and where it is suitable to employ primary sources effectively.
• Formulate pertinent questions when analyzing primary sources.
• Investigate the underlying motives involved in the construction of public histories.

Course Assignments and Grading

Course # HUSS 1116

6 Credits

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 successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Effectively 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 thoughtfully addressing counterarguments.
• Craft well-structured academic papers that adhere to disciplinary standards of writing, including proper citation and referencing.

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # HUSS 1031

3 Credits

Course Description

The course investigates Central Asia’s natural resources, some issues its people face in using and conserving them, and the progress being made toward sustainable development. The main objective of the course is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the geographic location and economic functions of Central Asian natural resources. Topics such as energy and water resources, agriculture, livelihoods, and environmental degradation and adaptation options in Central Asia are mainly discussed in the course. In addition, students study the demographic grounds and migration in Tajikistan and analyze problems faced by its population such as poverty. This course equips students with essential knowledge of the geographic location of the natural resources in Central Asia and enables them to identify their economic importance.

Course learning outcomes

At the end of this course the students should be able to:

• Describe the natural resources of Central Asia and their geographic locations.
• Explain how the location of natural resources affects their use.
• Explain the potential of energy resources in Central Asia.
• Differentiate the water resources and river basins of Central Asia.
• Explain land degradation, climate change, and natural disasters in the context of Central Asia.
• Identify agricultural lands, the common agricultural products, and livestock in Central Asia.
• Describe the demography and demographic change in Tajikistan.
• Explain migration and poverty in Tajikistan.

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # EAES 1001

6 Credits

Course Description

Introduction to Earth and Environmental Sciences is the initial foundation course of the EES program. Earth is a dynamic planet, and the processes that have shaped it over geological time and continue to shape it before our very eyes are the focus of this course. Students will examine the evidence for our current understanding of the formation of our planet and the fundamental processes of plate tectonics, geomagnetism, and magmatism. Secondary geological processes will be explored including earthquakes, volcanism, orogenesis, and surface processes that shape our planet. These are all components of the complex, interconnected Earth System that will be examined in the context of the Earth’s climate system and the evolution of life. Students will develop an understanding of how scientific research is carried out within the context of the Earth sciences.

Course learning outcomes

As a citizen of Planet Earth, you make environmental, political, and socio-economic decisions about your life for which knowledge of our planet is relevant. By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Apply an evidence-based, logical, scientific approach to ask and address questions about our planet and solar system.
• Interpret everyday observations of the natural world and evaluate Earth Science-related topics covered in the media in terms of the Earth System and planetary processes including tectonics, magmatism, surface processes, and climate.
• Recognize the complex links among geologic, oceanic, glacial, atmospheric, and biologic processes.
• Identify and use appropriate time scales to describe and link different planetary processes.
• Articulate the relevance of Earth Science to individuals and to mountain societies.

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # HUSS 1126

6 Credits

Course Description

The course is designed for foreign students studying the Russian language with the aim of mastering basic skills of written and spoken communication in certain everyday, socio-cultural and educational contexts.

During Russian language classes students will learn proper writing techniques and engage in various language activities, including writing, reading, listening, and speaking. The primary goal of this course is to create an environment for students that will foster their interest in the material being studied and facilitate their comprehension of the content.

Starting with learning the alphabet and correct pronunciation, students will progress to basic conversational skills, social etiquette, and simple ethical and aesthetic norms in Russian communication. Through dialogues and group discussions, students will learn how to summarize texts based on the vocabulary and grammar covered in the lessons. Emphasis is placed on practical proficiency in the Russian language across all modes of communication and various social and academic contexts.

Course learning outcomes

At the end of this course the students should be able to:

• Read in Russian correctly and fluently;
• Listen to and understand others' speech adequately;
• Speak freely and correctly within the scope of the topics studied;
• Evaluate and reason effectively.

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # HUSS 1127

6 Credits

Course Description

The course is intended for foreign students who have completed the beginner level of the program. An important requirement for this course is the students’ preparedness, thorough absorption and elaboration of the covered material, both grammatical and lexical. The informative and rich content of the course will help students develop their intellectual skills and the ability to engage in cognitive activities in general including tasks such as “let’s argue”, “convince a friend”, and reasoning about statements. Students will be involved in some practical work mastering the Russian language in all types of speech activity and various areas of communication and will expand their vocabulary by working on texts with pre- and post-reading tasks, dealing with lexical and grammatical exercises, and engaging in discussions.

A creative approach to completing text assignments, mastering the entire lexical minimum on the topics, and working on exercises, both written and oral, are encouraged in every lesson. Written work must be submitted on time.

Course learning outcomes

At the end of this course the students should be able to:

• Read in Russian correctly and fluently;
• Listen to and understand others' speech adequately;
• Speak freely and correctly within the scope of the topics studied;
• Evaluate and reason effectively;
• Possess written communication skills at an intermediate level.

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # HUSS 1128

6 Credits

Course Description

The course is designed for foreign students who have an advanced level of proficiency in the Russian language. The main goal of the course is to develop speaking and writing skills in Russian at a professional level and in various communication fields, including official communication, business and academic communication (both written and oral). Additionally, it aims to teach them to analyze journalistic and literary texts and acquire minimal skills in creating such texts. The classes are organized interactively, and texts on various topics, styles, and genres are selected for independent work.

Course learning outcomes

At the end of this course the students should be able to:

• Improve their grammatical and linguistic competence;
• Enhance their discursive competence;
• Explore and improve their social competence (the ability to understand the basic social and behavioral characteristics of interlocutors);
• Develop their socio-linguistic competence (the ability to use various speech strategies and tactics used in educational, professional, and scientific communication spheres).

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # HUSS  1080

0 Credits

Course Description

The purpose of physical education is to strengthen health and develop the physical and mental abilities of students. Physical exercises and sports games are the way to a powerful and functional body, clear mind and strong spirit. The course is both practical and theoretical, it covers basic concepts of anatomy and physiology as well as health and safety requirements.

Course learning outcomes

At the end of this course the students should be able to:

• Perform a range of physical activities
• Describe 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 is grade PASS/FAIL