International Undergraduate Programs
Erudition, Honesty, Endeavour, Perfection
Course Descriptions
Calculus I (4) This course deals with limits and continuity; the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus; definition of the derivative of a function and techniques of differentiation; applications of the derivative to maximizing or minimizing a function; the chain rule, mean value theorem, and rate of change problems; curve sketching; definite and indefinite integration of algebraic, trigonometric, and transcendental functions, with an application to calculation of areas.
Linear Algebra (2) This course is an introductory course in linear algebra and deals with abstract vector spaces, linear transformations, algorithms for solving systems of linear equations and matrix analysis.
Information Literacy (2) An introductory course in data collection, arrangement (research methods), and presentation (writing papers and reports). Topics include: identifying information needed, locating and accessing information, evaluating information, organizing information, legal and ethical concerns plus intensive instructions on how to organize and write academic papers.
Principles of Microeconomics (4) This course introduces economic analysis of individual, business, and industry choices in the market economy. Topics include the price mechanism, supply and demand, optimizing economic behavior, costs and revenue, market structures, factor markets, income distribution, market failure, and government intervention.
Principles of Macroeconomics (4) In this course, students will examine the main bodies of economic theory that have been used to guide economists’ and policy makers’ understanding of the macro-economy. Macroeconomics is a word derived from the Greek prefix “makros”, meaning large. It is the study of economic aggregates, of national and international economies and of the economic management role played by governments and international organizations.
Beginning Chinese I (6) An introduction to modern spoken and written Mandarin Chinese. Beginners’ speaking, listening comprehension and basic principles in grammar along with simple exercises in compositions and reading which include cultural material. Students will write Chinese characters.
Beginning Chinese II (6) This course will enable the student to communicate using fundamentals of basic vocabulary and phrases, pronunciation, and reading and writing. The student will define cultural characteristics inherent to the target culture and study the relevance of the target language community as it reflects the student’s on own life.
Contemporary Perspectives in Cultural Anthropology (2) An introductory course designed to provide an introduction to the field of social/cultural anthropology, the subject areas studied by social/cultural anthropologists, and the methodologies with which social/cultural anthropologists collect and analyze data.
Introduction to Traditional Chinese Culture (2) This course introduces international students to aspects of Chinese culture and society through the use of lectures and videos but which may also include newspaper or web articles, scholarly papers and stories etc. Students will learn about some key aspects of Chinese society and some ways in which China's past influences the present. The course takes an interdisciplinary approach, making it an excellent introduction to students of Chinese, Asian studies and those interested in international trade, economics, finance, law or business administration.
Intermediate Chinese I (6) This course emphasizes the reading of Chinese
character texts (both regular and simplified characters). The course concentrates on consolidating the foundations (pronunciation, grammar, character writing), and further works on sentence structure and vocabulary, as well as cultural awareness.
Applied Statistics I (4) An introductory course in the fundamentals of modern statistical methods (part one of two). Topics include error management and control, basic charts and graphs construction, measuring averages, measuring dispersion or spread in distribution scores, and probability theory.
Critical and Creative Thinking (2) This course explores issues about the nature and techniques of critical thought, viewed as a way to establish a reliable basis for our claims, beliefs, and attitudes about the world. We explore multiple perspectives, placing established facts, theories, and practices in tension with alternatives to see how could be otherwise. Views about observation and interpretation, reasoning and inference, valuing and judging, and the production of knowledge in its social context are considered. The course also seeks to increase the participants' understanding of creativity, to improve their creative problem-solving skills and to enhance their ability to promote these skills in others, in a variety of educational settings.
Persuasive Speaking and Speech Writing (2) This course is a practical course designed to offer the novice speaker a number of opportunities to organize and prepare public speaking assignments. The course will also offer a “laboratory setting” where the beginning speaker can actually stand in front of a live audience and present his/her practiced performance. In addition to public speaking, further performance opportunities may be included in the area of public oral reading. Students will learn about the role of communication in our lives, the communication model, spatial relationships, delivery styles, and the effectiveness of language, gestures, and organization techniques.
IUPS 222 Intercultural Communication: Theory and Practice (2) International business requires the ability to operate and to co-operate in multi-cultural settings. Students will therefore be given an introduction to the theory of cultural otherness (Xenology), ways of becoming aware of cultural difference and of dealing with them in a variety of communicative situations. Practical intercultural training will be integral part of the course. A field study will expose students to the practice of intercultural communication.
Writing Portfolio (3) This course provides instruction on organization, form, grammar, and some writing templates and approaches preferred for academic writing within IUPs as well as accepted styles for academic and professional writing.
Business Ethics (2) Studies general moral principles and their application to ethical issues and problems pertaining to business activities, and the nature of the corporation in contemporary society.
Intermediate Chinese II (6) This is a continuation course that emphasizes the reading of Chinese character texts (both regular and simplified characters). The course concentrates on consolidating the foundations (pronunciation, grammar, character writing), and even further works on sentence structure and vocabulary, as well as cultural awareness.
Advanced Chinese (6) This course is designed to enhance the students’ command of vocabulary, further the students’ control of idiomatic Chinese. The course will also cover the following: advanced syntax, conversation, and composition, all of which will extend students’ knowledge of the Chinese language. Also, with an emphasis on cultural awareness, students are able to further broaden their horizon towards the Chinese culture and society.
Globalization: Social Stratification and Social Inequality (2) Within a sociological perspective, students will study a foundation in sociology, inequality, and social stratification as represented within a global, social context.
The Transformation of Modern China (2) This course deals with the transformation of China from a traditional type of society to a modern nation. Two major themes, nationalism and communism, will serve as organizing threads throughout the course. Major events in the past, such as the Taiping Rebellion, the May Fourth Movement, Communist victory, will be selectively and emphatically explored. It aims at an understanding of China’s modern history and sheds lights on the contemporary era.
Intramural Activities (4) International programs require students to be involved within the IUPs academic community. This will mean actively participating in special projects, meetings, at Office 111 and/or within the IUPs Student Union. The administrative coordinator will keep students informed as to when eligible opportunities are available to meet this requirement.
Cultural Enrichment Field Trip (4) Students are required to participate in a cultural enrichment activity or field trip; a fundamental component of the international program having to do with the introduction to and understanding of varying different Chinese cultural characteristics and practices. Requires development of a journal, an individual paper/report, a group paper/report, and digital copies of pictures taken while on the trip.
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