Athens Courses

Introduction to the field of cultural and social anthropology. Comparative examination of cultural, economic, religious, and political dimensions in societies across time and space. The anthropological perspective, main methods and theoretical approaches in cultural anthropology.

An introductory course that examines the biological, archaeological, linguistic, and cultural basis of anthropology as it was developed in the USA. Overview of theories and methods used in anthropological study.

An introduction to the basics of the practice, methods and theory of world archaeology. Particular emphasis is given to examples drawn from the broader Mediterranean world.

An interdisciplinary study of how images in art and media construct political and social ideologies and shape identities in modernity.

An investigation of a variety of visual structures as they appear in contemporary cultures through art, design and media. Visual rhetoric and visual meanings are examined through texts and creative practice.

Feminist critiques of art and the discipline of art history, as well as feminist art.

A survey of Western art from the Paleolithic through the Medieval periods.

A survey of Western art from the Renaissance to the present, through a series of key artworks.

An introduction to earth and planetary science; a study of earth systems and their interactions as driving forces for the earth's evolution. The structure and composition of the earth systems, the formation of the solar system, stars and galaxies are discussed.

An integrated exploration of the fundamentals of cell and molecular biology as a science, the nature of life, biological chemistry, cell biology, metabolism and genetics.

An issues-based course designed for non-science majors that takes a fresh approach to the field of biology. Emphasis is put on human genetics, inheritance and human development, molecular biology, evolution, and ecology.

A survey of human genetics for the science and non-science majors. Focuses on fundamental concepts about genome organization, function and variation as well as the study of genetic diseases and technologies.

An integrated exploration of the fundamentals of biology as a science, the nature of life, biological chemistry, cell biology, metabolism and human body anatomy and function.

An integrated exploration of major principles of biology. Emphasis on diversity of life, development, cell division, molecular biology, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Consideration of issues and applications related to society.

An analysis of essential microbiology and infectious disease. The course introduces the major classes of micro-organisms and through their biological adaptations relates them to human activity. Their beneficial and harmful roles on humans is discussed through case studies, disease profiles and epidemiological analysis.

A comprehensive introduction of statistics for business and economics. Descriptive and inferential statistics, regression analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Introduction to major theories and basic moral problems in the domain of business. The use of reasoning in moral assessment of business practices. Application of moral theories to specific cases of corporate conduct ranging from the individual to society in general, in the local and the international context.

Introduction to principles, concepts and procedures of the financial accounting cycle of services and merchandising businesses. Preparation and interpretation of financial statements as a source of financial information required in a business context.

Application of marketing principles to world markets in a variety of social, legal, technological and economic environments. Practices of international trade.

This course provides an understanding of basic marketing concepts, as they are used in different individual organizations. Marketing mix, segmentation, targeting, positioning, principles of consumer behavior, marketing research.

Major theories of organizational behavior and the emergence of strategic human resource management as a mechanism for managing people at work. Implications for managers in enacting work and people management activities.

Key elements of operations management as they apply to the production of goods and services offered by manufacturing or service organizations. Topics include nature and context of operations management, product design and process selection design of facilities and jobs, managing the supply chain, and revising the system.

General Chemistry builds upon essential chemical concepts and their applications. It is a systematic study of chemical change and equilibria. Topics include advanced atomic structure and hybridization, thermochemistry and thermodynamics, ionic equilibria, electrochemistry and kinetics.

An introduction to methods of analysis in organic and biological chemistry, with emphasis on laboratory techniques and structure determination. Students get exposed to techniques such as distillation, vacuum filtration, liquid extraction, spectroscopy, chromatography and rotary evaporation; they also learn to apply the scientific method and design an experiment.

An introduction to organic chemistry, focusing primarily on the basic principles underlying the structure and reactivity of organic molecules. Hydrocarbons, alcohols and ethers, aldehydes, ketones and carboxylic acids are discussed, with emphasis on biomolecular applications of reaction mechanisms, stereochemistry, nomenclature and tools for structure determination, including nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy.

An introduction to chemical science and the chemistry of everyday life. The course presents fundamental principles of chemistry such as atomic theory, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, states of matter, nuclear chemistry as well as, basic concepts of inorganic and organic chemistry. Focus is given to chemical applications and their relevance to the natural environment.

The stages of different types of crisis, from prevention and preparation to response and recovery; the role of PR in managing crisis; crisis management, risk assessment, interaction with the media, crisis communications planning, reputation, identity, image, social responsibility and business continuity.

Development of production storytelling techniques. Treatment of ideas. Storytelling in the digital age.

Overview of the mass media industry. History of the mass media and their impact on society and the individual. Development of communication technology. Role of mass media in shaping public opinion.

Communication styles of business and political leaders. The role of communication in effective leadership, with a focus on techniques used to develop successful public and corporate leadership communication strategies.

Data categories, databases, applications of descriptive and inferential statistics in economics. Model building and use in economics. Model estimation.

Key economic principles and basic business operations in a free market society. Essential economics for citizens and consumers. Basic quantitative skills needed for managing one's personal finances, and for interpreting economic developments in a way that will allow one to make informed decisions as a citizen.

Measurement and analysis of national income. The basic goods market macroeconomic model. The role of money. The IS-LM and AD-AS model. Fiscal and monetary policies. Unemployment. Financial Crisis.

Theories of the role of money in economic activity. Monetarism vs. Keynesianism. Money and economic growth. Inflation. Monetary policy goals, targets, and tools. Efficacy and shortcomings. Alternative monetary policies.

National income accounting, economic growth, taxation, business cycles, unemployment, inflation, deficit and debt. Aggregate expenditures and the Aggregate Supply/Aggregate Demand model. Countercyclical fiscal and monetary policy. The banking system and the money supply.

Project management as an interdisciplinary and cross-functional activity in an organization. Emphasis on the relationship of projects to the management of change and to the approaches and roles required to achieve successful project implementation.

The course introduces students to practical aspects of software engineering and professional practice with a focus on the development phase. In this context, students have the opportunity to develop skills for high and low-level software design and essential SE process tasks, particularly those for requirements identification, reliability, maintainability, system validation and testing, and become acquainted with contemporary practices and tools.

Development of contextual understanding of American literature and culture from the Realists to the Modernists, with emphasis on the 'revisioning' or rewriting of American national and cultural identities by various authors.

This course explores literary and artistic representations of terror, as a concept, phenomenon and theme, with a special emphasis on contemporary constructions of horror, fear, and shock.

The course will investigate retellings of classic fairy tales in various art forms and media (i.e., text, image, film, music, theatre). Students will explore the purpose and means through which artists mine the cultural unconscious to produce the transformations of well-known bedtime stories. Informed by the practices of cultural studies, this interdisciplinary course will approach the subject holistically, encouraging students to place the works within their socio-historical context and to analyze the ways in which meaning is produced both in the classic tales and in their transformations.

Exploration of how story-telling can shape identities, challenge ideas, and even create radical new modes of thought and expression. Engagement with stories from Homer, Sappho, Euripides, Herodotus, Plato, and others, with emphasis on how myth relates to lived experience, becomes repurposed in new contexts, and still shapes narratives generated in contemporary media.

Introduction to the practical and theoretical foundations of English as a discipline, including research methods and practices, textual analysis in literature, writing a literary analysis, and critical theory.

This course examines the ways in which the ailing body has been constructed, perceived and represented in literature and culture from the 19th-century to the present.

Discussion of a broad range of ideas related to gender and sexuality through careful consideration of literary, theoretical and critical writing from the mid-nineteenth century to the present.

An introduction to contemporary environmental issues; a study of the relationship between humans and the environment, based on an analysis of case studies and with emphasis on sustainable solutions. Selected environmental topics of relevance to modern societies are discussed.

The study of the interactions between the physical environment, social organization and social behavior. Focus on both local and global dimensions of social behaviors and their environmental impact.

The course explores how social inequalities, like social class, ethnicity and gender, relate with the environment; how they impact the environment and how the environment affects different social groups. Issues of power, environmental justice (distributive and participative), resource colonization, environmental insecurity and just sustainability are also analyzed.

Principles of environmental science with emphasis on sustainability, ecosystem structure and function, biodiversity, the human impact on ecosystems, soil and food production, water resources, conservation and protection of natural resources.

Principles of environmental science including a discussion of non-renewable and renewable energy resources, water and air pollution, global atmospheric changes, hazardous and solid waste management. Environmental policy and management issues are also discussed, with emphasis on sustainable solutions.

Historical, political and cultural developments in Greece from the Revolution of 1821 to the age of Venizelos. The birth and building of the modern Greek state.

An examination of the historical evolution of the core ideals of the West and how they have been forged, interpreted, implemented, opposed, violated, and defended, from the Enlightenment to the present.

Broad historical account of past civilizations around the world from the ancient river-valley civilizations of southwest Asia to the dawn of the modern age in Western Europe (3,500 BCE- 1,500 CE); survey of every major historical epoch and geographical region; focus on sociocultural and economic affairs; prioritization on long-term processes that reflect both chronological and global themes in world history.

Broad historical account of the development of the world since 1500 CE; survey of major historical events and geographical regions; focus on socio-political and economic affairs; prioritization on long-term processes that reflect both chronological and global themes in world history.

The course considers the ethical, social, and aesthetic implications of virtual reality and artificial life in 21st-century technology-dominated culture. It aims to promote students' awareness of the potential outcomes--epistemological, psychological, ethical, and social--of technological advances that are based on virtual simulations, augmented realities, and intelligent machines.

Overview of social media and their use for various purposes (informational, promotional, sales, etc.) with an emphasis on their impact on and relevance to contemporary society. A critical introduction to the use of Social Media for different purposes and causes serving the local and the global community. An interdisciplinary take on social media infused with approaches from diverse fields including sociology, communication, marketing.

Cross-listed as MK 2044 and SO 2044

An interdisciplinary exploration of sound in new media art. The course will be based on Kodwo Eshun'; concept of sonic fiction (the point where sound and science fiction intersect), in order to provide a framework for discussion of the cultural and aesthetic dimensions of new media art. In parallel, students will have a hands-on experience of creative computer coding, with the aim of implementing technology to give creative expression to their experience of selected science fiction texts. The course does not assume prior knowledge or experience of artistic creation or computer coding. Emphasis is placed on experiential learning, and for this reason class meetings take place in a computer lab.

A provoking and integrative examination of introductory natural science and the application of its principles in the debunking of popular conspiracies and controversies. Combining physics, chemistry and biology, the seminar applies theoretical and laboratory practices to put to rigorous testing pseudo-scientific beliefs and disciplines. Engaging in interdisciplinary explorations of historical, philosophical and social perspectives on scientific methodology, the course aims to develop students' awareness of the dangers of pseudo-scientific thought and assist them in the making of rational and healthy decisions in their everyday life.

The differences between print and broadcast radio and television in terms of audience expectations and receptivity. Writing for the voice and the ear. Preparing, writing and delivering news copy and field reports. Taping interviews. Shooting video. Adapting the voice to broadcast.

Comprehensive and critical analysis of the theoretical foundations, principles and strategies of second language learning. This course is useful for anyone who may be considering teaching languages as a second language/foreign language.

A descriptive account of human language as a linguistic system with well-defined components; exploration of its primary function in society as a communication tool as well as of its biological foundation; and familiarisation with terminology needed to describe the various language phenomena.

Marketing concepts and processes, and their relationship to the sports industry; key marketing decision areas in product/service/brand development, pricing, distribution and promotion as they relate to sports marketing.

An introductory course in differential and integral calculus focusing on science and engineering applications. Differentiation and integration methods are applied to solve problems involving rates of change and optimization of one or two variables functions of various forms including polynomial and transcendental functions.

The course offers individual instrumental/vocal instruction, developing musical understanding, creativity and a range of technical and interpretive skills. In addition to weekly lessons, students gain valuable performance experience at the Music Forum Performance Lab. Previous instrumental/vocal training is required.

The course offers individual instrumental/vocal instruction, to further the development of musical understanding, creativity and a range of technical and interpretive skills established in MU 1051 Applied I. In addition to weekly lessons, students gain valuable performance experience at the Music Forum Performance Lab. Previous instrumental/vocal training is required.

The course offers individual instrumental/vocal instruction, developing musical understanding, creativity and a range of technical and interpretive skills. In addition to weekly lessons, students gain valuable presentation experience at the Music Forum Performance Lab. The minimum standard of proficiency as reflected in repertoire selections is aligned, but not limited to ABRSM Grade 7. More advanced repertoire is encouraged and may be selected from other sources.

The course offers individual instrumental/vocal instruction, developing musical understanding, creativity and a range of technical and interpretive skills. In addition to weekly lessons, students gain valuable presentation experience at the Music Forum Performance Lab. The minimum standard of proficiency as reflected in repertoire selections is aligned, but not limited to ABRSM Grade 7. More advanced repertoire is encouraged and may be selected from other sources.

The course offers further individual instrumental or vocal instruction, developing musical understanding, creativity and a range of technical and interpretive skills. In addition to weekly lessons, students gain valuable performance and presentation experience at the Music Forum Performance Lab.

The course offers further individual instrumental or vocal instruction, developing musical understanding, creativity and a range of technical and interpretive skills. In addition to weekly lessons, students gain valuable performance and presentation experience at the Music Forum Performance Lab.

The course offers advanced individual instrumental or vocal instruction, further developing musical understanding, creativity and a range of technical and interpretive skills. In addition to weekly lessons, students gain valuable performance and presentation experience at the Music Forum Performance Lab.

In this course students will explore the key ideas and artistic practices found within the field of experimental sound art. They will establish an understanding of the evolution of sound art and its context within the wider arts, while at the same time gaining a technical foundation in working artistically with sound. Considerable attention will be given to practical activities, where students will engage with the creation of sound art works in order to develop their practical skills and their ability to realize personal creative concepts in the domain of sound.

Students will study the evolution of film music as a major art form of the twentieth- and twenty first century and examine the stylistic, structural, aesthetic and technical issues of film scoring in relation to various historical periods, socio-economic contexts and technological developments. Selected film scores from the silent era and the golden age of Hollywood to the present time will be studied, aiming to enhance critical understanding and appreciation of the art of film music and its relationship to film image.

The course is a survey of Western music from Antiquity, Middle Ages, and Renaissance through the Baroque period. Students will examine sources and representative works, illustrating the development of notation, forms, style, instrumental and vocal genres, and fundamental performance issues within historical, social, and cultural contexts.

This course aims to develop group performance skills though the exploration of jazz and/or popular musical styles. Students develop practical musical skills, rhythmic and harmonic concepts, fundamental improvisation techniques, and collaborative performance experience as members of a band. This course meets twice a week for one instructional class and one independent group rehearsal and is offered over two consecutive assessment periods.

This course aims to develop student's musical knowledge and listening skills through the examination of musical genres and diverse examples of musical practice in varied social, cultural, and historical contexts. Students will learn about the ethical qualities attributed to music over time and what music might mean in varied contexts and through extra-musical association.

This course acquaints students with how music works through a practical study of the fundamentals of music theory at the keyboard. Students will learn to read music notation and play basic musical ideas at the keyboard. Through the examination of the materials of music, students will also learn about the natural properties of sound, the music of diverse cultures and the ethical qualities attributed to music over time. No previous knowledge of music is required. This course is taught in a piano lab.

This course aims to establish fundamental collaborative performance skills through the exploration of a range of musical styles including original compositions and arrangements. Students develop rehearsal and performance techniques combined with critical skills of musical sensitivity, listening awareness, and communication in collaborative work. This course is offered over two consecutive assessment periods.

This workshop is focused on the development of collaborative performance skills though the exploration of a range of musical styles including original compositions and arrangements. Students further the development of rehearsal and performance techniques as well as critical skills of musical sensitivity and responsiveness, listening awareness, and communication in collaborative work. This course meets twice a week for one instructional class and one independent group rehearsal and is offered over two consecutive assessment periods.

This workshop is focused on furthering the development of collaborative performance skills as
well as creative and critical skills involved in rehearsing and preparing for a successful performance. Students cultivate critical skills of listening awareness, perception, responsiveness, reasoning, judgement and communication. Any musical style or repertoire can be brought to the workshop, including original compositions and arrangements. This course meets twice a week for one instructional class and one independent group rehearsal and is offered over two consecutive assessment periods

An introduction to the key technical systems supporting music making via technology: MIDI, digital audio, sound synthesis and sampling. The focus will be on understanding the technical principles in operation in each area, relating these to the language and practice of music, and then building practical familiarity and experience with a range of different example tools.

Students are introduced to fundamental piano techniques and practices, and develop a broad range of musicianship skills at the keyboard. Students develop skills in music dictation, solfege and sight-reading and ability to build and play major and minor scales, triads and seventh chords, lead-sheet symbols, exercises on rhythm, intervals, chord progressions and cadences. This course is offered over two consecutive assessment periods.

In-depth investigation of a topic in symphonic forms. The topic of the seminar will be chosen by the instructor and will bring to focus selected musical issues.

Students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of music theory and its relationship to musical practice. The focus will be on the study of rhythmic, melodic and basic harmonic structures in Western classical and popular music, and the ability to recognize them aurally and through the study of a written score. Students will develop foundational musical competencies and rudimentary keyboard skills.

Students will explore a range of key music theory issues that emerged in the light of the new musical ideas of the twentieth century. The course will focus on the theoretical understanding of key movements in twentieth century music, combined with the practical development of musicianship skills.

An integrated overview of the physiological requirements and functions of major nutrients for humans, the connection between nutrition and disease, the role of nutrients in growth and health through the life cycle and in physical activity, dietary requirements, as well as issues of food safety, food security and contemporary challenges of nutrition and the food system.

An introduction to the philosophy of art and aesthetic appreciation. Overview of theories based on key concepts such as representation, form, artistic expression and creativity, aesthetic experience. Contemporary discussion of the definition and criticism of art, traditional and new arts, artistic institutions and cultural politics.

Introduction to the basic problems and theories of moral philosophy. The use of reasoning in moral assessment of actions and persons. Emphasis on the connection between theory and practice by application of theories to issues that matter.

Overview of the most influential philosophical answers to ‘big’ questions about reality, knowledge and ourselves. An introduction to philosophical ways of thinking.

Systematic introduction to the major issues and dilemmas in the theory of knowledge. Examination of basic concepts of the theory of knowledge (“beliefs”, “epistemic ideals” etc.) and exploration of themes such as skepticism, falibillism, induction, rationalism/irrationalism, the relativism/objectivism rivalry, the externalism/internalism debate, the methodological individualism - holism controversy, the status and scope of rationality, the fact/value dichotomy, theories of truth.

Fundamental principles, including matter in motion, energy and momentum, solids and fluids, thermal physics and heat.

An introduction to the classical laws of motion, including kinematics, forces in nature, Newton's laws of motion, conservation of energy and momentum, fluid statics and dynamics, oscillations, waves, thermodynamics and properties of matter. Suggested for students of the life science or engineering programs.

Principles in electricity, magnetism, the nature of light and electromagnetic radiation, wave phenomena, Einstein’s Theories, the structure of the atom, quantum theory and nuclear physics.

A critical survey of world diplomacy, from the time of Cardinal Richelieu to American exceptionalism, with emphasis on the twentieth century and contemporary diplomacy.

A theoretical and empirical study of foreign policy through the ages. Analysis, interpretation and evaluation of foreign policy theories and actions.

Introduction to political science and global affairs. Theories of political science. Global Studies. Types of Regimes. Issues of Governance. Regional Political development.

The role of media in international relations. Ideas and debates relating to the ways in which media impact government, policy making, election campaigning, political movements, the rise of terrorism, and the prospects for informed political deliberation. Media and conflict, media and securitization, media and political communication.

Culture and institutionalized forms of political action. Social movements and revolutions. Parties and pressure groups. Electoral behavior. Leadership. Public opinion.

Overview of the field of substance abuse/dependence as well as behavioural addictions. A mental health perspective is employed whereby addictive behaviours are seen within the frame of a wider psychological vulnerability which results in comorbidity. Prevention and treatment protocols.

An overview of the aging process from a psychological perspective through the study of major theories of aging, changes in physical and mental health, personal transitions, and social relationships, as well as death and dying. Critical presentation of cultural influences on parenting and sexuality.

Integrated presentation of theory and research in the development of children from the age of six through adolescence, with emphasis on biological, emotional, intellectual, social, and personal growth. Evaluation of the contribution of parents and peer relationships in children’s and adolescents’ social development.

Application of psychological methods and principles to teaching practices and student performance in school settings. Evaluation of teaching methods and assessments. Emphasis is placed on developing skills to better understand learners, and foster improved learning and motivation, taking into consideration individual differences. Thorough investigation of a range of barriers to students’ learning.

A systematic examination of the application behavioral science and mental health principles to the justice system topics include criminal investigation, insanity defense, eyewitness and expert witness testimony, child custody disputes as well as police and correctional psychology.

A lively, engaging introduction to a hot area of increasing popular interest which is currently a rapidly expanding domain of scientific inquiry and is ideal for students of biology, neuroscience, psychology, philosophy as well as literature and the arts. In this interdisciplinary course students are exposed to basic human brain anatomy, functions and neuroscience principles contributing to debates regarding the nature of perception and consciousness. An integration of biophysiological, neuroscientific, evolutionary, cognitive, and philosophical perspectives is explored in connection with the phenomenon of consciousness.

Introduction to key theories and concepts in the study of personality psychology including psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive, and trait-based approaches as well as biological underpinnings of personality and applications of personality psychology in the real world. Individual differences and situational influences are examined concerning several personality characteristics.

Overview of the discipline of psychology as a natural science. Topics include a historical trajectory of how scientific and clinical psychology emerged; research methods used in Psychology; biological foundations of behaviour; learning and memory; consciousness; thought and language processes; motivated behaviours.

Overview of the discipline of psychology as a social science. Topics include a historical trajectory of how scientific and clinical psychology emerged; research methods used in Psychology; human development; personality types; theories of intelligence; theories of social behavior; relationship between stress and health; psychological disorders and treatment.

An examination of policy issues and theoretical frameworks to privacy and security. Privacy threat models and privacy protective technologies. Philosophical approaches and legal functions on information privacy. GDPR.

Cross-listed as PH 3036

A critical introduction to social movements. Application of theoretical frameworks and concepts developed by sociologists and other social scientists to the analysis of the nature and dynamics of social movements. An exploration into the field through actual empirical cases of social movements in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Medical Sociology and contrasting Ideas about Health and Social Behavior. Epidemiological Measures and Complexity of Modern Ills. Health in relation to Age, Gender, Race, Socio-economic status, Social Stress, Health and Illness Behavior as well as Healing Options in American Society. The Sick Role, Doctor-Patient Interaction, the role of Physicians, Nurses, Midwives. The Development of Hospitals, their organization and the rising cost of Health Care Delivery. Health Care Delivery in the USA, the First world and Formerly Socialist Countries as well as in other countries.

Sociology as a social science. Theoretical and methodological foundations. Discussion of various topics including social structure, culture, socialization, group relations, deviance, and various forms of inequality.

Selection of topics from a variety of contemporary sociology. Detailed focus on a subject not covered, or not covered in depth in the curriculum of Sociology.

The wider social dimensions of sport; personal and social benefits associated with sport development and participation; challenges, and concomitant management and policy implications, of issues such as violence and social exclusion.

Discussion of various social institutions, such as the economy, politics, family, religion, education and medicine, with emphasis on modern society. Presentation of social change in its different forms, both locally and globally.

Suffering and evil in sociology’s classical founders. Contemporary perspectives on suffering. Sites and causes of suffering. Anthropological and social classifications of good and evil. Visual sociology on suffering and evil.

The main elements of theater and how they come together to create a performance. Key practitioners and their work. Theater as a reflection of diverse socio-historical contexts. Key terms use to discuss theatrical productions.