Course descriptions

Analyzes selected texts from Arabic literary tradition, starting from the pre-Islamic period up to the contemporary era. It consists of both poetry and prose texts. The analysis focuses on the aesthetic characteristics of the selected texts and the critical methods used in reading and analyzing these texts.

Improves students' written and oral communication skills drawing on non-traditional approaches. It also develops grammatical concepts and their applications in writing. The course is conducted in Arabic.

Covers all aspects of cultural and social life of Kuwait, the course will also examine Kuwaiti writers and literary tendencies, and the reasons for the emergence of every type, indicating the most prominent writers in each prose and poetry types.

Focuses on three major fields within the Arabic heritage: Culture, Society and Literature. The course studies the structures and characteristics of the Arabic societies, from the pre-Islamic society to present. For the early epochs, Cultural Encyclopedias, written during the Arabic medieval are used. For the modern era, the course focuses on studies in cultural studies and sociology, The course discusses the main genres of Arabic literature and their characteristics.

Explores the key concepts of Kuwaiti political discourses, its development and its way of dealing with local, regional and international events. The course considers the democratic experience in Kuwait and analyzes its constitution. The course will focus on reading, analyzing and critically commenting on political speeches and the local press.

Provides an introduction to the theoretical aspects of the arts including tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Students gain knowledge understanding theories on the notions of art and culture within a global context. Critical and creative thinking skills are developed through the analysis and interpretation of artwork in form of class lecture, discussions, essays, and/or reports on field work at local cultural venues or events.

Focuses on the speaking and understanding of the Chinese language and the acquisition of the fundamentals of Chinese grammar and characters. At the end of the course, the students will obtain the skills of making short conversations in Chinese, reading simple Chinese texts and writing basic Chinese characters. The curriculum also provides a brief introduction to the Chinese culture.

Aims to acquaint students with basic principles of the French language appropriate to level A1.1+ such as day to day vocabulary, introducing themselves and their families, discussing their hobbies, shopping, navigating in an urban environment, discussing the weather using simple sentences and questions. The course focuses on applying oral and writing skills, basic grammar, and cultural notions. This course is an introductory course that assumes no previous knowledge of the language. The course will familiarize students with the nature of the DELF exam.

Develops in depth the language skills covered in French I and explores more day to day situations. This course is the continuation of French I, students will improve their basic knowledge of the language and achieve an advance beginner level. Emphasis will be placed upon their oral and writing skills.

Provides students with basic knowledge of French in a practical professional situations related to French business. The course will develop student's language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing and also interaction) through exercises and communicative activities and will initiate them to practical applications of French for professional communication, including conventions of correspondence, business etiquette, and travel.

Provides students with basic knowledge of French in a practical professional situation related to French business. The course builds on the skills acquired in FREN 111 and will develop student's language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing and also interaction) through exercises and communicative activities and will initiate them to practical applications of French for professional communication, including conventions of correspondence, business etiquette, and travel. The course is a continuation of FREN 111.

Focuses on French and Francophone culture. Students will be exposed to French history, geography, politics, literature, art, architect, music and economics. They will also understand the emergence of the Francophone community. The course will acquaint students with the different cultures of the French Speaking countries as well as the role of the French language in shaping this community in all its diversity. Conducted in English.

Aims to acquaint students with basic principles of the German language appropriate to level A1.1+ such as day to day vocabulary, introducing themselves and their families, discussing their hobbies, shopping, navigating in an urban environment, discussing the weather using simple sentences and questions. The course focuses on applying oral and writing skills, basic grammar, and cultural notions. This course is an introductory course that assumes no previous knowledge of the language.

This course is the continuation of German I. We will further explore German speaking cultures in connection with writing, reading, hearing and speaking the German Language, including fundamentals of German pronunciation, grammatical structures, and vocabulary. At the end of the course you be able to understand longer texts, engage in meaningful conversations, and to write essays on cultural topics using the structures and vocabulary you have learned.

Offers a survey of German history, culture and society, with special emphasis on the developments in Germany since 1945. Focuses on topics such as Germany's political system and the country's position in Europe and the world, reunification and the resulting social problems, immigrant communities, and the Germany economy. Approaches these topics via primary texts as well as films and secondary materials. Also considers literary, philosophical, and the historical texts. Taught in English.

Provides students with an overview of German-language literature through a critical study of representative short to medium-length texts in translation. The course complements the German language and culture courses available and also aims to familiarize students with genres and key critical concepts with the German literary tradition. The course is conducted in English.

Provides students with a survey of the foundations and development of world civilizations from the prehistoric period to 1500 with emphasis on political, economic, social, and cultural institutions.

Explores major developments in world history. It will deal with socio-economic, and political changes since the 15th century and trace major historical roots of contemporary issues. We will explore major world cultures and expansive empires of world history; while thinking about wider themes in world history, such as the importance of commerce, the emerge, stagnation, and collapse of empires; and the importance of technology.

Provides students with a survey of the foundations and development of science and medicine from Antiquity to the present. In particular, the course focuses on the evolution of scientific knowledge related to astronomy, mathematics and medicine from Antiquity to the present. The pivotal role played by the Scientific Revolution of the XVI-XVII centuries in transformation of all scientific knowledge will be emphasized and carefully analyzed. Furthermore, students will learn about the revolutionary changes related to physics and cosmology that occurred in the XX century. This is a 100-level course open to every student.

Provides an introductory theoretical and empirical knowledge to the History of the Middle East since the World War I. The course focuses on the study of central topics and themes that have been shaping the modern Middle East, including State formation; political economy and development; democratization and political Islam; foreign policy and great power interests. Moreover, the course sheds light upon recent revolutionary upheavals, and future prospects of liberalization and democratization, as well as power constellations in the region.

Introduces students to the portrayal of the Prophet throughout history in different Muslim schools and in Western sources, and the differences between them. The course will focus on the life of Muhammad, as presented in Islamic literature and Western sources. The various stages of the Prophet's life and the different roles he assumed will be investigated. Students will also be introduced to modern academic approaches to analyzing classical texts and the disagreements that arise between them.

Traces the origin and evolution of some basic concepts and institutions related to political, economic, social, legal, religious and cultural aspects of this civilization, paying particular attention to the diversity that characterized the Islamic civilization throughout its history.

Surveys the most important events and themes that define the colonial and post-colonial history of sub-Saharan Africa. some of the events included in this courses are the "scramble" for Africa, the creation and consolidation of the colonial system, the struggle for decolonization and key issues in post-colonial Africa.

Provides students with a survey of most important achievements obtained by the Arabs in astronomy, mathematics, physics and medicine during the middle ages. It also shows the crucial role played by Arab Science in the formation of a new idea of what is scientific knowledge in the Western World in the pre-modern period.

Introduces the history and politics of the Arab Gulf States: Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Saudi Arabia. It covers the period from the 18th century, when many of these states signed protection agreements with Britain, until the 21st century. The various political, economic and social developments that the region witnessed will be analyzed, including early state formation processes, the impact of oil, social movements and relations with regional and international actors.

Provides students with insights from various historical events and themes, utilizes theoretical approaches, including theories from political science, to enhance students' analytical skills.

Investigates the concepts of freedom of religion, equality between the sexes, the rights of all parties in different relation dynamics, among many others, in Islam. It will take as its point of departure verses of the Qur'an and Hadiths from the Prophet (s.a.w) and analyze the myriad ways in which they are interpreted.

Provides the student with a survey of the ethnic musical cultures of the world. Focus is given to the non-Western styles of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania. Nevertheless, the ethnic music of Europe and the Americas with minimal or no influence from Western classical styles are included. An investigation of the cultures behind the various musical styles enhances the student's undertanding.

Embarks primarily on a historical survey of Western classical music, including the outstanding composers and compositions from each musical era. The course includes an initial study of the basic elements of music and culminates in classical influence found in jazz, Western movie music, and media.

Brings together students in a four-part, applied choral experience. Draws upon repertoire from a broad range of multi-cultural, historical, and contemporary styles. Elements of vocal technique will be presented and applied towards choral success. Study of the semester's choral compositions will culminate in performances on campus throughout the academic year, with the added possibility of representing GUST to the outside public.

Provides methods how to engage in reflective and independent thinking. Enables students to detect underlying issues in texts and to evaluate problems autonomously; to analyze the logical structure to texts; to define and express terms and thoughts properly and precisely; to analyze and evaluate evidences; to think clearly and systematically and to express ideas; to understand the logical connections between ideas and to identify, construct and evaluate arguments.

Introduces the life and thought of a star-studded cast: from “the philosopher of the Arabs”, al-Kindi, to the first bone fide Arab philosopher, al-Farabi and assumes a largely chronological trajectory. Stretching from the mosaic grasslands of Central Asia to the mighty peaks of the Sierra Nevada, the Muslim world in the Classical period from the 8/9th centuries to the 13/14th centuries was a place of extraordinary philosophical output.

Offers a systematic introduction into the principal Western philosophical models of ethics with a focus on virtue ethics and classical theories.

Investigates and reflects on some of the main philosophical issues in religion as such as: the existence of God, the nature of God, the problem of evil, belief in God, etc. It will draw on the Christian and Jewish traditions, but will have a particular focus on the Muslim tradition.

Provides a general insight into the most fundamental principles of the philosophical discipline of aesthetics. Covers questions such as: What is design? What is style? What is fashion? What does it mean to be "Cool"? What have philosophers said about all this during the last 2000 years? Is everything merely a matter of tast? Is there a relationship between aesthetic and ethics? Can something be bad and beautiful at the same time? Can art be useful?

Provides an overview of how politics and political systems in different countries work. Links analytical concepts, theories and methods in politics to the realities of the political world. Covers topics like power, political ideologies, states, rights, and regimes, political culture, public opinion, interest groups, elections, political institutions and violence.

Explores the different political terminologies as used in political science, such as political systems, foreign political affairs, and civil society, etc., and reflects on their use in the Kuwaiti and global contexts. Discover the historical origins of these concepts, their transformation over time and their modern perception. Through the course, students will read, analyze and critically comments on those political terminologies affecting their life and modern societies, Both Arabic and English sources will be considered.

This course presents survey of political systems and governments and explores Kuwait's history and politics. It provides an overview of its major political institutions and groups that shape current events. Particular attention is paid to the influence of interest groups and key political institutions and actors. Students will examine the context of Kuwait's political culture, political economy, and international political influence.

Aims to defend the position that human rights are universal rights by unpacking the concept of universal human rights: it is historical beginnings, its possible religious and cultural influences and conflicts, and the ongoing contentions that surround it. Addresses ongoing local, regional, and global rights issues and violations and discusses the transformative power of education for human rights. This course equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to contribute to the worldwide human rights dialogue.

Unpacks the concept of citizenship before analyzing expansions to its meaning. First, basic components of national citizenship are studied (legal status; rights and responsibilities; belonging; participation). Next, more expansive models are explored, from multicultural/cosmopolitan to global/digital citizenship, addressing their possibilities and limitations. Finally, global issues spotlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic are addressed, and definitions for citizenship in a post-COVID19 world are suggested together. The role of education for transformative citizenship is highlighted.

Surveys the key concepts, theories, actors, issues, and processes in world politics. Analyzes the linkages between theories and complex realities in world, the impacts of globalization, war, information technology revolution, transnational actors and regimes, international law and organizations on international relations.

Introduces the general principles of psychology and human behavior. Topics include: development, basic principles of learning, memory, intelligence, motivation, emotions, personality theories, abnormal behavior, health and social influence. New trends in psychology are also presented.

Introduces to the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). You will examine issues and challenges related to the interaction between people and technology. The class explores the social and cognitive characteristics of people who use information systems. You will learn techniques for understanding user needs, human factors design and evaluation.

Studies interaction between indviduals and their social environment. Topics include: the social self, person perception and impression formation, attribution and confirmation biases, stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination, attitudes, conformity, group processes, close relationships, helping others, agreesion and health.

Discusses theories and research results on health and health behavior. Applies health behavior to different aspects of social, personal and professional life.

Introduces the scientific study of human society, culture, and social interactions and draws upon the main sociological theories and concepts, supported by relevant empirical research. Students will explore social, political, and economic phenomena in terms of social structures, social forces, and group relations through analyzing important sociological topics, including socialization, culture, the social construction of knowledge, inequality, race and ethnic relations, poverty, political sociology.

Introduces students to the sociological analysis of gender roles in mainstream society, with specific focus on the social constructional approach to gender in the social institutions of family, work, education and politics, Theories of Biology and Psychology will be compared to Sociological theories to explore the nature and nurture debates on gender roles, as will research on feminism and masculinities. The relationship between gender roles and social inequality and individual and social consequences of changing gender roles in contemporary society will be explored.

Introduces students to cultural, political and historical issues that shape gender. Examines key concepts and debates in gender studies, including global and cultural gender issues. Introduces students to diverse experiences and gendered power relationships.

Acquaints students with the theoretical, methodological and substantive issues in the study of social problems, emphasizing how social problems are defined and how solutions are proposed and adopted. Social problems are conceptualized as consequences of social organization, not as the result of individual pathology. While the textbook focuses on social problems in America, we will examine facts, causes and solutions to a number of social problems in Kuwait and throughout the world today.

Introduction to the basic concepts and approaches in the study of criminology and criminal justice. The major components of the criminal justice systems are examined.