Interdisciplinary and Intercultural Studies

Introduces students to the basic concepts and principles of business organizations, the management objectives these organizations set and the contemporary issues they face. The course covers a wide range of topics including the conduct of business on a national and international scale, the ethics and social responsibilities of business enterprises, product development, commodity pricing, and the legal environment of business organizations. Prerequisites: GE105. Co-requisites: GE106. Credits: 3

The course begins with a critical review of the major models of communication to provide a context for exploring the key role that communications play in business and professional life. It then moves to the notion of communication strategy and the need to consider audience, purpose, cultural context and channel when writing or speaking. Students are exposed to, and given practice in using tools, techniques and methods for generating and organizing ideas, structuring documents and achieving coherence and cohesion in their writing. The course gives ample practice in a range of communication events—both writer and verbal—such as writing reports, drafting content for digital media, delivering presentations, making pitches, working in teams, and taking part in meetings. It also explores the presentation of quantitative information—charts, tables and data visualizations—as modes of communication in themselves. Prerequisites: GE105, GE106, IT100 Credits: 3

Prepares students for intercultural communication challenges in organizations by addressing the communication skills necessary for effective cross - cultural organizational interactions. This course examines the cultural variables that may define as well as determine the course and success of these interactions within and between organizations. It focuses on the application of intercultural communication skills and insights to various fields, organizations, and situations in order to achieve organizational goals. Prerequisites: GE105, GE106. Credits: 3

This course is an understanding of the ideation process which leads to product, service or business model development. Making use of modern hands-on learning techniques, the course interplays the fundamentals of innovation along with the perspectives of artists, marketers and practitioners who shape novel concepts and create successful brands. The course curriculum is divided into three modules, i.e., idea generation, assessment, and prototyping. Key topics include but are not limited to semiotics, process of developing music ideas, idea visualization, international marketing determinants, the process of decision making, business plans crafting and pitching strategies. Prerequisites: GE105, GE106 Credits: 3

Introduces students to the craft of copywriting. It begins with the importance of audience and the notion of copy as conversation and research-based brand-writing. It looks at what makes for memorable messages and the role of stories and psychological triggers in crafting persuasive texts. Numerous examples, guided observation and a variety of frequent but brief writing assignments help students develop skills in crafting conceptually robust and compelling copy. A third of the course is devoted to copy editing and covers both organizational issues as well as paragraph- and sentence-level editing. Course material and assignments represent a spectrum of print and digital formats in print and digital media drawn from the business and non-profit sectors. Prerequisite(s): GE105, GE106, GE112 Credits: 3

Introduces special topics and themes related to issues of ‘Values, Ethics & Social Responsibility’. This interdisciplinary course focuses one of several different disciplines each term, with professors from across the disciplines presenting the material from the perspective of their subject areas. The course involves discussion and critical analysis of various case studies and issues, which will be explored by students from the perspective of their own communities and cultures. The course also explores how differences in world view affect the wider communities. Prerequisites: GE105, GE106. Co-requisites: GE115. Credits: 3

Focuses on basic and current understandings of environmental problems and ecological principles
-the foundation of a living planet. Students become aware of the impact of past and present management decisions on the state of our environment, as well as the ecological requirements for a sustainable society. The course reviews a range of options for businesses, starting from minimal compliance with environmental regulations to the uses of innovative designs in providing a comparative advantage. Prerequisite: GE105. Co-requisites: GE105, GE106 Credits: 3

A course on Contemporary Greek Culture presents a daring challenge for both instructors and students, as the subject is epistemologically and historically ambiguous. The mere definition of either term composing the course title is a task in itself. However, through the process of familiarizing themselves with key facets of contemporary Greek culture, students embark on a pleasantly intriguing journey through the fascinating history of Greece and its people, which spans more than 5,000 years, and still influences global civilization. Pre-requisites: None Credits 3

This course offers an in-depth exploration of critical thinking principles and their application within the interdisciplinary realms of politics, philosophy, and economics (PPE). Students will develop analytical skills necessary to evaluate complex arguments, identify logical fallacies, and construct coherent, persuasive arguments. By examining contemporary and historical issues, the course emphasizes the role of critical thinking in understanding ethical dilemmas, policy decisions, economic theories, and philosophical debates. Key topics include evaluating political ideologies, ethical frameworks in policy-making, economic rationality, and the philosophical underpinnings of justice and equality. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, case studies, and debates, students will learn to approach problems systematically, question assumptions, and make well-reasoned judgments. This course aims to equip students with the cognitive tools required for responsible citizenship, informed decision-making, and effective leadership in diverse professional environments. Prerequisites: None Credits: 3

This course introduces students to emerging and changing societal topics which connect with the trending contexts of a specific time/year. Depending on the topics that dominate society, at local and global scale, students will be introduced to a changing topic each year leading them to understand the changing nature of society. The course focus may range from: a) history of the pandemics (under the covid context), b) vegetarianism and animal rights, c) the me #too movement and free speech, d) trends in humor throughout history, e) Robots and humans. Prerequisites: None Credits: 3

This introductory course acquaints students with the main theoretical issues and applications of communication and the skills and techniques required for effective communication. Students are introduced to theoretical aspects of communication that are related to social dimensions of power and identity with an aim to understand how communication impacts different aspects of everyday life and the sense of oneself. Communication forms are also discussed in association to how messages are shaped and shared. Students analyze communication settings and talk about the role of communication in areas such as public relations, marketing, psychology, and politics. The course also discusses the use of communication for conflict resolution and crisis management. Prerequisites: GE105, GE106, IT100 Credits: 3

Aims to help provide engineers with the business leadership skills they need to advance their careers in enterprise management, being exposed to the latest business trends and thinking from experts in US and Europe. It focuses on the basic principles and practice of leadership in engineering environments. The modules focus on the principles and practice of leadership and management in private, public and not-for-profit engineering organizations. Topics include leadership, management, organizational behavior, entrepreneurship, ethics, innovation, communication, collaboration and competition, and conflict resolution. The course includes team-based projects in which the students have an opportunity to reflect upon and apply what they are learning. Prerequisite(s): None Credits: 3

Studies the music and musical cultures from around the world. Musical traditions throughout the world are considered through analytical, social, and aesthetic approaches. Introduction to the music and contexts of South America, Africa, India, Japan, and Indonesia. Topics include popular and folk music, music and ritual, communication, and self-expression, with consideration of modal structures, instruments, forms, and performance practices. Discussion of issues such as orientalism (i.e., Western representations of the Orient) and the need to develop cultural identities in once-colonized countries. Prerequisites: None; For non-music majors: GE142. Co-requisites: GE106. Credits: 3