Associate of Arts in General Studies
the american university washington d.c Associate of Arts in General Studies
Description
The Associate of Arts in General Studies degree program provides students with a foundation in the arts and sciences. Students explore various subjects and acquire general knowledge with application to the professions or baccalaureate study.
Upon completion of the program, students should be able to do the following:
  1. Apply the methods of specific quantitative and qualitative disciplines to the analysis of problems, information, and interpretation.
  2. Analyze the individual’s role in different communities, including local, national, and global communities.
  3. Communicate in genre appropriate to purpose and audience.
  4. Evaluate evidence to construct creative and well-reasoned arguments or problem-solving strategies.
Estimated time of completion of this program is 3 years.
Suitable for any occupation, THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY’s A.A. in general studies provides students with a strong foundation in the arts and sciences. The course material in the general studies degree program provides students with the knowledge to take on many tasks found in today’s workplace including effective communication, problem-solving, research interpretation and more.  

Upon completion of the program, students should be able to do the following:

  • Communicate in genre appropriate to purpose and audience.
  • Apply the methods of specific quantitative and qualitative disciplines to the analysis of problems, information, and interpretation.
  • Analyze the individual’s role in different communities, including local, national, and global communities.
  • Evaluate evidence to construct creative and well-reasoned arguments or problem-solving strategies.

 

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Curriculum

The Associate of Arts in General Studies degree program provides students with a foundation in the arts and sciences. Students explore various subjects and acquire general knowledge with application to the professions or baccalaureate study.

GENERAL EDUCATION | Total Required Semester Hours: 36

English Composition
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Description

Traces the history of western civilization, examining developments in western thought and culture from the earliest recorded civilizations to the 18th century.

Outcomes

  1. Analyze how early and contemporary Western cultures define Western Civilization.
  2. Analyze the political, cultural, and social contexts out of which the West developed.
  3. Evaluate the causes and effects of major historical events, including the influence of key individuals, institutions, and ideologies.
  4. Evaluate significant developments of Western culture in art, literature, history, and architecture.
  5. Analyze Western written and visual materials of a historical nature.
  6. Appraise relevant and irrelevant sources or evidence.
  7. Create conclusions through the examination of facts about Western Civilization.

PreRequisites

None

* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]

 

 
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Description

Examines the theoretical and practical implications of marketing in the sports industry by presenting a framework to help explain and organize the strategic marketing process. Offers a growing appreciation on the globalization of sports and an understanding of the ethical issues emerging in sports and their impact on sport marketing decisions.

Objectives

  1. Provide a framework or conceptual model of the strategic marketing process that can be applied to the sports industry.
  2. Evaluate the growing emphasis on the globalization of sport.
  3. Analyze current research in the area of sport marketing and interpret the results.
  4. Explain the ethical issues that are emerging in sports and their impact in sport marketing decisions.
  5. Offer a balanced treatment of all aspects of sports marketing at all levels by listing up-to-date treatments.
  6. Explain the concepts and theories unique to sports marketing and discuss basic principles in the context of sports.
  7. Interpret comprehensive coverage of the functions of sports marketing.

PreRequisites

None

Textbook(s)

Sports marketing: A strategic perspective (Rev: 4th ed.)

Publisher: Prentice Hall (2009)
Author: Shank, M. D.
ISBN: 978-0-13-228535-3
Price: $125.26

* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]

English Composition
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Description

Introduces the basic concepts and requirements of college-level writing. This course provides students with the opportunity to implement effective communication skills via the written word.

Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate proper use of Standard Written English and the conventions of APA documentation style.
  2. Employ the concepts of audience and perspective when approaching others in the writing situation.
  3. Construct different genres of writing.
  4. Effectively incorporate relevant academic sources containing both qualitative and quantitative data.
  5. Demonstrate critical reading skills that translate to improvement in writing practices, such as the crafting of effective sentences and paragraphs.
  6. Utilize pre-writing and planning strategies for the writing process.
  7. Assert argumentative thesis statements that are supported by structured essays that have an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Prerequisites

None

Textbook(s)

Integrated Learning Resource

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* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]

 

 
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Description

Provides an advanced introduction to the basic concepts and requirements of college-level writing. The course includes additional skills, methods, and techniques to improve and polish the student’s completed written documents.

Outcomes

  1. Implement ideas of the writing situation, genre, and audience learned in English Composition I.
  2. Develop an academically valid research topic.
  3. Identify parts of an argument through persuasive writing.
  4. Conduct research resulting in an annotated bibliography.
  5. Produce an argumentative research paper.
  6. Utilize the accepted APA style and conventions.

Prerequisites

  1. EH 1010

Textbook(s)

Integrated Learning Resource

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* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]

 

 
Humanities and Fine Arts
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Description

Provides an introduction to business accounting. Topics include accounting concepts and principles, financial statements, internal control design, and accounting for partnerships. Students demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of the foundational theories and methodological tools utilized in accounting. Theoretical constructs are applied to solve real-world accounting applications.

Outcomes

  1. Examine the accounting cycle.
  2. Identify business transactions.
  3. Generate inventory systems and costing methods.
  4. Appraise the classes and transactions of liabilities.
  5. Formulate financial statements according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
  6. Analyze financial statements to inform decision makers.
  7. Evaluate internal accounting controls.
  8. Compare International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

PreRequisites

None

Textbook(s)

Horngren’s accounting (Rev: 11th ed.)

Publisher: Pearson (2016)

Author: Miller-Nobles, T., Mattison, B., & Matsumura, E. M.

ISBN: 978-0-13-385678-1

Price: $267.61

* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]

 

 

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Description

Presents and practices the basic principles of oral communication delivery in small groups, to medium and large audiences, and through a variety of online meeting platforms with an emphasis on research, preparation, delivery, and audience awareness.

Outcomes

  1. Examine the basic foundations of public speaking.

  2. Explain the varieties of audience.

  3. Develop supporting materials for oral presentations.

  4. Perform assigned speeches in a variety of modes.

  5. Demonstrate effective verbal and nonverbal communication.

  6. Illustrate the use of visual aids in a select speech.

  7. Exercise communication skills in online media.

Prerequisites

None

Textbook(s)

Integrated Learning Resource

Publisher: (No information available)
Author: (No information available)
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Price: (No information available)

* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]

 

 

Mathematics
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Description

Presents the fundamentals of business principles and practices. Business strategies emphasized are decision making and planning, teamwork, technology, and communication. Topics include analysis of the business environment, starting a new business, managing business and employees, marketing, accounting, and finance.

Outcomes

  1. Identify basic business concepts.
  2. Examine the different environments in which businesses operate, to include social, technological, economic, legal, and market.
  3. Explain management functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.
  4. Identify the basic principles of marketing.
  5. Determine the function and role of human resources, including key aspects of human resource management.
  6. Discuss the importance of ethics and social responsibility in business.
  7. Evaluate concepts associated with entrepreneurship.
  8. Explain how outsourcing, offshoring, and foreign entities affect the operation of businesses in the United States.

PreRequisites

None

Textbook(s)

Integrated Learning Resource

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* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]

 

 

Natural Science
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BIO 1100 – Non-Majors Biology

Description

Explores the principles of biology, including the scientific method, cell theory, cellular process, theories of heredity, evolutionary theory, ecology, human physiology, and a survey of the diversity of organisms.

Outcomes

 

  1. Define the basic concepts of biological sciences.

  2. Apply the scientific method.

  3. Explain nutrition in terms of micronutrients and macronutrients.

  4. Explain Mendel’s approach to studying genetics.

  5. Interpret Darwin’s theory of evolution to include natural selection and common descent.

  6. Describe human anatomical systems to include their disease states.

  7. Discuss relationships between living organisms and nonliving factors in ecosystems.

  8. Interpret biological data.

 

PreRequisites

None

Textbook(s)

Biology: Science for life with physiology (Rev: 6th ed.)

Publisher: Pearson (2019)

Author: Belk, C., & Maier, V. B.

ISBN: 9780134555430

Price: $126.16

* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]

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Description

Introduces basic ecological concepts and their relevance to human impacts on natural systems. Students explore ecosystem structure and function, population ecology, and current environmental issues related to sustainability and the use of natural resources.

Outcomes

  1. Explain the importance of ecological concepts in everyday life.

  2. Describe the various factors that affect population growth regulation.

  3. Identify the various ways in which organisms interact with their environment.

  4. Summarize the importance of biodiversity within the environment.

  5. Detail the global exchange of nutrients through biogeochemical cycles.

  6. Describe the various factors that affect the evolution of ecological systems.

  7. Identify ways in which ecology can be used to solve environmental issues.

Prerequisites

None

Textbook(s)

Integrated Learning Resource

Publisher: (No information available)
Author: (No information available)
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Price: (No information available)

* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]

 

 

Social and Behavioral Science
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Description

Examines government and politics in America by focusing on the origins, entities, processes, and functions of our political system and the influential role of interest groups and the media.

Outcomes

  1. Summarize the origins of American political thought.

  2. Identify the distinctive attributes of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

  3. Describe the three branches of government.

  4. Explain how the U.S. government functions at the federal, state, and local levels.

  5. Identify the role of political parties in the United States political system.

  6. Discuss how policies affect change.

  7. Identify the impact of media on public opinion and politics.

Prerequisites

None

Textbook(s)

Integrated Learning Resource

Publisher: (No information available)
Author: (No information available)
ISBN: (No information available)
Price: (No information available)

* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]

 

 

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Description

Surveys the principles, theories, and methods of psychology as a basis for the understanding of human behavior and mental processes.

Outcomes

  1. Outline the historical development of the psychology field.

  2. Differentiate research methodologies used in the field of psychology.

  3. Recognize factors that influence human behaviors and cognitions.

  4. Describe ways in which humans learn new behaviors.

  5. Interpret basic cognitive functions.

  6. Identify symptoms of various abnormal conditions.

  7. Identify contributors to human action, motivation, and drive.

  8. Summarize a scholarly, peer-reviewed psychology journal article.

Prerequisites

None

Textbook(s)

Psychology (Rev: 12th ed.)

Publisher: Pearson (2017)
Author: Wade, C., & Tavris, C.
ISBN: 9780134240831
Price: (No information available)

* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]

Electives | Total Required Semester Hours: 24

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Description

A study of trade and international economics. Considers comparative advantage, production factors, and how growth is influenced by trade and various alternative trade theories. Analysis of trade restrictions and the effect of trade on environment and political policies.

Objectives

  1. Distinguish between international and domestic economic issues.
  2. Explain why seven themes recur in international economics and discuss their significance.
  3. Explain how the Ricardian model, the most basic model of international trade, works and how it illustrates the principle of comparative advantage.
  4. Explain how differences in resources can cause international trade.
  5. Discuss why trade often creates losers as well as winners.
  6. Explain the effects of tariffs and subsidies on trade patterns and the welfare of trading nations and on the distribution of income within countries.
  7. Detail the “dumping” arguments used by domestic industries as a basis for protectionism and explain the relationship between dumping and price discrimination.
  8. Discuss the role of external economies and knowledge spillovers in shaping comparative advantage and international trade patterns.
  9. Discuss the causes, as well as the winners and losers, from migration and labor mobility between nations.
  10. Articulate arguments for free trade that go beyond the conventional gains from trade.
  11. Evaluate national welfare arguments against free trade.
  12. Summarize the basic ideas behind “economic dualism” and its relationship to international trade
  13. Discuss the recent economic history of the East Asian countries, such as Taiwan and South Korea, and detail the relationship between their rapid economic growth and participation in international trade.
  14. Summarize the more sophisticated arguments for interventionist trade policy, especially those related to externalities and economies of scale.

PreRequisites

None

Textbook(s)

International economics: Theory and policy (Rev: 9th ed.)

Publisher: Prentice Hall (2013)
Author: Krugman, P., Obstfeld, M., & Melitz, M.
ISBN: 978-0-13-214665-4
Price: $172.58

* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]

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Description

A study of economics in the international context of foreign exchange and currency markets and their impact on international economics. The interrelationship of exchange rates and economics factors are also discussed.

Objectives

  1. Examine the concept of the current account balance.
  2. Employ the current account balance to extend national income accounting to open economies.
  3. Apply national income accounting to the interaction of saving, investment, and net exports.
  4. Evaluate and discuss the national money markets in which interest rates are determined.
  5. Compare how monetary policy and interest rates feed into the foreign exchange market.
  6. Discuss the concept of the real exchange rate.
  7. Analyze the factors that affect real exchange rates and relative currency prices in the long run.
  8. Explain the role of the real exchange rate in determining the aggregate demand for a country’s output.
  9. Demonstrate causes and effects of balance of payments crises.
  10. Evaluate how alternative multilateral systems for pegging exchange rates work.
  11. Explain how the goals of internal and external balance motivate economic policy makers in open economies.
  12. Summarize how the monetary and fiscal policies of a large country such as the United States are transmitted abroad.
  13. Analyze the economic function of international portfolio diversification.
  14. Explain factors leading to the explosive recent growth of international financial markets.
  15. Analyze problems in the regulation and supervision of international banks and nonbank financial institutions.

PreRequisites

  1. MBA 6081

Textbook(s)

International financial management (Rev: 2nd ed.)

Publisher: Prentice Hall (2012)
Author: Bekaert, G., & Hodrick, R.
ISBN: 978-0-13-216276-0
Price: $182.85

* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]

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Description

Presents the foundational theories and methodological tools used in public finance and budgeting. Students apply their knowledge to make use of finance and budgeting methodological tools, such as cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis in the application of finance and budgetary theory to practice, create, and oversee public sector fiscal processes. Students evaluate a budget and identify important budget items that public managers must consider in preparation and presentation of a budget. The usefulness of finance and budgeting theoretical constructs and methodological tools are applied to solve real-world public finance and budgetary case studies.

Objectives

  1. Assess the relationship of historical and contemporary finance-budgeting theory to real-world public administration issues.
  2. Discuss the ethical implications on the budget process at the federal, state, and local levels.
  3. Compare contemporary financial management practices at the federal, state, and local levels.
  4. Identify political factors that influence and determine financial management practice in the public arena.
  5. Evaluate a model budget.
  6. Consider the impact of citizen influence on the budgetary process at various levels of governance.
  7. Describe the impact of budgetary deficiencies on public agencies.
  8. Apply practical methods to reconstructing finance and budgeting techniques.

PreRequisites

  1. PUA 5301

Textbook(s)

Public finance: A contemporary application of theory to policy (Rev: 11th ed.)

Publisher: Cengage Learning (2014)
Author: Hyman, D. N.
ISBN: 978-1-285-17395-5
Price: $266.14

* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]

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Description

Explores the histories, ideas, beliefs, and characteristic practices of the world’s major religions.

Outcomes

  1. Analyze commonalities shared by the world’s major religions.

  2. Discuss factors which have caused potential for conflict within and between religious groups.

  3. Evaluate the impact values have on the goals and functions of a religious body.

  4. Examine how religious beliefs are expressed through engagement in the faith.

  5. Explain differing interpretations of religious tenets.

  6. Utilize research strategies for creating an academic perspective of varied cultures.

Prerequisites

None

Textbook(s)

Understanding the religions of the world: An introduction

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell (2015)
Author: Deming, W. (Ed.).
ISBN: 9781118767573
Price: $64.93

* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]

 

 

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Description

Introduces components and processes inherent to state and local government in the United States. Acquaints students with the structures and functions of state and local governments as well as the methods and motivations behind political decisions.

Outcomes

  1. Explain the nature of politics.

  2. Analyze the political processes in local government.

  3. Differentiate between powers allocated to the federal government and those allocated to the states.

  4. Distinguish between liberal and conservative ideology in state and local politics.

  5. Explain how policy responsibilities vary among state and local governments.

  6. Summarize the processes of changing state laws or state constitutions.

  7. Explain how citizen attitudes influence policies adopted by governments.

Prerequisites

None

Textbook(s)

Politics in states and communities (Rev: 15th ed.)

Publisher: Pearson (2015)
Author: Dye, T. R., & MacManus, S. A.
ISBN: 978-0-205-99472-4
Price: $104.65

* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]

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Description

Provides an in-depth study of the basic concepts of sociology. Specific attention is given to culture characteristics, societal changes, inequalities in social classes, and how they relate to different groups in society.

Outcomes

  1. Recognize the ideas of sociological theorists in terms of the historical, economic, and social contexts.

  2. Express the relationship between one’s beliefs and one’s group memberships.

  3. Describe the transmission of cultures through socialization.

  4. Interpret patterns of behavior through sociological skills and theory.

  5. Apply micro theories of self, using one’s own digital footprint.

  6. Explain how social structure shapes an individual’s life chances.

Prerequisites

None

Textbook(s)

SOC 2016 (Rev: 4th ed.)

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education (2016)
Author: Witt, J.
ISBN: 9780078130755
Price: $92.38

* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]

 

 

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Description

Investigates societal events and trends using geographical concepts to cultivate a better understanding of the interdependence of places and cultures in a globalizing world. Key topics include globalization, cultural diversity, urbanization, population dynamics, economic disparity and development, geopolitics, sustainability, and the environment.

Outcomes

  1. Discuss key concepts in human geography including place, region, movement, and landscape.

  2. Evaluate the role and impact globalization has on environmental, cultural, spatial, and geopolitical issues within the three tiers of the world system.

  3. Evaluate sustainability as an approach to addressing global social problems.

  4. Investigate past and current economic relationships, patterns, and issues within the three tiers of the world system.

  5. Determine how place and space shape culture, and conversely how culture shapes place and space.

Prerequisites

None

Textbook(s)

Human geography: Places and regions in global context (Rev: 7th ed.)

Publisher: Pearson (2016)
Author: Knox, P. L., & Marston, S. A.
ISBN: 978-0-321-98424-1
Price: $132.80

* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]