Spring Semester 2025 Courses
AFSO offers the following courses for Spring Semester 2025. Meeting times are all Afghanistan time.
Below are the courses offered by AFSO for Spring Semester 2025.
Following the course listings is a link to our partner Open Society University Network (OSUN), which offers credit-bearing courses for nominated students only. However, AFSO students may sign up for AFSO courses marked by an asterisk (*) that are cross-listed with OSUN. These courses do not offer university credit.
Admitted students should create an account on the For Students page. Beginning January 9, 2025, registration will open, and students will list their choice of seminars through the same link. Students may choose only those courses listed for their level of English. As courses fill, they will be removed from the list of options.
Offerings remain free of charge for women in Afghanistan and include synchronous meetings and independent reading and research.
Courses in English and Writing
Learning English through Speaking and Writing
Instructor: Carmel Finnan
A2 - B1 students
This course focuses on developing students' communication skills, with particular emphasis on speaking and writing with the goal of becoming confident and competent communicators in English.
Throughout the course, students will work on building their vocabulary, improving grammar usage and comprehension skills by engaging in different class material. Apart from improving your English, this class also aims to:
• provide a supportive learning environment where everyone feels comfortable about using the language without fear of making mistakes
• encourage each student to take responsibility for their own learning progress
• encourage students to actively engage in learning within a supportive group dynamic
Please note that:
• You should attend all classes. If for some reason you cannot attend, please inform the teacher or the TA.
• You are expected to submit all assignments ON TIME. Again, if for some reason, you cannot submit an assignment on time, please inform the teacher or the TA.
• All assignments submitted must be your own work. We do NOT accept any assignments that are copied or use AI.
20 January - 17 February, Monday & Wednesday 13h00
English Writing and Conversation
Instructor: Erin Leigh Frymire
A2 - B1 students
In this class, we read and write in a variety of genres to develop our English writing, we will use a rhetorical framework to develop our English writing, academic vocabulary, and speaking skills. Via small group activities and individualized feedback, students will expand their knowledge of English and their own unique writing processes. We will practice thinking critically and strategically to become more confident communicators.
Goals:
• Build confidence in speaking English
• Build confidence in writing English
• Develop individual writing process
• Develop rhetorical awareness
13 January - 20 February, Monday & Wednesday 20h00 - 22h00
Reading and vocabulary
Instructor: Fariha Nazari
A2, low intermediate students
This course is designed for learners at the A2 level and who wish to improve their reading comprehension and expand their vocabulary in English through a several texts, including short stories, articles, dialogues, and interactive activities, students will enhance their ability to understand written English in both everyday contexts and more formal setting. More specifically
Course objectives: The students in the course can expect to:
Discuss ideas, opinions, and personal experiences related to topics they have read about in class Comprehend and use 120 target words from the Academic Word List and know their word families, multiple meanings, parts of speech, and common collocations.
Goals:
• Learn how to identify the main idea
• Learn to use context clues to guess unknown words
• Learn and understand details and recognize supporting details
Course format: The course will meet online via Zoom using the link provided by the instructor. The course materials will be posted on Google space and Google classroom. The students are encouraged to join the course's WhatsApp group led directly by the course instructor and communicate with instructor and peers.
27 January - 5 May, Saturday & Wednesday 13h00
Translation and Power
Instructor: Kathryn Batchelor
B1 - B2 students
This class will begin by considering the general relationship between languages and power. Within any given country, some languages are more powerful than others; speaking those languages gives individuals relatively more power. On a global level, languages are arranged in hierarchical patterns – with English at the top. Language learning and translating are activities which are thus always intimately connected with questions of power. We move on to consider some of the more specific ways in which translating can strengthen or challenge existing power structures. First, in relation to feminism, we explore translation's potential to challenge patriarchal structures within society (e.g. by giving women access to knowledge) or within language itself. Second, in relation to activism, we use case studies to understand the ways in which translation can be harnessed in support of a variety of causes such as human rights or climate justice. Finally, taking a closer look at the mechanics of translation, we explore the ways in which word choices can perpetuate or contest dominant worldviews.
Goals:
• Learn about global language structures and reflect on their own positions within them, including how to strengthen those positions
• Develop critical thinking skills, particularly in relation to analysing language choices
• Develop a critical understanding of translation, in particular its intersection with power
• Learn about ways in which translation has been used around the world to challenge the status quo
28 January - 1 April (no class 25 February), Tuesday 14h00 - 16h00 plus weekly discussion group with TA
Art of Caring in Reading and Writing
Instructor: Sarah Whitney
A2 - B1 students
This course teaches how to learn about caring as a framework and the many ways people express care. Topics mostly include care through hospitality, health care, gender and caregiving and self-care. Students develop a care philosophy statement identifying the values that are important to them and care methods they intend to use. Students are prepared to assist others with (non-medical) support. Students practice reading/writing in English
Goal: We will learn about caring as a framework and the many ways people express care. Students will learn to develop an ethic of care that will help them succeed in their future professional and personal sphere.
February - April, Monday & Wednesday, 16h30
Introduction to Medical English
Instructor: Patience Wesoamo Alogokali
B2 - C1 students
This course plan is comprehensively designed for B2-C1 students with a variety to fit students who are interested in medical/healthcare backgrounds and who would like to develop a higher level of English in the field of medicine and general English. Students interested in working in English-speaking countries will especially benefit from the course material. Each lesson will focus on a different medical theme, for example, doctor-patient scenarios, medical emergencies, and body systems, and offer audio-visual materials and articles that are engaging and relevant for students at this level. There are also role-play opportunities that allow students to practice the lesson vocabulary.
Goals: Develop reading, speaking, listening, and critical thinking skills, learn vocabulary, and be able to use them appropriately in medical terms.
20 January - 20 April, Monday 17-18h30, Friday 10 -11h30, Saturday 10h00 - 11h30
English Language Test Preparation
Instructor: Christina Schoux Casey
C1 students and permission of instructor
For advanced students and those who have completed the AFSO Colloquium. This course prepares students for the Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections of the TOEFL iBT. Some attention also to Duolingo English Test Preparation. Those who complete practice tests with high scores will be eligible for a TOEFL or Duolingo voucher.
30 January - 17 April, Thursday 17h30 - 19h00
Introduction to Political Speechwriting
Instructor: Esmé Ellis
B1 - C1 students
This course for advanced level English students will take students through an in-depth introduction to speechwriting. Students will explore the key principles and be introduced to the leading techniques used in modern political speechmaking. Through a four-week long course, students will analyze a famous political speech, learn techniques for how to structure speeches for maximum effect, and develop skills to tailoring language to various contexts. Each student will have multiple opportunities to write their own short speeches (3-5 minutes), receiving feedback and evaluation from the instructor and peers. By the end of the course, students will have the confidence to write and deliver effective speeches on political issues, with a strong foundation in basic remarks drafting and style.
26 January - 15 March 2025 (2-week break: 3 – 17 Feb), Sunday 13h30
English Grammar Classes
Team-taught
All levels
Optional classes at intermediate and advanced levels to improve your English grammar and usage. Team-taught by peer educators.
2 February - 1 May, Sunday 19h30
English Pronunciation, Grammar, Academic Vocabulary, and Conversation
Instructor: Jackie Murphy
A2 level students
We will learn the sounds of English letter and word combinations; we will refresh grammar with word placement, tense mixing, conditionals, and reported speech; we will incorporate issues, such as human rights, women's rights, legal matters, and medical matters into the vocabulary and conversation segments.
31 January - 9 May, Friday 19h00
Leadership Workshop series
Instructor: Gul Nosh Attai
B1 - C1 students
This course is a series of seminars to develop skills for the workplace including learning about leadership and how to prepare and write your résumé or CV and cover letter writing. It will also discuss the job interview and provide mock (practice) interviews.
7 February: Introductory session including discussion of leadership
14 February: How to represent yourself in academic opportunities with your cover letter
21 February: All about CV's (curriculum vitae) and résumés
28 February: Preparing for job interviews
7 March: Practical session with mock job interviews
7 February - 7 March, Friday 9h00 - 10h00
English for Math Students
Instructor: Alex de Lusignan Fan-Moniz
A2 - C1 students
This course is directed at the AFSO students currently taking courses in Mathematics and related subjects, to broaden their understanding of the vocabulary and language usage in this field in English. Students should be enrolled in one of the courses listed under Mathematics and Data Science to enroll in this class.
3 February - 31 March, Mondays 15h00
Courses in Literature and the Arts
Screenwriting
Instructor: Temenuga Trifonova
B2 - C1 students
What makes a good story? How does screenwriting differ from other types of writing? The course explores the fundamental principles of visual and aural storytelling: plot, character, dialogue, subtext, conflict, exposition, climax and resolution. Students are expected to participate actively in class discussions, to share their material with the rest of the class, and to serve as story editors on their peers' work. Exploration of different screenwriting concepts and of standard screenplay format will be integrated into the hands-on screenwriting assignments. Students will be asked to share their own material in class and in small groups in the process of creating characters, scenes, and short scripts. The course is focused on writing short films.
29 January – 5 March, Wednesday 14h30 - 16h30 (Class on 5 March meets at 1600 - 18h00)
Digital Art Part I
Instructor: Ina Malloy
B1 - C1 students
Introduction to design and digital art through the use of open source Google Drawing application and other free online resources. Students will learn how to utilize digital art to communicate messaging in real world applications.
Date-Time TBA
Digital Art Part II
Instructor: Ina Malloy
B1 - C1 students
Prerequisite: Digital Art Class I - Fall semester
Digital Art Class Part II is a continuation of Fall's Digital Art Part 1
In this course, students will continue to expand their ability to communicate through digital art and make art with a concentration in free programs ("apps") including Google Draw, Google Sites, Pixlr/e, and SumoPaint along with many others. Students will learn how to utilize digital art to communicate messaging in real world applications.
30 January - late March, Wednesday 8h00 - 8h45
Introduction to Middle Eastern Cinema
Instructor: Persheng Vaziri
B1 - C1 students
The course will introduce students to major trends and movements in the cinema of the region since the 1980s. We watch films and discuss them in light of the historical and cultural frameworks of the countries that produced them. We will also discuss production and aesthetic concepts that constitute the films.
06 February - 17 April 2025, Thursday 18h00
POWERFUL WOMEN ON STAGE: How Plays Portray Societies and Women's Lives
Instructor: Ellen W. Kaplan
B1 - C1 students
This course is an Introduction to Plays that feature strong women from different eras, regions, and genres. Using scenes, monologues and video, we explore the ways women are depicted on stage, and how women characters reflect their historic and cultural contexts. We read excerpts from a range of plays by and about women, from Classic Greek, Chinese, and Spanish Golden Age, to Comedic Women in Shakespeare, early 20th century modernism, and contemporary plays that focus on Afghanistan. We consider love, power, status, and national identity; how women's roles change and what matters most to the characters we study. In-class discussion, readings, on-line viewing and short writing assignments supplement lectures and presentations. No background in theatre is required; intermediate level English recommended.
Goals:
• Students can expect to learn how to read and analyze plays; how to find central themes, goals and desires as depicted in plays.
• Students will identify characteristics that distinguish the roles we study, to write clearly and thoughtfully about dramatic texts, to express their ideas and opinions based on textual analysis.
• Students will be able to identify central ideas, and compare and contrast scenes from different plays.
27 January - 31 March, Monday and Thursday. Mondays 19h30 - 20h45; Thursday 19h30 - 20h15
Exploring Afghan Music: from Pop Music to Qawwali
Instructor: Sara Feili
B1 - C1 students
This course offers a scholarly investigation into the diverse musical landscape of Afghanistan. Participants will engage in a comprehensive study encompassing both popular music genres and the mystical tradition of Qawwali. Through a curated selection of academic sources and immersive listening experiences, this course provides a nuanced exploration of Afghan musical expressions.
12 January- 23 March. Sundays, 16-17h00
Philosophy and Literature
Instructor: Dianna Taylor
B2-C1 students
Can literature be a way of doing philosophy? This course addresses this question by exploring how the literary forms of the novel and the short story have been used to express important philosophical questions such as "What is the meaning of life?"; philosophical themes such as the relationship between freedom and responsibility; and philosophical problems such as oppression, resistance, and individual and social transformation. We will examine many of these themes as they relate specifically to women's lived experience. Philosophical texts addressing a question, theme, or problem will be paired with a story or novel. Students will generate a piece of writing on a question, theme, or problem of their choice that takes the form of either a philosophical essay or a work of philosophical literature.
27 January- 20 April, Wednesdays 18h00 to 19h15
Courses in Social Sciences
Europe and Its Legal Traditions
Instructors: Reut Paz and Christoph König
B2 - C1 students
The course seeks to provide a broad and theoretical overview of European legal traditions from social, political, economic and comparative perspectives. Starting with Roman Law, its coverage ranges from discussing the authority of law in history, literature, economics and religion, through the creation of the European legal frameworks up to the establishment of a human rights tradition. Focus is given to the wider scope of legal developments in history that have shaped the conceptualization of law in present-day Europe and beyond.
What is Europe and what are its legal traditions? More importantly: why should the rest of the world today care what Europeans have been calling their legal systems? This course is designed for all those who are interested in gaining a closer understanding of how history and law intermingle with European political thought and cultural practices.
January - April, Thursday, time TBA
Major Women Philosophers
Instructors: Simona Aimar, Colin Chamberlain, Anastasia Kopylova, Jamie Eliott, Fatemeh Sadeghi Givi
B2 - C1 students
This course offers a comprehensive historical overview of significant female philosophers in the Western tradition. Starting with the contributions of women in ancient Greek philosophy, the course explores their role and influence through the medieval and modern periods, before moving to contemporary figures. We will look at key philosophers such as Hypathia, Margaret Cavendish, Elizabeth Anscombe, Hannah Arendt, Simone de Beauvoir, and Judith Butler, among others. Through essential readings and guided discussions, participants will learn about the philosophical ideas that shaped these thinkers' works, as well as the social and historical contexts that influenced their contributions to philosophical thought. The course aims to highlight the often-overlooked legacy of women philosophers and their enduring impact on the development of key philosophical concepts and movements.
7 February - 28 March, Friday 14h30
Gender and Customs
Instructor: Elisa T. Bertuzzo
B2 - C1 students
This course will provide an introduction into foundational theories about space and gender. Students are encourage to analyse everyday spaces, such as the home, the street, the broader environment, etc. Different methodologies for the descriptive, (self) ethnographic and sensorial analysis of spaces of everyday life, from photography to video, from participant observation to mapping, will be discussed and put to test. While the focus is on space, time – the temporalities and rhythms of human and nonhuman actions – will be given attention. The observations, texts, drawings, photos, gathered throughout the semester should ideally generate a collective "animated space".
Goals:
• Reflect on the many factors, actors, and processes which affect the production of space in everyday life from a gender point of view
• Learn and compare different methods for the study of everyday spaces on diverse scales, including visual approaches and mapping
• Sharpen attention for spacial and social processes in the built environment
• Explore different qualities of space: physical/built, emotional/remembered, social/lived
3 March- 31 March, Mondays 15h30 -17h00
Philosophers and Queens: Women in the History of Political Thought: CLOSED
Instructor: Rebecca Kingston
B1 - B2 students
This course introduces important and diverse contributions by women to political theory. New lines of research have demonstrated the myriad and complex ways women have contributed to the development of political reflection. We will explore key texts written by women offering reflections on their condition. While most of the texts come from the Western tradition, I also include two examples of Asian contributions to this global tradition.
Course requirements: Students are asked to write three mini-papers of 2-5 pages discussing some of the themes associated with a reading as raised in class. If students wish to, I may ask that some students work together to prepare a short presentation on the reading of 5 minutes, with questions for the rest of the class to begin discussion. At the end of the course, I will have an informal discussion with each of the individual students on the course material in lieu of a final exam.
1 February - 20 April, Saturday 18h30 - 19h30
Introduction to International Relations
Instructor: Captain Cheng Xu
B1 - C1 students
This course provides a general overview of the study of international relations, with an emphasis on understanding international relations as an academic discipline by exploring the major theoretical debates as well as the topics it covers. It builds a foundation for understanding the actors, processes, and structures that shape and constrain global politics. The course first introduces major concepts in the study of international relations and provides an overview of the main theoretical approaches to understanding world affairs. It then explores major research agendas and issues in international politics and concludes by providing a brief review with applications to future challenges to the study of international relations.
Learning Objectives: This course aims to enhance students' theoretical and conceptual understanding of international relations as well as their practical applications. Assignments are designed with the goal of improving students' abilities to write clearly, communicate ideas, and develop arguments related to global politics. Finally, it creates a foundation for further study in the international relations subfield. By the end of the course, students should have developed proficiency in the following areas:
• Identify tensions and commonalities between theories of IR
• Identify levels of analysis between theories and topics
• Synthesize theories and apply to contemporary challenges facing the world
• Learn how to read arguments thoroughly and thoughtfully
• Discuss what theories appeal to them and which ones challenge their views
14 January – 19 March, Tuesday & Wednesday 16h30 - 17h30
Contemporary World Politics
Instructor: Angus Fake
B1 - C1 students
This course explores the key political, social, and economic challenges shaping the 21st century. This course will be an interactive course, enabling us to interconnect with the world, by understanding contemporary political issues is vital for informed global citizenship.Students will analyze global events and trends through the lens of international relations, political ideologies, and geopolitical strategies. Students will engage with diverse perspectives through a range of materials, including current news articles, seminal texts, documentaries, and interactive case studies. Throughout the course, students will participate in debates, simulations (such as a United Nations assembly), and group projects that apply theories to real-world events. By examining the historical context and future implications of contemporary decisions, students will develop a nuanced understanding of their role as informed global citizens
Goals:
• Understand Government Systems: Identify and explain the structure and function of various global government systems.
• Compare Political Models: Analyze differences and similarities between democratic, authoritarian, and hybrid regimes.
• Evaluate Policy Impacts: Assess how governmental policies affect societies and global relations.
• Develop Analytical Skills: Interpret political data and evaluate media and primary sources critically.
• Foster Civic Awareness: Reflect on the role of governance in shaping global issues and individual responsibilities.
22 January - 16 April, Wednesday 14h45 - 15h45
Courses in Mathematics and Data Science
Note: Some courses require a mathematics placement test.
* Introduction to Research Techniques
Instructor: Xavier Prudent
B1 - C1 students. Students must have bachelor-level mathematics and access to a computer with Microsoft Windows
Students will learn how to use some of the most basic and widespread statistics methods in research. Students will learn how to understand and apply them, from hand computation to computer computation using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The course will cover fundamental concepts of statistics while highlighting the difference between statistics and probability: random variables, probability density functions, the Gaussian function and the central-limit theorem, population vs. sample, hypothesis sample: power and error, and introduction to statistics with Excel and SPSS. The lectures will be highly project-oriented, focusing on the understanding and the correct use of these various methods rather than the algebra of their mathematical fundamentals.
31 January - March, Fridays 18h00
Introduction to Statistics
Instructors: Naomi Altman and Sarah Rajtmajer. Teaching Associate: Kathy Sykora
B1 - C1 students
"Information is the oil of the 21st century, and analytics is the combustion engine." —Peter Sondergaard.
This course covers basic concepts in statistics including statistical vocabulary, data collection, data summary and graphical display. Data analytics including statistical methods are essential to business, medical and health sciences, artificial intelligence, fraud detection, forensics, the sciences, social sciences, and even the arts. A knowledge of basic statistics is needed for most areas of university study, and is considered essential job training in many careers. In this course you will learn basic statistical methods to collect, manage, summarize, visualize and learn from data. Students should come away from the course understanding basic statistical terms and concepts, able to perform some analyses on the computer, and feel prepared for a college-level course in statistics. Students will be introduced to statistical computing using the R package. Students should come away from the course understanding statistical terms and able to do some basic analyses on the computer.
27 January - 18 April, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 18h30
Math in Society
Instructor: Shabnam Akhtari
B1 - C1 students
The focus of this course is on some non-technical mathematical background and quantitative skills in various applications of mathematics in daily life. We will follow some chapters of an open textbook called Math in Society. The plan is to discuss Graph Theory, Sets, Counting Systems, Cryptography, and Logic. Students are encouraged to participate in weekly lectures by attending the lecture, as well as participating in the discussion about the topic in the beginning of each lecture. The students will be assigned reading assignments ahead of each lecture and are expected to read the assigned sections of the book before coming to lectures, so that they are prepared to follow the discussion and ask questions about the reading. Our focus is learning new materials, as well as learning to read mathematical texts.
4 February - 8 April, Tuesday 19h30 - 21h00 (No class March 18 & 25, due to Nowruz and Eid Al-Fitr.)
Math 1: College Algebra
Instructor: Barbara Kaltenbacher
B1 - C1 students
This course is about Mathematics fundamental "language" needed for working in sciences, economics and engineering – and of course in mathematics itself. The purpose of this course is to refresh some known background from school and to augment it to a base of skills and tools on the level of a standard college algebra course. To this end, we will closely follow the freely available textbook College Algebra by Carl Stitz, Ph.D. and Jeff Zeager, Ph.D. and work on abstract concepts as well as concrete examples; the taught material will be complemented by assignments to be solved by the students. The course will use quizzes, assignments, and discussions to assess student performance.
30 January – 10 April, Thursday 10h00 - 11h30
Math 1A: College Algebra
Instructor: Douglas Shaw
B1-C1 students
As in section 1, this course is about Mathematics fundamental "language" needed for working in sciences, economics and engineering – and of course in mathematics itself. The purpose of this course is to refresh some known background from school and to augment it to a base of skills and tools on the level of a standard college algebra course. To this end, we will use the Stewart Precalculus book, an online version of which is being generously donated by the publisher. We will work on abstract concepts as well as concrete examples; the taught material will be complemented by assignments to be solved by the students. The course will use quizzes, assignments, and discussions to assess student performance.
4 February - 25 March, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 20h30- 21h30
Math 3: Integral Calculus
Instructor: Elisa Francini
B1 -C1 students
Level of Admitted Students: Students should have successfully completed a course on Differential Calculus. An admission test will be administered one week prior to the beginning of the course.
This course presents the basic principles of Integral Calculus by examining definitions of antiderivatives, integrals, and their interconnections, along with practical applications. Special emphasis will be placed on real-world scenarios where integral calculus serves as a powerful analytical tool.
Course Assessment: The course will use assignments and discussions to assess student performance. There will also be a final assignment.
Topics Weekly
Week 1: Feb 18 Definition of antiderivatives and indefinite integrals. Basic integration rules.
Week 2 : Feb 25 Integration by substitution
Week 3: Mar 4 Area, distances and definite integrals
Week 4: Mar 11 Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
Week 5: Mar 18 Integration of rational functions
Week 6: Mar 25 Recap on indefinite integrals
Week 7: Apr 1 Calculation of area
Week 8: Apr 8 Integral function
18 February - 8 April, Tuesday 11h00-12h30
Introduction to Computing Science and Software Development in Python
Instructor: Anne Lavergne
B2 - C1 students
This is an elementary introduction to Computing Science and software development, suitable for students with little or no programming background. Students will learn fundamental concepts and terminology of Computing Science and acquire elementary skills for developing software in a high-level language, i.e., Python. The students will be exposed to diverse fields within, and applications of Computing Science. Topics may include: software development process; data types and control structures; fundamental algorithms; recursion; reading and writing files; measuring performance of algorithms, etc.
Goals: At the end of this course, students will be able to create software solutions to small problems by following the steps of the software development process using the high-level language Python. This is to say that the students will be able to do the following:
• Elaborate a plan (an algorithm) describing in detail how they will solve the problem given in a problem statement.
• Implement their algorithm as a Python program and debug it.
• Create test cases and use them to prove the correctness of their program and its robustness.
14 January - 27 March, Tuesday 8h30 - 10h00 / Thursday 20h30 - 22h00
Courses in Health and Science
Introduction to Forensic Science 2
Instructor: Janet Morrison
B1 - C1 students
Pre-requisite: Introduction to Forensic Science 1 (Fall 2024)
A continuation course to Introduction to Forensic Science 1 from the Fall 2024 semester, Introduction to Forensic Science 2 will continue to investigate the techniques used in the forensic laboratory for the analysis of common types of physical evidence encountered at crime scenes. Part 2 will focus on bloodstain pattern analysis, DNA, hair, fibers, and other trace evidence, toxicology and drug analysis. The nature and significance of physical evidence, the underlying chemical/physical principles of the scientific techniques employed for its analysis, and the interpretation and evidentiary value of scientific results will be studied.
3 February- 9 April, Monday & Wednesday, 18h30 - 19h45
Introductory Physics
Instructor: Gary Felder
B2 - C1 students
In the 17th century, Isaac Newton showed that one simple set of laws can describe everything we see around us, from a piece of fruit falling out of a tree to the planets going around the sun. In this course you will learn how to describe motion mathematically, how the forces on an object determine that object's motion, and how "conservation laws" (such as the conservation of energy) limit the possible behaviors that objects can have. By the end of the course, you should be able to mathematically describe and predict many kinds of motion, and be able to look at the world around you and understand it in a new way. Part 1 of the course focused on kinematics (the description of motion) and Newton's Laws. Part 2 will finish those topics and introduce conservation laws.
27 January - 2 May, Tuesday & Thursday 19h15 - 20h15
Intro Astronomy: Observing, Our Arab Inheritance, and Current Exploration
Instructor: Emily Haynes
B1 - C1 students
This course is designed for non-science majors as well as scientists with an interest in observing the night sky and learning about the science of stars and planets. We will discuss the contributions of different cultures throughout history to this oldest of sciences and how they observed and thought about the sky. We will also look at the tools and results through the modern day to find out about the types of stars, how stars change, galaxies and other strange astronomical objects. A focus will also be on the tools used in exploring the planets in our solar system and what has been discovered.
Goals:
• Learn how to find stars and constellations in the night sky
• Learn about the motion of the Earth, moon, Sun and other objects to produce lunar phases, eclipses, changes in the night sky throughout the year, etc.
• Learn about the contributions of different cultures to our understanding of astronomy with a focus on the contributions of the Arab world and women
• Learn methods of scientific investigation of planets in our solar system and the nature of the galaxy and universe beyond
11 February – 17 April, Tuesday & Thursday 19h30 - 20h45
Introduction to Sustainability in Chemistry:
Instructor: Nikki Man
B1 - C1 students
This course introduces the principles of sustainability and green chemistry, tailored for students with a general scientific background and aims to provide a foundational understanding of how chemistry can contribute to sustainable practices.
Through a combination of lectures, readings, and practical at-home activities, students will learn about foundational concepts and key environmental challenges such as pollution, energy, and waste management. The interconnectedness of chemical processes and their broader impacts will also be discussed.
Additionally, the course will support the improvement of English language skills through targeted reading and writing exercises. By the end of the course, students should have a good understanding of sustainability in chemistry, with heightened awareness of these concepts and their importance in their daily lives and communities.
Goals:
• Understand Sustainability and Green Chemistry:Grasp the basic concepts of sustainability and the principles of green chemistry.
• Explore Key Environmental Issues
• Learn about important environmental challenges such as pollution, energy, and waste management from a chemistry perspective
• Promote Systems Thinking
• Develop an understanding of the interconnectedness of chemical processes and their broader environmental and societal impacts.
• Enhance English Language Skills:
• Improve English language proficiency through reading, writing, and comprehension activities related to course content. Course Readings: TBD Course Assessment: TBD
6 February – 17 April, Thursday 11h30 - 1h00
Introduction to Environmental Health
Instructor: Carolina Santos
A2 - C1 students
This course is an introduction to environmental health concepts. How does our environment impact our health? Learn about One Health, climate change, environmental factors involved in the transmission of communicable diseases, prevention of natural disasters, environmental justice, and more. Students will understand how our living environment influences our health, the environmental health disparities of specific populations, and ways to address the impact of environmental change.
Goals:
• Be introduced to global environmental changes that are impacting the planet and their consequences for human health;
• Understand the various approaches to link environmental exposures to human health effects;
• Learn about the relationship between people and their environment, and how it affects their physical and mental well-being;
• Learn about climate change and health risk impacts, prevention of disasters, the role of public health agencies and community engagement;
• Learn about environmental justice, with a focus on how environmental exposure disproportionately impacts disadvantaged communities.
30 January – 27 March, Thursday 17h30 - 19h00
Child Development
Instructor: Sue W. Quinlan
B1 - C1 students
This is a writing-focused course based on weekly lectures and discussion sections in the area of developmental psychology. Students will write short papers each week. Topics to be explored include how concepts and research in child development vary across cultures. Students are encouraged to share experiences and develop analytic and persuasive skills in writing. No previous background in psychology required.
7 February - 25 April, Fridays 19h30 plus weekly discussion section
Analytical Topics in Sustainability
Instructor: Linda Tomasso
B1 - C1 students
Understanding the dynamics of Complex Ecological and Environmental systems and designing policies to promote their sustainability is a formidable challenge that requires analytical and measurement savvy. The course "Analytical Topics in Sustainability" concerns the fundamental approaches to analyzing topics in human and environmental sustainability. Topics selected for this course include conservational biology, population dynamics, sustainable forestry and fisheries, systems thinking, and climate change.
Skill development includes scientific writing, critiquing primary research literature, negotiating environmental resource rights, and accurately communicating environmental science in non-technical language. Course activities are rooted in core issues of environmental and sustainability sciences, climate change, human population dynamics, population viability analysis of endangered species, impacts of built and natural environments on human health, and climate justice.
Course objectives: The students will be introduced to: Critical thinking around ecological and environmental problems Selection of suitable analytical approaches to document challenges and solutions. Mixed-methods research using qualitative and quantitative data to more comprehensively answer research questions. Persuasive presentation of evidence to policymakers including data
30 January – 13 March, Friday 17h30 - 19h00
OSUN Credit-Bearing Courses for Advanced AFSO Students
AFSO-nominated students are eligible to take select courses through the Open Society University Network for university credit. Courses identified above with an asterisk (*) are also open to all high intermediate and advanced AFSO students as credit- or non-credit courses without nomination. Other OSUN classes are available only to advanced students who have taken AFSO classes and received permission.