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UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG
American University in Bulgaria 1 Georgi Izmirliev Sq. Blagoevgrad 2700, Bulgaria President’s Office: (+359 73) 888 307 Admissions: (+359 73) 888 111 Development: (+359 73) 888 366 Fax: (+359 73) 888 344
America for Bulgaria Student Center 12 Svoboda Bachvarova St. Skaptopara Campus Blagoevgrad 2700, Bulgaria
AUBG - Sofia Elieff Center for Education and Culture 1 Universitetski Park St., Studentski Grad Sofia 1700, Bulgaria Switchboard: (+359 2) 960 7910 Fax: (+359 2) 961 6010
U.S. Mailing Address: American University in Bulgaria 910 17th St., N.W. Suite 1100 Washington, D.C. 20006 www.aubg.edu 2014 - 2015 This catalog was prepared on the basis of the best information available at the time of publication. All information, including statements of tuition and fees, course offerings, policies, and admission and graduation requirements, is subject to change without notice or obligation.
Updates after publication can be found at www.aubg.edu/academic-catalog ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2014 - 2015 ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2015 - 2016
Fall 2014 Fall 2015 Orientation Begins August 25 Orientation Begins August 24 Classes Begin September 1 Classes Begin August 31 Student Sign-in Deadline (5:00 pm) September 3 Student Sign-in Deadline (5:00 pm) September 2 Unification Day Holiday September 6 Unification Day Holiday September 6 Bulgarian Independence Day September 22 Bulgarian Independence Day September 22 Board Meeting October 17-19 Board Meeting October 16-18 Fall Break Begins October 27 Fall Break Begins October 26 National Revival Holiday November 1 National Revival Holiday November 1 Classes Resume November 3 Classes Resume November 2 Students' Holiday December 8 Students' Holiday December 8 Classes End December 12 Classes End December 11 Final Exams Begin December 15 Final Exams Begin December 14 Final Exams End December 19 Final Exams End December 18 State Exams December 20 State Exams December 19
Spring 2015 Spring 2016 Orientation Begins January 14 Orientation Begins January 20 Classes Begin January 19 Classes Begin January 25 Student Sign-in Deadline (5:00 pm) January 21 Student Sign-in Deadline (5:00 pm) January 27 Board Meeting January 30 - February 1 Board Meeting January 29-31 Spring Break Begins March 2 Bulgarian Liberation Holiday March 3 Bulgarian Liberation Holiday March 3 Spring Break Begins March 14 Classes Resume March 9 Classes Resume March 21 Honors Convocation April 5 Honors Convocation April 17 Orthodox Good Friday April 10 Student Faculty Research Conference April 23 Orthodox Easter Monday April 13 Orthodox Good Friday April 29 Student Faculty Research Conference April 18 Labor Day Holiday May 1 Classes End April 30 Orthodox Easter Monday May 2 Labor Day Holiday May 1 Classes End May 5 Final Exams Begin May 4 St. George's Day Holiday May 6 St. George's Day Holiday (exams held) May 6 Final Exams Begin May 9 Final Exams End May 8 Final Exams End May 13 State Exams Begin May 11 State Exams Begin May 16 State Exams End May 13 State Exams End May 18 Board Meeting May 14-16 Board Meeting May 19-21 Commencement May 17 Commencement May 22 TABLE OF CONTENTS ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY Mission Statement The mission of the American University in Bulgaria is to educate students of ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY ...... 3 outstanding potential in a community of academic excellence, diversity, and ADMISSIONS ...... 10 respect and to prepare them for democratic and ethical leadership in serving the needs of the region and the world. TUITION AND FEES ...... 16 FINANCIAL AID ...... 19 Vision: Our Aspirations for 2015 ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES ...... 21 We envision a community of diverse and creative students of outstanding potential living and learning together in an engaging and rigorous academic environment on STUDENT SERVICES ...... 24 a campus that offers world-class academic, recreational, and residential facilities. STUDENT LIFE ...... 27 Mentored by internationally respected faculty committed to the liberal arts tradition, AUBG graduates will be fully prepared for lives of professional ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ...... 29 achievement, personal fulfillment, and service. DEGREE REQUIREMENTS ...... 50 Statement on Liberal Learning MAJOR PROGRAMS ...... 59 AUBG strives to provide its students with a liberal education an education that MINOR PROGRAMS ...... 83 nurtures both the skills needed for successful careers and an ongoing intellectual curiosity that leads to a thirst for a rewarding life and productive role in a DEPARTMENT STRUCTURE ...... 96 democratic society. A liberal education prepares students to live responsible, COURSES ...... 97 productive, and creative lives in a dramatically changing world. It is an education that fosters a well-grounded intellectual resilience, a disposition toward lifelong FACULTY ...... 148 learning, and an acceptance of responsibility for the ethical consequences of ideas BOARD OF TRUSTEES ...... 153 and actions. UNIVERSITY COUNCIL ...... 155 Students experience the benefits of a liberal education by pursuing intellectual work that is honest, challenging, and significant and by preparing themselves to OFFICES AND ADMINISTRATION ...... 156 use knowledge and authority in responsible ways. A liberal education is not INDEX ...... 162 confined to any particular field of study. What matters is substantial content, rigorous methodology, and an active engagement with the societal, ethical, and practical implications of learning. The value of liberal learning is equally relevant to all fields of higher education and to all students. This statement is based on the “Statement on Liberal Learning” adopted by the Board of Directors of the American Association of Colleges and Universities. For more information, please see: www.aacu.org. AUBG Community To support the ongoing mission of AUBG, the university builds its community based on mutual respect, civility, and professional behavior. All members of our community, including students, faculty, staff and administration, are expected to uphold at all times these ideals, plus other standards of behavior that reflect well upon, and bring credit to themselves, the university, and the greater community. Accreditation Statements directed to: Office of Human Resources, 1 Georgi Izmirliev Square, Blagoevgrad 2700, Bulgaria. Telephone: (+359 73) 888 328 or 888 309, Fax: (+359 73) 888 161. U.S. Accreditation Email: [email protected] The American University in Bulgaria is accredited in the United States by the New Location in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. AUBG is situated in Blagoevgrad, the administrative, cultural, economic, and transport center of southwestern Bulgaria. The Blagoevgrad province is the third Inquiries regarding AUBG's accreditation status by the New England Association largest in the country after Bourgas and Sofia. Blagoevgrad is situated at the foot of should be directed to the administrative staff: the Rila and Pirin Mountains, just 100 km south of the national capital, Sofia. The Office of the Provost region abounds with natural beauty and tourist attractions, including the Rila American University in Bulgaria Monastery, the Bansko ski resort, the spa town of Sandanski, and the Seven Lakes Blagoevgrad 2700 in the Rila Mountains. Bulgaria Blagoevgrad is a picturesque city of 80,000 with a pedestrian downtown and an Telephone: (+359 73) 888 411 th Email: [email protected] Old Town with fine examples of 19 -century architecture and numerous restaurants and cafés. Individuals may also contact: Blagoevgrad is a student-friendly city. The town is the educational center of The Commission on Institutions of Higher Education southwestern Bulgaria with its two universities - the American University in New England Association of Schools and Colleges 209 Burlington Road Bedford, MA 01730-1433 Telephone: (781) 271 0022 E-mail: [email protected] Bulgarian Accreditation The American University in Bulgaria and its major programs are accredited in Bulgaria by the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency of the Council of Ministers. The American University in Bulgaria is chartered as an institution of higher education by an act of the Grand National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria and is authorized to grant Bulgarian diplomas and has the same rights and responsibilities as other Bulgarian universities. Opportunities in Sofia This catalog describes the University's undergraduate programs offered at the Blagoevgrad campus. AUBG's second campus is in Sofia at the Elieff Center for Education and Culture, a modern, state-of-the-art facility designed for outreach and graduate education. The flagship programs at the Elieff Center are the Executive MBA and the Center for European Programmes. In addition, the Elieff Center supports continuing education and training programs for the professional community. For more information on Sofia-campus activities, please visit www.aubg.edu/sofia Equal Opportunity/Non-Discrimination Policy The American University in Bulgaria does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or physical ability in the administration of its admissions policies, educational programs, employment opportunities, or other University programs. Questions may be Bulgaria and the South-West University. With its clean quiet surroundings, AUBG has repeatedly ranked as the leading university in the country in terms of walking plaza, shops, and restaurants, Blagoevgrad is small enough for students to graduates' employment and graduate earned incomes, according to the Bulgarian find anything they need within a few minutes. At the same time, the dynamic University Ranking System maintained by the Ministry of Education. This yearly environment of outdoor cafés, movie theaters, and recreational facilities makes it survey includes five AUBG academic programs - Economics, Computer Science, possible for students to have a balanced life of both hard work and fun. Business Administration, Political Science and International Relations, and Blagoevgrad is located in the southwestern corner of Bulgaria, which in turn Journalism and Mass Communication - all of which are ranked among the top in occupies the northeastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. The country's population is the country. approximately seven and a half million and it occupies an area of 110,099 sq. km. AUBG has also developed a growing portfolio of educational outreach programs, To the north, via the Danube River, Bulgaria shares a border with Romania; to the including an Executive MBA program; technical training at the government level west, Serbia and Macedonia; and to the south, Greece and Turkey. To the east is for participation in EU programs; and English language, business, Bulgaria's Black Sea coast. entrepreneurship, and computer skills courses. Most of these outreach programs Situated at a crossroads between civilizations, Bulgaria has more than 13 centuries are offered at the AUBG Elieff Center for Education and Culture, the University's of recorded history and one of the richest cultural legacies in Europe. Modern facility in Sofia. Bulgarian culture derives from three ancient civilizations: the Bulgars, then Panitza Library Thracians, and the Slavs. The territory was also part of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires for several centuries. Panitza Library - the heart of the University - is a modern cultural and intellectual center for studying, reading, and doing academic research. The Library is an Since the beginning of the democratic changes in Eastern Europe, Bulgaria has approachable, accessible, service-oriented organization, sensitive to its users' achieved macroeconomic stability, joined NATO, and entered the European Union needs. It is open 88 hours per week, Monday through Sunday, during the semester as a full member state. and offers extended working hours during final exam weeks. The Library seeks to AUBG History creatively use technology to support and inspire education and scholarship, and to deliver service to the AUBG community of learners wherever and whenever AUBG was founded in 1991 as a joint endeavor of the U.S. government and the needed while supporting AUBG's curriculum and fostering students' personal government of the Republic of Bulgaria to create an institution that educates future growth and the development of life-long learning skills. leaders for the region of southeast Europe - leaders who can respond to the challenges of transition and build societies based on democracy, free enterprise, The Library offers a comfortable environment for individual and group study that civic responsibility, and a thorough understanding of cultural diversity. This provides printing and copy rooms, computer kiosks, and other study facilities. It exceptional educational partnership enjoyed a broad base of support from the houses a collection of 110,000 printed books; 110,000 electronic books; more than United States Agency for International Development, the Open Society Institute 10,000 print journals; 40,000 electronic journal titles, magazines and newspapers; and its founder Mr. George Soros, the University of Maine, and the City of a growing collection audio-visual materials; and many electronic databases. Blagoevgrad, which provided buildings for instructional and residential facilities. Electronic resources are conveniently organized through the library website and are available for research and study around the clock, both on site and remotely. When its doors opened on September 30, 1991, AUBG welcomed a class of 208 first-year students and had 16 full-time faculty members. Today, AUBG's student Panitza Library also provides additional services to assist the learning goals of body is a varied society of 1,100 young people from over 40 nations, and their AUBG students and faculty. The Interlibrary Loan Service augments the Pantiza cultural and ethnic diversity shape a unique academic setting. The University has Library holding by providing documents from partner and consortium libraries to an international reputation based on its unique blend of academic excellence, meet the expanding research needs of AUBG faculty and students. The Reference cultural diversity, highly talented student body, and successful alumni. service provides professional help to library patrons in locating and retrieving information. Patrons can contact reference librarians in person as well as through Romania, Macedonia, Serbia, Albania, Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, instant messaging and e-mail. The Information Literacy Program works to provide Kazakhstan, Turkey, Spain, and the United States are just a few of the countries that course-integrated instruction in collaboration with faculty and in alignment with are currently represented. Courses are taught by a high-quality, international course objectives and student learning outcomes. This program offers training in faculty experienced in teaching in a multicultural, learner-centered environment. developing research skills both through classroom instruction and one-to-one In the last twenty years more than 4,000 students have graduated from AUBG, and training. these alumni are fast becoming important agents of change for the advancement of their own countries. For further information, please see: www.aubg.edu/library Computing Conferences, Institutes and External Events The AUBG computer system is an important element of the AUBG educational AUBG has a specialized office to arrange small and large conferences, symposia, experience and an essential part of student life. Computer and communications seminars, and workshops. The office serves as a “one-stop shop” for a variety of facilities are available as shared resources intended to support and facilitate the conference services, including transportation, catering, meeting rooms, and teaching, research, and administrative functions of the University. Students, equipment. These services are available to both public and private organizations. faculty, staff, and authorized guests are encouraged to use these resources to their The CIEE also organizes an annual Educational Summer Camp in English for maximum benefit. Experimentation, exploration, and learning are promoted teenagers from Bulgaria and abroad. within a respect for community, common sense, and legal constraints. Cooperative Relationships All students and faculty have personal accounts that give them access to the entire university system. All computer labs offer standard office applications and Internet AUBG maintains close relationships with universities both in Bulgaria and abroad. access, as well as other discipline-specific applications. Students are encouraged to In Bulgaria, AUBG has cooperative relationships with New Bulgarian University; use AUBG computing facilities for their assignments, and many courses utilize Sofia University; the University of National and World Economy; the South-West dedicated computer labs during their regular class hours. University, Blagoevgrad; and the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies. There is also a joint agreement with the Bulgarian Academy of The usefulness of the computing facilities depends upon the integrity of its users. Sciences. These facilities may not be used in any manner prohibited by law or disallowed by licenses, contracts, or University regulations. Individuals are accountable for their In the United States, AUBG students can study through exchange programs at the own actions and activities involving the accounts for which they have University of Maine, the State University of New York Fredonia, and campuses of responsibility. several hundred members of the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP). Network and system administrators treat the contents of electronic files and In Europe, AUBG is the holder of an Erasmus Charter for Higher Education network communications as private and confidential. Any inspection of electronic (ECHE). There are bilateral Erasmus agreements with over 50 European files, and any action based upon such inspection, will be governed by all applicable institutions in Austria, Belgium, Cypus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Bulgarian and U.S. laws and by AUBG policies. The same standards and principles Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, of copyright and intellectual property rights protected by U.S. and EU law that Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, apply to the AUBG's Panitza Library also apply to electronic materials obtained and Turkey. from the network. The full text of AUBG's policies on computing and data communications may be found online at: http://www.aubg.edu/computing. Bookstore The bookstore of the American University in Bulgaria is housed in the America for Bulgaria Student Center and provides a wide range of retail services as a convenience to the students, faculty and staff of the University. It carries all required textbooks (both in print and on-line access codes), teaching cases, and supplemental materials for courses offered at AUBG, as well as a range of general books, including popular literature in English, SAT and TOEFL preparation materials, and other textbooks, and dictionaries. The bookstore stocks office supply items required by students and University academic departments, as well as a broad line of general office supplies, calculators, and related items for the convenience of students. The bookstore can also place special orders for books, supplies, or special items upon customer request. The bookstore offers a line of gift and clothing items that carry the name or logo of the University, gift items, greeting cards, and traditional Bulgarian items. The Bookstore is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ADMISSIONS Application Materials The process of admissions to a university is one of mutual selection. We seek to All applications must include the following: enroll students from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate academic promise, · a completed application form; show the capacity for leadership through a wide range of interests, and are intellectually curious. We encourage all potential applicants to learn as much as · evidence of proficiency in English, typically provided by TOEFL results possible about the University, about our courses and programs, our student body, sent by ETS to the Admissions Office or official IELTS, University of and our highly successful graduates. We welcome inquiries and visits and Cambridge ESOL Examinations, or the Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE); encourage interested students and their families to contact an admissions counselor with questions or to arrange a visit to the University. · an official SAT score report, sent directly from College Board to the Admissions Office, or an official ACT score report; Because AUBG is selective, admission is competitive. Each application is · official educational records (original documents or notary certified carefully read by the Admissions Committee and evaluated on the basis of its merit copies) with a certified English translation if applicable; as a whole. If the applicant's native language is not English, the score on one of the English-language proficiency tests must reflect the ability to communicate · two (2) confidential letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, effectively in English. The applicant's secondary school record is reviewed not a guidance counselor, or an academic advisor; only for grades but also for the quality of courses taken and their relative difficulty. · an application essay; and, The SAT Reasoning Test score provides a further indication of intellectual · a non-refundable $25 application fee (waived if the application is potential. Letters of recommendation, honors, and extracurricular activities completed on-line) complete the evidence of an applicant's potential for success at AUBG. All documents submitted as part of the application process remain the property of Application AUBG and are not returned to the applicant. Application Form English Language Proficiency The form may be submitted on-line or downloaded from www.aubg.edu under Minimum requirements for proficiency in English apply to all University “Admissions.” applicants. Applicants who are not native speakers of English may fulfill this requirement by achieving a satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Application Deadlines Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) For students entering in the Fall semester, deadlines are as follows: test, University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, or the Examination for the March 1 for early admission with preferential financial aid consideration Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE). The minimum satisfactory scores are June 1 for regular admission and financial aid for non-EU students listed in the table below. The TOEFL must have been taken within two years of the
st proposed term of entry. For students entering in the Spring semester, the application deadline is November 1 . Admission Notification Paper based iBT - Internet IELTS ESOL - University of The Examination for the TOEFL based TOEFL Cambridge Examinations Certificate of Proficiency AUBG ordinarily notifies applicants as to the status of their application within four in English (ECPE) weeks after the file is completed, but no later than June 30th for non-EU students st 550 80 6.5 CPE (Certificate of Contact the Admissions entering in the Fall semester and November 1 for non-EU students entering in the Proficiency in English) >C Office Spring semester. Admissions Committee deliberations are confidential, and or CAE (Certificate of students who are not admitted should not expect an explanation of the Committee's Advanced English) > B decision. The TOEFL is administered several times each year at many locations throughout Confirmation Deposit the world. To make arrangements to take the test, contact the Educational Testing Students are notified of acceptance to AUBG by e-mail and mail. Accepted Services (ETS) representative office in your country or visit www.ets.org. The students who have applied for financial aid are notified of any award in the AUBG institutional code number for receiving official SAT and TOEFL scores is 2451. The internet-based (iBT) TOEFL is offered at the English Language Institute acceptance letter. Within one month of notification, students must confirm their the (ELI) of the American University in Bulgaria in Blagoevgrad. For more acceptance of the AUBG offer and pay a non-refundable deposit of $350. information, contact the ELI at (+359 73) 888 555 or (+359 73) 888 556; by email High School Transcripts at [email protected]; or online at www.aubg.edu/eli Transcripts are considered official if they bear an official high school stamp and the SAT/ACT signature of the high school principal. Academic transcripts should include the school's contact information. Transcripts must list the subjects taken, grades The SAT or ACT is required of all first-year and transfer applicants. High school earned or examination results in each subject, and certificates or diplomas with a students should preferably take the test in their junior year and no later than January calculated annual grade point average (GPA). If the documents are not in English, of their senior year. Complete information about the SAT and a registration bulletin they must have a certified English translation accompanying them. can be obtained from the Admissions Office of the American University in Bulgaria, Blagoevgrad 2700, or from www.collegeboard.com. Application Essay The SAT is offered in Blagoevgrad at the American University in Bulgaria. The essays help the Admissions Committee become acquainted with the Applicants may also choose to take an institutional SAT test without charge. This applicants, understand their motivations to attend AUBG, and determine how well test result is only for AUBG use and cannot be reported to any other institution. For they can express themselves. The essays are evaluated on the basis of content, more information, contact the Admissions Office at (+359 73) 888 111 or by email grammar and mechanics, and style. at [email protected]. Letters of Recommendation To register to take the ACT or order official score reports, visit www.act.org/aap. The AUBG institutional code number for receiving official ACT scores is 5465. Two (2) confidential letters of recommendation are required from teachers, professors, a guidance counselor, or an academic advisor familiar with the Submitting Official Scores student's academic performance and potential for leadership. Any letter not written in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. The application packet Applicants who have already taken the TOEFL and SAT should have the includes required recommendation letter forms. Educational Testing Service (for TOEFL and SAT) send their official scores to the AUBG Admissions Office. The AUBG institutional code for receiving test scores Additional Information is 2451. Personal test scores and photocopies are not accepted. To order official ACT score reports, visit www.act.org/aap; the AUBG institutional code number First-Year Applicants for receiving official ACT scores is 5465. For IELTS, ESOL, and ECPE official First-year students may begin studies at AUBG in either the Fall or Spring semester test scores, you should refer to the organizations administering the tests. and should submit the information and documents noted above. The following Educational Records provides information about additional requirements for first-year students. All applicants must submit a notary-certified copy of their high school diploma High School Transcript before beginning study at AUBG. All other academic records must be original Applicants for undergraduate admission who do not hold a high school diploma at documents or notary-certified copies. If the documents are not in English, they the time of applying must present an official high school transcript or record for the must be accompanied by a certified English translation. These records must list the final four years of secondary school study and for any university-level or post- courses taken, grades earned or examination results in each subject, secondary secondary institutional courses completed or attempted. Records must list the school cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA), and certificates or diplomas subjects taken, grades earned or examination results in each subject, and awarded. Fax copies and uncertified photocopies are not acceptable as official certificates or diplomas. To be considered as a candidate for admission, an documents. applicant must meet the following minimum Grade Point Average: Diplomas 3.0 secondary school grade point average based on a 4.0 system, or the Non-Bulgarian diplomas are considered true copies if certified by an apostille. equivalent in other grading systems Information about the Hague Convention on legalization of foreign public Advanced Placement documents is available at www.hcch.net. Applicants who do not hold a high school diploma at the time of applying must present an official high school transcript or Students may receive credit for Advanced Placement (AP) exams or College Level record for the last three years of secondary school study. Examination Program (CLEP) exams given by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). An official copy of the examination scores must be sent to the Admissions Office with the application materials. Three (3) credit hours (or one course credit) will be awarded for a score of 4 or 5 on an AP exam. Students who achieve a Transfer credit for work completed at other universities will be limited to: minimum score of 55 on a CLEP may be granted one course credit. · courses completed with a grade of C+ or higher; International Baccalaureate (IB) Program · academic course work similar to what AUBG offers; and, AUBG also recognizes academic work completed under the International · a maximum of 60 hours of credit from accredited institutions or Baccalaureate (IB) program. Students who complete a full IB Diploma may be institutions recognized by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education. awarded up to 30 semester hours of credit for scores of 5 or higher on both higher level and standard level examinations. Students who do not receive the full IB A full explanation of how transfer credit is awarded can be found in the Academic Diploma may receive credit for scores of 5 or higher only on higher-level Policies section of the academic catalog under “Transfer Credit Policy.” examinations, students may receive six (6) credit hours for scores of 6 or 7 and Visiting Student Applicants three (3) credit hours for scores of 5. Credits are awarded only upon receipt of the official International Baccalaureate transcript and with the approval of the Dean of Visiting students must be in good standing at their home institution; have a 3.00 Faculty. Once academic credit has been awarded, individual departments will GPA on a 4.00 scale; and, if not native speakers of English, meet the English- decide on course equivalency and whether an AP, CLEP, or IB examination covers language proficiency requirements for new students. (Please refer to the table the AUBG General Education and/or major or minor requirements. under the English Language Proficiency) Conditional Admittance If the home institution is affiliated with AUBG directly or through a consortium, students should apply through their institution's Study Abroad or International Applicants to AUBG who require additional preparation in order to meet AUBG Programs Office. Other applicants should submit an official transcript from their admission standards may be offered conditional admittance to AUBG pending home institution, demonstration of English language proficiency, and forward the successful completion of a one- to three-semester preparation program at the relevant portions of the standard application form directly to AUBG. Visiting English Language Institute (ELI). Conditionally admitted students live in the students may apply online, or through the AUBG Admissions Office in AUBG Residence Halls and study in the ELI Academic English Language Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria. program. Students who have been conditionally accepted to AUBG can prepare at the ELI, retake the TOEFL and SAT, and then complete the admissions Visiting students who wish to transfer to AUBG must meet the same requirements requirements. as other transfer students. The program provides comprehensive English language preparation through three course modules totaling 1,300 hours of instruction. The program is designed for bright and ambitious students whose English is insufficient or who have not had the opportunity to learn English in high school. This is a way to learn English and achieve admissions-level TOEFL and SAT scores in 6-18 months. Students can apply to enter the program at any of the three steps with an English placement test. Transfer Applicants Transfer applicants must meet the same standards as entering first-year students. Applicants should submit the following materials by the respective deadline for admission noted on the AUBG Admissions webpage: · a completed application form; · names and addresses of all schools and colleges previously attended; · an official SAT or ACT score report; · an official TOEFL, IELTS, ESOL, or ECPE score report (if applicable); · official college transcripts and a course catalog or syllabi for all courses completed; and, · a high school diploma for students with fewer than 30 college credits TUITION AND FEES · fourth week, billed for 60% of the net tuition · fifth week, billed for 80% of the net tuition Tuition and Fees for Full-time Students · sixth week are billed for 100% of net tuition Tuition for full-time students for 2014-15 is $10,800 per year. Tuition is set annually and students may anticipate some increase over the four years of study. Other Fees and Deposits (subject to change) The annual Residence Hall fee for 2014-15 is $1,350 for residents of the Course material download fee: Some instructors may assign as required materials Skaptopara I and II residence halls, and $1,670 for the Skaptopara III residence for a course copyrighted materials such as cases or papers that are under a single- hall. All students enrolled in 9 or more credit hours per semester are also charged a user-single-use copyright limitation. In order to ensure that the copyright Student Activity Fee of $500 per year to cover co-curricular activities, clubs, limitations are upheld, the University will charge the cost to download the required special events, and recreation and athletic activities. This activity fee will be materials to each student registered in the course at the end of add/drop week. The applied to all students, including those living off campus, dependents of course registration system and course syllabus should alert students whenever this employees, and students from Blagoevgrad. All full-time students are required to fee applies. live on campus unless they live locally with their immediate family. The cost for Excess credit hour fee: Students who attempt an “excessive number” of credit textbooks averages $300, an amount that varies depending on the courses selected. hours are subject to a supplemental fee. The supplemental fee is $40 for each hour Meals at the AUBG Canteen are estimated at $1,200 a year. These charges are attempted in excess of 132 hours attempted. A definition of hours attempted can be subject to annual adjustment. There are no additional fees for health service, found in the Academic Policies section under “Academic Hours.” Internet service, use of the technology labs, or counseling services. Graduation fee: The graduation fee must be paid prior to participation in Tuition and Fees for Part-time Students Commencement and prior to the release of the final transcript and/or diploma. This Tuition for part-time students is calculated on a credit-hour basis. The current rate fee is based on the actual costs associated with graduation. is $450 per credit hour. Part-time non-degree-seeking students are ineligible for Housing confirmation deposit: All students must pay a deposit of $150 to confirm any financial aid through AUBG. Part-time students are ineligible for student their place in the residence halls for that semester. The deposit is assessed on loans, scholarships and participation in Student Assistants Program. November 15 for housing in the Spring semester and on April 15 for housing in the AUBG students enrolled in independent study, senior thesis, senior project, or Fall semester. Students who withdraw or take leaves of absence after signing academic internships over the summer pay $225 per credit hour. housing contracts forfeit their deposits. Meal plan deposit: Each full-time student is assessed a meal plan deposit of $100 Student Visas and Insurance per semester that can be used for purchasing meals on campus. Additional funds International students are responsible for additional fees for mandatory health can be deposited to the meal card. insurance ($100 estimated), entry visa (EUR 100) and a Bulgarian ID card for Late drop/add fee: There is no fee for drops and adds during the first week of foreigners (BGN 570). Students will want to include the travel costs to and from classes. In exceptional circumstances, a student may be permitted by the Dean of their home and the University as part of their financial planning. Faculty to add or drop a course during the second week of classes. Whenever this is Refund Policy allowed, an additional fee of $100 per transaction (add, drop, or combination add and drop) will be assessed. If a student withdraws or takes a leave of absence from the University during the Late leave of absence fee: Students who withdraw or take leaves of absence after semester, the student remains responsible for charges to his or her account. Books April 15 for the Fall semester and November 15 for the Spring semester will be are charged at the amounts actually spent. Refunds of residence hall fees are subject to late fees. according to the policies found in the Student Handbook (also available online at www.aubg.edu). The Meal Plan Deposit is nonrefundable. The charge for tuition For leave of absence or withdrawal for Fall semester: and Student Activity Fee depend on when the student leaves. Charges for various April 15 - May 31: $100 points of departure are: June 1 - June 30: $200 · add/drop period, a full refund of net tuition After June 30: $300 · second week of the term, billed for 20% of the net tuition For leave of absence or withdrawal for Spring semester: · third week, billed for 40% of the net tuition After November 15: $200 Late payment fee: Students who pay their semester tuition and mandatory fees after FINANCIAL AID the relevant deadline are assessed a late fee of $100 and are also subject to having their course registration cancelled without prior notice while the tuition is unpaid. AUBG Financial Aid and Scholarships Overload fee: Students who register for an academic overload are assessed a fee of Admission to the American University in Bulgaria is based upon the student's $100 per credit hour for the 18th and 19th credit hour registered in a semester, and academic qualifications. In order to attract diverse and highly-qualified students to $225 for each credit hour beyond 19. No student may take more than 22 credits in a AUBG and make an AUBG education affordable for those students, the University semester (see: Academic Policies). makes both financial aid and scholarship support available. Transcript fee: The charge for an official transcript either paper or electronic is $6. Financial aid is based on both the academic merit and the financial need of the student. Financial need is determined through an analysis of the Application for Certified diploma copies: A certified diploma copy is a photocopy of the original Financial Assistance and supporting documents submitted as part of the authenticated by the University. A certified copy can be issued upon request. application packet. Students must file an Application for Financial Assistance to be Because the University does not keep copies of diplomas, the original diploma or a eligible for Financial Aid. All AUBG-funded financial aid awards are valid for a clear photocopy of it must be presented. Certified copies of the diplomas are $5 maximum of eight semesters of enrollment and are contingent on maintaining a each. minimum cumulative grade point average. Most awards require the student to Diploma duplicates: Duplicate American diplomas can be produced upon request. maintain a 2.50 cumulative grade point average (on a scale from 0.00 to 4.00). Such copies cost $10 and will be stamped “copy”. Some awards have a higher requirement which is specified in the award letter. A multi-year scholarship recipient may extend the termination date of the award by Student Accounts up to two semesters by filling an approved leave of absence request(s) by the appropriate deadline. Accounts are established at the Accounting Office in order to handle both charges and credits. Tuition, housing fee, student activity fee and meal plan deposit are Scholarship awards are made to meet the intentions of the donor(s) providing the applied to the student account before the start of each semester. These charges must funds, which can include such factors as academic excellence, leadership be paid in full by August 10 for the Fall semester and by January 10 for the Spring potential, diversity of the student body, and to promote AUBG among specific semester. Students who fail to make payment by those dates will be assessed a late populations of potential students. Scholarship awards are limited in duration fee of $100 and may have their registration cancelled without prior notice. according to the particular scholarship and may require the recipient to maintain a higher grade point average than that required for financial aid awards. Students are Throughout the semester, students may charge purchases from the AUBG responsible for reading and understanding the terms of their scholarship awards Bookstore and Canteen. Credits for Student Assistants Program, scholarships and which are outlined in the award letter. other sources are applied to the account during the semester or at the beginning of the next semester. Student accounts do not need to be pre-paid, but accounts must Transfer credits from other institutions - including those from AUBG-approved be current in order for students to participate in course pre-registration and room exchange and study-abroad programs - reduce the number of semesters of selection for the following semester, and must be made current at the end of the eligibility for AUBG-funded financial aid and scholarships to the minimum semester. The student accounts of graduating seniors must be current prior to number necessary to complete graduation requirements. A student who has a commencement. Students seeking to obtain a leave of absence or to study abroad legitimate reason for an extension of either form of assistance beyond the limits must pay any balance due before the leave is requested. expressed above - such as a required course not being offered or inability to complete a semester because of illness - may apply for an extension. If an Students with overdue accounts are subject to cancellation of their registration additional semester of financial aid is not granted, the student must pay the full cost without prior notice. Students, former students and alumni are not permitted to of enrollment. receive official transcripts, diplomas, or other documents until their account is paid. Financial aid and scholarship support for new students are awarded in the admissions letter and must be confirmed by payment of a $350 deposit within 30 days of receipt of the letter. If the deposit is not received before the confirmation deadline, the applicant forfeits the financial aid and/or scholarship offer. For further information on all financial aid and scholarship support available, please contact the AUBG Financial Aid Office at: (+359 73) 888 222 or e-mail [email protected]. Student Loans ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES Raiffeisenbank, DSK Bank, Allianz Bank Bulgaria and Eurobank Bulgaria English Language Institute provide government-guaranteed loans with fixed interest of 7% per year for Bulgarian and EU students in all accredited Universities in Bulgaria up to the full The mission of the English Language Institute (ELI) at AUBG is to provide quality amount of tuition. English language instruction to prospective students and to all others interested in learning English as a foreign language. Established in 1992 as an auxiliary unit to Several banks offer bank loan programs that support education at AUBG, including the University, the ELI is designed to offer Academic and General English courses, Fibank, Unicredit Bulbank and SG Expressbank. All full-time, degree seeking TOEFL and SAT preparation, English for Specific Purposes (ESP), and a variety of students in good academic standing, who are not full scholarship recipients are community-oriented tailor-made services. eligible for these loans. University Preparatory Program (UPP) Additional loan programs may be available as well. Check the AUBG website at www.aubg.edu/student-loans for available student loan programs and loan For future AUBG candidates with insufficient English language background, the application procedure. ELI offers a comprehensive English language program consisting of three steps totaling 1,300 hours of instruction. The program is designed for bright and Students, former students and alumni with overdue loan balance are not permitted ambitious students whose English is insufficient or who have not had the to receive official transcripts, diplomas, or other documents until the loan account opportunity to learn English in high school. This is a way to learn English and is settled. achieve admissions-level TOEFL and SAT scores in 6-18 months. Students can For further information contact: apply to enter the program at any of the three steps with an English placement test. Student Loan Coordinator International AUBG applicants who submit a full application package to the Tel: (+359 73) 888 311 Admissions Office may be referred to the ELI program if they need extra help with Email: [email protected]. English to meet AUBG admissions criteria. These students are conditionally Student Assistants Program accepted to AUBG and prepare at the ELI. Upon completing the ELI University Preparatory Program, these conditionally admitted students retake the TOEFL and In addition to tuition grants, many students are eligible to participate in the on- SAT, and if successful, become fully admitted AUBG students. campus Student Assistants Program. Earnings from Student Assistants Program are applied to the cost of tuition, housing, textbooks and meals from campus dining Step 1: 500 hours services. Participation in Student Assistants Program is not guaranteed but Offered twice a year: depends on the positions available. Full-time students are eligible for up to 360 September to December hours per academic year. Payment is not made in cash but is credited to the January to May student's account. Students who receive scholarships to cover all AUBG expenses (tuition, housing, student activity fee, meal plan, textbooks, among others) are This course is intended for people new to the study of English and goes to the ineligible. Ineligible are also part-time students, visiting students and those on intermediate level. It consists of 500 hours taught in four months, six hours a day, exchange programs. five days a week. During the course, students are expected to master basic grammar and spelling rules and to acquire a vocabulary of about 4,000 lexical units (words and phrases). At the end of the course, students should have developed an intermediate level of English language skills, including listening, speaking, reading and writing. Step 2: 500 hours Offered twice a year: September to December January to May This course continues the Step 1 material and develops it to an advanced level. The course is suitable for students who have finished the ELI Step 1 as well as for applicants with intermediate knowledge of English. Step 2 covers 500 hours taught SAT I (Summer intensive) in four months, six hours a day, five days a week. The participants gain fluency in In this course, students work on all sections of the test with a team of language and spoken and written English and acquire linguistic and communicative competence in the language. At the end of the course, students should have developed an math professionals. The emphasis is on equipping students with the logic and advanced level of English language skills, including listening, speaking, reading reasoning skills they need to improve their SAT scores rather than focusing on and writing. grammar and style. Through completion of this course students can: Step 3: 300 hours · gain a better understanding of all major types of SAT questions: sentence completion, reading comprehension, sentence and paragraph Offered twice a year: improvement, and error identification; September to November January to April · improve essay writing skills; · reinforce math skills and acquire the required math terminology; and The Step 3 semester is shorter to allow time for the students to (re)take TOEFL and SAT and (re)apply for full admission to AUBG. · acquire knowledge that helps them improve their scores and approach the SAT with confidence. This course emphasizes detailed TOEFL and SAT preparation, offering instruction in successful TOEFL and SAT test-taking strategies. It allows students to acquire IBT TOEFL Test Center the knowledge and skills necessary for taking these tests, leaving students more The ELI functions as an IBT Test Center (code STN13646A), a certified TOEFL time for self-preparation, particularly memorizing, building up, and activating testing center for the Internet-based TOEFL and part of the worldwide ETS their own TOEFL and SAT vocabularies. Writing and math classes are also Network. The Center administers the test two to four times a month. Test dates are included in this Step. available on the ETS website. Unless conditionally accepted and referred by the Admissions Office, Bulgarian For fast and convenient service, registration is on-line, open 24 hours a day, seven applicants must submit an application form and a high school diploma (5.00 and days a week. Early registration closes seven days prior to the test date, and late above) to apply. registration closes three days prior to the test date. For students with no access to International students can only apply through the AUBG Admissions Office after the Internet, registration is also possible in person at the ELI Office, Monday they submit a full application package and are conditionally accepted to AUBG. through Friday. Short-term TOEFL and SAT Preparation AUBG Test Center For high school graduates with a strong command of English, the ELI offers short- AUBG is a regular test center for the Scholastic Aptitude Tests, both the SAT I term, three-week, intensive TOEFL and SAT preparation courses in the summer. Reasoning Test and SAT II Subject tests. Registration for the tests ends two months before the actual date of the test. Scores are expected no earlier than six weeks after TOEFL (Summer intensive) the test date. For registration brochures, please contact the AUBG Admissions The course offers a quick vocabulary and grammar review that emphasizes Office. language subtleties and successful test-taking skills and strategies. Candidates have the unique opportunity to complete a number of sample TOEFL tests in an AUBG also administers GRE Subject Tests (paper-based) as a regular Test Center improvised close-to-real exam setting. and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) as a non-published Test Center. Through completion of this course students can: · significantly improve their listening comprehension and speaking skills; · become comfortable with English spoken by a variety of native speakers; · become accustomed to the structure and accurate use of English; · learn effective strategies for reading and understanding academic and literary texts; and, · have experience writing short expository and argumentative essays on a number of exam topics. STUDENT SERVICES · Referrals Career Center All counseling service staff adhere to established ethical principles and codes of professional practice. These include patient confidentiality, privacy, dignity, and The AUBG Career Center provides an extensive set of services focused on informed consent. When the condition of the client is indicative of clear and assisting students and alumni in the career planning and placement process. The imminent danger to self or others, counseling service professionals must take Career Center is located in the America for Bulgaria Student Center. reasonable action that may involve informing responsible authorities and, when The Career Center offers counseling to students and alumni to help them make possible and appropriate, consulting with other professionals. educated career choices by identifying talents, interests, and values. Workshops The Counseling Center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and presentations on various topics (job search strategies, CV/resumé and cover in the America for Bulgaria Student Center. Counseling assistance is also available letter writing, interview techniques, career expectations) strengthen student and after hours by telephone at (+359 73) 888 517. alumni professional skills to better respond to employment demands. Dining Services The Career Center Coordinator is certified by G/S Consultants and Consulting Psychologists Press (CPP) to offer the Strong Interest Inventory® Instrument - the Dining services operates a restaurant and a café in the America for Bulgaria most complete career planning tool that measures students' interests in a broad Student Center providing regular and vegetarian meals daily. The restaurant offers range of occupations, work activities, leisure activities, and school subjects. Its a salad and sandwich bar, a pasta bar, and pizza-on-demand, in addition to a variety of main and side dishes and desserts. An additional café is available to students in validity and reliability far exceed those of any other interest inventory. the Skaptopara I Residence Hall. Through multimedia and Internet resources, the AUBG Career Center provides information about graduate and postgraduate academic programs, funding Health Center sources, job openings, internship opportunities, and company profiles. The goal of the AUBG Health Center is to meet the health services needs of AUBG The Career Center maintains credential files for current students and alumni and students, faculty, and staff. The Health Center is staffed by a physician and a nurse also maintains a specialized library of preparatory textbooks and software for the assistant who are available to provide prompt evaluation and treatment of common GMAT, GRE, LSAT, and TOEFL computer-adaptive format (CAT) admission tests medical problems and is equipped for routine diagnosis and lab tests and provides treatment of common medical problems. When necessary, students can be referred and facilitates student and alumni test registration. to the local outpatient clinic, hospital, or a medical specialist for consultation The annual Job and Internship Fair brings together employers and AUBG students and/or additional tests. and alumni on campus. This event facilitates companies' recruitment processes The Health Center operates under the regulations established by the Bulgarian while presenting students and alumni with outstanding opportunities for legislation and the standards of the American College Health Association. All internships and summer or full-time employment and allowing for person-to- requirements for confidentiality and privacy are guaranteed according to Health person inquiries. Center Policies & Procedures and the laws in effect. The AUBG Career Center has been a member in good standing of the National The Health Center is located in Skaptopara I Residence Hall and is open Monday Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) since 1998. through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The phone numbers at the office are Counseling Center (+359 73) 888 207 and 888 210. The professional staff of the Counseling Center provides private, confidential International and Exchange Programs counseling for students to assist them in assessing and improving their choices AUBG greatly values diversity and encourages students from around the world to regarding personal, educational, and career goals. All students are encouraged to apply for short-term study and/or as degree candidates. Both our faculty and our participate in workshops that promote interpersonal growth and development. students benefit from the diversity of our student body. Daily experiences in class, Counseling services are provided free of charge to AUBG students and include: student residence halls, dining halls, and elsewhere facilitate learning about · Crisis intervention diversity. · Personal and emotional counseling Throughout the academic year, international programming designed to promote · Individual and group therapy intercultural awareness is carried out through the Office of International Student · Workshops and skill building opportunities Services. These activities may include excursions, international dinner evenings, · Peer Educators Programs made up for students who assist the professional dance and theater performances, picnics, seasonal/theme parties, and athletic staff in providing services to the AUBG community events. Students in good standing who have completed at least three semesters in residence STUDENT LIFE may apply to study abroad for a semester or an academic year. (Note: Students must earn a minimum of 60 credits from AUBG. See “Graduation Requirements” under Many activities are available to students outside the classroom at AUBG. “Academic Policies and Procedures”). Costs for travel, books, and other expenses Opportunities vary from year to year according to the talents and interests of the vary from program to program and are the responsibility of the student. Details on student body. international exchange opportunities are available in the Office of the Dean of Athletics Students. The America for Bulgaria Student Center houses a fully-equipped fitness center, an Learning Services Center indoor running track, and a sports arena for basketball, volleyball, soccer, and other AUBG is committed to the academic success of all its students. AUBG's Learning team sports. Intramural clubs and teams have been formed by AUBG community Services Center is designed to offer a comprehensive program that monitors and members interested in aerobics and step-aerobics, baseball, basketball, boxing, supports student performance. The Center, located in the America for Bulgaria dance, hiking, karate, skiing, snowboarding, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, Student Center, works with AUBG faculty to organize student advising, writing and volleyball. support services, discipline-specific tutoring, career mentoring, and other Clubs and Organizations programs to improve general academic performance. It works cooperatively with the Counseling and Career Centers to meet the needs of the whole student. At AUBG, students are encouraged to form groups based upon common interests and then to establish clubs and organizations to pursue their shared goals in a Residence Life and Housing focused way. Clubs that are officially recognized by the university are eligible for AUBG provides student housing in the Skaptopara Residence Hall complex. All partial funding. Students have organized societies for a wide variety of interests, full-time students are required to live on campus unless they live locally with their including chess, cinema, and photography clubs; economics and business groups; immediate family. Additional housing facilities may be used if necessary to meet a literary magazine; and a TV station. demand. All individual rooms and suites are wired for Internet access. The Performing Arts residence halls offer computer labs, cafés, laundry services, and lounges equipped with televisions, Wiis, and DVD players. The ABF Student Center houses a 350-seat, state-of-the-art theater where student theater and music groups perform. The university has a highly-regarded student Residence Hall programs and procedures are designed to carry out and support the choir and hosts an annual, student-run musical. The theater is also used for educational mission of AUBG as a residential University. All students sign a conference presentations and panel discussions. contract agreeing to abide by University housing regulations. This contract includes a $150 deposit to confirm the student's place for the following semester. AUBG is also an important part of the Blagoevgrad community, hosting concerts, guest lectures, art shows, and other special events that are open to the public. Resident Assistants (RAs) are students hired to help manage the residence halls. They provide counseling, assist in orientation and registration, inform students of Student Government University residence hall policies, and are instrumental in the creation of a "learning/living environment" in the residence halls. They also provide assistance Student Government is the directly-elected representative body of the students at to AUBG security and local police when necessary. RAs are hired for a full AUBG. Members of the Student Government have the opportunity to develop academic year. These positions, which include housing compensation and valuable leadership and parliamentary skills. According to its Constitution, the positions as Student Assistants, are highly competitive and are open to students Student Government consists of a President, a Vice-President, and a Student after their first year in residence. Senate of twelve members and holds its sessions weekly. The Student Government voices the opinions of the AUBG students before the faculty and administration For further information, please refer to the Student Handbook, which is available and seeks ways to improve the quality of student life. The Student Government has online at www.aubg.edu/student-handbook and in hardcopy in the Office of the an independent budget, which it allocates among the various AUBG clubs and Dean of Students, or visit the Residence Life and Housing Office in the America for organizations. Bulgaria Student Center. Student Conduct Council The University is conscientious in its efforts to ensure representation of students, faculty, and staff on most of its committees. One of the most important committees at the University is the Conduct Council, whose members include faculty, staff and ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES students. AUBG views the relationship between students, faculty, and staff as a partnership. These constituencies are seen as working cooperatively to achieve a Academic Integrity common goal. The Council hears alleged cases of violations of University All members of the AUBG community are expected to abide by ethical standards regulations and discipline. Procedures can be found in the Student Handbook and both in their conduct and in their exercise of responsibilities toward others. As part online at www.aubg.edu of this, the University expects students to understand and adhere to basic standards See the Student Handbook for more complete information on co-curricular of honesty and academic integrity. The University defines academic dishonesty as activities, or visit the University website at www.aubg.edu. any action or activity intended to achieve academic gain through deceit, misrepresentation, or the inappropriate use of unauthorized materials or assistance. Engaging in academic dishonesty is a severe violation of acceptable academic standards and will be dealt with appropriately. Sanctions for academic dishonesty normally include failure in the course and may include dismissal from the University. Some examples of academic dishonesty include: Plagiarism The term "plagiarism" includes, but is not limited to, the use - by summary, paraphrase, or direct quotation - of the published or unpublished work of another person (including those on the Internet) without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another agency. Incorrect Reporting of Data In any project involving the collection of data, students must accurately report the data observed and not intentionally alter or falsify data for any reason. Destruction of Resources or the Work of Others Students must not destroy or alter either the work of other students or of the University's educational resources and materials. These materials include, but are not limited to, computer accounts, papers, textbooks, and course notes. Use of Work in One Course from Another Students must not represent work completed for one course as original work for another course or deliberately disregard course rules and regulations. Cheating Unless directed by a faculty member, students should neither give nor receive assistance on assignments or examinations. The term "cheating" includes, but is not limited to: · use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations; · dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; and, · the acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the University faculty or staff. Procedures for addressing alleged violations of the standards for academic Good Standing integrity can be found in the Student Handbook and also online at www.aubg.edu. Good standing requires that a student meet the following minimum academic Academic Hours requirements: GPA Hours · completion of each semester with a minimum grade point average of 2.00 GPA hours are the sum of the credit hours associated with courses taken at AUBG · a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00; and, in which grades of A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, F, X, and U have been earned · successful completion of the introductory mathematics requirement and and which have not subsequently been retaken. the mandatory core courses (ENG 101, ENG 102, STA 105) by the end of Hours Earned in Residence the first year. Hours earned in residence is the sum of credit hours associated with courses taken Academic Warning at AUBG in which grades of A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, and P have been A student is placed on Academic Warning when his or her term GPA falls between earned and which have not subsequently been retaken. 1.70 and 2.00 but the cumulative GPA is still above 2.00. All students placed on Hours Earned Academic Warning are strongly encouraged to discuss the warning with the Advising Center Coordinator and their faculty advisor and also to use the AUBG Hours earned is the sum of hours earned in residence plus the credit hours academic support services available in the Advising Center. associated with advance placement and transfer credit. Students placed on academic warning must regain good standing in the next Hours Attempted semester. Otherwise, they will be placed on probation. An academic warning can Hours attempted is the sum of credit hours associated with all courses in which occur only once during the student's academic career. students were officially enrolled. In particular, this includes hours associated with Students on academic warning who withdraw from the University or take a leave of courses in which grades of F, X, U, and W were received; courses taken on audit absence in the following semester remain on academic warning when they return. basis; and courses that were retaken. It also includes credit hours earned in AUBG- approved exchange programs and credits transferred from other institutions. Probation Academic Records A student is placed on academic probation when his or her academic performance is unsatisfactory, indicating that his or her academic future is in question, but does Students' academic records are maintained in the Registrar's Office. Grade reports not warrant suspension or dismissal. A student is placed on probation when he/she: are sent to the address designated by the student. AUBG maintains the confidentiality of student records in accordance with the Family Educational · has a term GPA below 1.70 but a cumulative GPA above 2.00; Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and EU privacy regulations. Student academic · has a cumulative GPA below 2.00 but not low enough to warrant records - including grades and graded material - cannot be released to third parties suspension or dismissal; without the written consent of the student. · fails to regain good standing after one semester on academic warning or Considerable care is taken to ensure that all grades on a student's permanent record academic probation; are accurate. Any student who suspects an error in a semester grade report should · fails to complete all of the General Education Foundation courses (ENG contact the professor without delay. (See section on Grade Changes). 101, ENG 102, STA 105) by the end of their first year; Academic Standing · returns from academic suspension or is re-admitted after dismissal; or, · has a term GPA between 1.70 and 2.00 with a cumulative GPA above 2.00 Classification by Level and has already been on Academic Warning. A student must have 27 earned hours for Sophomore standing, 57 earned credits for All students placed on probation are required to complete AUB 106 - Strategies for Junior standing, and 87 earned hours for Senior standing. Academic Success Seminar in the first semester of their probationary period. Students are not removed from academic probation until AUB 106 is completed successfully. Each student on probation is also required to meet regularly with the Advising Center Coordinator and his or her academic advisor. Students on probation will be assigned a student mentor/tutor to assist them on a regular basis Add/Drop with their studies. The Add/Drop period begins on the first day of classes each semester. Add/Drop is Students on probation may not carry an overload and are ineligible for grades of a designated period of one week during which a student can take any of the “I.” following actions without penalty: Students with fewer than 18 credit hours attempted whose GPA falls below 1.60 · add a course; will be placed on a restricted course schedule and required to meet weekly with the Advising Center Coordinator and/or their academic advisor, and successfully · change a section of a course; complete AUB 106. · change credit status; · change the grading status of a course; and, Students who are on probation and found guilty of violating the University's policies on academic integrity and/or not fulfilling the probation status · drop a course. requirements will ordinarily be suspended or dismissed. Students must abide by all enrollment regulations when adding classes. During this Suspension and Dismissal time period students may drop courses for any reason. A student is suspended or dismissed when his or her academic performance fails to First-year students require the approval of their advisor for registration. Requests meet the following GPA standards: for the changes can be made online at http://reg.aubg.bg or through the Registrar's Hours Attempted Dismissal Suspension Office. To drop a course after the Add/Drop period, see the section in the catalog on 18-30 N/A N/A withdrawal. 31-60 1.50 1.70 Administrative Withdrawal from a Course 61-90 1.60 1.80 91 and above 1.70 1.90 After the first week of classes, but before the withdrawal deadline (end of the 7th week of classes), any faculty member may remove a student from a course if the Additionally, students may be suspended for: student fails to adhere to the written policies of the class syllabus or if the student's · refusing to complete the conditions of their probation; performance is so deficient that the faculty member judges that the student has no · failing to pass at least 40% of their attempted credit hours in a semester realistic prospect of finishing the course successfully. The faculty member must (unless granted formally-approved incompletes) regardless of their GPA; inform the student and the Registrar's Office in writing when taking this action. or, The grade appearing on the student's transcript is “W” and is counted towards the · failing to attain good standing during the first semester on probation. student's attempted hours. Academic suspension separates a student from the University for one semester Administrative Withdrawal from the University with return guaranteed. Students returning from academic suspension will be A student is administratively withdrawn from the University when he or she does placed on a restricted course schedule, will be required to complete AUB 106 (if not fulfill the academic or financial requirements to maintain student status. they have not already done so), and must meet weekly with the Advising Center Failure to register for courses or to file a leave of absence request by the end of the Coordinator and/or the student's academic advisor. Add/Drop period will result in the student being administratively withdrawn from Students on academic suspension must confirm to the Registrar’s their intention to the University. Students unable to register for classes because of overdue student return to the University at the end of the suspension. This is usually done by pre- accounts are administratively withdrawn. registering for courses for the following semester. Failure to do so will result in an Bulgarian State Exams administrative withdrawal from the University. The State Exam is a cumulative exam focused on the learning outcomes of the Academic dismissal separates a student from the University for a minimum of two student's major field of study, and is graded by a team of three faculty members. semesters. A dismissed student will be re-admitted only if the Admissions Successful completion of a senior thesis or a State Exam is a prerequisite for Committee is convinced that the student is likely to achieve academic success. issuance of a Bulgarian diploma. All students are encouraged to sit for the Students re-admitted following dismissal are placed on academic probation for a Bulgarian State Exam at the conclusion of their last semester at AUBG, just prior to minimum of one semester. There is no guarantee of re-admission. A student who is graduation. dismissed twice may not reapply to the University. Only students who have successfully completed all degree requirements for their A student auditing a course is normally required to only meet the normal primary major(s) as of the date of the state exam(s) will be permitted to sit for the attendance policies of the class; however, a faculty member may impose additional exam(s) or diploma defense. Students with outstanding coursework or Incomplete conditions before giving audit approval to the student. The faculty member has no grades are not eligible to sit for state exams. responsibilities to the student other than those agreed to in the original audit Students who sit for state exam(s) and fail to meet all graduation requirements due authorization. to failing grade(s) submitted after the state exam(s) or who have a cumulative GPA An audited course will appear on the transcript with the grade of AU. A student who or GPA-in-major below the required minimum must repeat the state exam(s) or registers on an audit basis and does not meet the attendance policy or other diploma defense. requirements agreed with the faculty member receives a grade of NA (Not A student must successfully complete the State Exam within the first three exam Attending). dates following completion of coursework. In exceptional cases, a student may An audited course counts toward hours attempted. The student may subsequently apply for permission to sit for a State Exam after this period by submitting a written enroll and retake the course for credit (see rules on retaking courses). appeal to the Dean of Faculty. For more detailed information, please contact the Registrar's Office. Curriculum Changes Class Attendance When the requirements for a major or minor program change, students have the Students are expected to attend classes regularly. Specific attendance policies are choice to complete the program under the requirements of the catalog in effect on determined by individual professors. the date the students declared the major or to satisfy the requirements of the new catalog. When choosing the later catalog, students must meet all the new Regardless of the published attendance policy, any faculty member may remove a requirements. student from a course if the student fails to attend all class meetings during the first week or misses three classes without prior permission of the professor. The Declaring and Changing a Major Registrar's Office will send a notice to each student removed from a course in this manner. If the action takes place during the Add/Drop period, the action is recorded Students must complete all requirements for at least one primary major to be as a drop and no record appears on the student's transcript. If the action occurs after eligible for graduation. Students may choose to declare one or two majors, as well the Add/Drop period but before the withdrawal deadline, the action is treated as a as one or two minors. A single student's academic record may contain no more than withdrawal from the course and the student is assigned a “W” for the course. If the two majors and no more than two minors. action occurs after the withdrawal deadline, the student is assigned an “F”or “X” Students are ordinarily expected to declare their major(s) and minor(s) (if for the course. applicable) by their fifth semester. Majors must be declared no later than the Not all instructors follow this policy since it is not mandatory. Students are strongly completion of the fifth semester at AUBG. advised not to assume that they have been removed from a course. Students should Students may declare a second major (either primary or secondary) if they are in review their registration status with the Registrar's Office and contact their good academic standing and can demonstrate a reasonable likelihood of academic advisors. completing all requirements for both majors within the normal number of When absences are due to illness, University-related activities, or other conditions semesters and without taking an overload in any of those semesters. Students must beyond the student's control, the student should inform his or her professors also satisfy the requirements of each major with courses in which the student has immediately and may ask for confirmation from the Health Center or other earned a GPA of at least 2.50. appropriate party. Please note that no faculty member is required to excuse a student from class. Students may change majors at any point after declaration. A student who decides to declare or change a major or majors must submit the appropriate completed form Faculty members also are not under any obligation to allow make-ups, re- to the Registrar's Office. submissions, re-takes, or chances to change work and/or submit additional coursework, regardless of the reason for absence of the student. Deferred Admission Course Audit AUBG permits accepted applicants to defer University enrollment for up to one year. Candidates approved for deferred admission are required to submit a non- A student may audit a course with the written permission of the faculty member refundable deposit that is held in the student's account at the University. teaching the course. This permission can be given on a space-available basis and Candidates requesting deferred enrollment status must make their request in must be filed with the Registrar's Office. writing to Admissions Office prior to August 1st for Fall semester enrollment and with the professor to make up the examination. A scheduled final exam can be prior to December 1st for Spring semester enrollment. made up only at the discretion of the faculty member. Double-Counting Final Examination Schedule In order to maintain the integrity of AUBG's academic programs, students who Almost all classes will hold final exams during the final exams period according to complete more than one program must satisfy the requirements of each program the following schedule: substantially independently of courses taken to complete another program. Class meeting time Final Exam time Students who double-major must take courses that (a) satisfy the course MW 9:00 - 10:15 1st Day 9:00 - 11:00 requirements of each major and (b) satisfy both sets of required courses without MR 10:45 - 12:00 4th Day 9:00 - 11:00 double-counting more than three courses. For programs that have more than three MW 12:30 - 13:45 5th Day 11:45 - 13:45 common required courses, one additional course in either major is required to MR 14:15 - 15:30 2nd Day 11:45 - 13:45 replace each additional common course. A senior thesis or senior project cannot be MR 16:00 - 17:15 1st Day 14:30 - 16:30 double-counted. MW 17:45 - 19:00 3rd Day 14:30 - 16:30 nd Students taking two minors or a major and a minor may double-count at most two TR 9:00 - 10:15 2 Day 9:00 - 11:00 th (2) courses towards satisfying the requirements of both programs. TF 10:45 - 12:00 5 Day 9:00 - 11:00 TR 12:30 - 13:45 4th Day 11:45 - 13:45 For the purposes of this regulation, collateral requirements (courses outside the TF 14:15 - 15:30 1st Day 11:45 - 13:45 major that are pre-requisites for required courses) are not included. TF 16:00 - 17:15 2nd Day 14:30 - 16:30 Exclusion TR 17:45 - 19:00 4th Day 14:30 - 16:30 W 10:45 - 12:00, F 9:00 - 10:15 3rd Day 9:00 - 11:00 Faculty members may recommend to the Dean of Faculty that a student be rd W 14:15 - 15:30, F 12:30 - 13:45 3 Day 11:45 - 13:45 excluded from a course at any time during the semester for failure to comply with the professor's written guidelines, including those related to lack of attendance, For classes scheduled at irregular meeting times, consult the instructor or the academic dishonesty, or disruptive behavior that detracts from the classroom official final exam schedule that is posted at the Registrar's Office by the end of 12th learning environment. Students who engage in uncivil and unprofessional week of classes. behavior in interactions and communication with faculty members and/or students may also be excluded. When such an action is taken, the faculty member must Full-time Status inform both the student and the Dean of Faculty in writing of the rationale for the A student must take a minimum of twelve (12) credit hours to be considered a full- action. Exclusion will result in a grade of "X" being entered on the student's time student and to be eligible for AUBG financial aid and a student loan. A student transcript. For the purposes of computing academic standing, grade point who is enrolled in fewer than twelve (12) credit hours as a result of withdrawing averages, etc., the grade of "X" is equivalent to that of "F." (See also the policies on from one or more courses after the add-drop period is not entitled to any tuition class attendance and academic integrity). refund. Final Examinations Grade Changes Final examinations are held according to a regular schedule at the end of each If a student suspects that an error has been made in recording a final course grade, semester and cannot be given during the last week of classes. Students who are he or she should immediately contact the professor involved. If an error has been scheduled for more than two final examinations in one day may have an made, the faculty member will complete a form indicating both the correction and examination rescheduled with the consent of one of the instructors. The the reason for the error. Upon approval of the Department Chair and the Dean of responsibility for seeking this arrangement lies with the student, and it must be Faculty, the Registrar's Office will make the correction. agreed by the faculty member in writing at least three weeks prior to the beginning of final exams week with a Submission of Agreement to both the Department Generally, grade changes are related to computational errors. Students are not Chairperson and the Dean of Faculty. allowed to submit extra work, re-take class examinations, or revise or re-submit course materials after the end of the course (last day of finals) to change a course A student who misses a scheduled final examination at the end of a semester for a grade after it has been submitted. legitimate reason (such as sudden illness) should make the necessary arrangements All requests for grade changes must be made no later than the end of the fifth week Graduation with Honors of the semester following that in which the original grade was assigned. After the At graduation, honors are awarded to students who have achieved the following end of the sixth week of the following semester, all grades previously submitted are cumulative GPA's for four years' work: final. * 3.90 Summa Cum Laude (With Highest Praise) If a student believes the grade assigned is unfair, he or she may file a written appeal with the Dean of Faculty, who will forward the appeal to the Academic Integrity * 3.75 Magna Cum Laude (With Great Praise) and Appeals Council. * 3.50 Cum Laude (With Praise) Grade Point Average Dean's List Dividing total quality points by total GPA hours yields the grade point average If a student's semester GPA is 3.80 or above and does not include any withdrawals (GPA), which is carried to two decimal points. The quality points for each course or incompletes, he or she will qualify for the AUBG Dean's List for that semester. equal the number of credit hours taken multiplied by the numerical value of the letter grade. GPA hours are the sum of the credit hours associated with course taken President's List at AUBG in which grades of A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, F, X, and U have If a student's cumulative GPA is 3.80 or above and does not include any been earned and that have not subsequently been retaken. When an individual withdrawals or incompletes, he or she will qualify for the AUBG President's List. course is repeated, neither the original quality points nor the credit hours attempted Failing and Unsatisfactory Grades are considered in determining the cumulative average for the first three repeated courses. If any further repeats are permitted, both quality points and credit hours Failing grades count toward the student's GPA and include: are included in determining GPA. (See “Repeating a Course.”) F - Fail Grade Point Average in Major U - Unsatisfactory performance in a pass/fail course in which any grade lower Graduation requirements include a GPA-in-major requirement. Students must be than a C- is considered unsatisfactory able to satisfy the requirements of the major with courses in which the student's X - Student dismissed from class for failure to adhere to written rules; this is the GPA is at least 2.50. For the purposes of this requirement, collateral requirements usual grade assigned when a student is dismissed from a course for academic (courses outside the major that are pre-requisites for required courses) are not dishonesty. included. Incomplete Grades For students intending to major in Business, there is a minimum GPA requirement A grade of "I" is given under extraordinary circumstances in which a student's in the first four Business core courses (BUS 200, BUS 220, BUS 221, and BUS inability to submit required work prevents a faculty member from assigning an 260) that must be met prior to declaring the major. ordinary letter grade. Incompletes are given only at the discretion of the individual Grading System professor until the beginning of the last week of classes. After the beginning of the last week of classes, a grade of I requires the permission of both the professor and The following scale has been adopted by AUBG: the Dean of Faculty. Excellent A = 4.00 A- = 3.67 A proposed contract will be signed between the student and the professor Good B+ = 3.33 B = 3.00 B- = 2.67 explaining the rationale for the "I" grade and detailing what the student must do to Satisfactory C+ = 2.33 C = 2.00 C- = 1.67 complete the course. This proposed contract must include a deadline for Poor D+ = 1.33 D = 1.00 completion of the incomplete work. The proposed contract must be approved by Passed P = degree credit, not included in GPA computation the appropriate Department Chair, who may suggest a revision of the contract or Failure F = 0.00 X = 0.00 U = 0.00 may reject the application entirely. These scores will be calculated cumulatively at the end of every semester and at In all cases, students must complete all outstanding course requirements by the end any other time when new grades are reported. These grades form the student's of the fifth week of classes of the following semester. Instructors must submit GPA. grades no later than the end of the sixth week of classes of the following semester. A grade of “I” that is not converted into a regular grade by these deadlines automatically becomes an “F.” A student may graduate with an incomplete on her or his transcript only if s/he signed by the faculty member, and returned to the Registrar's Office prior to the end would be able to graduate with a grade of "F" in the course. Students on academic of Add/Drop week. In addition, the Department Chair must approve a course or probation are ineligible for a grade of “I.” project description, and a copy of that description must be submitted to the Dean of Faculty. The description must include an outline of the subject, the schedule of Non-credit Grades meetings, and the method of grading. Independent Studies must incorporate at Non-credit grades include AU (course audited), NA (course registered for audit but least two (2) graded assignments and must meet for at least one (1) hour per week. not attended), NR (no grade reported by the professor; a temporary grade used until Exceptions to this policy can only be made by the Dean of Faculty in consultation the professor submits the official course grade), and W (withdrawn). These grades with the appropriate Department Chair. are not considered in calculating GPA, but they are counted when computing hours attempted. International Study Graduation Requirements Students who have completed at least three (3) semesters in residence and who are in good academic standing may apply to participate in an exchange program for up In order to graduate a student must have: to one academic year. (See “International and Exchange Programs” earlier under “Student Services”). Transfer students must complete at least 60 credit hours in · completed at least 120 earned credit hours; residence prior to eligibility for international study. · completed at least 60 credit hours in residence; To ensure that the credits from the courses taken while on the exchange program · completed at least 30 of their final 60 hours in residence; will apply to the AUBG degree, students need to complete a Prior Approval For · earned a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00; Off-Campus Study Form with their academic advisor. Forms are available from the · completed all requirements for at least one major with a GPA-in-major of Registrar's Office. at least 2.50 ; Internships · completed all General Education requirements and Foundation courses; · completed at least three writing-intensive courses (WICs); and, AUBG students are eligible for internship experiences that may be either with or without academic credit. All internships that carry academic credit must satisfy the · satisfied all financial obligations to the University. guidelines for “Academic Internship” (see below). Internships must be completed A student may participate in the Commencement Exercises if he or she satisfies all and grades submitted prior to sitting for the Bulgarian State Exam. of the above requirements or can do so with no more than eight (8) credit hours of Academic Internship additional coursework. An Academic Internship combines work experience with academic components Independent Study and is directed and supervised by a faculty member. Academic credit is granted for Independent study provides students at AUBG with the opportunity to undertake the internship based upon the scale and scope of the academic component of the specialized study and to work closely with individual faculty in the model of an internship experience. An Academic Internship results in a measurable output of English tutorial. All registration policies and deadlines for regular courses apply to academic work that is graded according to the standards of the discipline awarding independent study. the credit. Examples of Academic Internships include: Independent study is only granted for general elective credit or for elective courses · an analysis of a company's marketing strategy (drawing on the intern's within the major or minor field of study. Courses taken as an Independent Study direct experience) in contrast to marketing theory or strategies drawn from may not duplicate courses currently in the AUBG catalog regardless of the term or academic research; offerings, nor may they count for General Education requirements or Writing · a study of how a media company ensures unbiased treatment of political Intensive Courses. issues and that results in a term paper exploring how particular issues Only students who have completed thirty (30) credit hours and have a cumulative arising in the course of an internship were handled from the perspective of GPA of 3.10 may undertake Independent Study courses. No student may take more the ethical practice of journalism; and, than two (2) Independent Study classes in a single semester and no more than five · a study of how a bank monitors credit risk and interest rate risk, combining (5) in the course of an undergraduate career. an economic analysis of the theory of asymmetric information with knowledge of a particular bank's processes. An Independent Study Contract must be obtained from the Registrar's Office, Whenever feasible, internships should include periodic meetings between the · working in the corporate finance department of a bank. intern and the faculty sponsor. Ordinarily internships will also include a written report upon conclusion. Unlike an Academic Internship, a Professional Internship: · does not carry academic credit; Students seeking to pursue an Academic Internship must ensure that the internship adheres to strict academic principles. Academic Internships must: · is noted on the transcript; · carry academic credit; · can be filed after completion of the experience; · be registered for the semester (possibly summer) in which the · does not require registration as a course; and, preponderance of the academic work takes place; · does not require demonstration of academic output. · must be pre-arranged with a faculty supervisor and are never granted post A professional internship may be arranged either by the individual student or with hoc; the assistance of a faculty member. With approval from the Department · involve repeated and contemporaneous involvement of a faculty member Chairperson prior to beginning the internship, the professional internship may be with an academic project; and, recognized on the student's transcript following the completion of a report from the · produce an end-product that can be graded according to normal academic student and the employer's confirmation of the nature of the internship. This report standards. must then be approved by the Department Chair or his/her designee. Forms for recording professional internships are available in the Registrar's Office. A maximum of three (3) academic credits in a student's academic career may be awarded for academic internship experiences. This credit can be awarded under Late-Arriving Students the following conditions: Students are expected to return to campus for the beginning of classes and must · The student obtains a faculty sponsor who will be responsible for physically sign-in at the Registrar's Office no later than the end of the third day of academic oversight of the internship; classes (see “Sign-In Policy”). · The student's internship petition is signed by the faculty sponsor and If a student has missed all of the first-week meetings of a class, the professor has the indicates the student's responsibilities and the number of credit hours right to drop the student from his or her class and allow other students to enter the sought; course in the absent student's place. · The student presents a formal internship petition to the Dean of Faculty, who has the sole authority to approve internships and to determine the A late-arriving student may be permitted to add courses during the second week number of credits to be awarded; and, only if all of the following conditions are met: · The internship employment includes a minimum of 80 hours of internship · The student submits a written request to the Dean of Faculty for employment for each academic credit hour; only employment hours permission to register late and is accepted. completed after registering for the internship may be counted toward the · The student has the professor's written permission to add the course late. 80-hour minimum. · The course that is added has space available under the course cap. Academic internships may require registration and tuition in accordance with · The student pays the “Late Add Fee” for each course added (see “Fees”). tuition for part-time students. Please see details on the internships application Faculty members are under no obligation to accommodate late-arriving students. form. Leave of Absence Professional Internship After matriculating at the University, students are expected to enroll each regular A Professional Internship is an experience with an employer that provides work semester until they graduate, withdraw from the University, or take an approved experience directly related to an academic program, but the experience itself is the leave of absence. Unless students withdraw from the University or obtain an essence of the internship experience. Professional internships do not require any approved leave of absence, they are liable for all normal academic fees associated academic output, nor do they require any supervision by a faculty member. with enrollment. Examples of Professional Internships could include: A leave of absence permits a student to re-enter the University after a semester or · working for the summer as a reporter for a newspaper; more away from the institution. Applications for a leave of absence are available · working in the marketing department of a multinational firm; or, from the Registrar's Office. Completed applications establishing that the student has cleared all financial and other obligations to the University are due not later overload, is subject to the overload fee, and may also result in application of the than April 15th for a leave for the Fall semester and November 15th for a leave for the excess credit fee (see “Other Fees and Deposits” under “Tuition and Fees”). Spring. Applications received after the deadlines will be subject to a late leave of First-year students may not take overloads. Students with one or more outstanding absence fee and may be rejected by the University if deemed detrimental to the “I" grades will not ordinarily be permitted to take an overload. Students on institution. Students intending to be on leave of absence should not pre-register for academic probation are ineligible for overloads. courses that meet during the leave. Existing pre-registrations will be cancelled when a student files a leave of absence request. A student with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.30 may take a maximum of nineteen (19) credit hours in a semester with the permission of his/her advisor. Students who In exceptional circumstances, a student may petition for a leave of absence for the could graduate at the end of the semester are permitted to exceed the 19-hour limit remainder of a semester in progress. When such an exception is granted, the and/or waive the 3.30 GPA requirement for that semester with the permission of the student leaving the University prior to the end of the seventh week of the semester Dean of Faculty. No student may enroll in more than 22 credits in one semester. will be dropped from all enrolled courses. Those withdrawing after that date will Only under extraordinary circumstances may a non-graduating student with receive grades of "W" in each of their enrolled courses. cumulative GPA below 3.30 be granted a waiver at the discretion of the Dean of While on leaves of absence, students are expected to pre-register for courses during Faculty. the designated course registration period for the semester following the period of absence (See pre-registration information below). Failure to pre-register or to Pass/Fail renew a leave of absence with the University will result in an administrative A student may take a limited number of courses on a pass/fail basis under the withdrawal. Subsequent re-entry requires a formal application for readmission following conditions: through the Admissions Committee. · The student must have Junior standing or higher and have a GPA of at least Medical Leave of Absence 2.00. A student who suffers a serious medical incapacity during the semester may be · The student may not take more than one (1) course per semester on a permitted to withdraw from all enrolled courses. The student must request the pass/fail basis. withdrawal in writing. If the student is incapable of making the request, the student · A student must indicate whether he or she wishes to take a course on a may be administratively placed on leave of absence by recommendation of the pass/fail basis when registering for the semester. University physician with the approval of the Dean of Students. The medical leave · A course taken on a pass/fail basis may not be used to fulfill General is based upon the medical opinion that the student is unable to complete the Education and/or major requirements unless a course in the major is semester or to complete remaining work in his/her courses before the incomplete designated specifically as pass/fail by the discipline; in this latter case it deadline. The medical leave applies to all courses in which the student is enrolled, counts toward the total hours required for graduation. and the student receives a grade of “W” in each course. The normal fees for late leave of absence apply to medical leaves requested after the seventh week of the · “Pass” grades will not be used in computing GPAs but will be counted semester. toward degree credit; a “failing” grade of "U" will be figured in the student's cumulative GPA. Mid-Semester Progress Reports · A limit of three (3) courses may be taken on a pass/fail basis during a At the middle of each semester, Mid-Semester Progress Reports are issued for all student's career at AUBG. first-year students and for all students on academic probation or academic Students cannot convert a course from pass/fail to regular enrollment or vice versa warning. The symbols used are “S" for satisfactory and "U" for unsatisfactory. after the Add/Drop period. These reports are designed to assist students in solving academic difficulties and do not appear on the students' transcripts. The reports are forwarded to the student's Pre-Registration academic advisor. Course registration information is available ten days before registration begins at Overload http://reg.aubg.bg and through the Registrar's Office. Course registration normally begins on April 15th for the Fall semester and November 15th for the Spring. The normal course load in any semester is fifteen (15) credit hours, but students in Students are limited during the initial pre-registration period to no more than good standing may enroll for as many as seventeen (17) credit hours per semester. seventeen (17) credit hours of pre-registered (including wait-listed) courses. A semester schedule with more than seventeen (17) hours is considered an The policy of the University is to assign registration priority to students in officially sign in at the Registrar's Office no later than 5:00 pm of the third day of accordance with the need of the students to enroll in a course in order to complete regularly scheduled classes. The sign-in must be done in person. No student may graduation requirements. Ordinarily, this will proceed in reverse order of class sign in for another student, nor can any student send a proxy to fulfill the sign-in standing second-semester seniors first, then first-semester seniors, etc. until all obligation. students are registered. Exceptions to this can be made at the discretion of the Dean of Faculty in cases in which the need of underclassmen for access to some courses Students who fail to sign in by the deadline will have their registration cancelled for is greater than that of upper-classmen or to preserve spaces in courses suitable for all classes. Students who arrive on campus after the sign-in deadline - and students incoming students. Any such unusual restrictions should be explained on the who are on campus but fail to sign in by the sign-in deadline - may re-enroll using Registrar's web site. the usual Add/Drop process. No provision or guarantee can be made that spaces in any particular course or that courses will still be available to students whose Students with overdue balances due at the Cashier's Office will not be permitted to registration is cancelled due to failure to sign-in. If the re-enrollment occurs after pre-register. the normal Add/Drop deadline, the late Add/Drop fee will apply. Registration Submitting Similar Work in Multiple Courses To receive credit for course work taken during a particular term, a student must be Submitting the same academic work to more than one course without the officially registered for all courses through the Registrar's Office. It is the student's knowledge of the course instructor constitutes academic dishonesty. This includes responsibility to comply with this regulation. Registration procedures are listed in not only similar papers, but also any work stemming from the same basic research. the schedule of classes, which is available from the Registrar's Office prior to the Such actions can result in the filing of formal charges against the student. beginning of each term and online at www.aubg.edu. Students taking overloads are subject to overload fees (see information in “Tuition and Fees”). Transcripts Religious Holidays Official transcripts may be requested at the Registrar's Office. Transcripts may be either conventional paper transcripts or electronic transcripts. The charge for a AUBG takes no position on religious holidays. Students who plan to be absent for a copy of either type of official transcript is $6. AUBG also issues Europass Diploma religious holiday should discuss the matter with their professors. Supplements (EDS) for its Bulgarian diplomas. The EDS is provided Repeating a Course automatically and free of charge to all graduates who successfully pass the state examinations in their major field(s). Students may also receive photocopies of their When a student repeats a course taken for credit, the new grade will be used in all diplomas certified as authentic by the Registrar's Office for a fee of $5 per certified future computations of the student's cumulative GPA for the first three (3) courses copy. that the student repeats. The student may normally repeat no more than three (3) courses during his/her career at AUBG, each of them only once, regardless of the Transfer Credit Policy for AUBG Students grade received. Both grades will be recorded and will appear on the official transcript. The course only counts once toward accumulating the total number of No credits from other institutions earned after the date a student enters AUBG can credit hours but counts twice toward hours attempted. be counted toward an AUBG degree unless the student has acquired pre-approval of the proposed course(s) or credits. Students may not transfer credit earned at Students who fail or withdraw from a course may pre-register or register to repeat other institutions during periods in which the student was simultaneously enrolled the course according to the normal registration priority system. Students wishing to in AUBG courses. The number of credits accepted for transfer from a single term repeat a course to improve a passing grade will be permitted to register only after (semester) of study cannot exceed seventeen (17) credits per semester or the the third day of add-drop week and on a space-available basis. If on the second equivalent. attempt a student fails a core course or a course required for completion of the student's only major, the student may file a petition with the Dean of Faculty for a If the student wishes transferred courses to count towards satisfying the AUBG waiver of the limits on retaking the course. However, even in this case, the waiver General Education requirements, he/she must also seek pre-approval for the will be granted only upon presentation of some evidence that future performance is General Education credit. Forms for pre-approval for credit and General Education likely to result in a passing grade. credit are available in the Registrar's Office. Evaluation of the application for pre- approval will be based upon examination of course descriptions, outlines, syllabi, Sign-in Policy textbook titles, and sample exams as may be required. If these documents are in a Students have a responsibility to return to campus promptly at the beginning of language other than English, they must be accompanied by an officially certified each semester. Students returning to AUBG at the beginning of the semester must translation. Grades received in transfer courses will not be considered in the calculation of GPA Withdrawal from the University except for AUBG-approved study-abroad or exchange programs. In those cases, credit will only be awarded for courses completed with the equivalent of a C+ or Withdrawal from the University is a very serious step and terminates a student's higher, and transfer credit will not be accepted for the student's last full-time relationship with the University. Readmission is only possible through re- semester prior to graduation. No more than eighteen (18) transfer credit hours can application. An application to withdraw from the University is available from the Registrar's Office. Applications declaring the intent to withdraw from the be applied toward a student's major field of study, and no more than nine (9) th th transfer credit hours can be applied towards a minor, except in the case of AUBG- University must be submitted by April 15 for the Fall semester and November 15 approved exchange programs or study-abroad programs. A student may, with prior for the Spring semester. Applications received after that date will be subject to a written permission of the Dean of Faculty, transfer up to eight (8) credit hours from late fee and may be rejected by the University if deemed detrimental to the another institution in order to complete AUBG graduation requirements. institution. AUBG applies the following formula to convert ECTS credits to AUBG credits: 2 Students must also clear all financial and other obligations to the University. ECTS credits = 1 AUBG credit. The ECTS credits transferred from approved Additionally, students withdrawing after the beginning of classes in any semester mobility programs are recorded on the student transcript precisely, including will be liable for part or all of the tuition and other costs associated with enrollment. fractions (half-credits). Information on tuition refunds for withdrawals after the beginning of the semester is under “Tuition and Fees.” Unscheduled Class Meetings Students withdrawing from the University after classes begin but before the end of The published course schedule will indicate all recurring course meeting times. the fifth week of the semester will be dropped from enrolled classes. Those Extra or alternative class sessions may be held outside of the normal class schedule withdrawing after that date will receive grades of "W" in each of their enrolled to accommodate unforeseen circumstances after reasonable consultation with the classes. students in the class. Faculty who schedule alternate sessions must avoid time conflicts and should not use the Wednesday meeting time break in the schedule. Alternative sessions must be preceded by timely notice and may not result in an increase in the total number of contact hours for the semester. Faculty may also not require a student to attend one class over another. Exams should normally be held during scheduled class meetings. However, there are times when scheduling exams outside of the normal schedule is appropriate. Examples include group exams for multi-section courses and lengthier exam periods to enhance student performance. When exams are scheduled outside of regular meeting times, the scheduling of such exams must include consultation with students. The exams must not conflict with any other scheduled class meetings of the students; should be announced at least three weeks in advance; and may not be held between 5:00 pm Friday and 8:00 am Monday. For every exam held outside the regular class meeting time, the instructor should cancel one regular class. Withdrawal from Courses No withdrawals will be permitted after the conclusion of the seventh week of classes. Following Add/Drop and prior to the conclusion of the seventh week of classes, courses may be dropped at the request of the student with a resulting grade of “W.” Grades of W will count neither toward the credit hours earned nor in the calculation of GPA. They do count toward hours attempted. (See also “Medical Leave of Absence”). DEGREE REQUIREMENTS by designated scores on the SAT exam or during the first semester at AUBG by placement examination. A minimum of 120 credit hours is required to earn the Bachelor of Arts degree at AUBG. Prior to graduation, each student must complete the General Education Modes of Inquiry requirements of the four Foundation Courses, the seven General Education Modes General Education courses in the several branches of human intellectual endeavor, of Inquiry, the writing-across-the-curriculum (WIC) requirements, and all of the called Modes of Inquiry, introduce students to a variety of perspectives on the requirements of at least one primary major program with a GPA-in-major of at least 2.50. world and several methods for exploring it. The Modes of Inquiry and their individual course requirements are: Philosophy of General Education · Aesthetic Expression (1 course, or courses adding to at least 3 credit hours) The philosophy of the General Education requirement rests on the conviction that · Historical Analysis (2 courses: 1 Historical Sources course and 1 AUBG graduates should be prepared to act responsibly as participants in a Historical Research course) democratic society and find fulfillment in the enjoyment of the moral, intellectual, and artistic achievements of the human enterprise - both past and present. · Literary Analysis (2 courses: 1 Principles of Literary Analysis course and 1 Literary Case Studies course) AUBG graduates should possess a breadth of general knowledge that is not simply · Moral and Philosophical Reasoning (2 courses) a collection of facts emanating from specialized investigations, but a genuine understanding of the intellectual experience of the practitioners of various · Quantitative Reasoning (2 courses) disciplines as they observe, experiment, and conduct research. Consequently, the · Scientific Investigation (1 course) emphasis of the General Education Program is less on surveying the current factual · Social and Cultural Analysis (2 courses) information in a field than it is an effort to introduce students to the major intellectual Modes of Inquiry. General Education Modes of Inquiry Descriptions In addition, although AUBG graduates will become specialists in one or more Aesthetic Expression disciplines, a well-educated person needs a broad understanding of all fields in Courses in Aesthetic Expression engage students in direct encounters with a order to communicate successfully with non-specialists. In a complex society significant number of existing works of art or in creative or performance activity. where debates among experts often have a bearing on issues of broad social concern, an educated person should be capable of evaluating the competing Learning Outcomes for Aesthetic Expression Mode of Inquiry arguments of specialists in fields other than his/her own. Moreover, since the world Students will be able to: and our knowledge of it are interrelated, the General Education Program places special emphasis on how to bring interdisciplinary perspectives to investigations · recognize formal and stylistic features of works or performances of of important issues. creative expression; Foundation Courses · understand the relation of creative expression to its cultural context; · analyze and interpret works or performances of creative expression using Foundation courses in verbal and mathematical skills are to be completed in the appropriate, relevant terminology; and, first year. These are the following courses: · appreciate the expressive and performing dimensions of various art forms. · ENG 100 English Structure and Grammar* Courses that satisfy the Aesthetic Expression mode of inquiry include: · ENG 101 Exposition FAR 101 Introduction to Music · ENG 102 Persuasion FAR 105 AUBG Choir · MAT 100 Introductory Mathematics** FAR 109 Music Theory · STA 105 Statistics FAR 121 Beginning Drawing FAR 122 Intermediate Drawing *The requirement for ENG 100 may be satisfied upon admission by designated FAR 151 Introduction to Theater scores on the SAT examination. FAR 160 Introduction to Art History and Theory ** The requirement in Introductory Mathematics may be satisfied upon admission FAR 203 / 403 Piano, Harp, Voice FAR 250 Applied Theater Historical Research: Historical Research courses introduce students to the FAR 251 Beginning Acting historical mode of research, the construction of original arguments, and the use of FAR 252 Intermediate Acting sources in supporting claims. Courses in this area are taken only after the Historical FAR 307 History of Jazz Sources requirement is met and after AUB 102 is completed. FAR 309 Bulgarian Folk Music FAR 310 Music in Latin American Culture Courses that satisfy the Historical Research mode of inquiry include: JMC 200 Visual Communication Theory and Practice ECO 222 Economic History Historical Analysis HTY 291 Historical Methods: Interwar East and Central Europe HTY 301 Falsifications in History A two-course sequence introduces students progressively to various issues in HTY 304 / EUR 397 Topics in Modern European History* history and equips them to recognize, interpret, and present information about the HTY 305 Topics in Southeast European History* past. A course in Historical Sources is prerequisite for a course in Historical HTY 306 Topics in Ottoman History* Research. HTY 307 Topics in American History* Learning Outcomes for the Historical Analysis Mode of Inquiry HTY 308 Topics in Global History* HTY 310 History of Christianity Students will be able to: HTY 401 Critical Issues in History · understand the nature, use, and importance of sources; *See Registration site for designation of Gen Ed.: Historical Research on each · distinguish the proper use of primary and secondary sources; HTY Topics course. · read a document critically with consideration of motives, viewpoint, and Literary Analysis authority; A two-course sequence introduces students progressively to interpretive methods · design and execute a research project; and, and terminology for both formal (aesthetic, stylistic) and contextual (cultural, · construct and support an original argument. historical, philosophical) study of literature. A course in Principles of Literary Historical Sources: Historical Sources courses introduce students to the historical Analysis is prerequisite to courses in Case Studies in Literary Analysis. mode of analysis: how to recognize, interpret, and analyze sources about the past. Learning Outcomes for Literary Analysis Mode of Inquiry Courses that satisfy the Historical Sources mode of inquiry include: Students will be able to: EUR 111 History of European Integration · read a text with close attention to language and form; HTY 101 Global History to 1500 · apply the terms of literary analysis to a broad range of texts; HTY 102 Global History since 1500 HTY 201 Myth-making in History · relate literary texts to cultural and historical contexts; HTY 208 Greece, Thrace, the Black Sea and the Ancient World · view texts from diverse perspectives (historical, philosophical, cultural); HTY 209 Rome and the Ancient World · engage in literary interpretation and research; and, HTY 210 Medieval Europe · properly document a paper of literary analysis. HTY 212 Early Modern Europe HTY 213 Modern Europe Principles of Literary Analysis: Principles of Literary Analysis courses HTY 214 Eastern Europe in the 19th and 20th Centuries introduce students to the theory and practice of literary analysis, emphasizing close HTY 221 The Medieval Balkans reading techniques and the construction of literary interpretations. HTY 222 The Modern Balkans Courses that satisfy the Principles of Literary Analysis mode of inquiry include: HTY 223 History of the Ottoman Empire HTY 224 Bulgarian History (681-1990) ENG 205 Creative Writing: Fiction HTY 230 Byzantine History ENG 206 Creative Writing: Poetry HTY 241 United States History to the Civil War ENG 220 Film Criticism HTY 242 United States History from 1865 to Present ENG 231 World Literature: Landmark Texts for the Western Tradition ENG 232 World Literature: Literatures in Translation PHI 220 Ethics ENG 241 American Literature: Beginnings to 1865 PHI 301 Topics in Philosophy: Science and Religion ENG 242 American Literature: 1865 to Present PHI 304 Modern and Contemporary Political Philosophy ENG 251 British Literature: Beginnings to 1785 RLG 200 New Age Spirituality ENG 252 British Literature:1785 to Present RLG 201 Introduction to World Religions ENG 260 Balkan Literature RLG 301 Topics in Religion POS 101 Introduction to Politics Case Studies in Literary Analysis: Case Studies in Literary Analysis introduce students to the literary mode of research and the in-depth application of the tools Quantitative Reasoning and principles of literary analysis to the construction of literary argument. Courses in this area are taken only after the Principles of Literary Analysis requirement is Courses in Quantitative Reasoning develop sound thinking, both inductive and met and after ENG 102 is completed. deductive, based on the systematic use of logic and numbers in constructing and applying models of the phenomenal as well as the noumenal world. They provide a Courses that satisfy the Case Studies in Literary Analysis mode of inquiry include: basic foundation and a broad-based knowledge in problem-solving and abstract ENG 300 The Bible as Literature thinking and develop the ability to analyze and apply abstract knowledge in ENG 340 Topics in American Literature various contexts. ENG 350 Topics in British Literature Learning outcomes for Quantitative Reasoning Courses ENG 360 Topics in Literary Theory and Criticism ENG 370 Genre and Topical Studies Students will be able to: ENG 371 History, Memory, and Narrative in Balkan Cinema · identify important questions and formulate hypothesis and arguments to ENG 380 Major Authors answer them effectively; ENG 388 Shakespeare · find, analyze, and apply information to solve problems through critical Moral and Philosophical Reasoning thinking and creative synthesis; Courses in Moral and Philosophical Reasoning engage students in developing · reason analytically and quantitatively when creating or using abstract their abilities to identify ethical issues and make decisions in the context of models; conflicting values. · employ and critique quantitative and qualitative modes of analysis; and, Learning Outcomes for Moral and Philosophical Reasoning Mode of Inquiry · recognize appropriate and inappropriate uses of quantification. Students will be able to: Courses that satisfy the Quantitative Reasoning mode of inquiry include: MAT 102 Finite Mathematics · understand the fundamental principles of philosophical or ethical MAT 103 Calculus I reasoning and ethical decision-making; MAT 104 Calculus II · apply philosophical or ethical principles in investigations to better MAT 105 Linear Algebra understand complex contemporary or historical issues or better BUS 362 Marketing Research understand the complexities of ethical decision-making; · understand and appreciate the historical development of philosophical or Scientific Investigation ethical thought; and, Courses in Scientific Investigation examine natural phenomena empirically and · write and speak in the area of philosophical or ethical reasoning. systematically. They develop students' grasp of scientific methodology, including observation, modeling, rigorous quantitative analysis, and the prediction of natural Courses that satisfy the Moral and Philosophical Reasoning mode of inquiry phenomena. The importance of science in terms of its technological, include: environmental, philosophical, social, and personal implications is emphasized. BUS 330 Business Ethics JMC 356 Media Law and Ethics PHI 101 Introduction to Philosophy Learning outcomes for Scientific Investigation Courses EUR 213 Comparative Politics of Europe JMC 141 Communication, Media, and Society Students will be able to: MLL 301 Modern France: Society, Politics and Culture · understand scientific methodology; MLL 302 Modern Germany: Society, Politics and Culture MLL 303 Modern Spain: Society, Politics and Culture · understand the importance of observation, experiment, and quantitative POS 102 Introduction to International Relations analysis in the exploration of natural phenomena; and, SES 238 Archaeology of Southeastern Europe · understand the promise and limits of scientific methodology. SES 325 Environmental Issues and Education in Southeast Europe Courses that satisfy the Scientific Investigation mode of inquiry include: Writing-Across-the-Curriculum SCI 111 Principles of Classical Physics The University is committed to developing students' ability to write effectively in a SCI 113 Physics - Theory and Experiment variety of areas. In addition to the basic required expository writing courses (ENG SCI 130 Elementary Stellar Astronomy and Cosmology 101 and ENG 102), students are required to complete at least three Writing SCI 150 Principles of Biology Intensive Courses (WICs). WICs vary from semester to semester, but all require a SCI 160 Introduction to Environmental Science significant amount of written work - work that is developed and refined through an Social and Cultural Analysis iterative process. WICs have limited enrollment to allow for enhanced faculty- student interaction on writing assignments. Because of the workload, WICs carry Courses in Social and Cultural Analysis provoke us to better understand people, four (4) hours of academic credit. Courses may not be transferred in as WIC, societies and the social logics that they create. They help us better understand what regardless of the content and the amount of writing involved. happens as societies interact, both peacefully and confrontationally, in the context of a larger society. Major Programs Learning outcomes for Social and Cultural Analysis Courses Students must complete all the requirements of at least one primary major program with a GPA-in-major of at least 2.50. Students may complete more than one Students will be able to: Primary major or may complete a Primary and a Secondary major. All majors are accredited by the United States authorities; Primary majors are also accredited by · understand the role of conceptualizing our social experience into specific the Bulgarian authorities. concepts and how we use different methodological tools to develop these concepts; Primary and Secondary Majors · understand how existing theories help organize concepts into explanations Primary majors are those that are accredited in the United States and that allow of societal phenomena; students to sit for the Bulgarian State Examination upon degree completion and · understand how to critically evaluate competing theoretical explanations; receive both an American and Bulgarian diploma. Secondary majors are those that and, are accredited in the United States and result in an American diploma only. · present social and cultural analysis through writing and/or oral In order for all students to graduate AUBG with both American and European presentation. Union diplomas, students are required to complete at least one Primary major. A Courses that satisfy the Social and Cultural Analysis mode of inquiry include: second major may be from either category. AMS 201 Introduction to North American Cultural Studies Primary majors include: AMS 301 America in a Global Perspective American Studies ANT 101 Introduction to Anthropology Business Administration ANT 237 Ethnicity and Culture Conflict Computer Science ANT 312 Anthropology of Religion Economics ANT 350 Comparative Mythology European Studies ECO 101 Principles of Microeconomics History and Civilizations ECO 102 Principles of Macroeconomics Information Systems EUR 212 EU Politics Journalism and Mass Communication MAJOR PROGRAMS Mathematics Political Science and International Relations American Studies (primary major) Secondary majors include: The Major in American Studies is an interdisciplinary program appropriate for students who wish to study the history, politics, and cultural traditions of the Literature United States and the Americas. This academic program gives students an Self-Designed Major opportunity to study in depth American society and culture in light of their The number of credit hours required for a major and specific course requirements historical development. The American Studies curriculum is designed to enable vary from major to major. Descriptions of the majors and minors, and their graduates to meet the following skill- and competency-based student outcomes: respective requirements may be found in the pages to follow. · understand the history of the United States and the Americas, from the Honors Colonial Era to the present; Graduation with Disciplinary Honors denotes both outstanding work within the · appreciate the significant role played by the United States and the requirements of a given major and significant effort in addition to the minimum Americas in the making of the modern and contemporary world; requirements. Excellence in these areas can be measured by overall GPA, · acquire appropriate knowledge of the United States government and performance in designated courses within a major, and/or completion of a senior institutions; thesis or senior project within the specific major. A student who double-majors can · consider the significance of American culture, with special focus on earn honors in both majors only by fulfilling the requirements for both majors. A literary, musical, and artistic traditions; and, single senior thesis or senior project cannot be used to fulfill honors requirements · reflect on historical, political, and social issues related to the United States in two majors. See individual major program requirements for specific criteria. and the Americas and relevant to the present era. Total courses: 12 Required Courses (5 courses, 15 credits): AMS 201 North American Cultural Studies: An Introduction HTY 241 United States History to the Civil War HTY 242 United States History from 1865 to Present ENG 241 American Literature to 1865 ENG 242 American Literature from 1865 to Present Elective Courses (7 courses, 21 credits): AMS 301 America in a Global Perspective AMS 491 and 492 Senior Thesis I/II ENG 340 Topics in American Literature* ENG 370 Genre and Topical Studies* FAR 307 History of Jazz FAR 310 Music in Latin American Culture HTY 307 Topics in American History** HTY 308 Topics in Global History: Cultures and Societies in Latin America POS 401 Topics in Politics: American Government * Up to 2 courses from this category. Each course must be relevant to American literature/culture. The Chair of the ALL Department must certify in advance that a specific ENG 370 section is appropriate to the American Studies Major and Minor, and this detail must be indicated in the course description for registration · acquire the analytical skills necessary to make effective and efficient purposes. business decisions; ** Up to 3 courses from this category. · develop and apply strategic management concepts in a socially acceptable manner; Up to two (2) other courses at the 300- or 400-level with significant content · analyze and understand a firm's internal and external business relevant to America in any discipline may be approved for inclusion in the environments; and, American Studies Major by either the Chair of the ALL Department or the Chair of the HTY Department. · understand and respond positively to global, political, economic, and legal and regulatory aspects of business. Business Administration (primary major) Business graduates have been hired by large international companies, including Students with majors in Business Administration will understand the complexity Anheuser-Busch InBev, Citigroup, Colgate-Palmolive, Credit Suisse, Deloitte, of modern international business organizations, the intricate relationships that Google, ING, KPMG, Kraft, Nestlé, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Procter & exist between businesses and the social environment in which they function, and Gamble. Other graduates have started their own businesses or achieved success in the challenges of administration at all levels. The curriculum offerings are diverse smaller-sized companies. Still others have completed graduate degree programs at and prepare students for professional careers or advanced academic studies. prestigious American and European universities. The program has theory- and skills-based orientations that stress breadth of Total: 12 courses knowledge and applications to the global business environment. Required Courses (9 courses): Coursework is structured with a strong liberal arts background, a sound foundation BUS 200 Business Law in the basic academic disciplines, and a broad understanding in the functional BUS 201 Management Information Systems business areas of accounting, finance, information systems, management, and BUS 220 Financial Accounting marketing. BUS 221 Managerial Accounting The Business Administration curriculum is designed to enable all graduates to BUS 260 Marketing meet the following skill- and competency-based student outcomes: BUS 300 Business Ethics BUS 330 Corporate Finance I · read, analyze, and make recommendations based upon organizational BUS 340 Organizational Theory and Behavior research; BUS 448 International Strategic Management and Policy · use systematic, proactive, progressive, and creative problem-solving Note: Upper-level required courses in Business Administration (those numbered strategies; 3XX and 4XX) are available only to declared Business Administration majors. To · use and manage information and technology effectively; be qualified for declaring the Business Administration major, a student must earn a · develop and use effective leadership skills; GPA of at least 2.5 in the first four required Business Administration courses BUS 200, BUS 220, BUS 221, and BUS 260. · understand and respond to the interpersonal and group issues that influence productivity, satisfaction, and quality in the workplace; Elective Courses (3 courses): · be committed to ethical principles, high standards of professional Any three (3) additional Business Administration courses are required. One (1) of conduct, personal and professional excellence, and lifelong learning; these courses may include BUS 490 or BUS 491, and only one (1) may include · develop and use successful team development and decision-making approved non-BUS electives from the following: strategies; JMC 370 Introduction to Public Relations · develop competencies for effectively integrating the functional areas of JMC 389 Introduction to Advertising business; SES 360 Cross-cultural Management and Corporate Culture · analyze and manage the processes of designing, producing, and Although fields of specialization for Business Administration majors are not distributing products and services; formally specified, students may choose to concentrate in a specific business · use quantitative and qualitative procedures for organizing, understanding, discipline - accounting, finance, human-resources management, or marketing - by and presenting data to aid decision-making; selecting elective courses in that field. Disciplinary Honors in Business · learn new theories, models, techniques and technologies as they emerge Disciplinary honors may be given to a Business major who upon graduation has and appreciate the necessity of such continuing professional development. met the following requirements: Some of our graduates have gone on to successfully complete postgraduate degree programs at prestigious universities in the United States and Western Europe. · achieved a grade point average of at least 3.66 in courses in the Business Others have joined international companies such as Accenture, Google, Hewlett- Major; Packard, IBM and Microsoft. Still others have established their own successful · successfully completed and publicly defended either a senior project or a software development companies as EastiSoft, Embient, Melon Technologies, senior thesis in front of a panel of BUS faculty; and, telerik, and Wizcom. · received a grade of “A” for the senior project or senior thesis. Total: 12 courses Based upon the project research, complexity, development, professionalism, Required Courses (6 courses + Senior Project I): presentation, demonstration, and documentation, the panel will decide whether or not to recommend honors. COS 120 (or placement test) Software Development Using C++ COS 150 Discrete Structures A completed senior project or senior thesis (two semesters) may count as a state COS 221 Fundamental Data Structures exam. COS 235 Computer Architecture Students who meet the criteria may enroll in only one of the two options (project or COS 240 Object-Oriented Programming thesis). COS 315 Software Engineering COS 491 Senior Project I Computer Science (primary major) And five elective courses from the following list, with no more than two courses The Computer Science program is focused on helping students gain the necessary chosen from each of the categories: COS (or INF) 200-level, 300-level, and 400- skills requisite to being productive leaders in the computing and related industries. level. As such, our graduates are expected to be highly competent, well-qualified computer professionals, having a broad training in software development, as well COS/INF 100-level: as being well prepared for graduate study. INF 120 Basics of Java Programming The Computer Science program seeks to work in close cooperation with the INF 140 Basics in C# Programming computing industry, as well as with other universities and alumni, to provide a COS/INF 200-level: modern Computer Science curriculum. The cooperative environment will be evidenced, for example, by the creation of partnerships with regional and COS 220 Concepts of Programming Languages international universities and institutions; and a seminar series with speakers COS 231 Introduction to UNIX drawn from both academia and industry. COS 260 Assembly Language Programming INF 280 Database Systems* The Computer Science curriculum is designed to enable students to meet the following skill- or competency-based student outcomes and show mastery of COS/INF 300-level: computer science knowledge and skills: COS 301 Compiler Theory · demonstrate an understanding of and ability to apply current theories, COS 331 Operating Systems INF 335 Web Server Technologies* models, techniques and technologies that provide a basis for problem solving; COS/INF 400-level: · work as an effective individual and as part of a team to develop and deliver COS 440 Computer Networks quality software; COS 460 Algorithms · communicate effectively both orally and in writing; COS 470 Artificial Intelligence and AI Programming · be aware of key ethical issues affecting computer science and the responsibilities of computer science professionals; and, An additional group of (general) elective courses are represented by: following skill- or competency-based student outcomes: COS/INF 481 Internship* · analyze social phenomena in the context of their interrelationships with COS 492 Senior Project II economic outcomes; COS/INF L97 Topics in Computer Science (one or more) (L- defines the · use appropriate graphical or statistical analysis to demonstrate the effects level of the course)* of changes in significant variables to economic outcomes; COS/INF 498 Independent Study* · analyze and predict the effect of changes in economic variables on related *Not more than three INF courses may be counted for COS major credits. variables within the context of a coherent interrelated economic model; As the basic programming language used across the COS major curriculum is C++, · analyze how the markets function, how they allocate real and financial every student must demonstrate an appropriate level of C++ expertise in a resources, and when they may fail to function properly; and, placement test, or pass the COS 120 course. Students who pass the placement test · explain in written and in oral form the reasoning and application of in C++ may choose another course from the list of electives. Students who either economic analysis to social or political issues. fail the placement test, or who do not take it, must take COS 120. The subject of the The Economics program trains students not only for advanced education in course COS L97 “Topics in Computer Science” and its description is defined for graduate and professional schools, but also prepares students for immediate entry every particular offering. Students can take more than one “Topic in Computer into business and government careers in which economic insight and analytical Science” course. A senior project counts as a Bulgarian Diploma Thesis. ability are valued. Some of our graduates have gone on to successfully complete Disciplinary Honors in Computer Science postgraduate degree programs at prestigious universities in the United States and Western Europe, including Cornell University, Duke University, Harvard Disciplinary honors may be given to a Computer Science major who upon University, the London School of Economics, the University of California at graduation has met the following requirements: Berkeley, the University of Michigan, and Yale University. Others have joined international companies and institutions such as Bank Austria Creditanstalt AG, · has achieved a grade point average of at least 3.5 in courses in the Barclays Capital, BNP PARIBAS, BTC/Vivatel, the Bulgarian National Bank, Computer Science major; Citigroup, Deloitte & Touche, the European Central Bank, General Electric, Kraft · has met the requirements for undertaking a Computer Science senior Foods, Morgan Stanley, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and the World Bank. project and has successfully completed and publicly defended the project in front of a panel of Computer Science faculty; and, 7 RWDO FRXUVHV · has received a grade of A for the senior project. 5 HT X LUHG & RX UVHV F RX UVHV Based upon the project complexity, development professionalism, presentation, ECO 101 Principles of Microeconomics demonstration and documentation, the panel will decide whether or not to ECO 102 Principles of Macroeconomics recommend honors. ECO 300 Quantitative Methods in Economics* ECO 301 Intermediate Microeconomics A completed senior project counts as a state exam. ECO 302 Intermediate Macroeconomics ( FRQRP LFV S ULP DU\ P DMRU ECO 310 Econometrics* The program in Economics provides both the theoretical foundation and the ( OHF WLYH & RX UVHV F RX UVHV practical empirical tools necessary to function as an economist in today's complex Three courses selected from the following list: economic world. These theories and tools are analyzed both within the institutional structure of developed market economies and in their specific applications to ECO 400 Topics in Econometrics** developing and non-market economies. ECO 401 Topics in Advanced Microeconomics** ECO 402 Topics in Advanced Macroeconomics** Although the fields of specialization of the Economics Major are not formally ECO 404 Advanced Topics specified, one can identify three broad topics: macroeconomics, microeconomics, ECO 491 and 492 Senior Thesis I/II and empirical (data) analysis. ECO 498 Independent Study The Economics curriculum is designed to enable all graduates to meet the Any three additional ECO courses (including additional courses from the above · acquire skills to critically evaluate sources of data or information and list). EUR 305 may be counted as an ECO elective (but not substitute for one of the achieve mastery of the management of bibliographic material and official three ECO electives at the 400-level). databases; ** ECO 400, 401, 402, and 404 may be repeated for credit provided the specific · pursue independent research through a range of methodologies and topic of the course differs. methods of social science research; · articulate, in both oral and written forms, coherent arguments drawing ' LVFLS OLQDU\ + RQRUV LQ ( FRQRP LFV upon academic literature, media, non-governmental, and governmental/ Disciplinary Honors may be given to an economics major who has upon EU sources; and, graduation met the following requirements: · demonstrate proficiency in an EU official language other than English (Spanish, German, French). · achieved a grade point average of at least 3.5 in the Economics major · met the requirements for undertaking a senior thesis and completed a six- Over the years, alumni have gone on to graduate and postgraduate studies, joined the ranks of young trainees in the EU institutions in Brussels, become full-time EU hour senior thesis in Economics; and, technocrats, entered governmental structures and NGOs, or become journalists · received a grade of A or A- on the second semester of the senior thesis covering EU affairs either in Brussels or in their respective countries. These alumni (ECO 492) and presented the thesis to a committee made up of two have appreciated the quality of education this major provides, preparing them for Economics faculty members and one faculty from outside of the further academic studies and/or job demands. Graduates of the European Studies discipline. program have completed graduate and postgraduate programs in European Politics A successfully completed senior thesis counts as a state exam. and related fields at prestigious universities such as Cambridge University, the College of Europe, the London School of Economics and Political Science, King's ( XURS HDQ 6 WXGLHV S ULP DU\ P DMRU College, Oxford University, Sciences Politiques (Paris), and Stanford University. The major also offers the opportunity of a one semester Erasmus exchange to Whether a manager, a financial analyst, a political scientist, an economist, or a European universities such as Bordeaux, Grenoble, Jaggelonian (Poland), Leiden lawyer, whether you live in Europe or outside it, you will function in an (Netherlands), Limerick (Ireland), and Pecs (Hungary). environment where the norms, rules, and laws of the European Union (EU) impact policies, regulate transactions, and consolidate individuals' rights. 7 RWDO FUHGLW KRXUV While many talk about the EU, few have control over a field that is in perpetual 5 HT X LUHG & RX UVHV F RX UVHV movement, changing and adjusting to internal and external challenges. The major EUR 111 History of European Integration in European Studies aims to make you more competitive on the job market by EUR 212 EU Politics providing pragmatically grounded knowledge, transferable skills, and solid EUR 213 Comparative Politics of Europe conceptual foundations. Through the variety of its course offerings, the European Studies Major also aims to introduce you to the atmosphere and spirit of Europe. ( OHF WLYH & RX UVHV F RX UVHV The European Studies curriculum is designed to enable all graduates to acquire the Three (3) courses from the following (at least one WIC): following conceptual- and skills-based student outcomes: EUR 301 EU Law and Institutions EUR 303 Policy Making in the European Union · understand the complexity of current European affairs and acquire EUR 305 European Economic Integration analytical skills to examine them from an interdisciplinary perspective; EUR 320 Internal Market and EU Competition Law · master the conceptual framework necessary for analyzing government Three (3) courses from the following: affairs, electoral systems, party politics, public policies, and political culture across Europe; EUR 307/POS 307 Research Methods · understand both the EU's role in the international arena and how EU EUR 404 Topics in European Politics* policies, laws, and institutions affect national policy-making, the EUR 405 Topics in Areas Related to the European Union* economic environment, and European citizens; * EUR topics may be repeated for credit as long as the precise topic is different. · examine EU policies through specific case studies within the framework of EU law, including primary and secondary legislation; / DQJ XDJ H 3 URI LFLHQF\ Graduates of the program have gone on to work for regional businesses and non- governmental organizations. The majority go on to graduate degree programs in One (1) course from the following: History in the United States and Western Europe; recent graduates have gone on to MLL 301 Modern France: Society, Politics and Culture doctoral work at the Central European University, Columbia University, the MLL 302 Modern Germany: Society, Politics and Culture University of Illinois, the University of Maryland, the University of Michigan and MLL 303 Modern Spain: Society, Politics and Culture the University of Pittsburgh. Restrictions: Total: 12 courses (at least 36 credits) EUR 492 Senior Thesis does not count toward the major. Required Courses (3 courses): ' LVFLS OLQDU\ + RQRUV LQ ( XURS HDQ 6 WXGLHV HTY 101 Global History to 1500 HTY 102 Global History since 1500 To fulfill the requirements for a degree with honors in European Studies, students HTY 291 Historical Methods must have a 3.5 or higher GPA in courses counted toward the major and earn a grade of B+ or above in EUR 492 Senior Thesis. Distribution Electives (9 courses; at least 27 credits): A successfully completed senior thesis counts as a state exam. At least two (2) courses from the following: History and Civilizations (primary major) HTY 201 Myth-making in History HTY 210 Medieval Europe The study of History and Civilizations seeks a deeper understanding of humanity HTY 212 Early Modern Europe through the study of the past. History and Civilizations is a framework for the HTY 213 Modern Europe analysis of trends, institutions, and motivations that shape the world. Students HTY 214 Eastern Europe in the 19th and 20th Centuries learn to think with rigor, to write with clarity and precision, to organize and assess HTY 241 United States History to the Civil War evidence, to evaluate problems, and to interpret complex events. HTY 242 United States History from 1865 to present The major in History and Civilizations at AUBG provides students with analytical At least two (2) courses from the following: tools useful for all aspects of decision-making and research in academia, government, law, journalism, business, and other careers. The program offers a HTY 208 Greece, Thrace, the Black Sea and the Ancient World general program of study with a focus on course offerings in Europe and a sub- HTY 209 Rome and the Ancient World concentration in Southeastern Europe. HTY 221 The Medieval Balkans HTY 222 The Modern Balkans The program is intended to provide core historical research and reading skills. Key HTY 223 History of the Ottoman Empire outcomes of the program for all graduates include: HTY 224 Bulgarian History · the ability to place existing national historical education in a larger HTY 230 Byzantine History context; SES 238 Archeology in Southeast Europe · a broad contextual knowledge of history, provided by some knowledge of At least four (4) courses from the following: the distribution areas and of a historical issue of significant contemporary HTY 301 Falsifications in History importance; HTY 304 Topics in European History · an awareness of contemporary theories and methods in the field of history; HTY 305 Topics in Southeast European History · the ability to critically read and analyze primary materials; HTY 306 Topics in Ottoman History · the development of very strong writing skills; HTY 307 Topics in American History · the development of oral communication skills through discussion HTY 308 Topics in Global History seminars and oral presentations; and, HTY 310 History of Christianity HTY 401 Critical Issues in History · the ability to plan, conduct, and write an original historical research HTY 491 Senior Thesis I project. HTY 492 Senior Thesis II SES 325 Environmental Issues in Southeast Europe Six (6) required courses: SES 390 Byzantine Religious Art and Architecture in Southeast Europe INF 110 Visual Basic Programming (or placement test) Disciplinary Honors in History and Civilizations INF 150 Personal Productivity with Information Technologies INF 270 Principles of Information Systems The History and Civilizations Major has a Disciplinary Honors option. To achieve INF 280 Database Systems a major in History and Civilizations with Disciplinary Honors requires the INF 335 Web Server Technologies completion of two semesters of HTY491/492 (Senior Thesis I and Senior Thesis II) INF 440 Technologies for e-Business with a grade of A- or better in both courses. And six (6) elective courses: A successfully completed senior thesis counts as a state exam. At least three courses chosen from: Information Systems (primary major) INF 120 Basics of Java Programming The major in Information Systems is designed to train professionals who are INF 140 Basics in C# Programming competent to solve problems in a huge and growing area of computer-based INF 160 Information Systems Development Environments information systems and services. The major provides a broad understanding of the INF 240 Website Development role played by modern computer and communication technologies in every area of INF 250 Emerging Technologies human activities. It trains students to analyze problems and to provide solutions, INF 275 Web Client Technologies using up-to-date information technologies. INF 290 Use of Statistical Software A student will benefit from this program as either a stand-alone major or as a INF 350 Managing Information Systems Development Projects second major - or from some of the courses offered that complement the student's INF 370 Information Security main stream of education. INF 480 Data Warehousing and Data Mining INF 491 Senior Project The curriculum of Information Systems major is designed to enable students to reach the following skill- or competency-based outcomes: No more than three elective courses may be chosen from: · provide knowledge about existing computer languages, development BUS 340 Organizational Theory and Behavior environments, and technologies; BUS 341 Introduction to Operations Management BUS 400 Decision Science · develop skills to specify, implement, and monitor the development of an information system; COS 231 Introduction to UNIX · create an understanding of the role of information as a strategic resource as COS 315 Software Engineering well as the specific problems in its management; ECO 101 Principles of Microeconomics · develop skills to better utilize the positive effects of implementing ECO 300 Quantitative Methods in Economics computer-based information technologies while avoiding negative results ECO 310 Econometrics and possible conflicts between people and technology; MAT 102 Finite Mathematics · provide knowledge about models, measurements, and optimization MAT 201 Mathematical Statistics techniques; and, · develop effective communication skills by creating and implementing JMC 411 Design and Layout information systems solutions. An additional group of (general) elective INF courses are represented by: Typical employment positions for our graduates are: data and network analysts, INF/COS L97 Topics in Information Systems* (one or more) (L- defines system analysts, information systems developers, designers, or quality assurance the level of the course) experts, web designers, database designers, and system and database INF/COS L98 Independent Study* (one or more) administrators. *Not more than three COS courses may be counted for INF major credits. 7 RWDO FRXUVHV As the basic programming language used across the IS major curriculum is Visual %DVLF HYHU\ VWXGHQW P XVW GHP RQVWUDWH DQ DS S URS ULDWH OHYHO RI 9 LVXDO %DVLF JMC students are encouraged to enroll in other courses to expand their cultural and H[ S HUWLVH LQ D S ODF HP HQW WHVW RU S DVV WKH , 1 ) F RXUVH 6 WXGHQWV Z KR S DVV WKH disciplinary perspectives , and also to major or minor in a separate discipline. This S ODF HP HQW WHVW LQ 9 LVXDO %DVLF P D\ F KRRVH DQRWKHU F RXUVH I URP WKH OLVW RI HOHF WLYHV opportunity to shape a multi-disciplinary course of study within the liberal arts 6 WX G H Q WV Z K R H L WK H U I D L O WK H S OD F H P H Q W WH V W R U Z K R G R Q R W WD N H L W P X V W WD N H , 1 ) tradition is an invitation for students to enrich their knowledge base in preparation , 1 ) LV VXE VWLWXWDE OH E \ %8 6 7 KH VXE MHF W RI WKH F RXUVH , 1 ) / for further inquiry, research, and understanding. ³ 7 RS LFV LQ , QI RUP DWLRQ 6 \ VWHP V´ DQG LWV GHVFULS WLRQ LV GHI LQHG I RU HYHU\ S DUWLFXODU Upon graduation, students are prepared to pursue a range of careers in a variety of RI I HULQJ 6 WXGHQWV F DQ WDNH P RUH WKDQ RQH , 1 ) / F RXUVH fields ranging from media organizations, advertising and public relations agencies, Disciplinary Honors in Information Systems design studios, production houses, and others or continue their education with graduate studies at leading universities around the world. Disciplinary honors may be given to an Information Systems major who upon graduation has met the following requirements: Theoretical Student Learning Outcomes (core courses): · has achieved a grade point average of at least 3.5 in courses in the · understand the history, function, and development of journalism and mass Information Systems major; communication in society; · has undertaken an Information Systems senior project and has · analyze global media issues and functions; successfully completed and publicly defended the project in front of a · develop media and visual communication literacy and awaken creativity; panel of Information Systems faculty; and, · integrate liberal arts knowledge in research, study, and professional · has received a grade of A for the Information Systems senior project. activity; Based upon the project complexity, development professionalism, presentation, · understand the role of advertising and public relations; and, demonstration and documentation, the panel will decide whether or not to · apply principles of media law, policies, and ethics. recommend honors. Professional Student Learning Outcomes (elective courses): A successfully completed senior project counts as a state exam. · master research methods by learning to evaluate and use documents from a Journalism and Mass Communication (primary major) variety of sources; The Journalism and Mass Communication faculty is committed to an academic · learn interviewing techniques and critical thinking and analytical skills; and professional program that encompasses the knowledge and skills necessary to · learn to write, report, and edit content for print and online media platforms; succeed in 21st century media. The program will emphasize critical thinking, · learn to respond creatively to challenges and apply principles of design in research, writing, and visual communication skills within an ethical framework shaping communications; across all media and professional disciplines. · learn to use software programs to design, produce, and communicate The JMC faculty recognizes that media throughout the world are changing. New effectively; and, information technologies, media convergence, cross-cultural perspectives, and · develop presentation and public speaking skills. new economic realities are shifting the ways we communicate. At the same time, Total: 36 credit hours the principles of journalism and mass communication remain essential to a democratic society. Accuracy and balance in reporting, upholding high ethical Required Courses (15 credit hours): standards, and a commitment to serving the interests of the public are central to our JMC 141 Communications, Media & Society aims. JMC 150 Writing for Media The core required courses are the foundation of the program. They provide the JMC 200 Visual Communication Theory and Practice theoretical, historical, ethical, and cultural background that underlies journalism JMC 220 Multimedia Journalism and mass communication today. The elective courses, presented in two tracks, JMC 356 Media Law and Ethics focus on the skills needed to function in global media. The internship, either Internship Requirement (0-3 credit hours): professional or academic, further enhances the acquired concepts and skills, as does participation in extracurricular activities on campus (i.e., magazine, online Professional Internship (0 credits) or news websites, 24/7 radio station). Academic Internship (3 credits; counts as a JMC elective) Elective Courses (18-21 credit hours): · completed a capstone project and publicly defended the project before a Any six (6) or seven (7) JMC electives, depending on the type of internship panel of JMC faculty; and, completed · received a grade of A for the capstone project. The traditional approach to the major requires completion of the core courses, The final decision to award honors rests with the panel. internship, six (6) or seven (7) electives, and sitting for the Bulgarian State Exam. Literature (secondary major) Track Options The Literature Major is a rigorous, critical, academic program that pairs close Students majoring in JMC may also choose to focus their studies in either textual analysis and theoretical perspectives. Students who major in Literature will Journalism or Mass Communication by completing a minimum of five (5) courses engage with a wide variety of texts in order to develop skills in close reading and from electives in either the Journalism Track or the Mass Communication Track. textual analysis. They will also develop an understanding of literary history, genre Journalism Track (5 courses): conventions, and modern practices in literary theory and research. To complete the Journalism Track, students must complete at least five (5) JMC Literature majors will learn to develop, support, and articulate complex arguments Major electives from the following: about texts and to present those arguments and insights in a well-crafted, articulate, and responsive manner. The Literature Major also promotes the development of a JMC 233 Introduction to Video Journalism sense of literary, cultural, and social history across multiple nations, ethnicities, JMC 250 Writing and Reporting and eras. JMC 321 Digital Photojournalism JMC 345 Specialized Writing The Literature Major is designed to enable all graduates to meet the following JMC 430 Television News Reporting outcomes: JMC 435 Magazine Journalism JMC 455 Global Comparative Media · demonstrate an understanding of major works of British, American, and JMC 470 Topics in Journalism World literatures. JMC 491 Capstone Project* · demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which meaning is created and * The Capstone Project requires minimum 3.25 GPA in the major and may count as crafted in literary works. a state exam. · develop close reading skills and an understanding of literary and rhetorical conventions. Mass Communication Track (5 courses): · produce logically developed, rhetorically coherent, thoroughly researched To complete the Mass Communication Track, students must complete at least five papers that are both convincing and creative. (5) JMC Major electives from the following: · demonstrate literary knowledge, both theoretical and practical, necessary INF 240 Website Development to flourish in liberal arts professions and/or future graduate studies. JMC 370 Introduction to Public Relations Literature majors will thus be well-prepared for careers in such areas as writing, JMC 389 Introduction to Advertising publishing, public relations, library sciences, and teaching; for graduate programs JMC 411 Design and Layout in the liberal arts; and for professional programs leading to the study of law. JMC 425 Advanced Communications Design JMC 480 Topics in Media Total: 12 courses (a minimum of 36 credit hours) JMC 491 Capstone Project* Required Courses (6 courses): * The Capstone Project requires minimum 3.25 GPA in the major and may count as ENG 210: Introduction to Literature a state exam. ENG 388: Shakespeare Disciplinary Honors in Journalism and Mass Communication Four (4) courses from the following: Disciplinary Honors may be given to a JMC major who upon graduation has met the following requirements: ENG 231 World Literature: Landmark Texts for the Western Tradition ENG 232 World Literature: Literatures in Translation · achieved a grade point average of at least 3.5 in the JMC major; ENG 241 American Literature: Beginnings to 1865 The Mathematics curriculum is designed to enable all graduates to achieve the ENG 242 American Literature: 1865 to Present following skill- or competency-based student outcomes: ENG 251 British Literature: Beginnings to 1785 ENG 252 British Literature: 1785 to Present · articulate basic and advanced mathematical information accurately and effectively; Elective Courses (6 courses): · learn classical and modern mathematical theories, models, and One (1) from each of the following topics courses: techniques; ENG 340 Topics in American Literature · show mastery of basic and specialized mathematical knowledge and ENG 350 Topics in British Literature skills; ENG 360 Topics in Literary Theory and Criticism · create models of real phenomena and analyze them using a broad background of methods from classical and modern analysis, algebra, Three (3) additional courses from the following: discrete mathematics, probability theory, and theoretical and applied ENG 205 Creative Writing: Fiction statistics; ENG 206 Creative Writing: Poetry · work as an effective individual and as a part of a team on problems and ENG 220 Film Criticism projects requiring specific mathematical knowledge; and, ENG 231 World Literature: Landmark Texts for the Western Tradition · gain abilities to abstract essential information, make correct logical ENG 232 World Literature: Literatures in Translation deductions, and read, understand, and construct solutions for multiple- ENG 241 American Literature: Beginnings to 1865 step problems from various areas of pure and applied mathematics. ENG 242 American Literature: 1865 to Present ENG 251 British Literature: Beginnings to 1785 Some of our graduates have gone on to successfully complete postgraduate degree ENG 252 British Literature: 1785 to Present programs in prestigious universities in the United States, including Cornell ENG 260 Balkan Literature University, Duke University, the Johns Hopkins University, Northwestern ENG 300 The Bible as Literature University, the University of Maryland, the University of Pittsburgh, and ENG 311 Public Speaking Vanderbilt University. Some have participated in prestigious international summer ENG 340 Topics in American Literature* schools, research conferences, and workshops such as the Weizmann Institute of ENG 350 Topics in British Literature* Science in Rehevot, Israel, and the Abdus Salam International Centre for ENG 360 Topics in Literary Theory and Criticism* Theoretical Physics in Trieste, Italy. ENG 370 Genre and Topical Studies* 7 RWDO FRXUVHV ENG 371 History, Memory, and Narrative in Contemporary Balkan Cinema ENG 380 Major Authors* 5 HT X LUHG & RX UVHV F RX UVHV * ENG topics may be repeated for credit as long as the precise topic differ. MAT 103 Calculus I MAT 104 Calculus II 0 DWKHP DWLFV S ULP DU\ P DMRU MAT 105 Elementary Linear Algebra and Analytical Geometry The Mathematics major is based on a variety of courses in pure and applied MAT 201 Mathematical Statistics mathematics. Students who complete the major will acquire a broad background in MAT 205 Introduction to Abstract Algebra the fundamental branches of classical and modern analysis, algebra and discrete MAT 212 Calculus III structures, differential equations and applications, probability theory, and both MAT 213 Introduction to Differential Equations theoretical and applied statistics. The major will provide an invaluable opportunity ( OHF WLYH & RX UVHV F RX UVHV for students interested in developing significant mathematical skills through a selection of advanced courses that will introduce them to some modern lines of Five (5) additional MAT courses, at least three (3) of which must be selected from contemporary mathematics and its applications to other sciences. The major the following: prepares students for professional careers or advanced academic work not only in MAT 214 Numerical Analysis mathematics but also in many mathematics-intensive areas, including quantitative finance, actuary science, economics, computer science, natural sciences, and many MAT 225 Advanced Linear Algebra more. MAT 305 Topics in Abstract Algebra MAT 313 Calculus IV MAT 314 Complex Analysis · appreciate other viewpoints, cultures, and identities; MAT 315 Real Analysis · consider the ethical implications of political issues, institutions, and MAT 491/492 Senior Thesis processes; Note: The major requirements may be completed with any other Math courses · research political issues and policy problems using appropriate except MAT 100 and MAT 102. methodologies; Note: After consultation with the Mathematics faculty, one (1) of the elective · identify relevant information gathered from reliable sources; courses can be replaced with courses in other disciplines that use essential · communicate clearly in a variety of formats; and, mathematics, such as COS 150, COS 460, ECO 300, ECO 310, or ECO 400. · interact with others effectively to organize and complete projects. ' LVFLS OLQDU\ + RQRUV LQ 0 DWKHP DWLFV The Political Science and International Relations major is traditionally considered Disciplinary honors may be given to a Mathematics major who upon graduation excellent training for careers in government and diplomatic service, law, has met the following requirements: international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and businesses that work with the public sector as well as for further education in graduate programs. · achieved a grade point average of at least 3.5 in courses in the Mathematics Graduates of the Political Science and International Relations program have gone major; on to complete graduate programs in Politics and other fields at prestigious · successfully completed and publicly defended Mathematics senior thesis universities such as the College of Europe, Harvard University, the London School in front of a panel of Mathematics faculty; and, of Economics and Political Science, Oxford University, Princeton University, · received a grade of A for the Mathematics senior thesis. Stanford University, and the University of Pennsylvania. Graduates have gone on to careers in European and North American universities, non-governmental Based upon the overall performance in the Mathematics major and the thesis organizations, national ministries, European Union institutions, corporations, and sophistication and/or originality, the Mathematics faculty will decide whether or private companies. not to confer Honors in Mathematics. 7 RWDO FUHGLW KRXUV A completed senior thesis counts as a state exam. 5 HT X LUHG & RX UVHV F RX UVHV 3 ROLWLFDO 6 FLHQFH DQG , QWHUQDWLRQDO 5 HODWLRQV S ULP DU\ P DMRU ECO 102 Principles of Macroeconomics Globalization, liberalization, migration, regionalization, integration, revolution, POS 101 Introduction to Politics digitalization, climate change, demographic change, interdependence… We may POS 102 Introduction to Global Politics hear these words and may find it difficult to make sense of them. Yet, they affect us. POS 201 Comparative Politics or In our world of continuous change, we need to understand the forces and actors that EUR 213 Comparative Politics of Europe affect how we think, how we work, how we live, and how we live with others. The POS 202 Foreign Policy Analysis major in Political Science and International Relations prepares and encourages you ( OHF WLYH & RX UVHV F RX UVHV to recognize, analyze, and evaluate the role of major actors, structures, and processes in our world. Three (3) courses from the following: A more developed understanding of the world allows you, the citizen, to choose POS 301 Bulgarian Government and Politics and advocate better public policies on the local, national, and global levels. It POS 303 Conflict and Conflict Resolution allows you, the person, to approach problems from other viewpoints and develop POS 304 Global Political Economy different solutions that others may not see. POS 305 International Law and Organization POS 306 Public Policy Analysis The POS program seeks to help you achieve the following learning outcomes over POS 307 Research Methods in Politics the course of your studies: Nine (9) credit hours from the following: · understand political processes and institutions at the local, national, regional, and global levels; POS 401 Topics in Politics* POS 481 Internship** * POS 401 topics may be repeated for credit as long as the precise topic is different. more content areas (other than two primary major areas) and is not a subcomponent POS majors may substitute one course with a non-POS designator toward the POS of one major or minor discipline. The result is an interdisciplinary degree that Topics credit requirement from the following: PHI 304, ECO 310, or any 400-level focuses on integrated learning in multiple areas with sufficient depth to conduct EUR-designated course. research across fields of knowledge. ** MLL 301, 302, or 303 may be substituted for POS 481. Diplomas: 5 H V WU L F WL R Q V Students completing an SDM will receive diplomas with their specific, interdisciplinary field listed as the title of the degree (i.e., “B.A. in Political POS 492 does not count toward the major. Communication” or “B.A. in Women's Studies”). ' LVFLS OLQDU\ + RQRUV LQ 3 ROLWLFDO 6 FLHQFH DQG , QWHUQDWLRQDO 5 HODWLRQV Learning Outcomes: To fulfill the requirements for a degree with Honors in Political Science and Students graduating with a Self-Designed Major will be able to: International Relations, students must have a 3.5 or higher GPA in courses counted toward the major and earn a grade of B+ or above for POS 492 Senior Thesis. · develop critical thinking skills by locating, identifying, and utilizing the relationships between academic disciplines; Self-Designed (secondary major) · synthesize theories, methodologies, and experiences gained from at least As a liberal arts institution, AUBG supports and encourages students to develop two disciplines; and utilize their knowledge across areas of study, and the Self-Designed Major · demonstrate mastery of interdisciplinary praxisthe ability to turn multiple (SDM) is designed to allow this by fostering a broader understanding of academic theories and knowledge bases into fully realized, concrete demonstrations knowledge and methodologies. This degree offers students an opportunity for a of new knowledge and applications; and unique, intensive educational and research experience through a self-designed · value the pursuit of academic knowledge utilizing creative and program. Examples of interdisciplinary fields for an SDM might include: individualized objectives that result in intellectual growth. · 20th-Century Cultural Studies Requirements for Self-designed Major: · Ancient Studies A self-designed program requires well-developed thinking skills, a strong sense of · Business Communications and Public Relations academic motivation, a keen interest in exploring linkages in fields of study, and · Eastern European Studies strong self-discipline. Working with a discipline-appropriate faculty member, the · Early Modern Studies interested student must develop a proposal for a Self-Designed Major that is intellectually cohesive and does not duplicate other educational learning · Environmental Policy opportunities available through minors and other majors, singularly or in · Film Studies combination. The student will work with this faculty member to develop an · Marketing and Communications academically sound and intellectually rigorous SDM proposal that will be · Medieval and Renaissance Studies reviewed by the Self-Designed Major Committee for approval as a major (secondary). · Performing and Visual Arts · Political Communication Proposal: · Social Sciences The proposal is written in conjunction with a faculty member who will serve as the · Theatre and Film Chair of the student's program. Proposal forms for the SDM are available at the Registrar's Office. · Visual Communications · Women's Studies The proposal will be reviewed by the Self-Designed Major Committee composed of three faculty members (one from the humanities, one from the social sciences, The Self-Designed Major is available only as a second major. and one from the sciences or math disciplines). The committee will examine the This SDM major is offered for students with exceptional motivation, vision and proposal for clarity and precision of focus, the intellectual and methodological creativity. In consultation with faculty members, the student creates a unique plan skills to be acquired from the proposed plan of study, and the plan's divergence of of study that is not part of the current AUBG curriculum and that bridges two or content, intent, and ethos from currently offered programs. Curriculum Requirements: MINOR PROGRAMS · develop critical thinking skills by locating, identifying, and utilizing the American Studies relationships between academic disciplines; The Minor in American Studies is an interdisciplinary program appropriate for · synthesize theories, methodologies, and experiences gained from at least students who wish to study the history, politics and cultural traditions of the United two disciplines; States and the Americas. This program provides a good foundation for · demonstrate mastery of interdisciplinary praxis - the ability to turn understanding the main aspects of American society and culture in light of their multiple theories and knowledge bases into fully realized, concrete historical development. demonstrations of new knowledge and applications; and, The objectives of the Minor in American Studies are to enable students to: · value the pursuit of academic knowledge utilizing creative and individualized objectives that result in intellectual growth. · understand the history, politics, culture, and literature of the United States Total: 36 credit hours and the Americas; · appreciate the significant role played by the United States and the Required Courses (2 courses; 3 credit hours): Americas in the making of the modern and contemporary world; and, SDM 301: Junior Capstone Project (1 credit) · reflect on historical, political, and social issues related to the United States SDM 401: Senior Thesis (2 credits). and the Americas and relevant to the present era. Elective Courses (33 credit hours): Total: 6 courses 18 credit hours completed at the 300- and/or 400-level At least two (2) of the six (6) courses taken for the Minor must be at the 300-/400- No more than 18 credit hours from any one discipline level. With approval, students may transfer up to 16 credit hours from other accredited 5 HT X LUHG & RX UVHV F RX UVH institutions and may take up to six (6) credits of independent study. Policies on AMS 201 North American Cultural Studies: An Introduction double counting courses for majors and minors apply to this program, as do all General Education requirements. Elective Courses (5 courses): At least one (1) course from the following: HTY 241 United States History to the Civil War HTY 242 United States History from 1865 to Present At least one (1) course from the following: ENG 241 American Literature: Beginnings to 1865 ENG 242 American Literature: 1865 to Present At least two (2) courses from the following: AMS 301 America in a Global Perspective ENG 340 Topics in American Literature** ENG 370 Genre and Topical Studies* FAR 307 History of Jazz FAR 310 Music in Latin American Culture HTY 307 Topics in American History** HTY 308 Topics in Global History: Cultures and Societies in Latin America POS 401 Topics in Politics: American Government * Up to two (2) courses from this category. Courses must be relevant to American literature/culture. The Chair of the ALL Department must certify in advance that an ENG 370 is appropriate to the American Studies Major and Minor, and this · work as an effective individual and as part of a team to develop and deliver detail must be indicated in the course description for registration purposes. quality software; ** Up to two (2) courses from this category. · have the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; Note: One other course at the 300- or 400-level with significant content relevant to · be aware of key ethical issues affecting computer science and their America and in any discipline may be approved for inclusion in the Minor by either responsibilities as computer science professionals; and, the Department Chair of the ALL Department or the Department Chair of the HTY · learn new theories, models, techniques and technologies as they emerge Department. and appreciate the necessity of such continuing professional development. $ QWKURS RORJ \ Typical employment areas for graduates are: programmer/analysts; systems analysts; software quality assurance analysts; network systems and data The mission of the Anthropology Minor program is to explore human variation and communications analysts; Internet developers or Web designers; database cultural diversity and to transmit the anthropological perspective as a way of administrators; system administrators; or network administrators. thinking, a method of problem solving, and a model for future learning. For many To complete the requirements for a Computer Science minor, a student completes students, anthropology becomes a framework for integrating knowledge and a six COS courses, at least one from each of the following groups: system of organization for their formal education. The anthropological perspective is holistic; that is, each piece or aspect of a culture is viewed within the context of 7 RWDO &RXUVHV the whole culture. ) XQGDP HQWDOV Unique among the social sciences and humanities, anthropology studies people INF 140 Basics in C# Programming and behavior in a cross-cultural perspective. This aspect of the discipline has wide COS 150 Discrete Structures ramifications for expanding the students' world-view and approaches to other COS 220 Concepts of Programming Languages studies by increasing their awareness of ethnocentric perspectives. COS 235 Computer Architecture 7 RWDO FRXUVHV COS 301 Compiler Theory COS 331 Operating Systems 5 HT X LUHG & RX UVHV F RX UVHV 6 RI WZ DUH ' HYHORS P HQW ANT 101 Introduction to Anthropology ANT 237 Ethnicity and Culture Conflict INF 110 Visual Basic Programming ANT 304 Political Anthropology COS 120 Software Development Using C++ COS 221 Fundamental Data Structures ( OHF WLYH & RX UVHV F RX UVHV COS 240 Object-Oriented Programming Three (3) additional ANT courses or any other approved course with an COS 315 Software Engineering emphasis in the region of Southeastern Europe. COS 460 Algorithms & RP S X WHU 6 F LHQF H $ GYDQFHG 7 RS LFV The Computer Science minor is available to students majoring in other disciplines- COS 231 Introduction to UNIX INF 280 Database Systems such as Mathematics and Economics - who wish to study some aspects of a COS 440 Computer Networks traditional computer science curriculum but are not able to take the full Computer COS 470 Artificial Intelligence and AI Programming Science major. COS L97 Topics in Computer Science (L - defines the level of the course) The Computer Science minor curriculum is designed to enable students to meet the All prerequisites, procedures, and other conditions, specified for any of the courses following skill- or competency-based outcomes and show mastery of some in the Computer Science major, are applied for the respective courses in the minor computer science knowledge and skills, through ability to: as well. · demonstrate an understanding of and ability to apply current theories, ( FRQRP LFV models, techniques and technologies that provide a basis for problem solving; The Economics Minor provides a program of study of micro- and macroeconomics in both theoretical and applied courses so that students will have significant )LQH $UWV exposure to economic reasoning and analysis. Although less rigorous than the Economics Major, the Economics Minor will be useful to students preparing for The Fine Arts Minor provides an interdisciplinary approach to creative human professional careers in business or for graduate study in a variety of other fields in expression for students interested in artistic performance, process, and inquiry. which economic analysis is complementary to the advanced practice of the Students have flexibility in designing their course of study within the minor and discipline. may choose to acquire either an in-depth understanding of a particular performance or process art (such as music or theater) or a broader, critical Total: 6 Courses awareness of the visual and performing arts. 5 HT X LUHG & RX UVHV F RX UVHV Students pursuing the Fine Arts minor are also encouraged to develop a portfolio ECO 101 Principle of Microeconomics documenting their creative activities at AUBG. This personal archive will ECO 102 Principle of Macroeconomics generally consist of written programs, lists of repertoire studied and performed, ECO 301 Intermediate Microeconomics* or samples of creative work, and other evidence of creative achievements, including ECO 302 Intermediate Macroeconomics participation in public performances and/or exhibitions, as part of study toward the minor. * ECO 300 is a pre-requisite for ECO 301, so students choosing this option must take ECO 300 plus two (2) other ECO electives to fulfill the requirements of the 7 RWDO FRXUVHV WRWDOLQJ FUHGLW KRXUV minor. 5 HTXLUHG &RXUVHV