FRESHMAN ARTS PROGRAM -Rafik Hariri University

FRESHMAN ARTS PROGRAM

Total Credits

FRESHMAN ARTS PROGRAM OVERVIEW

RHU offers a freshman arts program to students who have not earned a Lebanese Baccalaureate or its equivalent as a bridge to become eligible to pursue a bachelor degree. The program encompasses 30 credits that may be completed in two semesters. The required subjects and corresponding credit hours are summarized in the table below.

Program	Humanities/ Social Sciences	Math	Natural Sciences	Free Elective	English	Arabic
Freshman Arts	12	3	3	6	3	3

All students whose native language is Arabic must take an Arabic language course. Students who are exempted from the Arabic language requirement must take a substitute for the Arabic course to fulfill the 30 credits requirement.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible to join the Freshman Program, an applicant must hold one of the following certificates:

A high school certificate based on 12 years of schooling, starting with Grade One, awarded by a government or private school and recognized by the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE). High school certificates that are based on less than 12 years of schooling starting with Grade One are not recognized.
A General Certificate of Education (GCE). This applies to applicants with an A-level certificate who have completed a minimum of five subjects at the Ordinary Level and one subject at the Advanced Level or two Advanced Supplementary Levels (AS) excluding languages.

To apply for admission to the Freshman Program, the candidate must complete and submit an RHU Undergraduate Application form along with the following documents:

High school grades (10, 11 and 12);
Permission from the Lebanese MoEHE to join the Freshman Program;
SAT I score reports; and
Score report of a recognized English language proficiency exam - SAT I Writing Section, TOEFL or IELTS.

Applicants whose original nationality is Lebanese must also submit SAT II score reports, preferably before joining the program, but definitely during the freshman year and before joining the sophomore class.

Please note that the Equivalence Committee of the Lebanese MoEHE specifies a minimum combined score of 2150 or 2300 on the six SAT I and SAT II subjects to join the Freshman Arts track or the Freshman Science track, respectively. The six topics for each track are as follows:

SAT I Subjects

Math, Critical Reading, and writing

SAT II Subjects

Freshman Arts - Math I-C, and any other two subjects

SAT II Subjects

Freshman Science - Math II-C and two sciences from Biology, Chemistry or Physics

Study Plan

The following study plan summarizes the courses and credits distribution for the freshman program. The freshman courses are identified by having “1” as the first digit in the course number.

Freshman Arts

Course No.	Course Name	Credits
Fall Semester (15 Credits)
BECN 190	Introduction to Economics*	3
ENGL 101	Freshman English	3
MATH 189	Fundamentals of Algebra	3
	Natural Science Elective	3
	Humanities/ Social Science Elective	3
Spring Semester (15 Credits)
ARAB 180	Arabic Reading and Writing	3
	Humanities/ Social Science Elective	3
	Humanities/ Social Science Elective	3
	Free Elective	3
	Free Elective	3

* required for application to the College of Business.

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Courses

Program Requirements

Math (3 cr.)

MATH 189 - Fundamentals of Algebra 3

Real number systems, radicals and rational exponents, polynomials, factoring, fractional expressions, lines in the plane, functions and their graphs, inverse functions, solving equation and inequalities, real zeros and the fundamental theorem of Algebra, exponential functions and their graphs, logarithmic functions and their graphs.

Arabic (3 cr.)

ARAB 180 - Arabic Reading and Writing 3

This freshman-level course is designed for native speakers of Arabic with the aim of developing their reading and writing skills. This course is conducted in Arabic. Students will read and discuss essays, articles and other readings, and write essays. It fulfills the Freshman Arabic language requirement. The course is mandatory for all native Arabic speakers.

English (3 cr.)

ENGL 101 - Freshman English 3

This course is designed to help students develop their reading and writing skills. It focuses on the interrelatedness between reading and writing whereby students critically read and analyze passages of different rhetorical modes (classification, cause/ effect analysis, and comparison/contrast analysis) and learn to write similar essays on these modes. Some grammatical as well as structural elements are reviewed to help students develop accuracy in their writing. In this course, students are also introduced to research skills such as evaluating sources, paraphrasing, summarizing, and quoting while following the APA style.

Natural Sciences (3 cr.)

PHYS 190 - General Physics - Mechanics 3

This course introduces students to the basic concepts and principles of Mechanics: Vectors, displacement, velocity, acceleration, motion in 1D, projectile motion, forces, Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy, momentum, collision, torque and rotational motion.

BIOL 102 - Introduction to Biology 3

An introductory course to the fundamental principles of biology which covers the following topics: chemical basis of life, the structure and function of cells and systems, genetics and human body systems.

BIOL 170 - Basic Concepts in Biology 3

A freshman level course that introduces students to the basic concepts of genetics, evolution, and ecology, and also explores the forms and functions of plants and animals.

CHEM 160 - Chemistry I 3

Students study the principles and methods of chemistry including atomic structure, periodic trends, writing formulas, and determining the names of both inorganic and organic formulas.

CHEM 170 - Chemistry II 3

Students learn about acids, bases, and chemical equilibriums; the groups in the periodic table, organic chemistry, and nuclear will be also surveyed.

Humanities/Social Sciences (9 cr.)

CVLN 160 - Monotheistic Religions: A Comparative Study 3

This course covers the three monotheistic religions. It compares and contrasts the idea of God and the law among Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

CVLN 161 - The Arabs 3

This course provides a review of the history of the Arabs from the pagan days through the twentieth century.

CVLN 170 - God and Creation: East and West

A literary attempt to understand the origins of the universe as found in texts from a variety of world cultures.

CVLN 180 - Youth and the Growing Up Process

An introduction to the themes and challenges of autonomy and independence as experienced by youth, studied through major literary works of the past centuries.

CVLN 181 - Arab Renaissance

The Arab renaissance is studied through historical and socio-political texts.

CVLN 190 - Freshman Art History

This course provides an overview of art and its development in the western world. It covers the main art periods from “Prehistoric Art” through ‘Contemporary Art’ and the effect of the socio-political cultures of the times.

HIST 100 - History of the Ancient World 3

This course examines a range of topics including the origins of civilization in Egypt and Mesopotamia, the civilization of Ancient Greece and Rome, the origins and development of Judaism, and the early Christian Church. Co-requisite: ENGL 101.

HIST 102 - Europe from the Reformation to the French Revolution 3

A survey of European history beginning with the 16th century Protestant Reform and including absolutism, the scientific revolution, the Enlightenment, and the old regime and the French revolution. Co-requisite: ENGL 101.

HIST 103 - Europe in the 19th and 20th Centuries 3

Topics include the Industrial revolution, the rise of political ideologies, social classes, nationalism and imperialism, the Russian Revolution, the two world wars, the inter-wars period, and the cold war era. Co-requisite: ENGL 101.

HIST 108 - Issues and Themes in U.S. History: 1607-1877 3

American history from 1607 to 1877 examines the development of the United States from early settlement through the Civil War era. Emphasis is placed on the evolution of American politics, race relations, economic and social trends, and western expansionism. Co-requisite: ENGL 101.

PHIL 102 - Freshman Philosophy 3

An introduction to the part of philosophy concerned with questions about the ultimate nature of the world we live in and our knowledge of it. The issues discussed include: the existence and nature of God, the place of human beings in the universe, the nature of reality, human nature, human knowledge and skepticism, freedom and determinism, and the relationship between mind and body. The emphasis of the course varies from instructor to instructor. Co-requisite: ENGL 101.

PHIL110 - Critical Thinking 3

This course is an introduction to basic rules of clear and rational thought. Students are offered extensive analysis of examples on how to detect false reasoning, illegitimate appeals to emotions, inconsistencies and contradictions. The goal of this course is to develop logical awareness to the point that a person can no longer be victimized by the rhetoric of everyday life, and can develop arguments with clarity and confidence. Prerequisite: Native English speakers or English 098. Co-requisite: ENGL 101.

POSC 190 - Freshman Politics 3

This survey course is recommended for students interested in discovering how politics impact their lives and how they in turn can affect politics. Students are introduced to the basic concepts of Political Theory, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Public Policy. Co-requisite: ENGL 101.

PSYC 190 - Freshman Psychology 3

This course is aimed at developing some understanding of human psychology by focusing on the elements that affect human behaviors and mental processes. Among others, it covers topics on cognition, emotions, learning, human development, biological bases of behavior, personality, psychological disorders, psychotherapy and behavior change, and social behavior. Co-requisite: ENGL 101.

PSYC 195 - Freshman Stress Management 3

This course addresses the basic principles, theories and techniques to effectively manage personal stress. Students will gain a greater understanding of the mind-body relationship, learn to employ a holistic approach to stress and adopt effective cognitive techniques, copy skills and relaxation techniques. Co-requisite: ENGL 101.

SOCI 190 - Freshman Sociology 3

This course is designed to give freshman students an overview of the field and to familiarize them with some essential sociological concepts. It focuses on the individual in society, the study of society, social institutions, and human agency. In particular the course will pay attention to how people's lived experiences are both shaped by social forces and reshaped through human action. Co-requisite: ENGL 101.

Free Electives (6 cr.)

BIOL 102 - Introduction to Biology 3

BIOL 170 - Basic Concepts in Biology 3

A freshman level course that introduces students to the basic concepts of genetics, evolution, and ecology, and also explores the forms and functions of plants and animals.

CHEM 160 - Chemistry I 3

Students study the principles and methods of chemistry including atomic structure, periodic trends, writing formulas, and determining the names of both inorganic and organic formulas.

CHEM 170 - Chemistry II 3

Students learn about acids, bases, and chemical equilibriums; the groups in the periodic table, organic chemistry, and nuclear will be also surveyed.

CVLN 160 - Monotheistic Religions: A Comparative Study 3

This course covers the three monotheistic religions. It compares and contrasts the idea of God and the law among Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

CVLN 161 - The Arabs 3

This course provides a review of the history of the Arabs from the pagan days through the twentieth century.

CVLN 170 - God and Creation: East and West

A literary attempt to understand the origins of the universe as found in texts from a variety of world cultures.

CVLN 180 - Youth and the Growing Up Process

An introduction to the themes and challenges of autonomy and independence as experienced by youth, studied through major literary works of the past centuries.

CVLN 181 - Arab Renaissance

The Arab renaissance is studied through historical and socio-political texts.

CVLN 190 - Freshman Art History

GEOL 160 - Earth Geology 3

This is an introductory course designed to provide a general overview of some aspects of the Earth’s natural environment and system. It Introducers the processes and physical systems of the earth that are important in controlling its environment. In addition, the course talks about the relationships between various earth systems and processes, and their environmental effects.

HIST 100 - History of the Ancient World 3

HIST 102 - Europe from the Reformation to the French Revolution 3

HIST 103 - Europe in the 19th and 20th Centuries 3

HIST 108 - Issues and Themes in U.S. History: 1607-1877 3

PHIL 102 - Freshman Philosophy 3

PHIL110 - Critical Thinking 3

POSC 190 - Freshman Politics 3

PSYC 190 - Freshman Psychology 3

PSYC 195 - Freshman Stress Management 3

SOCI 190 - Freshman Sociology 3

Economics (3 cr.)

BECN 190 - Introduction to Economics 3

This course is designed to help students develop a basic general understanding of economic principles, issues, history and institutions. It develops their economic literacy and teaches them how economics relates to the everyday life of individuals, businesses and society in general. Topics include markets, firms, economic systems, role of government in the economy, capitalism, macroeconomic indicators and the basics of supply and demand.

Other majors in College of Arts and Sciences

FRESHMAN SCIENCE PROGRAM

Contact Info

If you have a query about a specific major or application, please contact the relevant Administrative Assistant.

MS. NISRINE MAHMOUD

Administrative Assistant
Tel: +961 5 60 30 90 Ext. 701

E-mail: da_cas@rhu.edu.lb

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