Mathematics Program -Rafik Hariri University

Mathematics Program

Total Credits

Mission

The mathematics degree is aimed at broadening foundation in the main branches of the subject to subsequently enhance knowledge of mathematics at advanced level. This can be achieved through reasoning and manipulation using many examples. It is also constructed to strengthen the ability to think logically and critically, and to express ideas clearly. It fosters the development of confidence, knowledge and skills in mathematics, and an appreciation of the beauty of mathematical ideas and the power of their applications. Eventually, graduates will be well armed academically to meet the needs of educational and industrial institutions in the region.

Career Opportunities

Mathematics major opens up various opportunities and prepares students for careers in teaching, banking and finance, computing and statistical works. It also prepares students to pursue graduate studies in mathematics, applied mathematics, or other related fields.

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Courses

University Requirements

ICT Competency (3 cr.)

COSC 214 - Introduction to Programming 3

This course presents the fundamentals of structured programming concepts. It covers primitive data types, expressions, control statements, functions, arrays, basic searching, and sorting algorithms. PrerequisiteNone. Equivalent to CCEE 214.

Community Forethought (3 cr.)

MATH 205 - Mathematics for the Environment 3

A truly interdisciplinary, concrete study of mathematics, this classroom-tested text discusses the importance of certain mathematical principles and concepts, such as fuzzy logic, feedback, deductive systems, fractions, and logarithms, in various areas other than pure mathematics. It teaches students how to make informed choices using fundamental mathematical tools, encouraging them to find solutions to critical real-world problems.

Communication Competency (6 cr.)

ENGL 210 - English Composition and Rhetoric 3

This course reinforces effective critical reading and writing skills with emphasis on writing documented essays for academic purposes in a varying range of rhetorical modes. More specifically, the student will apply the fundamental principles of English spelling, word usage, grammar, punctuation and style necessary for written communication; write academic essays; proofread and edit a variety of texts; analyze general texts for coherence, style and accuracy in writing; read critically from a variety of discourse modes; summarize, paraphrase and quote sources properly; and cite sources according to APA form. Prerequisite: None. Every semester.

ENGL 217 - Professional English Writing 3

This course is designed to enhance students’ professional writing skills. It is tailored to students pursuing careers in the professions and includes advanced business writing and editing, correspondence, critical review, writing professional reports and proposals, and making oral presentations. Prerequisite: ENGL 210. Every Semester.

Humanities/Fine Arts (6 cr.)

ENGL 203 - Introduction to English Drama 3

This course is a study of selected and representative plays of different periods. Added to broadening the student’s understanding and appreciation of literature, The chief aim of the course is to develop the student’s critical thinking and analysis and to encourage original responses to literary expression in well-developed oral and written criticism. Co-requisite: English 210.

ENGL 213 - Creative Writing 3

This course introduces students to the process and practice of imaginative writing. Students will read works of fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry, and will learn techniques for writing in those genres.

ENGL 214 - Introduction to English Poetry 3

This course introduces freshman students to poets whose poetry is of intrinsic literary merit. In addition to broadening the students’ understanding and appreciation of literature, the chief aim of the course is to develop the student’s critical thinking and analysis and to encourage original responses to literary expression in well-developed oral and written criticism. Co-requisite: English 210.

ENGL 215 - Introduction to American Literature 3

This is a course which explores the works of major literary figures and authors representing different literary schools from the sixteenth century to modern times. Students will closely examine selected texts as literary achievements and set them within the historical context and framework of American culture. Co-requisite: English 210.

ENGL 220 - Introduction to Literature 3

This course is an introduction to literature through works of fiction, poetry, and drama. It introduces students to the pleasures of reading literature and to interpretative approaches to literature. It aims to provide students with competence in critical thinking and practice in close reading and analysis, knowledge of the formal characteristics of each genre, and appreciation of literary excellence. Readings include a variety of short stories, poems and plays selected from a wide range of British, American and World literature. Co-requisite: English 210.

ENGL 230 - Shakespeare’s Plays 3

In this course, students study representative comedies, histories, and tragedies by Shakespeare. The plays are read intensively and understood in the context of the theatrical conventions of the period and the culture of play going in early modern England, as well as the social, cultural, religious, and intellectual history of the period. Co-requisite: English 210.

FADR 215 - History of Art 3

This course explores the major forms of artistic expression from the ancient world to the present from a variety of cultural perspectives. Students learn how to look at and analyze works of art within their historical context, and how to articulate what they see or experience in a meaningful way. This course covers Pre- Renaissance, Renaissance, Post Renaissance and the rich layers of 19th and 20th Century Modern Art up until the manifestations of our present day.

HIST 210 - History of England 3

This broad survey course provides a narrative of British history from 1066 through the present, including political, social and cultural developments. Prerequisite: ENGL 210.

HIST 350 - History of the Arabs in the Classical Period 3

This is an elective course whose major objectives are to familiarize students with the Arab peoples’ history. The course’s emphasis will be to explain: The early Arab conquests of Bilad al-Sham, Egypt, Persia, North Africa, the internal civil strife inside the early Muslim community, the emergence and development of the Umayyad caliphate, and the emergence and development of the Abbasid Empire. Co-requisite: ENGL 210.

HIST 360 - Contemporary History 3

This is an elective course whose major objectives are to familiarize students with contemporary issues in order to enhance their level from historical and cultural points of view. Co-requisite: ENGL 210.

HIST 365 - History of Europe in the Middle East 3

This course examines the ties between Europe and the Middle East in the 19th and 20th centuries, focusing on the reaction of Middle Eastern societies to European intervention and influence. Co-requisite: ENGL 210.

HIST 370 - The Economic and Social History of the Middle East 3

This is an elective course whose main objective is to familiarize students with various events that shaped the evolution of social and economic developments of the Middle East to enhance their level from the historical and economical dimensions. Co-requisite: ENGL 210.

PHIL 301 - Major Trends in Philosophy 3

This is a study of some major topics in philosophy. The course emphasizes theory of knowledge, theory of mind, determinism and free will, and morality and ethical values. Along with some assigned readings, students will watch movies, the analysis of which will help them comprehend the content of the course better. Co-requisite: ENGL 210.

PHIL 302 - Introduction to Formal Logic 3

This course is a standard introduction to the formal techniques of argument analysis. Formal logic was invented to mirror and evaluate mathematical reasoning; however, this course will concentrate on the relationship between formal logic and everyday reasoning and consequently language usage in general. Co-requisite: ENGL 210.

PHIL 303 - Introduction to Ethics 3

People often wonder about what makes good ways to live and right ways to act. They also speculate about what is the best way of life, what action is right, and what sort of authority moral claims have over us. The course introduces students to the major moral theories and thinkers that address these types of questions. Co-requisite: ENGL 210.

PHIL 307 - Business Ethics 3

This course is an introduction to contemporary philosophical thinking on ethical issues in business. Students will be exposed to important ethical issues they might face; asked to give sound ethical judgment to problems they might face in their line of work; helped become armed with a set of codes that will prepare them to confront and resolve ethical dilemmas they might encounter at work; and enabled to apply the techniques for analyzing and resolving ethical problems when they arise Co-requisite: ENGL 210.

PHIL 310 - Philosophers of Peace 3

This course introduces students to peace building and conflict prevention through the examination of the main theories on peace and security. It examines ideas of Thucydides, Aristotle, Erasmus Grotius, Kant, Gandhi and other thinkers for whole peace was a high value. It develops students’ critical skills and understanding necessary to translate their academic learning to specific practical situations, such those posed by peace building either with the UN, governments, or NGOs. It helps to understand the complex and interconnected challenges to peace and provides knowledge to meet these challenges. Co-requisite: ENGL 210.

Social Sciences/Culture (6 cr.)

CMNS 301 - Mass Media Essentials 3

This course aims to familiarize students with the concepts and vocabulary used in various fields of communication, understanding the development of mass communication in political, economic, social, and cultural contexts. The course addresses media’s influence on society and societal influence in shaping the news process, advertising, and public relations. Students are introduced to media-related research methods. Co-requisite: English 210.

CMNS 310 - Persuasion 3

Through reading, writing and speech, students will become familiar with the persuasive strategy described in Aristotle’s Rhetoric, and consider how that strategy can be employed in professional and personal situations in writing, public speaking and negotiation. Co-requisite: English 210.

CMNS 320 - Creative Nonfiction 3

In this course students will learn rhetorical modes in short essays and journalism, including memoir, reportage and reflective essays. Students will practice a writing style that focuses on conciseness and clarity, effective oral presentations, and the reading of articles, essays and other materials of increasing complexity. Co-requisite: English 210.

CMNS 330 - Arab and International Media 3

This course offers students a comparative study of international media, with particular focus on the media in Arab countries, including mass media and social media. Co-requisite: English 210.

CMNS 340 - Media and Public Relations Writing 3

This introductory-level course is designed to develop and strengthen general writing skills, and to help students learn the formats and conventions of media and public relations writing, including newspapers, magazines, web and interactive media, advertising copy, press releases, talking points, media alerts, public service announcements, newsletters and social media. It also addresses ethical issues related to writing in these fields. Co-requisite: ENGL 210.

CMNS 350 - Mass and Digital Communication Ethics 3

This course addresses the ethical problems that arise in the fields of journalism, public relations and advertising, particularly in today’s digital media environment. Prerequisite: CMNS 301.

CMNS 401 - Peace Communication: Media and Conflict Resolution 3

This course integrates methods, perspectives and concepts of Peace Studies, Culture Communication and Peace Journalism to explain contemporary debates in the global public sphere. It considers how cultural stereotypes about ideology, religion and culture frame Arabs and Americans in the mass media. RHU students will engage with students from collaborating universities in the United States in online, asynchronous conversation and participate in shared projects that explore the role of the media in influencing Arab and American relations. Co-requisite: ENGL 210.

CMNS 410 - Public Speaking 3

This course is designed to provide both a practical introduction to the fundamental principles of public speaking and a forum for practicing public speaking skills. Through a variety of instructional strategies (discussion, class workshops, readings, lectures, and presentations), students will learn the processes by which effective speeches are conceived, prepared and delivered. Through practice, students’ confidence in their public speaking ability will increase; principles of effective public speaking will be internalized; existing speaking skills will be reinforced and areas for improvement identified; and effective aspects of speech preparation and delivery in a variety of speech contexts demonstrated. Co-requisite: English 210.

CVLN 303 - Civilization Studies III 3

This course surveys some of the key figures, movements, and texts in cultural studies, from 19th century up to the present time. Concentration will be on the historical, political, religious, cultural, and institutional aspects during this period. Students will read, analyze, and interpret certain primary works in order to gain insight into the contexts in which they originated. Co-requisite: English 210.

EDUC 211 - Fundamentals of Special Education 3

This course provides an introduction to Special Education, particularly addressing current practices. Students are introduced to common learning disabilities and intervention programs, as well as an historical overview of the development of the field of Special Education.

EDUC 360 - Children’s Literature 3

This course draws on the theoretical and practical aspects of the study of literature for children. Students develop both wide familiarity with children's books, and understanding of how children's literature fits into the elementary school curriculum.

EDUC 365 - Art Education 3

This course explores concepts of art, music, drama, and movement for young children. The various methods are used to cover various activities associated with the development of children's physical-motor, social-emotional, and cognitive skills, with providing conditions to develop creativity and aesthetic awareness.

EDUC 415 - Factors in Student Motivation 3

This course will examine motivational factors which influence children’s learning. Topics include attribution theory, teacher influences (expectancy effects), learning structures (competitive vs. cooperative learning), family influences (the socialization of achievement), cultural influences (how cultural background impacts on college performance), and individual differences (intrinsic motivation and sex differences in learning).

ENGL 207 - Introduction to Language 3

This survey course examines current areas in theoretical and applied linguistics including the different levels of structure, the nature of language acquisition, language variation and evolution, and language teaching.

ENGL 300 - Introduction to World Literature 3

The course surveys selected works in English or in translation from non-Anglo American cultural traditions. Texts can be drawn from African, Asian, European, Latin American and Middle Eastern literatures with a focus on their historical and cultural contexts. Prerequisite: ENGL 210.

ENGL 330 - Language Acquisition 3

This course will survey language acquisition theories. It will deal with human language processing, learners’ motivational factors and contextual factors which influence language learning. It will uncover the principles of language acquisition.

PSYC 301 - Introduction to Psychology 3

This course is an introduction to the theories, concepts, and viewpoints that comprise the discipline of psychology. The course is directed toward the understanding of human behavior by dealing with such topics as history of psychology, learning, personality, behavior, motivation, perception, and social psychology, mental health as well as other areas. Co-requisite: ENGL 210.

PSYC 302 - Social Psychology 3

This course is a study of the dynamics and effects of social influences on individual human behavior. In this course, students will explore such topics as attitude changes, social beliefs, roles, conformity to group processes, and prejudices with special attention given to the Middle Eastern perspective. Co-requisite: ENGL 210.

PSYC 303 - Psychology of Personality 3

This course presents the theories of personality including psychoanalytic, behaviorist, humanist, and others, while considering different factors that shape personality and behavior. The study includes methods of assessing personality. Co-requisite: ENGL 210.

PSYC 306 - Psychology of Women 3

This course examines the biological, sociological and cultural influences on the psychology of women. It includes such topics as gender stereotypes, the development of gender roles, gender comparisons, women and work, love relations, women’s physical and mental health, violence against women, and women in later adulthood. Co-requisite: ENGL 210.

PSYC 310 - Positive Psychology 3

This course examines the scientific research on happiness and its practical application in three main areas: positive emotions, positive individual traits and positive institutions. This course also presents practical ways to promote and maintain a sense of well-being and happiness in all aspects of one’s life. Co-requisite: ENGL 210.

PSYC 312 - Children and War 3

This course is intended to help students be aware about the consequences of war and conflicts on the mental health and well-being of children. The course will examine a variety of effects, emphasizing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological conditions that result from war. The course will empower the students with the techniques of working with children affected by war. Prerequisite: None; Co-requisite: ENGL 210.

PSYC 400 - Conflict Transformation 3

This course explores practical theories for understanding congregational conflict, as well as various perspectives on conflict transformation. Students will engage in reflection on their own styles of dealing with conflict and learn new ways of responding. They will explore practices of dialogue and mediation for addressing conflict interpersonal, small group and congregational settings with the goal of developing an approach to addressing inevitable situations of difference, change and conflict in a variety of situations. Co-requisite: ENGL 210.

PSYC 410 - Abnormal Psychology 3

An introduction to the theories of abnormal behaviors, including addiction and substance abuse, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, phobias, schizophrenia and sexual disorders. Students will consider theoretical implications of and treatments for a range of abnormal behavior.

SOCI 210 - Research Methods in the Social Sciences 3

This course is designed for students majoring in psychology, sociology, communications and other social sciences fields. It introduces them to advanced research design and methodology, including statistical analysis. Prerequisite: MATH 220.

SOCI 301 - Introduction to Sociology 3

This course explores a variety of sociological theories and approaches to understanding society. The student will learn about human social life, groups, and societies and will be helped to detect the social influences that shape our lives. The approach used in this course is self-exploratory process that develops individual and social awareness. A secondary objective is discussing methods common to sociology, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, and feminism. Co-requisite: ENGL 210.

SOCI 304 - Introduction to Educational Sociology 3

This course introduces the study of sociological concepts as they apply to the institution of education. Students will examine issues of race, class, status, poverty and bureaucracy in the educational setting. They will also examine current perspectives and research about the social aspects of the learning process.

SOCI 310 - Intercultural Communication 3

This course deals with cultural issues like cultural awareness, enculturation, acculturation and cultural shocks. In this course, students are provided with hands-on activities that promote cultural awareness and equip students with skills for dealing with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. An important part of this course is students’ group research and presentation that reflect all the cultural aspects and some minute details of the culture that they choose to work on. Co-requisite: ENGL 210.

SOCI 313 - Interpersonal Communication 3

Students in this course examine communication theory and case studies in order to gain insight into the factors that affect human communications. It aims to improve students’ communication skills and effectiveness, and give them skills that will enhance the quality of their relationships. The course also offers strategies for managing interpersonal conflicts. Co-requisite: ENGL 210.

SOCI 340 - Arab Culture and Society 3

This course examines contemporary Arab society, considering its social structures and groups, cultural patterns, and other aspects of the society. Students consider current issues related to Arab culture and society. Prerequisite: SOCI 301.

SOCI 410 - Culture and Identity 3

This course analyzes the role of culture in an individual’s sense of identity, with an emphasis on how it manifests in the Middle East. Prerequisite: SOCI 301.

SOCI 420 - Social Inequalities 3

The course addresses issues such as class, status, and gender inequalities, examining how they affect individuals and society. Prerequisite: SOCI 301.

SOCI 302 - Political Sociology 3

This course tackles the social issues pertaining to the historical and contemporary evolution of various political ideologies. It aims at developing students’ understanding of the social bases of politics and political ideologies along with the recent changes in the socio-political world. Different economic and political philosophies are considered and their effects on the fate of nations and their citizens detected. Co-requisite: ENGL 210.

Quantitative reasoning (3 cr.)

MATH 351 - Probability and Statistics 3

Probability and conditional probability, random variable and distribution, continuous and marginal distributions, expectation, variance- moments-mean-median-covariance and correlation, conditional expectation, the sample mean, special distribution, Bernoulli and binomial distributions, Poisson and Gamma distribution. Prerequisite: MATH 211. Annually.

Science / Technology (3 cr.)

PHYS 211 - Electricity and Magnetism 3

This course covers fundamental topics in Electricity and Magnetism: Electric forces and Electric Fields for discrete and continuous charge distribution, Gauss’s Law, Electric Potential, Capacitance and Dielectrics, Kirchhoff’s rules, Magnetic Fields and Forces, Biot-Savart Law, Ampere’s Law, Magnetic Flux, Gauss’s Law in Magnetism, Faraday’s and Lenz’s Laws. Prerequisite: None.

Program Requirements

Major requirements (55 cr.)

MATH 211 - Calculus III 4

Volumes using cross sections-disc and washer methods, Arc length, Hyperbolic functions, Improper integrals, Infinite sequences and series, Parametric equations and polar coordinates, Partial derivatives, Multiple integrals in rectangular-cylindrical-spherical coordinates, Vector fields.

MATH 311 - Linear Algebra and Applications 3

Linear equations in linear algebra, matrix algebra, determinants, vector spaces, linear transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, orthogonality and least squares, symmetric matrices and quadratic forms. Prerequisite: None.

MATH 314 - Ordinary Differential Equations 3

First order linear differential equations, linear differential equations of second and higher order, differential equations with power series solutions, Legendre’s and Bessel’s equations, systems of differential equations, Laplace transforms and their inverses, partial differential equations using separation of variables, heat equations: solutions by Fourier series. Prerequisite: MATH 211.

MATH 421 - Numerical Analysis 3

Error Analysis, solutions of nonlinear equations using fixed point- Newton-Raphson-Muller’s methods, solution of linear system using Gaussian elimination-iterative methods, interpolation and approximation using Taylor series-Lagrange approximation-Newton polynomials, numerical differentiation and integration, numerical optimization, solutions of ordinary and partial differential equations using Euler’s and Heun’s and Rung-Kutta methods. Prerequisite: MATH 314. Annually.

MATH 317 - Partial Differential Equations 3

Ordinary differential equations arising from partial differential equations by means of separation of variables, method of characteristics for first order PDEs, boundary value problems for ODEs, partial differential equation and Fourier analysis and applications, comparative study of heat equation, wave equation and Laplace’s equation by separation of variables and numerical methods, further topics in numerical solution of ODEs. Prerequisite: MATH 314.

MATH 210 - Discrete Mathematics 3

Logic, propositional equivalences, predicates and quantities, methods of proof, sets, set operations, functions, proof strategy, mathematical induction, recursive definitions and structural induction, the basics of counting, permutations and combinations, relations and their properties, representing relations, equivalence relations, introduction to graphs, graph terminology, introduction to trees. Prerequisite: MATH 211.

MATH 215 - Advanced Calculus 3

Topics in calculus with emphasis on proof, The (ɛ,ɗ) definition of limit , differentiation rules, the chain rule, Rolle’s theorem, Mean value theorem, Fundamental theorem of calculus, sequence convergence using the (ɛ,L) definition, convergence theorem for power series, The (ɛ,ɗ) definition of limit for a function of two variables, chain rule for a function of two variables, conservative and gradient fields, Green’s theorem, and Stoke’s theorem. Prerequisite: MATH 211.

MATH 316 - Introduction to Analysis 3

Ordered, finite countable and uncountable sets, sequences, subsequences, Cauchy sequences, upper and lower limits, series, limits of sequences of functions, continuity and compactness, connectedness, infinite limits, and limits at infinity, differentiation of vector-valued functions, series of functions, uniform convergence and continuity, functions of several variables, the inverse function and the implicit function theorems, the rank theorem. Prerequisite: MATH 215.

MATH 312 - Abstract Algebra 3

Introduction to groups, subgroups, cyclic groups, permutation groups, isomorphisms, cosets and Lagrange’s theorem, external direct products, normal subgroups and factor groups. Prerequisite: MATH 311.

MATH 318 - Vector Calculus 3

Theory of vector-valued functions, divergence, gradient, curl, vector fields, path integrals, surface integrals, constrained extrema and Lagrange multipliers. Implicit function theorem. Green’s and Stokes’ theorems, introduction to differential geometry. Prerequisites: MATH 215 and MATH 311.

MATH 320 - Advanced Modern Algebra 3

Groups and their structure, quotient groups and homomorphism, symmetric-alternating-dihedral groups, free groups, Krull-Shmidt theorem, rings and their structure, rings of quotients, rings of polynomials, modules, free modules, tensor products, fields and their structure, finite fields, separability, cyclic extensions. Prerequisite: MATH 312.

MATH 412 - General Topology 3

Topological spaces, neighborhoods, bases and subspaces, continuous functions, product spaces, quotient spaces, nets and filters, normal spaces, compact and locally compact spaces, connectedness, and metric spaces. Prerequisite: MATH 316.

MATH 416 - Number Theory 3

Theory of congruencies, Fermat’s factorization method, quadratic reciprocity, finite fields, quadric forms, Diophantine equations, number theoretic functions. Prerequisite: MATH 316.

MATH 425 - Introduction to Complex Variables 3

Complex numbers and geometric representation, analytic, functions, real line integrals, complex integration, power series, residues, poles, conformal mappings. Prerequisite: MATH 215.

MATH 430 - Dynamical Systems 3

One-dimensional dynamics, Sarkovskii’s theory, routes to chaos, symbolic dynamics, higher-dimensional dynamics, attractors, bifurcations, quadratic maps, Julia and Mandelbrot sets. Prerequisites: MATH 316 and PHYS 211.

MATH 432 - Measure Theory 3

Measures, outer measures, Lebesgue measure, completeness and regularity, measurable real-valued functions, Reiman Integral, measurable complex –valued functions, image measures, normed spaces, L(p) and L(p) spaces, dual spaces, product measures, Fubini’s Theorem. Prerequisites: MATH 412 and Math 425.

MATH 440 - Theory of Matrices 3

Congruence (Hermitian), Similarity, orthogonality, matrices with polynomial elements and minimal polynomials, Cayley-Hamilton Theorem, bilinear and quadric forms, eigenvalues. Prerequisite: MATH 311.

PHYS 410 - Quantum Mechanics I 3

Quantum Mechanics I

Technical Electives (3 cr.)

MATH 442 - Introduction to Graph Theory 3

Combinatorics through graph theory .Topics include connectedness, factorization, Hamiltonian graphs, network flows, Ramsey numbers, graph coloring, automorphisms of graphs and Polya’s Enumeration Theorem. Prerequisites: MATH 316 and Math 210.

MATH 445 - Fourier Series 3

Fourier transforms and discrete Fourier transforms. The calculus of Fourier transforms. Operator algebraic formalism. Hartley transforms. Tempered distributions. Signal processing, probability and differential equations. Prerequisite: Math 314.

MATH 450 - Game Theory 3

Game theory is the theory of mathematical modeling of strategic agents’ interactions such as modeling of nations’ conflicts and political campaigns. Topics of this course include mixed –strategy Nash equilibria, extensive-form games, coalitional games, and Bayesian games. Prerequisites: Math 212 and Math 351.

Other majors in College of Arts and Sciences

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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