English

This course examines music markets and the ongoing evolution of the music industry with a focus on the cultural and social influence of music, the changing perspective of music consumers, and the role of artists and producers. Students learn about varying debates and models within the music industry, the interaction of music with other media, and the intersection of traditional music forms (radio, records, and concerts) with new technologies such as on-line audio streaming. The course examines the importance and economic contribution of popular and alternative music festivals. Utilizing the city as a field site for study, this course encourages students to engage with a range of music performances and events. The course uses a dynamic mix of lectures, case study discussions, student presentations, and a field trip to a local music label.

This course illustrates the diversity and complexity of living organisms, from viruses to humans. Topics include evolution as a means of interpreting change with time; modern theories on the mechanisms of evolution; the origin of species, including humans; structure and functioning of the simplest microbial life forms; structure and life cycles of fungi; the evolution of aquatic and terrestrial plants; the diversity and adaptations of invertebrate animals; the development and adaptations of chordate groups; primate diversity and evolution; conservation and biodiversity issues in relation to South African biomes and global change. The course includes a strong practical component which further examines biodiversity and related concepts. DP requirements: Completion of at least 80% of deliverables (tests, practicals, tutorials, field trip report), including at least one class test, the practical test, and the field trip report; attendance of practicals and field trip; minimum average of 50% for practicals; minimum of 40% for the class record. Assessment: Coursework 40%. Theory test 1 (7%), theory test 2 (7%), practical test (10%), practicals (10%), field trip report (group mark, 6%). Examinations 60%. One 2-hour theory examination written in November counts 40% (subminimum of 40% applies); one 1.5-hour practical examination written in November counts 20%.

The course is an exploration of the nature of the German fairy tale as a literary genre and institution. It examines its historical origins in the late 18th century, its cultural significance for Germany, the formalistic elements and thematic features developed in the German fairy tale over time and its dissemination in literary and pop culture in the contemporary world.

This course introduces key concepts and steps of entrepreneurship. Students examine the problem-solving process of successful entrepreneurs through various entrepreneurship theories and learn strategy-making methods to solve various problems faced both in business and daily life. This course is intended for not only prospective entrepreneurs who are planning to start a business, but also prospective entrepreneurship ecosystem workers who want to be members of the entrepreneurship ecosystem. 

Topics include business models, platform business, practical finance for entrepreneurs, venture firm registration and benefits, career aptitude, best practices of corporate formation, business valuation and negotiation, attracting investment, and patent strategy and IPO. Students will collaborate on a startup idea and create a business plan, presenting a team project at the end of the course.

This course surveys basic mathematical tools for deep learning research. The course includes 1) advanced probability theory, 2) information theory, and 3) optimization theory. Topics include introductions to learning theory, review on probability theory, multidimensional Gaussian variables, Gaussian processes, optimal linear estimation, parameter estimation, bias and variance of an estimator, introduction to information theory, entropy, mutual information, KL Divergence, applications of information theory, introduction to optimization, stochastic gradient descent and its convergence, and other optimization techniques and its convergence. 

This course has two main objectives. The first is to provide introduction to some of the central themes and periods in economic history, ranging from the neolithic agricultural revolution in the Middle East to worldwide economic growth in the 20th and 21st centuries. The second is to introduce some of the main analytical debates in the field. The course provides a broad sense of the major epochs and revolutions in economic history, and demonstrates how economic theory and statistical evidence can help us to understand the real world. It also indicates some of the potential pitfalls, as well as advantages, of explaining the past through the lens of social science.

This course explores whether the chemical and biological evolutions on the Earth could be a universal phenomenon in the galaxy. From an astronomical point of view the course examines the evolution of cosmic matter up to heavy elements, which are essential ingredients for forming biological creatures.  

Topics include: modern search techniques, their limitations, and potential search technologies of the future; the formation of terrestrial planets as distinguished from Jovian; how orbits of the exo-planets are analyzed for evidence that they may be solar terrestrial planets; the evolutionary path of Earth over the last 4.6 billion years; the Goldilocks problem of atmospheric evolution; birth and growth of civilization; parameterization of human ignorance by Drake's equation; Gaia, and Ohn-Saeng Myung; interstellar communication; terraformation of Mars; heavens and hells. 

This course introduces the theories and techniques of journalism, with an emphasis on fairness and accuracy of journalistic coverage of diverse, multi-ethnic communities, the role of journalism in democratic societies, news values and ethics, and reporting and writing techniques. Using specific examples from two geographical and political arenas, students examine the influence of journalism on politics, business, and society. Topics include the role of foreign correspondents in the location of their study. Much of the coursework includes practical reporting and students develop a journalism portfolio based on weekly exercises.

Is justice the guiding ideal of human action? Or a weapon the powerful use against the weak? Does democracy work, or should we leave government to experts? What is change: is the seed the same as the tree that grows from it? Is our world made up of objects and properties, or of processes and motions? These questions, and others, were subject to intense and profound investigation in the ancient Greek world. In this course, we join in this investigation alongside thinkers like Heraclitus and Parmenides, Plato and Aristotle. We will learn to interpret their works using philosophical analysis, and understand the context of their philosophy using historical and sociological analysis.