Ghana

This course provides a general survey of the life and works of a major author of Francophone literature. At least two works produced by the author are studied in detail, using tools such as the actantial model, analytical grid of characters, narrative structure, narrative perspective, themes, style, setting, and temporality.

This course presents the essential elements of research methods in social science with an emphasis on sociological research. Topics include the conceptual framework of research, the research problem, sampling, methods and processes of research, research tools, data analysis, and report writing. Students learn to formulate and carry out a research project of their own. Texts: T.B.K. Kumekpor, RESEARCH METHODS AND TECHNIQUES IN SOCIAL INVESTIGATIONS; P.A. Twumasi, SOCIAL RESEARCH IN RURAL COMMUNITIES; E.C. Osuala, INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS; J.Y. Opoku, A SHORT GUIDE TO RESEARCH WRITING IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES AND EDUCATION; and Legon Journal of Sociology, vol. 1 and 2.

This course provides the knowledge and application of statistical methods in social research. Topics include populations and samples; frequency tables and graphs; measures of central tendency (mode, median, mean); distributions (variability, sampling means); inference (the normal curve, t distribution, chi-square distribution); standard error of estimates; hypothesis testing and interval estimation; the t's distribution and unbiased estimates; confidence interval using the t distribution; the chi-square test for fit and independence; the regression model; calculating the slope and Y intercept; estimating the regression line; using the regression equation for prediction; correlation as a descriptive technique and as inferential statistics.

This course introduces molecular genetic principles, starting with basic properties of genes and genomes and extending to the complex, hierarchical interactions, fundamental to living organisms. It examines the ways molecular genetics is applied to the analysis of complex systems, including advances that reveal basic features of gene regulation during cell growth and differentiation, and in response to a changing environment, as well as developments that are more related to commercial and medical applications. The course focuses on genetic foundations, chromatin and chromosomes, genomics, genome maintenance, and gene regulation and analysis. Topics include Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance; transformation, transduction, and conjugation; recombination and complementation; mutational analysis; genetic mapping and linkage; karyotypes; translocations, inversions, deletions, and duplications; aneuploidy and polyploidy structure; genome structure; physical mapping; repeated DNA and gene families; gene identification; transposable elements; DNA replication, damage, repair, modification, recombination, and gene conversion; cis-acting regulatory elements; trans-acting regulatory factors; gene rearrangements and amplifications; genetic manipulation of bacteria (transposons and plasmids); and the human genome project.

The course introduces the spatial patterns and dynamics in the distribution, composition, and change of population, and its relationship with variations in the nature of places. It explores demographic patterns, regularities, and order in space, and seeks to explain these patterns. The course covers basic concepts, measures, theories, and demographic perspectives of population change. It also examines global trends in population growth and the factors explaining the timing and pace of these trends, as well as major theories explaining population change.

Climatic change is one of the most important challenges of the 21st century, and the arid and semi-arid lands are some of the most vulnerable regions to the impacts of the climatic change. Using examples from the arid and semi- arid lands, this course examines physical phenomena observed in the Earth's climate providing sufficient scientific and technical background to enable students to critically examine arguments being discussed by policy makers and the public at large.

This course presents the concept of social deviance, focusing on the theories used to explain the predisposition of individuals to deviate from social norms. It considers the interactive effects of sociological, biological, and psychological factors on the predisposition of the individual to deviate.