Course Catalog

The ASU Experience

ASU 101-LA

Students will learn about ASU's mission as the New American University, the importance and benefits of an entrepreneurial approach to problem solving, solutions to sustainability challenges, and the importance of social embeddedness. Additionally, through various course discussions and assignments, students will examine the concept of academic integrity and its potential impact on their future, gain awareness of the value of engaging in research activities, and learn about taking an interdisciplinary perspective.

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Special Topics

ASU 194-LA

Covers topics of immediate or special interest to a faculty member and students.

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ProMod

ASU 340-LA

Project-based learning.

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Special Topics

ACT 194

Covers topics of immediate or special interest to a faculty member and students.

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Special Topics

ACT 294

Covers topics of immediate or special interest to a faculty member and students.

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Fundamentals of Enterprise Risk Management

ACT 302

Examines in detail the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) as a decision support system that helps organizations understand risk and assure the achievement of their goals. Provides understanding of what risk is and what an ERM process looks like for organizations, including some common challenges and pitfalls of institutionalizing an ERM culture.

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Life and Health Insurance

ACT 330

Develops an understanding of life and health insurance and the place of those products in the risk management plans of individuals and businesses. In particular, devotes attention to the role of life and health insurance in addressing the economic and social problems encountered by individuals and businesses. Furthermore, prepares the students to take the State of Arizona's Department of Insurance Life and Health Insurance exam.

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Special Topics

ACT 394

Covers topics of immediate or special interest to a faculty member and students.

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Probability for Risk Management

ACT 415

Prepares potential actuaries to master national exams. Develops knowledge of the fundamental probability tools for quantitatively assessing risk. Topics include: introduction to probability concepts including definition of probability, independence, conditional probability, random variables, specific discrete and continuous probability distributions, multivariate random variables, moments and moment generating functions, functions of random variables, sampling distributions and central limit theorem. Emphasizes the application of these tools to problems encountered in actuarial science.

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Mathematics of Financial Derivatives

ACT 430

Prepares potential actuaries to master the national exams. Develops knowledge of the theoretical basis of certain actuarial models and the application of those models to insurance and other financial risks. Topics include: option pricing, Black-Scholes formula, delta hedging, exotic options, Brownian motion, interest rate models and simulations.

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Single Life Mortality

ACT 440

Develops an understanding of the key features of long-term insurance coverages (life, health and general); annuities and retirement benefits (pensions, retiree health care, etc.). Students accumulate knowledge of the theoretical basis of actuarial models and the application of those models to long-term insurance and other financial risks. Topics include: life tables, present value determination for life insurances and annuities and premium calculations.

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Actuarial Models

ACT 450

Provides detailed understanding of the actuarial models and how to apply these models in solving business problems. Students analyze data from an application in a business context, determine a suitable model including parameter values and provide measures of confidence for decision making based on the model. Covers construction and inference for the severity, frequency and aggregate models and their modifications.

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Quantitative Risk Management

ACT 455

Quantitative risk management is a quantitative science that uses mathematics in general, and probability and statistics in particular to describe, model and manage various types of risks. Provides an introduction to a set of fundamental concepts, quantitative methods and tools for modern financial risk management. Some topics include: coherent risk measures, financial time series, multivariate distributions, linear and rank correlations, copulas and extreme value theory.

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Emerging Risks

ACT 490

Focuses on the development of students' written communication skills employed in a professional business setting by analyzing emerging issues in insurance. Emerging risks such as cyber, drones, driverless cars, climate change and pandemics aren't just trends and may affect insurers in the years to come. Understanding the impacts of such risks on business operations by performing relevant research, assessing credibility of sources, and then effectively communicating them to stakeholders helps prepare students to be successful young professionals as they transition to the workforce. Much of the course is conducted in a workshop format.

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Special Topics

ACT 494

Covers topics of immediate or special interest to a faculty member and students.

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Actuarial Models for Enterprise Risk Management

ACT 505

Actuarial modeling methods used in enterprise risk management. These methods are useful for the quantification of many types of risks faced by businesses and other organizations. Furthermore, these methods look at the correlation between risks that can create unexpectedly large exposures. Students build risk models for an actual enterprise.

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Probability for Risk Management

ACT 515

Develops knowledge of the fundamental probability tools for quantitatively assessing risk. Topics include: introduction to probability concepts including definition of probability, independence, conditional probability, random variables, specific discrete and continuous probability distributions, multivariate random variables, moments and moment generating functions, functions of random variables, sampling distributions and central limit theorem. Emphasizes the application of these tools to problems encountered in actuarial science.

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Mathematics of Financial Derivatives

ACT 530

Develops knowledge of the theoretical basis of certain actuarial models and the application of those models to insurance and other financial risks. Topics include: option pricing, Black-Scholes formula, delta hedging, exotic options, Brownian motion, interest rate models and simulations.

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Single Life Mortality

ACT 540

Develops an understanding of the key features of long-term insurance coverages (life, health and general); annuities and retirement benefits (pensions, retiree health care). Students accumulate knowledge of the theoretical basis of actuarial models and the application of those models to long-term insurance and other financial risks. Topics include: life tables, present value determination for life insurances and annuities and premium calculations.

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Actuarial Models

ACT 550

Provides detailed understanding of the actuarial models and how to apply these models in solving business problems. Students analyze data from an application in a business context, determine a suitable model including parameter values and provide measures of confidence for decision making based on the model. Covers construction and inference for the severity, frequency and aggregate models and their modifications.

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Quantitative Risk Management

ACT 555

Quantitative risk management is a quantitative science that uses mathematics in general, and probability and statistics in particular to describe, model and manage various types of risks. Provides an introduction to a set of fundamental concepts, quantitative methods and tools for modern financial risk management. Some topics include: coherent risk measures, financial time series, multivariate distributions, linear and rank correlations, copulas and extreme value theory.

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Machine Learning and Risk Management Applications

ACT 561

Exposes students to a wide variety of machine learning techniques applicable to data types and problems that are routinely found within the insurance industry. Application of machine learning is rapidly growing in insurance industry; this course creates a long-term knowledge base for students to remain empowered, and in time, master and use more sophisticated emerging techniques. Chapters covered include neural networks, spatial models, generalized additive models, discriminant analysis, mixture model-based approaches, and others.

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Essentials of Stochastic Finance

ACT 570

Primarily emphasizes the practical application of financial derivatives and financial engineering techniques in the context of financial risk management. The first part of the course concentrates on the fundamental concepts of financial derivatives including forwards, futures and options, with a strong focus on pricing strategies. The second part explores the utilization of these derivative instruments within financial institutions to effectively manage various forms of risk. Encompass a comprehensive exploration of topics such as derivatives markets, pricing methods for futures and forwards, the Binomial model for option pricing, introduction to stochastic calculus, Brownian motion, Ito's lemma, the Black-Scholes model, option Greeks, as well as the intricacies of managing market, credit and liquidity risk. May consider case studies to illustrate practical application of financial derivatives to solve complex risk management problems.

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Portfolio Theory and Risk Management

ACT 575

Provides an overview of measurement and management of risk and enables students to master the methods and concepts of portfolio theory. Those models and concepts include risk aversion, utility functions as a representation of preferences, efficient frontiers, Markowitz Portfolio theory, the Capital Asset Pricing model, security market line, value at risk and expected shortfall, as well as concepts of coherent risk measures.

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Advanced Mortality Modeling and Management of Longevity Risk

ACT 585

Exposes students to a wide variety of advanced models for forecasting human mortality. Explains the relevant repositories of mortality data in the context of application of most-used advanced mortality forecasting models. Presents both discrete time as well as continuous time stochastic mortality models. Students also learn about approaches for managing longevity risk via natural hedging, reinsurance and mortality-linked derivatives as well as pricing of basic insurance products in the context of advanced mortality models.

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Research

ACT 592

Independent study in which a student, under the supervision of a faculty member, conducts research that is expected to lead to a specific project such as a thesis or dissertation, report or publication. Assignments might include data collection, experimental work, data analysis or preparation of a manuscript.

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Special Topics

ACT 598

Topical courses not offered in regular course rotation (e.g., new courses not in the catalog, courses by visiting faculty, courses on timely topics and highly specialized courses responding to unique student demand).

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Leadership Laboratory

AES 102

Dynamic and integrated grouping of leadership developmental activities designed to meet the needs and expectations of prospective Air Force second lieutenants and complement the AFROTC academic program. Emphasizes common Air Force customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, health and physical fitness through group participation.

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Leadership Laboratory

AES 104

Dynamic and integrated grouping of leadership developmental activities designed to meet the needs and expectations of prospective Air Force second lieutenants and complement the AFROTC academic program. Emphasizes learning the environments and dynamics of an Air Force officer.

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Leadership Laboratory

AES 202

Dynamic and integrated grouping of leadership developmental activities designed to meet the needs and expectations of prospective Air Force second lieutenants and complement the AFROTC academic program. Provides application of advanced drill and ceremonies; issuing commands; knowing flag etiquette; and developing, directing, and evaluating skills to lead others.

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Leadership Lab

AES 204

Dynamic and integrated grouping of leadership developmental activities designed to meet the needs and expectations of prospective Air Force second lieutenants and complement the AFROTC academic program. Emphasizes preparation for field training.

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Leading People and Effective Communication I

AES 301

Survey course studies leadership, management fundamentals, professional knowledge and communication skills required of an Air Force junior officer. Uses lecture, text, case studies and class discussion to examine all aspects of leadership including counseling, mentoring, empowering, problem solving, accountability and authority. Students and cadets develop upon basic written and oral communications skills primarily through written assignments and oral presentations.

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Leading People and Effective Communication II

AES 303

Survey course studies leadership, management fundamentals, professional knowledge and communication skills required of an Air Force junior officer. Uses lecture, text, case studies and class discussion to examine all aspects of leadership including counseling, mentoring, empowering, problem solving, accountability and authority. Students and cadets develop upon basic written and oral communications skills primarily through written assignments and oral presentations.

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National Security, Leadership Responsibilities and Commissioning Preparation I

AES 401

Addresses the basic elements of national security policy and process. Cadets and students comprehend the air and space power operations as well as understand selected roles of the military in society and current domestic and international issues affecting the military profession. Students and cadets develop upon basic written and oral communications skills primarily through written assignments and oral presentations.

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National Security, Leadership Responsibilities and Commissioning Preparation II

AES 403

Addresses the basic elements of national security policy and process. Cadets and students comprehend the air and space power operations as well as understand selected roles of the military in society and current domestic and international issues affecting the military profession. Students and cadets develop upon basic written and oral communications skills primarily through written assignments and oral presentations.

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Special Topics

AFR 194

Covers topics of immediate or special interest to a faculty member and students.

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Immigration and Ethnic Relations in the U.S.

AFR 202

The ethnic and social consequences of international migration with a focus on the United States. Examines the impact of immigration on both American society and immigrant ethnic minorities over time.

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Introduction to Ethnic Studies in the U.S.

AFR 212

Covers diversity of experiences and relations among racial and ethnic groups in the United States.

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Black Movements in America

AFR 225

Survey course on the historical and political development of mass movements by African Americans and Black resistance in the United States. Traces nearly 400 years of Black resistance against injustices and mass struggles for equality and liberation. Topics include the anti-slavery movement, anti-lynching campaign, the Civil Rights movement, the Black Power movement, prison abolitionism, the reproductive justice movement, and movements for economic justice.

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Precolonial Africa

AFR 300

In-depth course study of contemporary Africa, providing thorough examination of the continent's pre-colonial history, particularly before 1900. The course will study the continent and its people, the way the history of the continent has been interpreted by non-Africans, how the continent's anatomy has affected historical development, and the methodology and interdisciplinary scholarship in the study of Africa

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History of Black Women in America

AFR 302

Advanced examination of the challenges that black women have faced historically in America and how they have responded to those challenges socially, politically, economically and culturally.

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The Global History of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade

AFR 305

Reading- and writing-intensive course that employs critical thought to look at the origins, development, abolition, and impact of Atlantic slave trade as a global economic enterprise and great human tragedy; slavery experience.

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African and African Diaspora Women Writers

AFR 318

Intersection of race, class, gender, and ethnicity in black women's fiction from the United States, the Caribbean, and Africa.

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Music as Political Discourse: Reggae, Calypso, and Hip Hop

AFR 325

This is a reading and writing intensive course that employs critical thought that explores African Diaspora popular music as a medium of social and political expression. It examines the political content of Reggae, Calypso and Hip Hop and their role in triggering and influencing popular discourse in the Caribbean and the USA. Course material will analyze the interrelationships among the musical forms and their role in fostering Black and Pan African Cultural Identity, Political Consciousness and World Peace.

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Historical Studies in Race, Crime, and the Law

AFR 335

Studies the historical relationship between the criminal justice system in the United States and a segment of society that has traditionally faced official and unofficial discrimination: American racial minorities. Focuses on the experiences of Mexican Americans and Africans Americans with the criminal justice system.

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The Making of Modern Africa

AFR 340

Advanced study of the events and processes leading up to the colonization of Africa and the subsequent changes in African societies under colonial rule and independence.

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Inequality and Diversity in Education

AFR 350

Advanced exploration of various dimensions of diversity in relation to educational systems and outcomes. Through sociological and psychological research, case studies and films, students examine how educational inequality is created and reproduced through individual actions and institutional constraints. Also considers the connection between schooling and human rights and ways in which educational inequality may be addressed.

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Borders, Prisons and Suburbs

AFR 352

Explores how the relationship between race and space has been important to the development of broad patterns of social inequality in the United States. Through a variety of readings, films and other material, examines how ideas of race and space have been important to the making and maintenance of national boundaries, citizenship, regional histories and spatial typologies such as border, ghetto, suburb and prison.

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African American Literature: Harlem Renaissance to the Present

AFR 354

Examines the literary productions of African Americans from the Harlem Renaissance (about 1920) to the present focusing on fiction, poetry, drama, and essays.

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The Yoruba and the Atlantic World

AFR 358

The Yoruba in the African diaspora is how Africans, separated from their home country and scattered in a new land, managed to retain their traditions and reform their identities. The slave trade led to the spreading of African culture, religion, dance, art and music from one hemisphere to another and contributed to the cultural diversity of the New World. Allows students to trace the experiences of one African cultural group throughout the cycle of the slave experience in the Americas. Utilizes different sources or approaches (e.g., anthropology, archaeology, written document, oral tradition) to provide an understanding of how the Yoruba were integrated into the Atlantic world, the transformations of Yoruba identities and culture, and the strategies for resistance employed by the Yoruba in the New World.

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