Distance Education/Online
Check back on December 15th for Summer 2010 courses.
Courses in: | College of Fine Arts | Metropolitan College | School of Education |
Note: Distance Education/Online Courses may not be taken for credit by Boston University students toward any CAS, CGS, GRS, or SMG degree. MET IS courses are not open to students enrolled in the Metropolitan College Online Undergraduate Degree Completion Program.
Arts Criticism: From the Old Media to the New
CFA FA 501
Online offering. The evaluation of the arts is an indispensable part of the conversation of life. Since the late 18th century, arts criticism has been an integral part of that discussion. And that remains true today: general circulation newspapers and magazines may be cutting back on traditional cultural coverage, but online opportunities for writing critically about the arts are growing. In this class students explore the future of arts criticism, studying reviewers from the past and adapting their skills and approaches for the rapidly expanding world of blogs, websites, and podcasting. For further information, please call the Office of Distance Education at 617-358-1960. 4 cr.
Exploring Philosophy through Film
MET IS 308
Online offering. This introduction to philosophy revolves around selected films and related texts that provoke serious reflection on issues of knowledge, ethics, and personal identity. Provides an introduction to the nature of philosophical inquiry and analysis by exposing the student to specific philosophical problems and issues. Students also consider the ways in which art (with the focus here being on cinematic art) can represent and embody philosophical questions, ideas, and positions. Related objectives include the development of critical thinking and writing skills, as well as the cultivation of the students appreciation of film as an art form. For further information, call the Office of Distance Education at 617-358-1960. 4 cr.
Botany without Borders
MET IS 450
Online offering. Introduces students to practical problems in botany with a dual emphasis on plant evolution and plants in human affairs. The course crosses borders in time and geography as we examine the broad sweep of plants and their role on Earth over the past 300 million years. Plant form and function, evolution of seed plants, plant ecology, ethnobotany (human uses of plants), endangered plant communities, and prospects for conserving plant biodiversity are highlighted in this interdisciplinary course designed for undergraduates. While its focus is rigorously scientific, the course incorporates topics in the humanities (for example visual arts), and social sciences (anthropology) to illustrate the close relationship between humans and plants. For further information, call the Office of Distance Education at 617-358-1960. 4 cr.
Culture and Cuisine: France
MET ML 631
Online offering. The association between France and fine cuisine seems so "natural." French society and history are intertwined with the culinary, and have been since the court society of the Old Regime. After the French Revolution, French cuisine became a truly modern affair in the public sphere. The invention of the restaurant, the practice of gastronomy, a literature of food, and strong links between French cuisine and national identity all came together in the 19th century. In the 19th and 20th centuries, French food, featuring both haute cuisine and regional culinary specialties, was widely considered the world’s best. In the 20th century, the culinary allure of France continued to fascinate people all over the world. It is still said today, enviously, that the French really know how to appreciate good food and wine – la bonne chère – in their daily lives. This course looks at how the history of French culinary culture evolved in the particular way that it did. The course is organized largely chronologically, but not entirely, as some of the readings weave issues of different time periods thematically. In studying culture and cuisine, with France as a great example, we explore the relationship between a place, a people, and their foodways. We launch our investigation with the question: how and why is this relationship distinctive in France? Must have a bachelor's degree to take this course. For further information, call the Office of Distance Education at 617-358-1960. 4 cr.
Education Policy in International Perspective
SED AP 680
Online offering. A survey of current social, legal, and political issues in education, in the United States and in other countries, viewed in the context of emerging international standards. Intended for graduate students from a range of cultural backgrounds and experiences; they develop a comparative perspective that enhances their understanding of the issues that educators and policy-makers face and that the international educational community must consider to improve education (and access to education) for students around the world. In addition to written coursework, students engage in online dialogue with one another and with the instructor focused on issues presented and submit a final project that explores the course themes in relation to a specific country or locality. For further information, call the Office of Distance Education at 617-358-1960 or download our flyer. 4 cr.
Software for the Curriculum
SED EM 590
Online offering. Evaluation and selection of software and web-based resources to support K-12 curriculum goals. Students gain experience supporting teaching and learning with software and develop strategies for evaluating educational resources across disciplines and grade levels. For further information, call the Office of Distance Education at 617-358-1960. 4 cr.
Distance Education
SED EM 680
Online offering. Students gain perspective on distance education through studying its potential and limitations; its similarities to, and differences from, conventional classroom education; the history and research on the effectiveness of distance education; the technological supports and administrative issues; and international examples. For further information, call the Office of Distance Education at 617-358-1960. 4 cr.
Methods of Coaching
SED PE 501
Online offering. Provides information about various approaches to coaching, and the ways in which coaches’ day-to-day practices reflect their beliefs about their role and about the athletes they coach. Students gain an understanding of the importance of developing a personal philosophy of coaching, and of the potential leadership role of the coach in society. Examines the role and responsibilities of the coach, different coaching models, practice design and delivery, and the importance of making coaching appropriate to a particular context. For further information, call the Office of Distance Education at 617-358-1960. 4 cr. pehealth@bu.edu with any questions you have about these classes.
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Curriculum and Special Methods for Physical Education
SED PE 508
Online offering. Provides information about the foundation of curriculum design, components of curriculum planning, and curriculum criteria. Students develop an understanding of the meaning of curriculum, the dynamics of change, the role of society, and the role of physical education within the overall school program. Students examine curriculum models, school objectives, trends in decision-making, learner evaluation and program assessment. Current trends and topics in the field of physical education, health, coaching and fitness are examined. For further information call the Office of Distance Education at 617-358-1960. 4 cr. pehealth@bu.edu to learn more about these classes.
Apply and learn more about this program.


