Courses
View courses in
-
CGS NS 201: Biology I
Focuses on the major paradigms (and shifts) including the origin of life, molecular and cellular theories of life, human origins, genetics, evolutionary theory and biodiversity. Encourages use of quantitative and scientific tools required to explore scientific models and connects the scientific process with ethical and social concerns arising from our understanding of the origin, evolution and diversity of life including our own species. This course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area(s): Scientific Inquiry I, Quantitative Reasoning I, Critical Thinking. -
CGS NS 202: Human Ecology/Global Ecology
What is the fate of the biosphere and our species? Can humans reconcile economic and technological growth with ecological sustainability? This course examines the impact of one species, Homo sapiens, on the ecosystems of the biosphere, seeking answers to these broad questions. This course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area(s): Scientific Inquiry II, Teamwork/Collaboration. -
CGS NS 203: Astronomy
The planets and their motions are presented from an historical perspective. The birth, life and death of starts, the Milky Way and other galaxies are discussed. Big Bang cosmology is introduced. This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Quantitative Reasoning I, Critical Thinking. -
CGS RH 101: English Composition: Argument and Critical Thinking
Students learn the conventions of the expository essay and how to meet its demands by developing a thesis, organizing an argument, and supporting claims with reasoning and evidence. Students also receive instruction in thinking strategies, grammar, style, oral communication, and document design. Through class discussion of non-fiction essays and by working on assignments, students explore connections between readings assigned in Rhetoric and their readings in other courses. One lecture, two discussions, additional hours with the professor focused on individual writing instruction. This course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area(s): First-Year Writing Seminar, Oral and/or Signed Communication, Critical Thinking. -
CGS RH 102: English Composition and Research
Focuses on research while further developing students' expository writing skills. Students learn how to use electronic and traditional research tools, how to select and weigh evidence and integrate sources into an argument, how to use standard scholarly conventions to document their research, and how to integrate digital/multimedia expression. One lecture, two discussions, additional hours with the professor focused on individual writing instruction. This course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area(s): Digital/Multimedia Expression, Writing, Research, and Inquiry, Research and Information Literacy. -
CGS RH 103: Rhetorical Practices from the Ancient World to Enlightenment
In Rhetoric 103, you will be taken chronologically through key periods in history to learn about the origin and development of the art of Rhetoric and its relevance today, ultimately in order to enable you to apply key rhetorical skills to your own textual and verbal practice. Students will receive semester-long instruction and practice in writing, oral communication, and research and information literacy. This course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area(s): Writing, Research, and Inquiry, Oral and/or Signed Communication, Research and Information Literacy. -
CGS RH 104: Rhetorical Practices from The Industrial Revolution through the Digital Revolution
Through class discussion and learning experiences, students explore connections between readings assigned in Rhetoric and those in other courses, focusing on themes drawn from the two units that comprise the semester's curriculum. The course further develops skills in expository writing and introduces exploratory essay writing. Students continue to explore the contemporary relevance and meaning of the interdisciplinary curriculum. Students refine their skills in grammar, style, organization, and document design. This course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area(s): First-Year Writing Seminar, Digital/Multimedia Expression, Critical Thinking. -
CGS SS 101: How Societies Work: An Introduction to the Social Sciences
CGS SS 101 -- How Societies Work: An Introduction to the Social Sciences This course introduces students to the methods of inquiry and principal concepts of the social sciences--a handful of disciplines that includes anthropology, sociology, social psychology, economics, political science, and history. Through the analysis of contemporary society and cross-cultural studies, students will examine the importance of culture, the economy, and power and authority, and learn how these structures interconnect with each other to give rise to distinctive patterns of human thought and behavior. Consideration is given to the categories of race, class, and gender, both as markers of identity and bases for systems of social inequality. The course emphasizes the classical sociological theories of Durkheim, Marx, and Weber and instructs students on how to use these theories to critically evaluate social structures and historical change. One lecture, two discussions, and one additional contact hour as assigned. This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, The Individual in Community, Critical Thinking. -
CGS SS 102: Modernization: Politics, Economics, and Culture
CGS SS 102 -- Modernization: Politics, Economics, and Culture This course examines the process of modernization in the West. The historical phenomena of industrialization, the rise of liberal democracy, nationalism, imperialism, and globalization -- all associated with modernization as it took place in Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries -- are examined both in their historical context and through the lens of theories of social change. Through an examination of historical case studies, students will evaluate the impact of these phenomena on the life, institutions, and ways of thinking in the West. Students will also consider the historical legacy of the West's modernization for contemporary global issues such as terrorism and the challenges of development in non-Western societies. One lecture, two discussions, and one additional contact hour as assigned. This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry II, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Critical Thinking. -
CGS SS 103: Politics, Economies, and Social Change in the West: The Ancient World Through the Enlightenment
This interdisciplinary course examines social change in the politics, economies, social structures, and culture of the West from the ancient world through the Enlightenment. Students look at developments in governance, trade, social inequalities, and ideas that gave the West its distinctive character, including the rise of its key institution, democracy. To interpret historical change critically, students are introduced to the social science "toolkit" of analytical concepts. Assignments outside the classroom will encourage students to consider how history has shaped today's world. This course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area(s): Social Inquiry I, Individual in Community, Critical Thinking. -
CGS SS 104: Politics, Economies, and Social Change in the West: The Industrial Revolution to the Digital Revolution
This interdisciplinary course examines social change in the politics, economies, social structures, and culture of the West from the Industrial Revolution to the present. Students consider the impact of technological innovation, industrial capitalism, global war, genocide, and the ideologies that shaped these developments. The course concludes with the globalization of economies and social structures in an era of rising inequality. Visits to relevant sites in Britain will supplement classroom instruction. One lecture, two discussions, and two additional contact hours as assigned. [5 cr.] This course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area(s): Social Inquiry II, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Critical Thinking. -
CGS SS 201: Social Change and Modernization in the Non-Western World: Russia and China.
SS201 centers on case studies of modernization that began during the second half of the 19th century and continue today: those of Russia and China. Russia is considered an example of a society that underwent rapid social change in part as a result of the challenges posed by the industrialized countries of the West. It serves as a basis for comparison with the process of modernization undertaken by China at approximately the same time. Students examine the dramatic complexities of social, political, and economic changes that enhance their grasp of the problems facing the contemporary world. This course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area(s): Historical Consciousness, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Research and Information Literacy. -
CGS SS 202: America's Response to Aggression and Revolution: U.S. Foreign Policy Since the 1930s
SS202 focuses on U.S. foreign policy since the late 1930's. After considering U.S. policy immediately before and during World War II, it explores how the United States responded to the global challenge posed by the Soviet Union and international communism during the long struggle known as the Cold War. The factors that led to the Cold War, the nuclear arms race, America's involvement in Vietnam, and, ultimately, the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War are examined. The course concludes by analyzing challenges to American interests and security in the twenty- first century. This course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area(s): Historical Consciousness, Writing-intensive Course, Research and Information Literacy. -
CGS SS 300: Science and Political Engagement in the 20th Century
This course will survey the careers of individuals whose scientific research and personal convictions compelled them to defy powerful authorities. It will explore the political, moral, and social, implications of scientific discoveries in the 20th century and beyond. This course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area(s): Historical Consciousness, Social Inquiry I, Critical Thinking. -
COM CI 201: Literature and the Art of Film
Provides an overview of fundamental concepts for the analysis and understanding of film. Films are screened weekly and in conjunction with works of literature. Students must register for screening, discussion, and lecture. Also offered as CAS CI 201 and CAS EN 175. 4 cr. either sem. This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Digital/Multimedia Expression. -
COM CI 260: Modern Japanese Culture in Cinema
Japanese film from the silent era to contemporary animation, with attention to the intersection of cinematic and cultural analysis and genres such as yakuza movies. Directors studied may include Ozu, Kurosawa, Mizoguchi, and Miyazaki Hayao. This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy. -
COM CI 365: Modern Korean Culture Through Cinema
Introduction to modern Korean culture and society through film from the Korean war (1950-1953) to the present. Discussion and essays on modern Korean life as seen in Korean films. Critical analysis of changes in Korean society. Carries humanities divisional credit in CAS. This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy. -
COM CI 369: Greek Tragedy and Film
Explores Greek tragic myth's afterlife, both directly and obliquely, in cinema and in the modern literature spawning cinema: how certain Greek tragic myths have come to life as film and how "non-mythic" stories have acquired a mythic power in literary and cinematic form. Also offered as CAS CL 325. -
COM CM 211: Professional Presentation
Students will learn the essentials of effective presentation, from preparation, audience analysis, and content development to critical thinking when presenting. Students will incorporate theories and skills of effective communication in a variety of contexts (e.g., common business and social settings). This course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Oral and/or Signed Communication. -
COM CM 323: Design Strategy & Software
Provides knowledge and practice for effective graphic design for all media. Develops a foundation in design principles and creative software skills including Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Students create projects demonstrating how design strategies are used to engage audiences, and enhance comprehension of all forms of mass communication from traditional print to digital media. This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Digital/Multimedia Expression, Creativity/Innovation.
