Courses

The listing of a course description here does not guarantee a course’s being offered in a particular semester. Please refer to the published schedule of classes on MyBU Student Portal for confirmation a class is actually being taught and for specific course meeting dates and times.

• MET AD 899: Capstone Project in Applied Business Analytics
  Prereq: at least three of the ABA specialization courses AD616, AD654, AD688, AD699
  The Business Analytics Capstone Project provides valuable learning experiences and opportunities to apply a set of techniques, competencies, and procedures acquired after the completion of all core and specialization courses within the MS in Applied Business Analytics program. The purpose of this course is to obtain insights about a business that results in improved data-driven decision- making to create value on different levels of an enterprise. Includes application of statistical, stochastic, and dynamic modeling, data mining, forecasting, and operations research techniques to the analysis of problems of business organization and performance. R, Python, SQL, and Power BI software are used in this course. The solving of real problems facing different size companies are assigned to small teams of students and is overseen by our curriculum advisory board, ABA faculty, and business partners from a range of industries.
• MET AH 111: Survey of Western Art I
  This course examines the history of western art from ancient times through the Gothic Period in Western Europe. Through classroom discussions, assigned readings, and, should time allow, museum visits, students will become familiar with the development of a variety of early forms of art. With each new style or period, we will attempt both to describe the works themselves, and investigate the cultural, social, religious, political and personal contexts that surround the object.
• MET AH 112: Survey of Western Art II
  Continues MET AH 111, but can be taken separately. Chronological survey of European art from the Renaissance to the present. Emphasis on the relation of art to its historical and cultural context.
• MET AH 216: Basic Digital Photography
  This course is designed to familiarize students with the fundamentals of Digital photography. You will learn how to use the creative controls of a 35 mm DSLR (Digital single lens reflex) camera, expose and process compact flash cards, and print digital images from those digital files. This course covers camera operation, image processing, editing, and Photoshop basics. We will cover digital workflow, editing, creating a filing system, color correction, converting images to black and white, sharpening, and tagging and adjusting resolution. Effective Fall 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Digital/Multimedia Expression, Aesthetic Exploration, Creativity/Innovation.
  BU Hub Learn More

  • Aesthetic Exploration
  • Digital/Multimedia Expression
  • Creativity/Innovation
• MET AH 315: History of Photography
  The primary goal of this course is to promote critical thinking about photographic images, their meaning and impact on society. This course offers an introduction to the study of photography from it's invention in 1839 to the present. We will engage the following questions: how does photography function as an art form? a social document? and a powerful tool for communication and exploration? Photographic images deeply influence our experiences, decisions, and memories. Effective Fall 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Historical Consciousness.
  BU Hub Learn More

  • Aesthetic Exploration
  • Historical Consciousness
• MET AH 372: Modern Art
  Analysis of the work and thought of major masters of twentieth-century painting, sculpture, architecture, and photography, including the School of Paris and the New York School.
• MET AH 517: Seminar: The Art World
  Graduate Prerequisites: Stamped approval required.
  An examination of the arts institutions, issues, and forces that shape the contemporary art world. Topics include government cultural policy, National Endowment for the Arts, museums, symphonies, curators, critics, artists' rights, public art, corporate support, censorship, feminism and multiculturalism. See also Arts Administration. Stamped approval required.
• MET AN 101: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
  This course is an introduction to the field of cultural anthropology. Cultural anthropology seeks to understand the variety of ways that humans organize their experience and live in the world, including different configurations of kinship, sex, gender, ethnicity, race, religion, politics, and economics. This course introduces students to some of that variety by examining how societies in different regions of the world differ and how both global and local social processes transform them. The course also explores the ways that anthropologists frame their inquiries and how over time they developed new approaches to these issues and to core concepts like culture and society. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Social Inquiry I, Research and Information Literacy.
  BU Hub Learn More

  • Social Inquiry I
  • Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy
  • Research and Information Literacy
• MET AN 102: Human Biology, Behavior, and Evolution
  Introduces principles of evolutionary biology, primate social behavior and adaptions, human origins, genetic/hormonal/neural bases of behavior, human socioecology, sexuality and aggression. Utilizes lectures, laboratory exercises, and discussions, to examine recent discoveries about human fossils, living primates, and human biology. Effective Spring 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Social Inquiry I, Critical Thinking.
  BU Hub Learn More

  • Scientific Inquiry I
  • Social Inquiry I
  • Critical Thinking
• MET AR 550: Raising Funds and Grant Writing for Nonprofit Organizations
  An examination of ways to raise funds from government, foundation, corporate, and individual sources. The following topics will be addressed through lectures and case analysis: the history of philanthropy, the planning and research process, proposal and grant preparation, program evaluation, and the role of the board and staff in developing effective fundraising strategies. [4 credits] [Required course for Fundraising Management Graduate Certificate; Pre-req for MET AR 723]
• MET AR 577: Comparative Cultural Policy and Administration
  Drawing on the resources of Boston University and its partner institutions in Boston, London, and Paris, this course examines the nature of cultural policy in the United States, United Kingdom, France, and the European Union. Through class discussions and readings (drawn from public policy and economics), lectures by leading arts administration practitioners and policy makers in Paris and London, and visits to important international cultural venues, this course will examine the impact of cultural and national differences on the cultural policy making process. [4 credits]
• MET AR 587: The Arts in Barcelona
  Barcelona, an artistic, economic, and commercial hub, is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe and one of the main tourist destinations in the world. It is known for its art, music, and architecture, including the works of Joan Miro and mural/graffiti artist El Pez, operas at the Gran Teatre del Liceu, and the World Heritage architecture of Antonio Gaud?, among others. The course will examine how the history of Spain and the culture of Catalonia impacts the arts and culture of present-day Barcelona. Themes include cultural heritage, identity, cultural economic development, and tourism. This course addresses management and leadership in the arts within both visual and performing arts organizations. Site visits may range from the Sagrada Fam?lia to the Palau de la M?sica Catalana, and as well as other historic properties and neighborhoods. We'll also explore parallel cultural and entrepreneurial initiatives, such as culinary arts, startup ventures, and fashion. Along the way, we'll have lively and candid exchanges with area cultural producers, curators, artists, and BU arts administration alumni. [4 credits]
• MET AR 690: The Art World
  An examination of the arts institutions, issues, and forces that shape the contemporary art world. Surveys the institutions and actors that comprise the ecology of the art world, and examines significant recent trends within a model of four interrelated spheres: 1) Individual Artists; 2) Government; 3) the Nonprofit Sector; and 4) the Private Sector. Explores how stakeholders connect and interact with each other while engaging with significant institutions and the public to affect the cultural history of our time. This is the gateway course in the Arts Administration Program, and is usually taken in the first semester. [Non-Arts Administration students contact the Arts Administration Program at artsad@bu.edu. MET AR 690 is a pre-requisite for MET AR778, MET AR771, MET AR774, and MET AR720]
• MET AR 711: Capital Campaigns
  This course is designed to broaden the student's understanding of capital campaign fundraising. Topics include: feasibility studies; strategic planning and budgeting; private and public phases; ethical responsibilities; staff, donor, volunteer, board, and trustee management; major gift solicitation; campaign communications; trend analysis; and evaluation. The course curriculum will include readings, case studies, guest speakers, and analysis of current capital campaign projects. [4 credits] [Required course for Fundraising Management Graduate Certificate]
• MET AR 720: Marketing and Audience Development for the Arts
  This course is designed to provide fundamental background in the theory and principles of arts marketing and audience development used by nonprofit performing and visual arts organizations. Case analysis will be employed to review strategies and practices currently used in the cultural sector. Students will be expected to develop their own marketing plans for an arts organization. [4 credits] [Pre-requisite MET AR690]
• MET AR 722: Educational Programming in Cultural Institutions
  This course will review the history, theory, and practice of educational programming and audience engagement in both museums and performing arts organizations. Emphasis will be on analysis of program design, implementation, and evaluation, teacher training, and creation of youth and adult learning programs. [4 credits]
• MET AR 723: Individual Fundraising
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: MET AR550
  This course will address the full range of issues related to attracting financial support from individuals. Topics will include: raising dollars annually for operations, raising funds through special events (fundraisers), cultivating and soliciting major gifts, and the basics of bequests and estate planning as well as ethical issues and working effectively with donors and volunteers. Course work will include readings, case studies, and guest speakers. [4 credits] [Required course for Fundraising Management Graduate Certificate; Pre-requisite MET AR 550]
• MET AR 730: Political and Public Advocacy for the Arts
  This course will address the politics of arts and culture through seminars with political and cultural leaders, class discussion, readings, and research. Students will develop advocacy campaign plans and analyze how cultural organizations interact with all levels of government. [4 credits]
• MET AR 740: Technology and Arts Administration
  The ever-evolving nature of digital technology presents opportunities and?challenges in the work of arts administrators.? This course will examine a?range of technologies employed by arts organizations to improve their practice?and extend their reach, including customer relations management, fundraising,?collaboration management, ticketing, project management, and social media management.?Students will examine emerging products and trends, interact with practitioners to learn how they are using these tools, and engage in a series of hands-on challenges to build competency in using emerging technologies such as interactive communication and Generative AI tools.
• MET AR 749: Research and Program Evaluation in Arts Administration
  This course is designed to equip students with the tools and critical thinking skills to identify and apply appropriate methodologies to support the work of their organizations as practitioners and consumers of research. We will review the major approaches to social science research, including a range of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methodologies, and consider the relevance of each research framework to specific questions in the arts. The course will consider the role of arts research in domains such as audience development and marketing; program evaluation and assessment; social and economic impact; decision-making and reflective practice; collaboration and creation; case making and communication with the public. [4 credits]