Spring 2025 Courses
CAS AA 103: Introduction to African American Literature—Maryanne Boelcskevy
CAS AA 103: Introduction to African American Literature-Maryanne Boelcskevy
Tues/Thurs 11:00 am-12:15 pm
What is the African American literary tradition? In this course, we will read poetry, slave narratives, essays, speeches, tales, short stories, and novels and consider how culture, politics, and history shape African American literature. Carries humanities divisional credit in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Critical Thinking. Effective Fall 2022, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing-Intensive Course, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Critical Thinking.
HUB Critical Thinking HUB Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy HUB Writing-Intensive Course
Mts w/CAS EN129
CAS AA 112: History of Black Studies—Chad Williams
CAS AA 112: History of Black Studies- Chad Williams
Tue/Thurs 12:30pm-1:45pm
Centers Black experiences, cultures, knowledge production and identity formation in the United States and in the African Diaspora across time and space. Examines and traces the genealogies of Black Studies as a discipline: its political, ideological, and practical foundations on college campuses and in communities. Also explores earlier traditions and contemporary work in Black radical thought and activism that lay the groundwork for and build on the founding principles of Black Studies by mobilizing an intersectional and diasporic lens. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Historical Consciousness, Social Inquiry I, Research and Information Literacy.
HUB Historical Consciousness HUB Research and Information Literacy HUB Social Inquiry I
Meets with CAS HI112
CAS AA 207: Sociology of Race and Ethnicity- Saida Grundy
CASAA 207″ Sociology of Race and Ethnicity- Saida Grundy
Tues/Thurs 11:00 am-12:15 pm
Examines the fundamental theoretical and empirical approaches regarding race/ethnicity and the current state of race relations in the U.S. that explore both contemporary social problems. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Historical Consciousness, The Individual in Community, Research and Information Literacy.
HUB Historical Consciousness HUB The Individual in Community HUB Research and Information Literacy
Meets with CAS SO207
CAS AA 221: Catastrophe and Memory—Bradley Craig
CAS AA 221: Catastrophe and Memory—Bradley Craig
Tue/Thu 2:00pm-3:15pm
Examines the ways in which catastrophes, both natural and social, enter into cultural memory. Goal is to understand how events that seem to defy comprehension are represented in works of art and given a place in the memory of a culture. Effective Spring 2025, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Historical Consciousness, Research and Information Literacy.
HUB Aesthetic Exploration HUB Historical Consciousness HUB Research and Information Literacy
CAS AA 234: African Americans in Global Perspective: Slavery and the Creation of Race—Joyce Hope Scott
CAS AA 234: African Americans in Global Perspective: Slavery and the Creation of Race—Joyce Hope Scott
Tues/Thurs 9:30am-10:45am
A study of how chattel slavery in the Americas led to racialization as a primary tool in the creation of American society and New World capitalism. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Ethical Reasoning, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Critical Thinking.
HUB Critical Thinking HUB Ethical Reasoning HUB Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy
CAS AA 238: Modern Africa—Joshua Castillo
CAS AA 238: Modern Africa—Joshua Castillo
Mon/Wed/Fri 11:15pm-12:05pm
Provides an introduction to African history over the past 175 years, including the end of slavery, colonial rule and anti-colonial revolt, decolonization and nationalism, and the opportunities and challenges of life in postcolonial Africa. Effective Spring 2025, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Social Inquiry I.
HUB Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy HUB Social Inquiry I
Meets with CASHI238, CASIR 238
CAS AA 294:Religion and Black Popular Music—James Howard Hill, Jr
CAS AA 294:Religion and Black Popular Music—James Howard Hill, Jr
Mon/Wed/Fri 2:30pm-3:20pm
Students explore the interplay of religious themes and Black music through social and political theory. They analyze how these themes shape behavior and examine the cultural significance of notable works, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural influences and artistic expression. Effective Spring 2025, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Social Inquiry I.
HUB Aesthetic Exploration HUB Social Inquiry I
CAS AA 301: African Diaspora Archaeology—Andree Cunningham
CAS AA 301: African Diaspora Archaeology—Andreana Cunningham
Mon/Wed/Fri 11:15am-12:05pm
Introduction to the archaeology of the African diaspora, the global displacement of African people and their descendants. Reviews findings, methodology, and theory around key burial contexts. Emphasis on shifting dialogues, such as human remains stewardship, community engagement, and reburial. Effective Spring 2025, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas Critical Thinking, Ethical Reasoning, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy.
HUB Critical Thinking HUB Ethical Reasoning HUB Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy
Meets with CASAR 3o1, CASAN 301
CAS AA 304: Introduction to African Women Writers—Maryanne Boelcskevy
CAS AA 304: Introduction to African American Women Writers—Maryanne Boelcskevy
Tues/Thurs 12:30pm-1:45pm
Undergraduate Prerequisites: First-Year Writing Seminar (ex. WR 120) – This course studies the cultural contexts and the ongoing relevance of significant works by African American Women Writers. Works by Jacobs, Butler, Harper, Hurston, Brooks, Kincaid, Morrison and Marshall complemented by critical articles lay out this rich tradition. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Critical Thinking. Effective Fall 2022, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing-Intensive Course, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Critical Thinking.
HUB Critical Thinking HUB Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy HUB Writing-Intensive Course
Meets with CASEN 370
CAS AA 313: The Politics and Policy of HBO's The Wire—Katherine Einstein and David Glick
CAS AA 313: The Politics and Policy of HBO’s The Wire—Katherine Einstein and David Glick
Tues/Thurs 12:30pm-1:45pm
HBO’s television series The Wire is used to explore politics and policy. A number of interdisciplinary topics are covered, including the war on drugs, urban elections, bureaucracy, rational choice theory, and the decline of American cities. Also offered as CAS PO 313. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry II, Ethical Reasoning, Teamwork/Collaboration.
HUB Ethical Reasoning HUB Social Inquiry II HUB Teamwork/Collaboration
Meets with CASPO 313
CAS AA 316: African Diaspora Arts in the Americas—Nicole Smythe-Johnson
CAS AA 316: African Diaspora Arts in the Americas—Nicole Smythe-Johnson
Mon/Wed/Fri 10:10am-11:00am
This course introduces arts of the African diaspora in the Caribbean, South America, and the United States by examining aesthetic, religious, and philosophical systems. Examines artistic forms including Santería altars, Haitian architecture, Caribbean masquerading, and contemporary African-American artists.
Meets with CASAH 316
CAS AA 356: Religion in the Digital Age—Margarita Guillory
CAS AA 356: Religion in the Digital Age—Margarita Guillory
Tue/Thu 11:00am-12:15pm
Undergraduate Prerequisites: First-Year Writing Seminar (CAS WR 120 or equivalent) – How has technology impacted religion? This hands-on course explores how digital technologies like the Internet, social media, gaming, and artificial intelligence have changed the way that people think about religion. Effective Spring 2022, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Digital/Multimedia Expression, Writing-Intensive Course, Creativity/Innovation.
HUB Creativity/Innovation HUB Digital/Multimedia Expression HUB Writing-Intensive Course
Meets with w/CAS RN356 Mts w/GRS AA656 Mts w/GRS RN656
CAS AA 382: History of Religion in Pre-Colonial Africa—John Thornton
CAS AA 382: History of Religion in Pre-Colonial Africa—John Thornton
Mon/Wed/Fri 1:25pm-2:15pm
The study of the development of religious traditions in Africa during the period prior to European colonialism. An emphasis on both indigenous religions and the growth and spread of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in the continent as a whole. Also offered as CAS HI 349 and CAS RN 382. Effective Spring 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Historical Consciousness.
HUB Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy HUB Historical Consciousness
Meets with CAS HI349 Mts w/CAS RN382 Mts w/GRS AA882 Mts w/GRS RN682
CAS AA 656: Religion in the Digital Age—Margarita Guillory
CAS AA 385: Atlantic History—John Thornton
CAS AA 385: Atlantic History—John Thornton
Mon/Wed/Fri 10:10am-11:00am
Examines the various interactions that shaped the Atlantic World, connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas between 1400 and 1820. Begins by defining the political interaction, then emphasizes cultural exchange, religious conversion, and the revolutionary era.
Meets with CASHI 350
CAS AA 380: European Dimensions of the Black Diaspora—Linda Heywood
CAS AA 380: European Dimensions of the Black Diaspora—Linda Heywood
Tues 3:30pm-4:45pm
Explores writings about the Black experience in Europe since the 1800s through examinations of historical and literary works, artistic and folkloric depictions, as well as politics and sports in England, France, Germany, Russia, and the Netherlands. Also offered as CAS HI 360.
CAS AA 388: Transnational Black Radicalism from the 19th Century to the Present—Joyce Hope Scott
CAS AA 388: Transnational Black Radicalism from the 19th Century to the Present—Joyce Hope Scott
Tue/Thu 3:30pm-4:45pm
Explores black cultural and political movements and examines how they interacted in ways that establish ideas crucial to our contemporary moment through readings in literature and history, film and popular culture productions. Effective Spring 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Historical Consciousness, Critical Thinking.
HUB Critical Thinking HUB Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy HUB Historical Consciousness
CAS AA 400: Race, Gender, and Performance—Jewel Pereyra
CAS AA 400: Race, Gender, and Performance—Jewel Pereyra
Tues 3:30pm-6:15pm
How are race and gender performed and what do they do? This seminar introduces students to the role of performance in the construction of social identity and social change. Students will study and experiment with various sites of performance while engaging with theories, debates, and concepts, such as performativity, embodiment, and archives/repertoires.
CAS AA 408: Ethnic, Race, and Minority Relations—Saida Grundy
CAS AA 408: Ethnic, Race, and Minority Relations—Saida Grundy
Tues 12:30pm-3:15pm
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASAA207 OR CASSO207) or consent of instructor. – Formation and position of ethnic minorities in the United States, including cross-group comparisons from England, Africa, and other parts of the world. Readings and field experience.
Meets with CASSO 808
CAS AA 488: Critical Studies in African American Literature—Koritha Mitchell
CAS AA 488: Critical Studies in African American Literature—Koritha Mitchell
Tues/Thurs 5:00pm-6:15pm
Undergrad prerequisites: two previous literature courses or junior or senior standing. Graduate prerequisites: graduate standing.
Meets with CASEN 488, CASEN 688
CAS AA 490: Blacks and Asians: Encounters Through Time and Space—Ronald K. Richardson
CAS AA 490: Blacks and Asians: Encounters Through Time and Space—Ronald K. Richardson
Tue 12:30am-3:15pm
This course comparatively explores how artists, writers, and activists of African descent and those of Asian descent have struggled against the political-economic, spiritual, psychological and cultural aggressions of global white supremacy and imagined and invented new modes of human liberation. Also offered as CAS HI 490.
Meets with CASHI 490
HI 500: Black Erotics and Ecstasy: Feminist and Queer Studies-Bradley Craig
Thursdays 3:30pm-6:15 pm
CAS AA 500: Black Erotics and Ecstasy: Feminist and Queer Studies. Attends to notions of the erotic and ecstasy in black feminist and queer historiography by considering racialized sexualities, desires, and longings in relation to the persistence of injury and violence that frame the history of slavery and its afterlives.
CAS AA 588: Women, Power, and Culture in Africa—Linda Heywood
CAS AA 588: Women, Power, and Culture in Africa—Linda Heywood
Thurs 12:30pm-3:15pm
Understanding the role of women in African history. Topics include the Atlantic slave trade, power, religion, the economy, resistance movements, health, the state, and kinship. Emphasis on the period before independence. Also offered as CAS HI 588.
HUB Cross College Challenge 420: Race, Equity, and Public Health-Paula Austin
HUB Cross College Challenge 420: Race, Equity, and Public Health-Paula Austin
Tuesdays 12:30pm-3:15pm
In summer 2020, Boston’s mayor declared racism an emergency and a public health crisis. Over the next two years, the COVID-19 pandemic brought into stark relief the disproportionate impact of health inequities on poor and working class Black and minoritized communities. This course traces the historical development and role of structural racism in health disparities and public health inequities in the U.S. The course will help humanities, social science, and public health students develop the skills to examine health and healthcare disparities and work individually and collectively in their particular fields to eliminate and undo them.
Class Attributes: HUB Creativity/Innovation HUB Digital/Multimedia Expression HUB Research and Information Literacy HUB Teamwork/Collaboration
HUB Cross College Challenge 420: Explore Your Local Scene-Jacqueline Georgis
HUB Cross College Challenge 420: Explore Your Local Scene: A Study of Performance and Diasphoric Community through Luso-Hispanic Music and Dance-Jacqueline Georgis
Wed 2:30pm-5:15pm
A Study of Performance and Diasporic Community through Luso-Hispanic Music and Dance This course will take students on a journey through the music and dance cultures of the Luso-Hispanic world and their local manifestations in diasporic communities in the greater Boston area. In “Explore Your Local Scene!,” students will learn about and engage with the culturally rich and racially diverse histories of the Luso-Hispanic world through several of its most salient music and dance genres, including reggaeton, Dominican bachata, Puertorican bomba, Brazilian frevo, forró, and capoeira. Students will be introduced to important debates concerned with the aesthetic, political, cultural, and economic dimensions of the genres studied, paying close attention to their broader connections to race, gender, nation, class, and sexuality politics.Throughout the course, students will consider questions of cultural hybridity and authenticity, and varying definitions and understandings of “Black music” in different contexts. In-class conversations will provide students with the theoretical framework to critically examine some of the most pervasive problems these musics and practitioners have faced, while outside the classroom, students will participate in immersive learning experiences, such as live performances as well as dance and music workshops with local performance artists. By the end of the semester, students will create their final group research project and presentation: a podcast featuring personal interviews with members of a local music scene of their own choosing. Weekly assigned reading and blog posts/responses will be accompanied by assigned listening and listening journals.
HUB Creativity/Innovation HUB Digital/Multimedia Expression HUB Research and Information Literacy HUB Teamwork/Collaboration