American Studies Courses
CASAM 501 A1 Research Seminar in American Studies
Topic for Fall 2026: Food, Gender & Sexuality
Thurs 6:00pm – 8:45pm
Prof. Elias
American Studies majors and minors complete their program of study by undertaking a one- or two- semester (AM 501 and/or AM 502) senior project based on original research or criticism. Topics vary by semester. Effective Fall 2023, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing-Intensive Course, Research and Information Literacy.
Topic for Fall 2026: Food, Gender & Sexuality In Food, Gender and Sexuality, we will explore ways in which language and behaviors around food both reinforce and challenge gender hierarchies and restrictive norms. Using frameworks developed in gender and sexuality studies we will interrogate our contemporary foodscape through close readings of many media, including food blogs, magazines, TV shows and advertisements. The course will include reading, research, field work, discussion, and cooking to help us understand why and how food has been gendered and how the process differs across place, time, and culture.
Also offered as CASWS 526/METML 706. Undergrads MUST register for CASAM or CASWS section, not METML section.
CASAM 867 Material Culture
Prof. Moore
Thurs 12:30pm – 6:15pm
Introduction to the theory and practice of the interdisciplinary study of material culture, which includes everything we make and use, from food and clothing to art and buildings. Explore contemporary scholarship from a range of disciplines. Also offered as CASAH 867.
Preservation Studies Courses
CASAM 501 B1 Research Seminar in American Studies
Topic for Fall 2026: Adaptive Reuse
Tues 12:30pm – 3:15pm
Prof. Haenraets
American Studies majors and minors complete their program of study by undertaking a one- or two- semester (AM 501 and/or AM 502) senior project based on original research or criticism. Topics vary by semester. Effective Fall 2023, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing-Intensive Course, Research and Information Literacy.
Topic for Fall 2026: Adaptive Reuse Adaptive reuse and revitalization of historical places has become indispensable towards achieving healthy, sustainable and vibrant built environments. Repurposing sites and integrating new design in buildings, landscapes and urban districts demands considered approaches, an understanding of concepts of significance and value, and insights into principles of historical preservation and sustainable development. Managing change through adaptive reuse can be a framework for some of the most creative and innovative thinking, and assist in addressing climate change challenges.
CASAM 546 Places of Memory: Historic Preservation Theory and Practice
Tues 3:30pm-6:15 pm
Prof. White
Covers key aspects of the history, theory, and practice of historic preservation. Preservation is discussed in the context of cultural history and the changing relationship between existing buildings and landscapes and attitudes toward history, memory, invented tradition, and place. Also offered as CASAH 546 and CASHI 546
CASAN 548 Global Heritage Conservation
Thur 3:30pm-6:15 pm
Prof. Haenraets
Examining global approaches towards heritage conservation through a study of concepts, charters and case studies, using themes such as world heritage, cultural tourism, historic towns, new design, intangible heritage, authenticity, integrity, recent past, historic landscapes, conflict, disasters, revitalization and reconstruction. Also offered as CASAH 548
CASAM 555 Boston Architectural and Community History Workshop
Fri 11:15am – 2:00pm
Prof. Stevenson
Focuses on class readings, lectures, and research on a single neighborhood or community in Boston (or Greater Boston). Greatest emphasis is on using primary sources– land titles and deeds, building permits, fire insurance atlases and other maps. Explores places and sources that help assess and narrate the rich history of architectural and urban development. Also offered as CASAH 554 and CASHI 569.
CASAM 775 Independent Research Project Colloquium
Restricted to students in their final semester of the Preservation Studies Master’s Program. Provides for the research and writing of an independent, rigorous, and original capstone project in the preservation field, with guidance from faculty.
Affiliated Departments
This is only a sampling of courses. Please refer to individual department websites and the University Class Schedule for complete course offerings.
Note: Graduate students must take classes at the 500+ level.