American Studies

CASAM 220 Native American and Indigenous Studies
Thur 12:30pm – 3:15pm
Prof. Battenfeld

Examines diverse cultural expressions of Native peoples, from oral traditions to modern fiction, and their historic and political contexts. Employs interdisciplinary perspectives from Native American and Indigenous Studies to ask critical questions about the arts, identity, community, and creativity. Effective Spring 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Aesthetic Exploration, The Individual in Community, Creativity/Innovation.

CASAM 336 Bob Dylan: Music and Words
Tues/Thur 12:30 – 1:45 pm
Prof. Yudkin, Prof. Barents

This course examines Bob Dylan’s music and lyrics from 1962 to 1975 in the context of his life, artistic influences, and milieu. We will explore the wealth of criticism and reaction his songs have inspired, paying special attention to questions concerning the nature of his art–for example, his dependence on musical tradition or the relationship between song lyrics and poetry–and past and current critical discussion about his legacy. Effective Fall 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing- Intensive Course, Aesthetic Exploration. Meets with CFAMH 408

CASAM 367 Material Culture
Tues/Thur 2:00pm – 3:15 pm
Allyson LaForge

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.

Topic for Fall 2025: Materializing Indigenous History: From wikhikon (birchbark maps) and petroglyphs to contemporary beadwork, studying Native American material culture provides a critical lens into histories of settler colonialism and Indigenous activism. This course traces histories of Native American material culture as tools of communication, expressive culture, and resistance, interrogating the creation, collection, and preservation of objects across Turtle Island. Students will also develop critical understandings of museums, archives, and other institutional repositories as sites of meaning-making and contestation, with a particular focus on Indigenous stewardship at tribal archives and museums. Also offered as CASAH 367

CASAM 385 American Buildings and Landscapes
Tues/Thurs 12:30pm – 1:45pm
Prof. Moore

An introductory analytic survey of American buildings and landscapes within their historical and cultural contexts. Students examine forces that have shaped the American built environment. Topics range from Indian mounds to commercial strips, Spanish missions to skyscrapers. Also offered as CASAH 385.

CASAM 501 Research Seminar in American Studies
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 2025: 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 3:30-6:15 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

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.

Affiliated Programs

Students in the American Studies Program also take courses in other departments with affiliated faculty. Some of the courses commonly taken by students are listed below. For a detailed course list for each department, please consult the Undergraduate Bulletin.

African American & Black Diaspora Studies
English
Film and Television
History
History of Art & Architecture
Religion
Sociology