American Studies and Preservation Studies
Research Seminar in American Studies CAS AM 502 A1
Fri 11:15am-2:00pm
Prof. Stevenson
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 Spring 2024, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU HUB areas: Writing-Intensive, Research and Information Literacy.
Topic for Spring 2025: Preservation and the Vernacular Environment. This seminar explores the unique challenges and solutions for preserving the vernacular environment—broadly construed as “everyday” buildings and landscapes—that many established preservation tools are ill-equipped to serve. From triple-deckers to rural farmsteads to postwar suburbs to fieldstone dams, this course demonstrates the importance of the mundane in the built environment and how to save ensure its survival.
Research Seminar in American Studies CAS AM 502 B1
Tues 3:30pm – 6:15 pm
Prof. White
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 Spring 2024, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU HUB areas: Writing-Intensive, Research and Information Literacy.
Topic for Spring 2025: Ethics of Preservation This course focuses on the laws and policies of historic preservation on a national and international level and connects those laws and policies to ethical issues in myriad venues. What are the ethical and legal dimensions of historic preservation? Who should control historically significant places and things? To whom and to what are preservationists accountable? This course addresses these issues and more by examining how the past is employed for social, political, and economic purposes in the context of legal and policy frameworks.
Boston Architectural and Community History Workshop CAS AM 555
Wed 2:30pm – 5:15pm
Prof. Ahlstrom
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.
American Cultural Landscape Studies CAS AM 525 A1
Tue/Thu 12:30-1:45pm
Prof. Moore
This seminar provides an introduction to analyzing and interpreting American cultural landscapes and acquaints students with the historiography of interdisciplinary study of the built environment. Also offered as CAS AH 525.
Preservation Planning CAS AM 554 A1
Thu 6:30-9:15pm
Prof. Wermiel
Introduces students to local, state, and national government policies and practices intended to protect historically and aesthetically significant structures. In addition, the course covers planning approaches aimed at managing redevelopment in established neighborhoods, to create livable and sustainable communities.
Topics in American Material Culture CAS AM 567 A1
Tue/Thu 2:00-3:15pm
Prof. Bunschoten
An interdisciplinary research seminar exploring a topic in American material culture. Specific content will vary by semester and may be repeated for credit as topics change.
Topic for Spring 2025: Material Culture of the Environment This seminar explores the connections between humans, non-human entities, and the environment to challenge the traditional separation of nature and culture. We will ask questions about matter and ask more questions about why matter matters. Working at the intersection of material culture studies and the environmental humanities, course texts include Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower and Janisse Ray’s Ecology of a Cracker Childhood as well as interdisciplinary array of scholarship with selections from Stacy Alaimo, Jane Bennett, William Cronon, Max Liboiron, among others.
Studies in American Culture CAS AM 735 A1
Thu 3:30-6:15pm
Prof. Moore
Introduction to handling of primary materials from a number of disciplines in order to develop an American Studies perspective. Required of all American Studies PhD students.
Independent Research Project Colloquium CAS AM 775
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
Professional Development Seminar GRS AM 899 A1
Prof. Rivera
Thurs 12:30pm – 3:15 pm
Graduate Prerequisites: Completion of required coursework. – A seminar offering advanced American Studies PhD students the opportunity to present and discuss works-in-progress and structured guidance for the tasks involved in job applications. Open to PhD students after completing required coursework. Does not fulfill PhD course requirements.
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.