Creating Impact: Domains of Interest Courses
These courses teach students in-depth knowledge of a subject domain where students aim to apply their idea to achieve impact (e.g., social innovation, arts, environment, global development).
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CAS AN 348 Investigating Contemporary Globalization
4 credits. Fall and Spring
Contemporary ethnographic investigation of globalization. Special attention to the impact of global capitalism on local communities, identity and reflexivity, transnational populations, women and work, cultural authenticity, tourism, and the relationship between social media and changing cultural norms and experiences. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, The Individual in Community, Critical Thinking.
Section A1, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
LaPorte
Independent
TR
12:30:00 PM–01:45:00 PM
FLR 121
CAS EC 320 Economics of Less-Developed Regions
4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASEC101 & CASEC102) - Theoretical and empirical examination of the structural changes associated with the process of economic development; special reference to poor regions and countries; rigorous analysis of criteria for policy judgments in developing planning and programming. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Ethical Reasoning, Social Inquiry II.
Section A1, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
Marx
Independent
TR
12:30:00 PM–01:45:00 PM
CGS 527
CAS EC 387 Introduction to Health Economics
4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASEC201) - Concepts of health economics for US and international settings. Topics include models and empirical analyses of moral hazard, adverse selection, health care systems, health insurance, hospital and physician behavior, pharmaceutical markets, consumer demand, alternative payment systems, risk, fairness, imperfect information, and topics in experimental and behavioral economics. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning I, Social Inquiry II.
Section A1, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
Mourot
Independent
TR
09:30:00 AM–10:45:00 AM
CAS 226
CAS EE 150 Sustainable Energy: Technology, Resources, Society and Environment
4 credits. Fall and Spring
BU Hub Learn More Historical Consciousness Research and Information Literacy Scientific Inquiry I
Examines the social, environmental, and technological aspects of renewable and nonrenewable energy systems, their historical evolution and implications for the future. Discusses energy issues in context of globalization, climate change, and sustainable development. Explores lifestyle and policy decisions related to energy issues. Carries social science divisional credit in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Historical Consciousness, Scientific Inquiry I, Research and Information Literacy.
Section A1, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
Baldwin
Lecture
MWF
11:15:00 AM–12:05:00 PM
CAS 315
Section B1, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
Baldwin
Discussion
F
09:05:00 AM–09:55:00 AM
CAS 220
Section B2, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
Baldwin
Discussion
F
02:30:00 PM–03:20:00 PM
STO 453
CAS EE 519 Energy, Society, and the Environment
4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: CASEE 309 or equivalent. - Examination of the role of energy in meeting human needs and environmental change. Topics include the history of energy, climate change, energy and climate justice, energy and the economy, and sustainable development.
CAS EE 524 Environmental Justice
4 credits.
BU Hub Learn More The Individual in Community Social Inquiry II Writing-Intensive Course
Undergraduate Prerequisites: junior standing or consent of instructor; First Year Writing Seminar ( e.g., WR 100 or WR 120) - Exploration of the origins of and current trends in environmental justice activism and scholarship. Introduces empirical evidence of environmental (in)justice, links contemporary environmental problems to historical and broader political-economic processes, and explores a range of responses to environmental injustice. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing-Intensive Course, The Individual in Community, Social Inquiry II.
CAS HI 291 Politics of the American Environment
4 credits.
When have Americans addressed declining resources and ecological deterioration? Why did demands for environmental justice develop? We explore how the United States has distributed environmental risks and rewards from the country's beginning to the present. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, The Individual in Community.
CAS HI 292 Capitalism in America: Economic History of the US
4 credits. Fall and Spring
Surveys the history of corporations and private enterprise since the Civil War, disentangling the evolving relationships between business and government and tracing the influence of money, markets, and their managers in American communities from factories to the frontiers. This course cannot be taken for credit in addition to the course with the title "Money, Markets & Managers: Economic History of the United States" that was previously numbered CAS HI 377.
CAS HI 316 American Urban History
4 credits.
BU Hub Learn More Historical Consciousness Social Inquiry I Writing-Intensive Course
Undergraduate Prerequisites: First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120) - Examines cities in America, from colonial era forward, focusing on Boston, New York, Chicago, New Orleans, Detroit, and San Francisco in national and transnational context. Focus on social, political, and environmental change to understand present and past urban landscapes. Effective Spring 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing-Intensive Course, Historical Consciousness, Social Inquiry I.
CAS IR 304 Environmentally Sustainable Development
4 credits. Fall and Spring
Traces the emergence of sustainable development as a defining challenge of our times. Surveys and evaluates approaches for balancing ecological sustainability and human development in various parts of the world and at the global level. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry II, Research and Information Literacy.
Section A1, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
NAJAM
Lecture
W
02:30:00 PM–05:15:00 PM
CAS 326
Section B1, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
CAS IR 593 Technology and Economic Inclusion in the Developing World
4 credits. Fall and Spring
BU Hub Learn More Oral and/or Signed Communication Social Inquiry II Teamwork/Collaboration
How can firms and governments use new technologies to provide clean energy, drinking water, and other services to rural and frontier communities in the developing world? The course investigates how rural communities, particularly those without access to formal and other services, manage their money, provide energy and other services they need, and general live their lives. We will then examine how firms and governance can design products, governance mechanisms, and policies which can most effectively tap into such communities. Effective Fall 2024, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Oral and/or Signed Communication, Social Inquiry II, Teamwork/Collaboration.
Section A1, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
Greenacre
Independent
W
02:30:00 PM–05:15:00 PM
COM 215
CAS IR 594 Global Environmental Negotiation and Policy
4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: junior standing or consent of instructor. - Provides an overview of key actors, issues, and treaties in global environmental governance, paying particular attention to historical and contemporary differences in perspectives and interests of industrialized and developing countries. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Ethical Reasoning, Social Inquiry II.
Section A1, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
Selin
Independent
W
02:30:00 PM–05:15:00 PM
FLR 122
CAS IR 599 Science, Politics, and Climate Change
4 credits. Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: junior standing or consent of instructor. - Applies a science and technology studies perspective to climate change science and policy, examining efforts to address sources and consequences of climate change at global, national, and local levels. Effective Fall 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry II, Critical Thinking.
CAS SO 215 Sociology of Health Care
4 credits. Fall and Spring
Social, cultural, and intercultural factors in health and illness. Training and socialization of medical professionals, roots of medical power and authority, organization and operation of health care facilities. U.S. health care system and its main problems. Comparison of health care systems in the U.S. and in other countries. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, Ethical Reasoning.
Section A1, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
Harris
Lecture
TR
11:00:00 AM–12:15:00 PM
CAS 211
Section A2, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
Wu
Discussion
F
09:05:00 AM–09:55:00 AM
WED 406
Section A3, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
Wu
Discussion
F
10:10:00 AM–11:00:00 AM
EPC 204
Section A4, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
Arnold
Discussion
F
12:20:00 PM–01:10:00 PM
CAS 237
Section A5, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
Arnold
Discussion
F
01:25:00 PM–02:15:00 PM
PSY B37
CFA FA 510 Art Leaders Forum
4 credits. Fall and Spring
The "Art Leaders Forum" is a collective enterprise of critical inquiry, reflection and open discussion about what it means to lead as an artist now. The implications of assuming leadership are vast - vision, exertion, generosity, intelligence, precision, responsibility, compassion. Furthermore, to lead cannot mean to ignore the complex reality we live in as a society: Inequity, social disparities, structural racism and discrimination are not undesired mistakes, but structural aspects of the world we live in. In other words, the way our society defines what is "leadership" and "who should lead" has the power to perpetuate, or for the same matter, dismantle these issues. Our collective inquiry and discussion will inevitably deal with this pressing reality. A group of global art leaders, activists and entrepreneurs from across the globe will join the forum to illustrate, enrich and guide this discussion. The "Art Leaders Forum" is a co-creation process in need of every voice and every view that engages in it. Tourism is not an option here: taking part in the forum clearly demands something of each of us - to fully listen and to dare to be heard; to be seen and to see others and their reality. To support and enhance such demanding work the course will introduce notions of mindfulness, entrepreneurship, active listening, embodiment and non-violent communication, at the time that will study and explore different models of leadership, activism, community and social impact in the arts.
CFA FA 520 Career Development in the Arts
4 credits. Fall and Spring
A blend of self-exploration and business skills that encourages arts leaders to "think like an entrepreneur" in defining their career and personal brand. Develop entrepreneurial skills like branding, networking, marketing, and budgeting. Learn financial basics, tools, and analysis. Apply quantitative reasoning skills to make informed decisions, and oral communication skills to be more persuasive and understood in everyday life. Students will apply these skills to all personal endeavors, from landing a dream job to building your own brand. Effective Spring 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning I, Oral and/or Signed Communication.
Section A1, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
Worden
Independent
M
06:30:00 PM–09:15:00 PM
CFA 219
Section B1, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
Worden
Independent
W
06:30:00 PM–09:15:00 PM
CFA 219
HUB XC 410 BU Cross-College Challenge Projects (WIN)
4 credits. Fall and Spring
BU Hub Learn More Creativity/Innovation Research and Information Literacy Teamwork/Collaboration Writing-Intensive Course
Undergraduate Prerequisites: First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120) - Are you looking to take on a real-world challenge, build your collaboration, leadership, and written communication skills' Would you like to work with fellow students from across BU and with a community partner on an interesting and engaging project' Then the Cross-College Challenge (XCC) is for you! This particular course will focus on writing-intensive within the communication Hub area. Each semester there are exciting new courses offered in areas such as social equity, data science, sustainability, public health, and more. XCC courses are open to juniors and seniors from all schools and colleges at BU. For specific course offerings visit: bu.edu/xcc. Create-Communicate-Collaborate. Effective Fall 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing-Intensive Course, Teamwork/Collaboration, Creativity/Innovation, and Research and Information Literacy.
HUB XC 420 BU Cross-College Challenge Projects (DME)
4 credits. Fall and Spring
BU Hub Learn More Creativity/Innovation Digital/Multimedia Expression Research and Information Literacy Teamwork/Collaboration
Are you looking to take on a real-world challenge, build your collaboration, leadership, and multimedia communication skills' Would you like to work with fellow students from across BU and with a community partner on an interesting and engaging project' Then the Cross-College Challenge (XCC) is for you! This particular course will focus on digital-multimedia expression within the communication Hub area. Each semester there are exciting new courses offered in areas such as social equity, data science, sustainability, public health, and more. XCC courses are open to juniors and seniors from all schools and colleges at BU. For specific course offerings visit: bu.edu/xcc. Create-Communicate- Collaborate. Effective Fall 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Digital/Multimedia Expression, Teamwork/Collaboration, Creativity/Innovation, and Research and Information Literacy.
Section A1, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
Martinelle
Independent
W
02:30:00 PM–05:15:00 PM
CAS 228
Section B1, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
Torre Perez
Independent
T
12:30:00 PM–03:15:00 PM
STH 113
HUB XC 422 Exploring Walkability in Boston
4 credits. Fall and Spring
BU Hub Learn More Creativity/Innovation Digital/Multimedia Expression Research and Information Literacy Teamwork/Collaboration
This Cross-College Challenge (XCC) course will partner with WalkMassachusetts, a nonprofit that makes walking safer and easier in Massachusetts, to tell the fascinating and inspiring stories of the roads less traveled (by foot) in Boston. Through video storytelling, students will explore walkability through a diversity of perspectives. Engaging in all stages of production, student teams will create projects that strive for social justice through amplifying community voices or through actionable change. WalkMassachusetts will feature and promote videos on their website and social media. Effective Spring 2025, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Creativity/Innovation, Digital/Multimedia Expression, Research and Information Literacy, Teamwork/Collaboration.
HUB XC 433 BU Cross-College Challenge Projects (OSC)
4 credits. Fall and Spring
BU Hub Learn More Creativity/Innovation Oral and/or Signed Communication Research and Information Literacy Teamwork/Collaboration
Are you looking to take on a real-world challenge, build your collaboration, leadership, and communication skills' Would you like to work with fellow students from across BU and with a community partner on an interesting and engaging project' Then the Cross-College Challenge (XCC) is for you! This particular course will focus on oral/signed communication within the communication Hub area. Each semester there are exciting new courses offered in areas such as social equity, data science, sustainability, public health, and more. XCC courses are open to juniors and seniors from all schools and colleges at BU. For specific course offerings visit: bu.edu/xcc. Create-Communicate-Collaborate. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Teamwork/Collaboration, Creativity/Innovation, Oral and/or Signed Communication, Research and Information Literacy.
Section A1, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
Kleiman
Independent
T
12:30:00 PM–03:15:00 PM
FLR 152
QST BE 325 Strategy in the Health and Life Science Sector
4 credits. Spring
Undergraduate Pre-requisite: Sophomore standing. - This course examines the distinctive strategic and economic challenges that healthcare and life science firms face. It explores how innovators, providers, and insurers in the healthcare industry create and capture value. We will develop frameworks of competition specific to the healthcare industry. Public policy responds to the unique features of these markets, and we will examine how this generates new affects business opportunities. The course offers insights into the unique aspects of the U.S. healthcare system and how it compares globally. We explore questions such as: How does payment affect the types of drugs firms develop? How do insurers avoid expensive customers? Who is incentivized to offer high-quality health care? Effective Fall 2024, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Social Inquiry II.
QST SI 430 Cleantech Venture Consulting Practicum
4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: QST SM131; CAS EE150 or ENG EK225 - Required course for the Undergraduate Minor in Sustainable Energy. Serves as the capstone project providing students with a multidisciplinary experience that applies ALL three disciplines on the Undergraduate Minor in Sustainable Energy, i.e. Business, Environmental Sciences and Engineering. The practicum is offered in conjunction with a "sponsoring company" to provide students with a hands-on experience with a real-world sustainable energy project.
QST SI 453 Strategies in Environmental Sustainability
4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: QST SM131, or QST SI250, or QST SI480, or COM FT591, or SHA HF307; Jun ior standing - With the growing global call for climate action, firms are recognizing business imperatives for climate resiliency. This course broadens our vision of corporate strategy to incorporate environmental initiatives as a way to create value. If you are a student who embraces the power of the private sector to lead climate imperatives, you will find this course particularly applicable. You will leave this course with a clear and actionable framework for implementing sustainability initiatives at all levels of the firm. Effective Spring 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Digital/Multimedia Expression, Teamwork/Collaboration. Effective Spring 2025, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry II, Teamwork/Collaboration.
Section A1, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
Armitage
Independent
TR
12:30:00 PM–01:45:00 PM
HAR 410