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).


Investigating Contemporary Globalization

CAS AN 348 (4 credits)

  • Social Inquiry I
  • The Individual in Community
  • Critical Thinking

Historical and contemporary ethnographic investigation of globalization. Special attention to impact of global capitalism on indigenous communities; identity and reflexivity; transnational populations; women and work; cultural authenticity, 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.

2024SPRGCASAN348 A1, Jan 18th to Apr 30th 2024

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
TR 03:30:00 PM 04:45:00 PM PSY

Economics of Less-Developed Regions

CAS EC 320 (4 credits)

  • Ethical Reasoning
  • Social Inquiry II

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.

2023FALLCASEC320 A1, Sep 5th to Dec 12th 2023

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
TR 03:30:00 PM 04:45:00 PM KCB 106

2024SPRGCASEC320 A1, Jan 18th to Apr 30th 2024

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
TR 12:30:00 PM 01:45:00 PM SCI

Introduction to Health Economics

CAS EC 387 (4 credits)

  • Quantitative Reasoning I
  • Social Inquiry II

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.

2023FALLCASEC387 A1, Sep 6th to Dec 11th 2023

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
MW 10:10:00 AM 11:25:00 AM CAS 203

Cities and Cultures

CAS HI 226 (4 credits)

Examines the relationship between cultural expression and political, social, and economic change by focusing on cities such as Boston, Paris, London, Casablanca, and Johannesburg during times of intense creativity and upheaval.

2023FALLCASHI226 A1, Sep 5th to Dec 12th 2023

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
TR 12:30:00 PM 01:45:00 PM CAS 216

Politics of the American Environment

CAS HI 291 (4 credits)

  • Social Inquiry I
  • The Individual in Community

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.

2024SPRGCASHI291 A1, Jan 19th to May 1st 2024

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
MWF 01:25:00 PM 02:15:00 PM SCI

Capitalism in America: Economic History of the US

CAS HI 292 (4 credits)

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.

American Urban History

CAS HI 316 (4 credits)

  • Historical Consciousness
  • Social Inquiry I
  • Writing-Intensive Course

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.

Introduction to the Sociology of Globalization

CAS IR 206 (4 credits)

  • Social Inquiry I
  • Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy

(Meets with CAS SO 206.) A sociological introduction to globalization. Explores the roles of technology, transnational corporations, and the state. Considers globalization's impacts on the workplace, the environment, and other institutions as well as the emergence of global social movements. Carries social sciences divisional credit in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy.

Globalization and World Poverty

CAS IR 242 (4 credits)

  • Social Inquiry I
  • Ethical Reasoning

Addresses enduring global poverty and race, ethnic, gender, and class inequalities, especially in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Focuses on colonialism and post-colonialism, strategies of development, urbanization, immigration, religion, politics, women, drugs, social justice, and health issues. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, Ethical Reasoning.

2023FALLCASIR242 A1, Sep 5th to Dec 12th 2023

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
TR 12:30:00 PM 01:45:00 PM KCB 101

Environmentally Sustainable Development

CAS IR 304 (4 credits)

  • Social Inquiry II
  • Research and Information Literacy

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.

2023FALLCASIR304 A1, Sep 5th to Dec 12th 2023

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
TR 11:00:00 AM 12:15:00 PM CAS 213

2023FALLCASIR304 B1, Sep 5th to Dec 12th 2023

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
T 03:35:00 PM 04:25:00 PM STO 453

2023FALLCASIR304 B2, Sep 6th to Dec 6th 2023

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
W 01:25:00 PM 02:15:00 PM STO 453

2023FALLCASIR304 B3, Sep 8th to Dec 8th 2023

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
F 12:20:00 PM 01:10:00 PM STO 453

2024SPRGCASIR304 A1, Jan 18th to Apr 30th 2024

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
TR 05:00:00 PM 06:15:00 PM EPC

2024SPRGCASIR304 B1, Jan 18th to May 1st 2024

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
ARR TBD TBD

Technology and Economic Inclusion in the Developing World

CAS IR 593 (4 credits)

Much of the world's population is "economically excluded," lacking access to essential services and resources, including electricity, credit, drinking water, and internet. Examines how new and existing technologies may be used to expand economic inclusion in the developing world.

2023FALLCASIR593 A1, Sep 5th to Dec 12th 2023

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
TR 03:30:00 PM 04:45:00 PM CAS 325

Global Environmental Negotiation and Policy

CAS IR 594 (4 credits)

  • Ethical Reasoning
  • Social Inquiry II

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.

2023FALLCASIR594 A1, Sep 6th to Dec 6th 2023

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
W 02:30:00 PM 05:15:00 PM IRB 102

Introduction to the Sociology of Globalization

CAS SO 206 (4 credits)

  • Social Inquiry I
  • Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy

A sociological introduction to globalization. Explores the roles of technology, transnational corporations, and the state. Considers globalization's impacts on the workplace, the environment, and other institutions as well as the emergence of global social movements. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy.

Sociology of Health Care

CAS SO 215 (4 credits)

  • Social Inquiry I
  • Ethical Reasoning

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.

2023FALLCASSO215 A1, Sep 5th to Dec 12th 2023

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
TR 11:00:00 AM 12:15:00 PM CAS 313

2023FALLCASSO215 A2, Sep 8th to Dec 8th 2023

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
F 09:05:00 AM 09:55:00 AM CAS 325

2023FALLCASSO215 A3, Sep 8th to Dec 8th 2023

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
F 10:10:00 AM 11:00:00 AM CAS 221

2023FALLCASSO215 A4, Sep 8th to Dec 8th 2023

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
F 02:30:00 PM 03:20:00 PM SOC B63

2023FALLCASSO215 A5, Sep 8th to Dec 8th 2023

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
F 03:35:00 PM 04:25:00 PM CAS B25B

2024SPRGCASSO215 A1, Jan 18th to Apr 30th 2024

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
TR 09:30:00 AM 10:45:00 AM CAS

2024SPRGCASSO215 A2, Jan 19th to Apr 26th 2024

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
F 09:05:00 AM 09:55:00 AM CAS

2024SPRGCASSO215 A3, Jan 19th to Apr 26th 2024

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
F 10:10:00 AM 11:00:00 AM CAS

2024SPRGCASSO215 A6, Jan 19th to Apr 26th 2024

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
F 12:20:00 PM 01:10:00 PM CAS

2024SPRGCASSO215 A7, Jan 19th to Apr 26th 2024

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
F 11:15:00 AM 12:05:00 PM CAS

Urban Sociology

CAS SO 244 (4 credits)

  • Social Inquiry I
  • The Individual in Community
  • Critical Thinking

Explores urban growth and dynamics, delving into how cities reproduce inequalities, and foster culture. Additional topics include public space, crime and policing, gentrification, segregation, housing, and climate change. Students will collect original data and explore policy solutions for urban issues. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: The Individual in Community, Critical Thinking, Social Inquiry I.

2024SPRGCASSO244 A1, Jan 19th to May 1st 2024

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
MWF 12:20:00 PM 01:10:00 PM CAS

Art Leaders Forum

CFA FA 510 (4 credits)

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.

2023FALLCFAFA510 A1, Sep 8th to Dec 8th 2023

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
F 08:00:00 AM 10:45:00 AM CFA 259

Collaborative Arts Incubator

CFA FA 530 (Var credits)

The Collaborative Arts Incubator is a hands-on studio experience and a cross-disciplinary course that offers students within CFA and BU the opportunity to work together on innovative, creative projects. Students work in groups drawing from their own disciplines and are encouraged to venture into unfamiliar creative territories. Students engage in active collaboration, critical thinking and peer interaction with at-risk populations in the surrounding community. The social justice component is a significant element of the course.

2024SPRGCFAFA530 B1, Jan 22nd to Apr 29th 2024

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
M 06:30:00 PM 09:15:00 PM CFA

BU Cross-College Challenge Projects (OSC)

HUB XC 433 (4 credits)

  • Oral and/or Signed Communication
  • Research and Information Literacy
  • Teamwork/Collaboration
  • Creativity/Innovation

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.

2023FALLHUBXC433 A1, Sep 11th to Dec 11th 2023

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
M 02:30:00 PM 05:15:00 PM CAS B06A

2023FALLHUBXC433 B1, Sep 5th to Dec 12th 2023

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
T 03:30:00 PM 06:15:00 PM CGS 123

2023FALLHUBXC433 C1, Sep 8th to Dec 8th 2023

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
F 11:15:00 AM 02:00:00 PM HAR 404

2024SPRGHUBXC433 A1, Jan 22nd to Apr 29th 2024

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
M 02:30:00 PM 05:15:00 PM WED

2024SPRGHUBXC433 B1, Jan 22nd to Apr 29th 2024

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
M 02:30:00 PM 05:15:00 PM CAS

2024SPRGHUBXC433 C1, Jan 19th to Apr 26th 2024

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
F 11:15:00 AM 02:00:00 PM FLR

Introduction to the Health Sector: Issues and Opportunities

QST PL 325 (4 credits)

  • Social Inquiry II

Formerly PL425. This course provides a dynamic introduction to the health sector, beginning with the burden and distribution of disease and current patterns of expenditures. While the primary emphasis will be on the U.S. healthcare system, a global context will be developed. The basic elements of insurance and payment, service organization and delivery, and life sciences products (drugs, diagnostics, and devices) will be described, and placed in the context of the unique economic structure of the sector. The intense challenges of the sector will be explored, including ethical, social and organizational dilemmas that arise as well as business opportunities that emerge. The roles that government policy, rapid technology growth, and practice development play as drivers of system change will be addressed throughout. Effective Spring 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Social Inquiry II.

2024SPRGQSTPL325 A1, Jan 18th to Apr 30th 2024

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
TR 09:30:00 AM 10:45:00 AM HAR

The U.S. Healthcare System in Transition

QST PL 330 (4 credits)

  • Social Inquiry II

Formerly PL430. The U.S. health care system has undergone sweeping change as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010. Knowledge of how the reform law is affecting health care organizations, health professionals, consumers, and American businesses is essential for everyone, especially those planning careers in management or business. This rigorous seminar, which counts toward the Health & Life Sciences concentration and the Law and Public Policy concentration, provides an in-depth look at the economic, political, social and organizational challenges facing the nation as attempts to repeal-and-replace the ACA are debated by Congress. Students read and analyze articles, business cases, issue briefs, and legal opinions from diverse perspectives to learn how the U.S. health care system came to be and how it will change in the future. Effective Spring 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Social Inquiry II.

2024SPRGQSTPL330 A1, Jan 22nd to May 1st 2024

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
MW 09:25:00 AM 10:40:00 AM HAR

Cleantech Venture Consulting Practicum

QST SI 430 (4 credits)

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.

2024SPRGQSTSI430 A1, Jan 24th to May 1st 2024

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
W 02:30:00 PM 05:15:00 PM HAR

Strategies in Environmental Sustainability

QST SI 453 (4 credits)

  • Digital/Multimedia Expression
  • Teamwork/Collaboration

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.

2024SPRGQSTSI453 A1, Jan 18th to Apr 30th 2024

Days Start End Type Bldg Room
TR 12:30:00 PM 01:45:00 PM HAR