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.
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.
CAS EC 379 Firms, Markets, and Economic Development
4 credits. Fall and Spring
Examines the interlinked roles of business and politics in the process of economic development, with the objective of providing a framework for understanding how the private and public sectors work together to help (or impede) economic growth.
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, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Ellis
Independent
MW
10:10:00 AM–11:25:00 AM
CAS 213
CAS EE 201 World Regional Geography
4 credits. Fall and Spring
BU Hub Learn More Historical Consciousness Research and Information Literacy Social Inquiry I
Overview of the special combination of environmental, historical, economic, and organizational qualities of the regions of the Old World, including Western and Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, East and South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Emphasis on current issues of regional and global development. 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, Social Inquiry I, Research and Information Literacy.
Section A1, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Baldwin
Lecture
TR
08:00:00 AM–09:15:00 AM
CAS 225
Section B1, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Baldwin
Discussion
F
11:15:00 AM–12:05:00 PM
STO 453
Section B2, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Baldwin
Discussion
F
02:30:00 PM–03:20:00 PM
STO 453
Section B3, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Baldwin
Discussion
F
04:40:00 PM–05:30:00 PM
STO 453
CAS EE 322 The Politics of Science, Care, and the Environment
4 credits. Fall and Spring
BU Hub Learn More Creativity/Innovation Social Inquiry II Writing-Intensive Course
Undergraduate Prerequisite: First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120). - This interdisciplinary course explores political conflicts over environmental problems as conflicts over science and care. Content ranges from concrete cases of U.S. environmental challenges (toxic exposure, wildlife in suburbs), to environmental political theory and the politics of climate change. Effective Spring 2024, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU HUB areas: Writing-Intensive Course, Social Inquiry II, Creativity/Innovation.
CAS EE 518 Environmental Risk Governance and Society
4 credits. Fall and Spring
Drawing on insights from across the social and environmental sciences, this course explores the relationships between risk, governance and society in a variety of international contexts (USA, Europe, and China especially) and policy domains.
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.
Section A1, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Cleveland
Independent
TR
09:30:00 AM–10:45:00 AM
STO 453
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 EE 528 US Environmental Policy
4 credits. Fall
BU Hub Learn More Research and Information Literacy Social Inquiry II Writing-Intensive Course
Undergraduate Prerequisites: First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120); CAS EE 100 or equivalent; EE 309 or equivalent; or consent of instructor. - Survey and historical overview of key environmental policies and regulations in the United States. Emphasis on policy development, including formulation and implementation of federal pollution control regulations since the National Environmental Policy Act of 1970. Considers possible future policy needs. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing-Intensive Course, Social Inquiry II, Research and Information Literacy.
CAS HI 226 Cities and Cultures
4 credits.
BU Hub Learn More Aesthetic Exploration Critical Thinking Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy
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. Effective Fall 2025, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Critical Thinking, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy.
Section A1, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Anderson
Independent
TR
03:30:00 PM–04:45:00 PM
CAS 214
CAS HI 227 Living in the City
4 credits. Fall and Spring
BU Hub Learn More Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy Historical Consciousness Teamwork/Collaboration
Gateway to international urban history. Case studies of selected cities -- from ancient Uruk to modern Shanghai -- through scrutiny of histories and documents. Discussion of important themes for our urban future: justice, health, worship, entertainment, human rights, city planning, beauty. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Historical Consciousness, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Teamwork/Collaboration.
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.
Section A1, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Phillips
Independent
MWF
10:10:00 AM–11:00:00 AM
CAS 315
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 242 Globalization and World Poverty
4 credits. Fall and Spring
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.
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, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Short
Lecture
TR
11:00:00 AM–12:15:00 PM
EPC 208
Section B1, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Short
Discussion
T
03:35:00 PM–04:25:00 PM
CAS 427
Section B2, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Short
Discussion
W
01:25:00 PM–02:15:00 PM
STO 453
Section B3, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Short
Discussion
F
09:05:00 AM–09:55:00 AM
CAS 114B
CAS IR 386 Nation Building and Erosion in Africa
4 credits. Fall and Spring
This course is an overview of nation-building in Africa since the era of decolonization. It focuses on key events in modern African political history: post -independence transformation, the role of Pan-Africanism, and the politics of social movements. Effective Spring 2024, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Historical Consciousness.
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.
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.
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 PO 388 Justice in an Unjust World
4 credits. Fall
A search for justice is the origin story of political science. We seek to understand what it means to be just in contemporary politics, laws, workplaces, families, and across borders, among many other sites. Effective Fall 2024, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Ethical Reasoning, Philosophical Inquiry and Life's Meanings.
Section A1, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Cohen
Independent
TR
11:00:00 AM–12:15:00 PM
CAS B18
CAS SO 206 Introduction to the Sociology of Globalization
4 credits.
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.
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, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Guseva
Lecture
TR
11:00:00 AM–12:15:00 PM
CAS 313
Section A2, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Guseva
Discussion
F
09:05:00 AM–09:55:00 AM
CAS B25B
Section A3, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Guseva
Discussion
F
10:10:00 AM–11:00:00 AM
CAS 218
Section A4, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Guseva
Discussion
F
02:30:00 PM–03:20:00 PM
CAS 324
Section A5, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Guseva
Discussion
F
03:35:00 PM–04:25:00 PM
CAS B25B
CAS SO 244 Urban Sociology
4 credits.
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.
Section A1, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Schmidt
Independent
MWF
10:10:00 AM–11:00:00 AM
SOC 241
CAS SO 280 Global Urban Studies
4 credits. Fall
BU Hub Learn More Critical Thinking Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy The Individual in Community
Looks at theoretical and methodological debates concerning the nature of global urbanization and global urbanism. It looks at cities globally, both historically and contemporary, and investigates the economic, political, spatial, and cultural processes involved in their making. Effective Fall 2025 fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Critical Thinking, Global Citizenship, The Individual in Community.
Section A1, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Lees
Independent
R
03:30:00 PM–06:15:00 PM
SAR 300
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.
CFA FA 530 Collaborative Arts Incubator
Var credits. Spring
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.
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.
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, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Amato
Independent
W
06:30:00 PM–09:15:00 PM
CAS 223
HUB XC 475 Spark! Innovation Program
4 credits. Fall and Spring
BU Hub Learn More Creativity/Innovation Oral and/or Signed Communication Research and Information Literacy Teamwork/Collaboration
The Spark! Innovation Fellowship program supports student innovators passionate about solving problems through technology. The course provides a structured process where students advance a technology project of their own creation, or an innovative solution for a problem sponsored by an external partner. The goal is to design, develop, and deploy a working prototype in one semester with the support of industry mentors. Students can participate as part of a pre-formed team or they can be assigned to a team. There are two participant tracks for each team: developers and designers. Effective Summer 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Oral and/or Signed Communication, Creativity/Innovation, Research and Information Literacy, Teamwork/Collaboration.
Section A1, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Cranmer
Independent
M
02:30:00 PM–05:15:00 PM
CDS 164
QST PL 325 Introduction to the Health Sector: Issues and Opportunities
4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: Sophomore standing - 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.
QST PL 330 The U.S. Healthcare System in Transition
4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: Sophomore standing - 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.
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.