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 EC 387 Introduction to Health Economics

4 credits. Fall and Spring

Quantitative Reasoning I
Social Inquiry II

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
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Ellis	Independent	MW	10:10:00 AM–11:25:00 AM	CAS 213

CAS EE 201 World Regional Geography

4 credits. Fall and Spring

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
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Baldwin	Lecture	TR	08:00:00 AM–09:15:00 AM	CAS 225

Section B1, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Baldwin	Discussion	F	11:15:00 AM–12:05:00 PM	STO 453

Section B2, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Baldwin	Discussion	F	02:30:00 PM–03:20:00 PM	STO 453

Section B3, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Baldwin	Discussion	F	04:40:00 PM–05:30:00 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.

Section A1, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Cleveland	Independent	TR	09:30:00 AM–10:45:00 AM	STO 453

CAS EE 528 US Environmental Policy

4 credits. Fall

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.

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
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Anderson	Independent	TR	03:30:00 PM–04:45:00 PM	CAS 214

CAS HI 291 Politics of the American Environment

4 credits.

The Individual in Community
Social Inquiry I

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
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Phillips	Independent	MWF	10:10:00 AM–11:00:00 AM	CAS 315

CAS IR 304 Environmentally Sustainable Development

4 credits. Fall and Spring

Research and Information Literacy
Social Inquiry II

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
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Short	Lecture	TR	11:00:00 AM–12:15:00 PM	EPC 208

Section B1, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Short	Discussion	T	03:35:00 PM–04:25:00 PM	CAS 427

Section B2, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Short	Discussion	W	01:25:00 PM–02:15:00 PM	STO 453

Section B3, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Short	Discussion	F	09:05:00 AM–09:55:00 AM	CAS 114B

CAS IR 593 Technology and Economic Inclusion in the Developing World

4 credits. Fall and Spring

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 PO 388 Justice in an Unjust World

4 credits. Fall

Ethical Reasoning
Philosophical Inquiry and Life's Meanings

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
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Cohen	Independent	TR	11:00:00 AM–12:15:00 PM	CAS B18

CAS SO 215 Sociology of Health Care

4 credits. Fall and Spring

Ethical Reasoning
Social Inquiry I

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
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Guseva	Lecture	TR	11:00:00 AM–12:15:00 PM	CAS 313

Section A2, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Guseva	Discussion	F	09:05:00 AM–09:55:00 AM	CAS B25B

Section A3, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Guseva	Discussion	F	10:10:00 AM–11:00:00 AM	CAS 218

Section A4, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Guseva	Discussion	F	02:30:00 PM–03:20:00 PM	CAS 324

Section A5, FALL 2025 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Guseva	Discussion	F	03:35:00 PM–04:25:00 PM	CAS B25B

CAS SO 244 Urban Sociology

4 credits.

Critical Thinking
The Individual in Community
Social Inquiry I

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
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Schmidt	Independent	MWF	10:10:00 AM–11:00:00 AM	SOC 241

CAS SO 280 Global Urban Studies

4 credits. Fall

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
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
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

Oral and/or Signed Communication
Quantitative Reasoning I

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.

HUB XC 410 BU Cross-College Challenge Projects (WIN)

4 credits. Fall and Spring

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

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

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
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Amato	Independent	W	06:30:00 PM–09:15:00 PM	CAS 223

HUB XC 475 Spark! Innovation Program

4 credits. Fall and Spring

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
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
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

Social Inquiry II

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

Social Inquiry II

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 453 Strategies in Environmental Sustainability

4 credits. Fall and Spring

Social Inquiry II
Teamwork/Collaboration

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.