You searched for Writing, Research, and Inquiry

• Seminar in Literature

  CAS EN 220
  

  Undergraduate Prerequisites: First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., EN 120 or WR 100 or WR 120). - Topic for summer 2025: English and American Literature on Film. Why do we adapt books into movies' How does the experience of a story we first encounter as a text change when we see it on screen' Are filmmakers obligated to be "faithful" to their sources, or do they have artistic license to innovate' Is literature an inherently "higher" form of art than movies' In this course, we consider these and other questions about cinematic adaptation in order to develop our skills as critical readers of texts and movies, and as proficient researchers and writers. We examine film adaptations of work by English-language authors such as Shakespeare, Jane Austen, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and August Wilson. Our goal is to produce well-researched, clear, and persuasive analyses of how film adaptation can enhance or sometimes challenge our understanding of literary masterpieces. Satisfies CAS WR 150 requirement. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing, Research and Inquiry, Oral and/or Signed Communication, Research and Information Literacy. 4 cr.
• Writing, Research, & Inquiry with Oral and/or Signed Expression

  CAS WR 151
  

  Topic: I Want to Believe: UFOs. Half of all Americans believe in UFOs, and 15% of Americans believe that Bigfoot is real. Nearly every recorded culture and established mythology has some version of anomalies in the sky and hairy man-beasts in the woods. In America, belief in UFOs and Bigfoot often assumes a religious vigor, an obsession. What are the ancient urges that underpin such fantastical belief? What purposes do these beliefs serve in the lives of devotees? We closely study the mythologies and research, and write about why so many are inclined to believe in what many scientists claim is either unlikely or impossible. 4 cr.
• Writing, Research, & Inquiry with Digital/Multimedia Expression

  CAS WR 152
  

  Topic: Art and Justice in Boston. In this course, we visit and examine some of Boston’s art exhibitions and outdoor works of art and monuments. We consider the critical discourse surrounding these artworks and look at how they function in and outside the city. Research projects begin with questions about art’s interrogation of power. We explore how particular artworks and exhibitions around us engage local communities. As we share our research, we also consider ways these works impact our personal and collective sense of place and self. Our writing and projects consider connections and intersections between art, social justice, reform, and advocacy. 4 cr.
• Writing, Research, & Inquiry with Digital/Multimedia Expression

  CAS WR 152
  

  Topic: Hip Hop: Race & Social Justice. Hip-hop, originally a conscious voice, exploring themes of race, identity, and social justice, has consistently evolved, taking roots in different pockets around the world. In this course, students examine these pockets and ask: Given the racial injustice and the current challenges society faces today, why aren't hip-hop and rap music taken more seriously? What are the roots of the flawed perceptions? Do hip-hop and rap artists have a responsibility in exploring themes of race, identity, and social injustice? What role is the feminist movement playing in the evolution of hip-hop and rap? 4 cr.
• Writing, Research, & Inquiry with Creativity/Innovation

  CAS WR 153
  

  Topic: AI: Philosophy and Ethics. This course considers the philosophical and ethical implications of Artificial Intelligence. We explore issues such as algorithmic bias, AI’s effect on the economy, AI’s potential to reshape attitudes about love and friendship, and AI’s reshaping of global politics and power. Students pursue an independent research project to explore the implications of AI for their intended field or major. Students have the opportunity to practice prompt engineering as well as collaborate with generative AI for their projects. 4 cr.
• Writing, Research, & Inquiry with Creativity/Innovation

  CAS WR 153
  

  Topic: Marijuana in America. In this course, students write about marijuana’s polarizing influence in recent American history. Marijuana prohibition in America has evolved to reflect political, social, economic and scientific trends in twentieth century US history. This course questions the role of science and morality in drug enforcement policy and evaluates the recent push for decriminalization during three periods: the prohibition years in the first half of the century; the counter-cultural period after the 1950s and the backlash it created; and the medicinal marijuana era that followed the 1980s. 4 cr.
• Critical and Analytic Thinking for Business

  QST SM 275
  

  Undergraduate Prerequisites: CASWR 120; and QSTSM 131, or sophomore standing and QSTSM 131 previously or concurrently - Critical and analytic thinking skills are essential success in every business discipline. In this course, students will learn how to apply a structured problem-solving methodology that: defines the problem; identifies and prioritizes issues to assess; plans and conducts analyses; synthesizes findings; and communicates recommendations. Students will learn (a) how to evaluate evidence for business decision-making, not just passively accept information, and determine whether it is sufficient to prove their point. As well, they will learn how to assess the quality, credibility, and reliability of sources in researching relevant facts and data for business decisions. In addition to mastering frameworks for deductive and inductive arguments, students will master presentation delivery by connecting authentically to the audience, harnessing the power of storytelling, and using body language to positively reinforce the message. Finally, students will enhance professional skills that are integral to business success. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Oral and/or Signed Communication, Research and Information Literacy, Writing, Research & Inquiry.. 4 cr.