College of Arts & Sciences

SPECIAL COURSES AND PROGRAMS
ACADEMIC ADVISING
CAS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
HONOR SOCIETIES/STUDENT ACTIVITIES
FACULTY

725 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
617-353-2400

Administration

Virginia Sapiro, BA, MA, PhD, Dean of Arts & Sciences; Professor of Political Science

Susan K. Jackson, BA, MA, PhD, Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education, College of Arts & Sciences; Associate Professor of French

Wayne Snyder, BA, MA, PhD, Associate Dean for Student Academic Life, College of Arts & Sciences; Associate Professor of Computer Science

J. Scott Whitaker, BA, PhD, Associate Dean, Graduate School of Arts & Sciences; Professor of Physics

Peter B. Doeringer, AB, AM, PhD, Associate Dean for Faculty, College of Arts & Sciences; Professor of Economics

Joseph Bizup, BA, MA, PhD, Assistant Dean, College of Arts & Sciences; Associate Professor of English

M. David Eckel, BA, MA, PhD, Assistant Dean, College of Arts & Sciences; Associate Professor of Religion

Edward Stern, BS, JD, Assistant Dean for Pre-Law Advising, College of Arts & Sciences

Glen Zamansky, BA, PhD, Assistant Dean for Pre-Medical Advising, College of Arts & Sciences

The College of Arts & Sciences is an academic community of students and faculty involved in the discovery, evaluation, and transmission of essential knowledge. Through study of the humanities, the natural and computational sciences, and the social sciences, young men and women prepare to lead fulfilled and examined lives and to assume roles as creative and contributing members of society.

Students are enrolled in Bachelor of Arts programs in 24 departments, in interdisciplinary degree programs, and in individually designed independent concentrations. In cooperation with the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, many of the College’s departments offer combined BA/MA programs. Through the Boston University Collaborative Degree Program (BUCOP), students may enroll in another of the University’s undergraduate schools in order to earn dual bachelor’s degrees. Seven-year programs with the School of Medicine and the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine lead to the awarding of the BA and, respectively, the MD or DMD. The Modular Medical Integrated Curriculum (MMEDIC) combines study of the liberal arts and basic medical sciences, providing early admission and an accelerated transition to the School of Medicine for a limited number of qualified students who have completed their sophomore year.

Class work, field trips, and internship programs are offered in Washington, DC; London, England; Dublin, Ireland; Paris, France; Geneva, Switzerland; Dresden, Germany; Sydney, Australia; Auckland, New Zealand; Shanghai, China; and Madrid, Spain. Special programs are offered in Shanghai, China; London, England; Grenoble, France; Madrid, Spain; Burgos, Spain; Geneva, Switzerland; Padova, Italy; Dresden, Germany; Haifa, Israel; Rabat, Morocco; Niamey, Niger; Guadalajara, Mexico; San Bartolo, Guatemala; and Quito, Ecuador. All of these programs extend the college classroom beyond the Greater Boston community. Collaborative programs with area universities and colleges allow students to cross-register for classes.

The College provides the liberal arts foundation for undergraduates in the University’s professional schools and colleges.

Bachelor of Arts Degree

The University confers the degree of Bachelor of Arts (BA) on candidates recommended by the faculty of the College of Arts & Sciences and approved by the Trustees of Boston University.

The following regulations are in addition to the general University regulations governing undergraduates that are stated in preceding sections of this bulletin. Further information and assistance are available in the Dean Ralph W. Taylor Academic Advising Center, CAS Room 105 (hereafter referred to as CAS Room 105), or in CAS Student Records, CAS Room B3.

Degree Requirements

Candidates for the Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Arts & Sciences must satisfy requirements in writing, foreign language, mathematics, general education, the selected concentration, and electives. Each requirement is outlined below. All College of Arts & Sciences students must complete a minimum of thirty-two 4-credit courses (128 credits). The student is also advised to review the Promotion and Graduation section listed under CAS Policies and Procedures.

The BA degree program must be completed within seven years after a student first matriculates, whether at Boston University or at another institution.

Course Credits  In computing requirements for the degree in the College of Arts & Sciences, the unit employed is the semester course. A total of 32 different courses is required for the degree. Most CAS courses carry 4 credits; a few carry half or variable credit. A 3-credit course taken in another college at Boston University or elsewhere, or a 5-credit course taken in a quarter-hour system, is not equivalent to a 4-credit semester course in the College of Arts & Sciences.

Course Load  Students are expected to be enrolled on a full-time basis. Students ordinarily are expected to proceed at the rate of four courses per semester. To be considered a full-time degree candidate, a student must be registered in a minimum of three 4-credit courses (12 credits).

Students wishing to register for 19 or 20 credits, but not more than 20, may do so without prior College approval if they are in good academic standing and their faculty advisor approves; however, first-semester freshmen and first-semester transfers may not take five 4-credit courses. Additional tuition will be charged for all credits in excess of 18, except to students with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher, or students in their senior year who have accumulated at least 88 credits. Additional tuition will be charged to all students for credits in excess of 20. Course overload fee waiver forms should be submitted to CAS Room B3.

Enrollment in fewer than three courses (12 credits) in any semester requires advance approval. Petitions for course-overload fee waiver and part-time status, along with guidelines explaining these procedures, are available in CAS Room 105 and CAS Room B3.

Residence Requirement  During the junior and senior years, a candidate for the BA degree is required to take at least 12 courses while registered as a full-time student in the College of Arts & Sciences. In addition, the student must be in residence in a full-time program (registered in the College of Arts & Sciences) for the two consecutive semesters preceding graduation. This requirement cannot be waived without an approved petition, for which forms and guidelines are available in CAS Room 105. Transfer students with 20 courses of credit toward the degree cannot be excused from this requirement. Neither advanced placement credit nor credit for work done in absentia (including in Summer Term and at Metropolitan College) counts toward meeting the residence requirement. Further, a candidate must complete at least four principal courses for the concentration at the College of Arts & Sciences; some departments may require more.

Requirement for Satisfactory Record  A GPA of at least 2.0 in academic coursework is required for graduation. Students may offer for the degree no more than four courses with a grade of D. Courses taken to satisfy concentration requirements must receive a grade of at least C.

College Program for Liberal Arts

All candidates for the College of Arts & Sciences degree must satisfy the requirements of the College Program, described below. Of the total 32 courses (excluding PDP and ROTC courses) required for the degree, courses used to satisfy specific College requirements and concentration requirements must either be taken within the College of Arts & Sciences or be completed at another accredited college or university prior to matriculation at Boston University and accepted for transfer credit by the College of Arts & Sciences. Continuing College of General Studies students will be credited with having satisfied certain CAS requirements; full information is available from CGS or in CAS Room 105. The remaining elective courses may be taken within the College of Arts & Sciences or in any other school or college of Boston University.

The College Program offers the student the broad base of knowledge that is the mark of a liberally educated person and the in-depth study of a concentration suited to the student’s interests, abilities, and goals. Degree candidates must satisfy requirements in (1) languages (English writing and a foreign language) and mathematics; (2) general education (introduction to the humanities, mathematics and computer science, social sciences, and natural sciences); and (3) a concentration. These requirements are detailed below.

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Languages and Mathematics

The College Writing Program

Assistant Dean and Director Joseph Bizup

Associate Director Christopher Walsh

Director of ESL Maria Zlateva

Lecturers  Adair, Allenberg, Avizienis, Bennett, Blyler, Breen, Campbell, Challener, Chmielewski, Degener, Eubanks, Fido, Fitts, Gapotchenko, Giraldi, Goss, Green, Hardy, Hoover, Kinraide, Landman, Lewin, Luke, Marx, Merritt, Michaud, Milanese, Nelson, Pasto, Pittock, Prentice, Queen, Ress, Rockwood, Rodriguez, Scheuerman, Shawn, Shuckra-Gomez, Smith, Underwood, Villano, Wallace

The ability to read with comprehension and critical discernment; to write with clarity, correctness, and reasoned conviction; to conduct independent research; and to speak with poise and purpose is basic to all study, as well as to continued growth as an educated person and contributing citizen.

All candidates for the BA degree are required to complete a full year of formal instruction in writing, reading, research, and speaking. The two-course sequence CAS WR 100 Writing Seminar and CAS WR 150 Writing and Research Seminar is the usual means of satisfying this requirement. Students who complete the first-year Humanities sequence of the Core Curriculum (CAS CC 101/102) satisfy the first semester of the requirement (WR 100). Students who complete the second year of the Core Curriculum (either the Humanities sequence CAS CC 201/202 or the Social Science sequence CAS CC 203/204) satisfy the second semester of the requirement (WR 150). Students continuing in CAS as juniors from the College of General Studies may use CGS RH 101 to meet the WR 100 requirement and RH 102 to meet the WR 150 requirement. Students may also use CAS EN 120, HI 100, or PH 120 to meet the WR 100 requirement and CAS AH 150, AM 250, EN 220, HI 150, or PH 220 to meet the WR 150 requirement.

In addition, a number of freshman writing seminars have been designed by CAS departments to fulfill the WR 100 or WR 150 requirement while providing students with an introduction to college-level work in a particular academic discipline.

Students whose primary language is English will be placed into CAS WR 100. Students who were required to submit TOEFL scores or other proof of English language proficiency as part of their applications for admission to Boston University will be placed into either CAS WR 097, CAS WR 098, or CAS WR 100, based on their performance on a placement test. Some students additionally will be required to enroll in CAS WR 095 or CAS WR 096 in preparation for the required WR 100/150 sequence. Some ESL students will additionally be required to enroll in CAS WR 095 Writing Tutorial.

College Writing Program Courses

CAS WR 095 Writing Tutorial (ESL)

Required weekly group tutorial for students whose teachers determine they need additional assistance in reading comprehension and prose mechanics. When necessary, WR 095 is to be taken concurrently with WR 097 or WR 098. 0 cr, both sem.

CAS WR 096 Writing Tutorial (non-ESL)

Required weekly group tutorial for students whose teachers determine they need additional assistance in reading comprehension and prose mechanics. When necessary, WR 096 is to be taken concurrently with WR 099, 100, or 150. 0 cr, both sem.

CAS WR 097 English Grammar and Composition (ESL only)

Prereq: placement test results. Basics of English composition: organization of paragraphs and short essays. Includes review of grammar and prose mechanics. Intensive reading for vocabulary development with practice in summarizing and paraphrasing. Frequent short papers in and out of class. Individual conferences. 4 cr, either sem.

CAS WR 098 Introduction to College Reading and Writing in English (ESL only)

Prereq: placement test results or CAS WR 097. Emphasis on analytical and persuasive writing. Intensive study of prose mechanics and essay structure. Grammar and punctuation; patterns for composing sentences and paragraphs; proper citation of sources in support of a thesis. Extensive reading, including one long reading and works that exemplify a variety of styles. Individual conferences. 4 cr, either sem.

CAS WR 099 Introduction to College Reading and Writing

Not offered 2009/2010

CAS WR 100 Writing Seminar

Prereq: CAS WR 098, if student is required to take that course. Imaginative engagement through reading and writing with a theme or topic in literature, thought, and society. Emphasis on assimilation of challenging readings into essays that are clear, accurate, persuasive, and engaging. Practice in classroom discussion of ideas and refinement of speaking skills. Special attention to comparison and synthesis. Individual conferences. 4 cr, either sem.

CAS WR 150 Writing and Research Seminar

Prereq: CAS WR 100. Imaginative engagement through reading and writing with a theme or topic in literature, thought, and society. Emphasis on research techniques, including the location, evaluation, and synthesis of secondary sources. Special attention to the role of evidence in persuasive writing. Assignments include oral presentations and two research papers. 4 cr, either sem.

CAS WR 202 Children's Literature in the Elementary School

An introduction to the world of children’s literature. Classics and exemplary modern works are studied, with a particular focus on literary techniques, nonfiction text structures, cultural diversity, and gender. Covers children’s literature recommended by Massachusetts English Language Arts Framework. 4 cr, either sem.

Foreign Language  The study of a foreign language is a significant element in liberal education, providing access to the literature and culture of another society. In planning language work, students should consider the particular needs of their proposed concentration and should remember that graduate degrees frequently require one or two languages, often French and German. Degree candidates are required to demonstrate proficiency at the advanced level in one language other than their own.

The foreign language requirement may be met by any of the following:

1. A score of 560 or higher on the SAT: Foreign Language Subject Test in Chinese, French, German, Modern Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Latin, or Spanish. Students are encouraged to take these exams before applying for admission. Information is available in CAS Room 105.

2. A score of 3 or better on an Advanced Placement foreign language test. (A score of 4 or better is required on the German, Latin: Literature, and Latin: Vergil tests, and a score of 5 is required on the Chinese and Japanese tests.)

3. Satisfactory completion of one of the following courses:
   Arabic CAS LY 212
   Chinese CAS LC 212, 216
   French CAS LF 212, 222, Grenoble I
   Program
   German CAS LG 212
   Greek (Classical) CAS CL 262
   Greek (Modern) CAS CG 212
   Hebrew CAS LH 212
   Italian CAS LI 212, Padova I Program
   Japanese CAS LJ 212
   Korean CAS LK 212
   Latin CAS CL 212, 215
   Persian CAS LZ 212
   Portuguese CAS LP 224
   Russian CAS LR 212
   Spanish CAS LS 212, 222, Madrid I
   Program
   Turkish CAS LT 212

Students with prior instruction in these languages, at the high school or college level, must take a placement test before enrolling in any course. Note: Language requirement courses are sequential. Students are not permitted to move backwards in the sequence, take two or more levels of the same language simultaneously, or repeat courses for credit.

Placement into upper-level courses in ancient Greek, modern Greek, and Latin may be achieved by satisfactorily completing a written proficiency examination administered by the Department of Classical Studies.

4. Any course numbered 212 or above in one of the regularly offered African languages. Consult the African Language Coordinator (617-353-7305) regarding African languages.

5. Proficiency Testing in the College. No student is automatically exempted from the language requirement. Students whose native language is not English or who have acquired substantial knowledge of a foreign language other than English may, however, take a College-administered exam and meet the requirement by demonstrating appropriate proficiency, as determined by the College, in all skills relevant to the comprehension and production of that particular language. Except in the special cases of ancient languages that are no longer spoken and of American Sign Language, proficiency testing thus includes reading, writing, and speaking. Students should contact Academic Advising in CAS Room 105.

Mathematics  The comprehension of mathematical principles is vital in the study of the natural and social sciences. Students are expected to demonstrate competence in mathematics by a score on the SAT-I: Math of 580; by an Advanced Placement score in mathematics of 3 or higher; or by a score of 23 on the ACT (math). Students who score below those levels may fulfill the requirement by satisfactory completion of a CAS mathematics course numbered 109 or higher. (Note: satisfaction of the mathematics requirement does not imply satisfaction of the math/computer science divisional studies requirement.)

General Education

To provide students with a breadth of context and command of intellectual tools helpful in advanced study, all degree candidates are required to satisfy the requirement for general education either by completing the Core Curriculum or by satisfying the requirements of the Divisional Studies Program.

Students who do not complete the entire Core Curriculum will receive credit in the pertinent division of the Divisional Studies Program (humanities, natural sciences, or social sciences) for each Core course successfully completed.

The Core Curriculum

Assistant Dean and Director M. David Eckel

Lecturers Cirulli, Coverdill, Formichelli, Green, Hudon, Kalt, Lockwood, Murphy, Tabatabai, Wood

The Core Curriculum is an innovative program of eight historically based, integrated courses providing an in-depth study of classic works (Western and non-Western) in the humanities, important ideas in the natural sciences, and the contemporary concerns and theoretical bases of the social sciences. Core courses emphasize careful, analytic reading of great works in small faculty-led seminars, an understanding of the most important scientific ideas of our times, the development of critical and logical thinking, and clarity and precision in written and oral expression. The curriculum is organized around the historical developments and cultural traditions that have led to the contemporary world and to our current understanding of the physical universe. Core students pursue a coherent interdisciplinary approach to great works of literature; art and music; and social, religious, scientific, and philosophical thought—works with the power to transcend their own time and to teach things essential and beautiful to any interested human being of our time.

Each Core course consists of small seminar groups combined with a series of lectures. Science Core courses include both discussions and laboratories.

Note: Students who complete the entire Natural Sciences sequence of the Core Curriculum (CC 105/106) satisfy the College of Arts & Sciences laboratory requirement for general education in the natural sciences. Students who complete only CC 105 (or CC 106) may not use this course to satisfy the laboratory requirement.

Schedule of Core Courses

Freshman Year

Semester I:

CAS CC 101 Core Humanities I: The Ancient World

CAS CC 105 Core Natural Sciences I: The Evolution of the Universe and the Earth (satisfies College laboratory requirement only if completed in addition to CAS CC 106)

Semester II:

CAS CC 102 Core Humanities II: Antiquity and the Medieval World

CAS CC 106 Core Natural Sciences II: Biodiversity and the Evolution of Life (satisfies College laboratory requirement only if completed in addition to CAS CC 105)

Sophomore Year

Semester I:

CAS CC 201 Core Humanities III: The Renaissance

CAS CC 203 Core Social Sciences I: Foundations of the Social Sciences

Semester II:

CAS CC 202 Core Humanities IV: From the Enlightenment to Modernity

CAS CC 204 Core Social Sciences II: The Individual and Modernity

Core Curriculum Courses

CAS CC 101 Core Humanities I: The Ancient World

Begins in the ancient Near East with the origins of Mesopotamian civilization and the Hebrew Bible. Continues with an overview of Greek civilization and careful study of Homer, Greek tragedy, Thucydides, and Plato. 4 cr, 1st sem.

CAS CC 102 Core Humanities II: Antiquity and the Medieval World

Focusing on ethical themes and questions from the Western and Eastern traditions, the course includes Aristotle, Confucius, Lao Tzu, the Bhagavad Gita, Epictetus, Vergil, the Gospels, and Dante. Chronologically, the course covers the late-classical period in Greece, the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, and the medieval world. 4 cr, 2nd sem.

CAS CC 105 Core Natural Science I: The Evolution of the Universe and the Earth

Traces the evolution of the physical universe and our scientific understanding of it. Special classes devoted to dialogue among professors in the sciences, philosophy, and theology. Topics include Big Bang theory, evolution of the stars, laws of the physical universe, evolution of the earth, and planetary ecology. Laboratory work includes night labs in the observatory. 4 cr, 1st sem.

CAS CC 106 Core Natural Science II: Biodiversity and the Evolution of Life

Historical, conceptual, and factual study of the evolution of life, biodiversity, and the ethical and social questions raised by technology. Specific topics include the nature of the scientific enterprise, the fossil record, evolutionary biology, genetics, and the environment. Assignments include computer-based and experimental laboratory work. 4 cr, 2nd sem.

CAS CC 201 Core Humanities III: The Renaissance

From the late Middle Ages through the burgeoning of Renaissance humanism to the baroque period. The origins of modern political and scientific thought and of the comic novel. The flowering of English poetry, Petrarch, Montaigne, Rabelais, Cervantes, Shakespeare, Descartes, and Milton, as well as the music of Bach and the art of Michelangelo. 4 cr, 1st sem.

CAS CC 202 Core Humanities IV: From the Enlightenment to Modernity

From the philosophes and the Age of Reason through the Romantic Revolt and the origins of modernity. Voltaire, Swift, Rousseau, the music of Mozart, Goethe’s Faust, the Romantic poets, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Nietzsche, and Dostoyevsky. 4 cr, 2nd sem.

CAS CC 203 Core Social Science I: Foundations of the Social Sciences

Provides a historical framework for understanding the origins and concerns of the social sciences. Readings are drawn from classic works of social and political theory: Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Smith, Tocqueville, Marx, Weber, and Durkheim. 4 cr, 1st sem.

CAS CC 204 Core Social Science II: The Individual and Modernity

Focuses on the problems of modernity and the response of contemporary social scientists. Topics include psychological and sociological models of human identity, race and immigration, and contemporary theories of justice, globalization, and the international order. The course includes significant study of American society. 4 cr, 2nd sem.

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Divisional Studies

The Divisional Studies Program is an alternative to the Core Curriculum for fulfilling the General Education Requirement. To develop a broad perspective that supports and strengthens studies in the concentration, the program requires students to select courses from a specified group in each of the principal divisions of the liberal arts: humanities, mathematics and computer science, natural sciences, and social sciences. Divisional Studies courses are suitable for nonconcentrators as an introduction to a discipline’s area of study and the tools by which new knowledge is gathered. Whenever possible, divisional studies courses include direct experience in basic methods such as laboratory and fieldwork.

The Divisional Studies Program requires 6 one-semester divisional studies courses, two in each of the three divisions outside the division of concentration. At least one divisional course completed in the division of natural sciences must be designated as including a laboratory component.

For purposes of interpreting the Divisional Studies requirement for any student, departmental concentrations and other degree programs are assigned to divisions as indicated in "Departmental and Interdepartmental Concentrations" under Concentrations. However, several departments offer individual courses that may be taken toward the Divisional Studies requirement in a division other than that of the departmental concentration; for example, the Department of Geography & Environment, a social science department, offers both social science and natural science divisional courses. To ensure that a sufficient range of disciplines is discovered and explored, students may not apply courses from a single department toward fulfillment of the Divisional Studies requirement in more than one division; and courses offered by the department in which a student is pursuing a concentration do not count toward the Divisional Studies requirement for that concentration. In the case of multiple concentrations, minor or additional major concentrations completed in divisions other than that of the primary major concentration may be used to fulfill the Divisional Studies requirement in those divisions. For example, students majoring in English (humanities) may elect to fulfill their natural sciences divisional requirement with a minor or second major in Physics.

Divisional Studies Courses

All Honors courses offered as part of the College Honors Program carry Divisional Studies credit in the appropriate division for students in the program. In all other cases, students not in the Core Curriculum will satisfy the general education requirements with courses taken from the following list only. Each course below is labelled to indicate the division to which it corresponds: HU, humanities; MCS, mathematics and computer science; NS, natural sciences; and SS, social sciences. Courses that satisfy the one-course laboratory requirement in natural science are so designated.

Anthropology (SS, except as noted)

CAS AN 101 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

CAS AN 102 Human Biology, Behavior, and Evolution (NS)

CAS AN 240 Legal Anthropology

CAS AN 252 Ethnicity and Identity

CAS AN 260 Sex and Gender in Anthropological Perspective

Archaeology (as noted)

CAS AR 100 Great Discoveries in Archaeology (HU)

CAS AR 101 Introduction to Archaeology (SS)

CAS AR 205 Origins of Civilization (SS)

CAS AR 230 Archaeology of Classical Civilizations (HU)

CAS AR 232 Archaeology of Ancient Egypt (HU)

Art History (HU)

CAS AH 111 Introduction to Art History I: Antiquity to the Middle Ages

CAS AH 112 Introduction to Art History II: Renaissance to Today

CAS AH 205 Architecture: An Introduction

CAS AH 215 The Arts of Africa

CAS AH 220 Islamic Art and Architecture

CAS AH 225 The Arts of Asia

CAS AH 284 Arts in America

Astronomy (NS)

CAS AS 100 Cosmic Controversies

CAS AS 101 The Solar System (lab)

CAS AS 102 The Astronomical Universe (lab)

CAS AS 109 Cosmology

CAS AS 117 Cosmic Evolution

CAS AS 202 Principles of Astronomy I (lab)

CAS AS 203 Principles of Astronomy II (lab)

Biology (NS)

CAS BI 105 Introductory Biology for Health Sciences (lab)

CAS BI 106 Human Anatomy (lab)

CAS BI 107 Biology I (lab)

CAS BI 108 Biology II (lab)

CAS BI 111 Brain, Hormones, and Behavior

CAS BI 112 Sex and Reproduction

CAS BI 114 Human Infectious Disease: AIDS to Tuberculosis (lab)

CAS BI 117 Global Ecology

CAS BI 118 Biology II (Honors) (lab)

CAS BI 119 Sociobiology

Chemistry (NS)

CAS CH 101 General Chemistry I (lab)

CAS CH 102 General Chemistry II (lab)

CAS CH 109 General and Quantitative Analytical Chemistry I (lab)

CAS CH 110 General and Quantitative Analytical Chemistry II (lab)

CAS CH 111 Intensive General and Quantitative Analytical Chemistry I (lab)

CAS CH 112 Intensive General and Quantitative Analytical Chemistry II (lab)

CAS CH 131 General Chemistry for Engineering Sciences (lab)

CAS CH 171 Principles of General Chemistry (lab)

CAS CH 172 Principles of Organic Chemistry (lab)

Note: only one of CAS CH 101, CH 109, CH 111, CH 131, and CH 171 may be taken for credit.

Classical Studies (HU)

CAS CL 101 The World of Greece

CAS CL 102 The World of Rome

CAS CL 213 Greek and Roman Mythology

CAS CL 321 Greek History

CAS CL 322 Roman History

CAS CL 324 Greek Drama in Translation

Computer Science (MCS)

CAS CS 101 Introduction to Computers

CAS CS 103 Introduction to Internet Technologies and Web Programming

CAS CS 105 Introduction to Databases and Data Analysis

CAS CS 107 Computational Systems

CAS CS 108 Introduction to Applications Programming

CAS CS 109 The Art and Science of Quantitative Reasoning

CAS CS 111 Introduction to Computer Science I

CAS CS 112 Introduction to Computer Science II

Earth Sciences (NS)

CAS ES 101 The Dynamic Earth (lab)

CAS ES 105 Environmental Earth Sciences (lab)

CAS ES 140 Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Other Natural Disasters

CAS ES 142 Introduction to Beach and Shoreline Processes

CAS ES 144 Oceanography

Note: only one of CAS ES 101, CAS ES 105, and CAS GE 104 may be taken for Divisional Studies credit.

Economics (SS)

CAS EC 101 Introductory Microeconomic Analysis

CAS EC 102 Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis

CAS EC 111 Introductory Microeconomic Analysis—Special Achievement

CAS EC 112 Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis—Special Achievement

Note: only one of CAS EC 101 and CAS EC 111 may be taken for credit; likewise, credit will be granted for only one of CAS EC 102 and CAS EC 112.

English (HU)

CAS EN 121 Readings in World Literature

CAS EN 125 Readings in Modern Literature

CAS EN 127 Readings in American Literature

CAS EN 141 Literary Types: Fiction

CAS EN 142 Literary Types: Poetry

CAS EN 143 Literary Types: Drama

CAS EN 163 Readings in Shakespeare

CAS EN 164 Readings in Shakespeare

Geography & Environment (as noted)

CAS GE 100 Introduction to Environmental Science (SS)

CAS GE 101 Natural Environments: The Atmosphere (lab) (NS)

CAS GE 102 The Cultural Landscape (SS)

CAS GE 103 Economic Geography (SS)

CAS GE 104 Natural Environments: The Physical Landscape (lab) (NS)

CAS GE 110 Our Changing Planet: The Perspective from Space (lab) (NS)

CAS GE 201 World Regional Geography I (SS)

CAS GE 226 Geography of the Boston Region (SS)

CAS GE 250 The Fate of Nations: Climate, Resources, and Institutions (SS)

Note: only one of CAS GE 104, CAS ES 101, and CAS ES 105 may be taken for Divisional Studies credit.

History (SS)

CAS HI 101 The Dawn of Europe: Antiquity to the Renaissance

CAS HI 102 The Emergence of Modern Europe: Renaissance to the Present

CAS HI 151 The Emerging United States to 1865

CAS HI 152 The United States Since 1865

CAS HI 176 World History II: 1500 to the Present

CAS HI 215 Political and Cultural Revolution in the Contemporary World

CAS HI 291 Reconstructing the African Past

International Relations (SS)

CAS IR 230 Fundamentals of International Politics

CAS IR 242 Globalization and World Poverty

CAS IR 271 Introduction to International Relations

CAS IR 374 Introduction to Security Studies

Mathematics & Statistics (MCS)

CAS MA 109 The Art and Science of Quantitative Reasoning

CAS MA 113 Elementary Statistics

CAS MA 115 Statistics I

CAS MA 116 Statistics II

CAS MA 120 Applied Mathematics for Social and Management Sciences

CAS MA 121 Calculus for the Life and Social Sciences I

CAS MA 122 Calculus for the Life and Social Sciences II

CAS MA 123 Calculus I

CAS MA 124 Calculus II

CAS MA 127 Calculus: A Review

CAS MA 129 Honors Calculus

CAS MA 213 Basic Statistics and Probability

CAS MA 214 Applied Statistics

Note: students may receive credit for only one of CAS MA 113, MA 115, and MA 213; only one of CAS MA 116 and MA 214; only one of MA 121 and MA 123; and only one of MA 122, 124, 127, and 129. However, MA 129 may be taken for credit by students with AP credit for CAS MA 124.

Modern Languages and Comparative Literature (HU)

CAS XL 222 Introduction to Comparative Literature: Western Literature (in English translation)

CAS XL 223 Introduction to Comparative Literature: Middle Eastern Literature (in English translation)

CAS XL 224 Introduction to Comparative Literature: East Asian Literature (in English translation)

CAS LC 250 Masterpieces of Chinese Fiction (in English translation)

CAS LC 350 Introduction to Chinese Literature

CAS LG 250 Masterpieces of German Literature (in English translation)

CAS LG 350 Introduction to German Literature

CAS LH 250 Masterpieces of Modern Hebrew Literature (in English translation)

CAS LH 350 Hebrew Narrative: Biblical and Modern

CAS LJ 250 Masterpieces of Japanese Literature (in English translation)

CAS LJ 350 Self and Society in Modern Japanese Literature

CAS LR 250 Classics of Russian Prose (in English translation)

CAS LR 350 Introduction to Analysis of Russian Prose Texts

Music (HU)

CAS MU 117 Music Appreciation I

CAS MU 118 Music Appreciation II

CAS MU 229 Masterpieces of Opera

CAS MU 242 Music and Society

Philosophy (HU)

CAS PH 100 Introduction to Philosophy

CAS PH 110 Great Philosophers

CAS PH 150 Introduction to Ethics

CAS PH 155 Politics and Philosophy

CAS PH 160 Reasoning and Argumentation

Physics (NS)

CAS PY 100 Physics of the Twentieth Century and Beyond

CAS PY 103 Cinema Physica (lab)

CAS PY 105 Elementary Physics I (lab)

CAS PY 106 Elementary Physics II (lab)

CAS PY 211 General Physics I (lab)

CAS PY 212 General Physics II (lab)

CAS PY 231 The Physics in Music

CAS PY 241 Principles of General Physics I (lab)

CAS PY 242 Principles of General Physics II (lab)

CAS PY 251 Principles of Physics I (lab)

CAS PY 252 Principles of Physics II (lab)

Political Science (SS)

CAS PO 101 Introduction to Political Science

CAS PO 211 Introduction to American Politics

CAS PO 241 Introduction to Public Policy

CAS PO 251 Introduction to Comparative Politics

CAS PO 271 Introduction to International Relations

CAS PO 291 Introduction to Political Theory

Psychology (SS)

CAS PS 101 General Psychology

CAS PS 222 Perception and Behavior

CAS PS 231 Physiological Psychology

CAS PS 234 Psychology of Learning

CAS PS 241 Developmental Psychology

CAS PS 251 Psychology of Personality: Theories and Application

CAS PS 261 Social Psychology

Religion (HU)

CAS RN 100 Religion and Culture

CAS RN 101 The Bible

CAS RN 102 Sacred Journeys

CAS RN 103 Religions of the World: Eastern

CAS RN 104 Religions of the World: Western

CAS RN 201 The Hebrew Bible

CAS RN 202 Jesus to Christ: The Origins of Christianity

Romance Studies (HU)

CAS LX 240 Great Linguists

CAS LX 250 Introduction to Linguistics

CAS LF 250 Masterpieces of the French Novel (in English translation)

CAS LF 350 Introduction to Analysis of French Texts

CAS LI 250 Masterpieces of Modern Italian Literature (in English translation)

CAS LI 350 Italian Literature I: Medieval

CAS LS 250 The Novelistic Tradition in the Hispanic World (in English translation)

CAS LS 350 Introduction to Analysis of Hispanic Texts

Sociology (SS)

CAS SO 100 Principles in Sociology

CAS SO 104 Introduction to Sociology: Health and Illness

CAS SO 108 Introduction to Sociology: Community

CAS SO 205 The American Family

CAS SO 225 Law and Society

CAS SO 242 Globalization and World Poverty

Women's Studies (as noted)

CAS WS 113 Women, Society, and Culture: Social Sciences (SS)

CAS WS 114 Women, Society, and Culture: Humanities (HU)

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Summary of Divisional Studies Courses

Humanities Division

Archaeology (CAS AR 100, 230, 232)

Art History (CAS AH 111, 112, 205, 215, 220, 225, 284)

Classical Studies (CAS CL 101, 102, 213, 321, 322, 324)

English (CAS EN 121, 125, 127, 141, 142, 143, 163, 164)

Modern Languages & Comparative Literature (CAS XL 222, 223, 224; all 250 courses; all 350 courses)

Music (CAS MU 117, 118, 229, 242)

Philosophy (CAS PH 100, 110, 150, 155, 160)

Religion (CAS RN 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 201, 202)

Romance Studies (CAS LX 240; all 250 courses; all 350 courses)

Women’s Studies (CAS WS 114 only)

Mathematics & Computer Science Division

Computer Science (CAS CS 101, 103, 105, 107, 108, 109, 111, 112)

Mathematics & Statistics (CAS MA 109, 113, 115, 116, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 127, 129, 213, 214)

Natural Sciences Division

Anthropology (CAS AN 102 only)

Astronomy (CAS AS 100, 101, 102, 109, 117, 202, 203)

Biology (CAS BI 105, 106, 107, 108, 111, 112, 114, 117, 118, 119)

Chemistry (CAS CH 101, 102, 109, 110, 111, 112, 131, 171, 172)

Earth Sciences (CAS ES 101, 105, 140, 142, 144)

Geography & Environment (CAS GE 101, 104, 110)

Physics (CAS PY 100, 103, 105, 106, 211, 212, 231, 241, 242, 251, 252)

Social Sciences Division

Anthropology (CAS AN 101, 240, 252, 260)

Archaeology (CAS AR 101, 205)

Economics (CAS EC 101, 102, 111, 112)

Geography & Environment (CAS GE 100, 102, 103, 201, 226, 250)

History (CAS HI 101, 102, 151, 152, 176, 215, 291)

International Relations (CAS IR 230, 242, 271, 374)

Political Science (CAS PO 101, 211, 241, 251, 271, 291)

Psychology (CAS PS 101, 222, 231, 234, 241, 251, 261)

Sociology (CAS SO 100, 104, 108, 205, 225, 242)

Women’s Studies (CAS WS 113 only)

Concentrations

A concentration program, required of degree candidates, is planned to provide significant understanding and skills in an area of the student’s choice. This requirement is normally fulfilled through one of the existing departmental or interdepartmental concentration programs. In certain cases, it may be met by an independent concentration planned in consultation with two advisors and approved by the independent concentration advisor in CAS Room 105.

Departmental and interdepartmental concentrations may be elected as early as the first semester of freshman year or as late as registration for junior year. Early election of a concentration permits maximum coherence between a concentration and those courses related to it, and ordinarily does not seriously restrict a student who wishes to change his or her concentration within the first two years. Later election of a concentration permits a broader base in the various fields of knowledge from among which a concentration may be chosen. A student must complete at least four principal courses in his or her concentration in the College of Arts & Sciences; some departments may require more.

Students should study carefully the programs and requirements of the concentrations in which they are interested and consult with their faculty advisor in planning their overall program. Students expecting to concentrate in a foreign language, mathematics, or a science are advised to elect a concentration as early as possible. To declare a concentration, the student must file a Declaration or Change of Major/Minor Concentration Form in CAS Room B3.

To qualify for a double concentration, a student may use no more than five principal or required related courses from a given concentration toward another concentration. A student wishing to take a minor concentration may use no more than two courses from a concentration to fulfill the requirements for a minor concentration. Also, no more than two courses from one minor concentration may count toward the fulfillment of a second minor concentration. These restrictions on the number of courses that may be counted toward two concentrations do not apply to prerequisite courses.

Departmental and Interdepartmental Concentrations  Fields of concentration available in the College of Arts & Sciences are listed below, along with the divisions to which each concentration corresponds: HU, humanities; MCS, mathematics and computer science; NS, natural sciences; SS, social sciences. Requirements are given in the departmental sections of this bulletin. Students expecting to teach in elementary or secondary schools should refer to the School of Education section.

American Studies (see American & New England Studies) (SS)

Ancient Greek (HU)

Ancient Greek & Latin (HU)

Anthropology (SS)

Anthropology & Religion (SS or HU)

Archaeology (SS)

Art History (HU)

Astronomy (NS)

Astronomy & Physics (NS)

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (NS)

Biology (NS)

Biology with specialization in Behavioral Biology (NS)

Biology with specialization in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology & Genetics (NS)

Biology with specialization in Ecology and Conservation Biology (NS)

Biology with specialization in Neurobiology (NS)

Biology with specialization in Quantitative Biology (NS)

Chemistry A (intensive) (NS)

Chemistry B (NS)

Chemistry: Biochemistry (NS)

Chemistry: Teaching (NS)

Chinese Language & Literature (HU)

Classical Civilization (HU)

Classics & Philosophy (HU)

Classics & Religion (HU)

Comparative Literature (HU)

Computer Science (MCS)

Earth Sciences (NS)

East Asian Studies (SS)

Economics (SS)

Economics & Mathematics (SS or MCS)

English (HU)

Environmental Analysis & Policy (SS)

Environmental Earth Sciences (NS)

Environmental Science (NS)

French Language & Literature (HU)

Geography with specialization in Human Geography (SS)

Geography with specialization in Physical Geography (NS)

Geophysics & Planetary Sciences (NS)

German Language & Literature (HU)

Hispanic Language & Literatures (HU)

History (SS)

Independent Concentration

International Relations (SS)

Italian Studies (HU)

Japanese Language & Literature (HU)

Latin (HU)

Latin American Studies (SS)

Linguistics (HU)

Marine Science (NS)

Mathematics (including Statistics) (MCS)

Mathematics and Computer Science (MCS)

Mathematics and Philosophy (MCS or HU)

Medical Science (Seven-Year Liberal Arts/Medical Education Program) (NS)

Music (nonperformance) (HU)

Neuroscience (NS)

Philosophy (HU)

Philosophy & Physics (HU or NS)

Philosophy & Political Science (HU or SS)

Philosophy & Psychology (HU or SS)

Philosophy & Religion (HU)

Physics (NS)

Political Science (SS)

Psychology (SS)

Religion (HU)

Russian & East European Studies (SS)

Russian Language & Literature (HU)

Sociology (SS)

The Independent Concentration  The independent concentration allows the student to design a course of study more suited to his or her interests and goals than those regularly offered. The student plans, with the consultation and approval of two faculty members of the student’s choice, a program of related courses focusing on a central theme or area of concern. If the proposal is approved, the independent program of study becomes the student’s concentration and appears as such on his or her diploma. Students may not apply for this program before the end of the first semester of their freshman year. They should apply before registration for the junior year, although transfer students entering at that time may also apply. In no case may a student pursue an independent concentration without approval from the independent concentration advisor. Information and applications are available in CAS Room 105.

Minor Concentrations  A minor concentration is not required for the BA but is available for students desiring a systematic introduction to a field in addition to the concentration. A minimum of two courses toward any minor concentration offered by a CAS department or program must be taken in the College; some departments may require more. Requirements for minor concentrations are given in the CAS Departments and Programs section of this site. Minor programs exist in undergraduate professional schools as well. Requirements for these are also found in the “CAS Departments and Programs” section of this bulletin. Students should consult the department’s minor concentration advisor or, for an independent minor concentration, the independent minor concentration advisor in CAS Room 105. To declare a minor concentration, a student must obtain the necessary signature on a CAS Declaration or Change of Major/Minor Concentration Form, available in CAS Room B3. The following minor concentrations are offered:

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African Languages & Literature

African Studies

African American Studies

American Studies

Ancient Greek

Anthropology

Archaeology

Art History

Astronomy

Biology

Business Administration & Management

Chemistry

Chinese

Classical Civilization

Communication Studies

Comparative Literature

Computer Science

Dance

Earth Sciences

East Asian Studies

Economics

Education

English

Environmental Analysis & Policy

Environmental Remote Sensing & Geographic Information Systems

Environmental Science

Film Studies

French

Geography

German

Greek Language & Literature

Hebrew

History

Human Physiology

Independent minor concentration

International Relations

Italian

Japanese

Journalism

Judaic Studies

Latin

Latin American Studies

Linguistics

Marine Science

Mathematics

Medieval Studies

Modern Greek Studies

Music (nonperformance)

Music Performance

Muslim Cultures

Muslim Societies

Myth Studies

Nutritional Science

Philosophy

Photojournalism

Physical Education, Health Education & Coaching

Physics

Political Science

Psychology

Public Health

Public Relations

Religion

Russian

Russian & Eastern European Studies

Sociology

Spanish

Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences

Statistics

Theatre Arts

Visual Arts

Women’s Studies

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Elective Courses

Degree programs are planned so that students have a reasonable opportunity to elect a number of courses not necessary to meet specified requirements. The number of such electives depends on the concentration, the courses chosen to meet College program requirements, and the extent to which earlier preparation in language and mathematics satisfies specified requirements. Electives constitute a very important part of the total educational program, and students should consult their advisors in planning elective coursework consistent with their interests and aims.

Freshman Course Selection

Freshmen normally are guided in the selection of courses in their first semester by a special registration and orientation process that takes place over the summer. Freshmen who offer advanced placement or other special qualifications may register for more advanced courses with the permission of the appropriate departments.

Freshmen and sophomores are advised to complete the requirements of the College program, including writing, mathematics, foreign language, and general education, in the first two years.

Advanced Placement

Students entering the College of Arts & Sciences who offer satisfactory scores in Advanced Placement Examinations may receive advanced placement and credit. No advanced standing is granted to seven-year medical or dental students. However, Advanced Placement exam results may be used to meet non-science departmental requirements if approved by the department.

For additional information about advanced placement or credit by examination, inquire in the Admissions Office.

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Special Students

Except for Summer Term, a CAS student wishing to spend a semester at another institution as an unmatriculated student should first inquire in CAS Room 105 for information on the appropriate procedure. A student from another college or university wishing to spend a semester or two as an unmatriculated student in CAS should contact the Admissions Office for guidelines and applications.

Transfer Students and Courses

Credits and coursework of incoming transfer students are evaluated by the Admissions Office. Prior to matriculation, the Admissions Office answers questions about transfer and credit evaluation.

It is the policy of the College of Arts & Sciences that credits received seven or more years before a student’s expected date of graduation are not transferable.

Ordinarily, credit for courses taken at another accredited college or university will be allowed at the rate of eight CAS semester courses (32 credits) for each full year’s (30 to 32 credit hours) transferable courses taken at another university. Only courses equivalent to those offered by the undergraduate schools and colleges of Boston University will be accepted for transfer. Courses taken at other institutions must carry at least 2.5 Boston University credits in order to be equated to Boston University courses. No correspondence or distance learning courses will be accepted, and no credit will be awarded for courses taken during the academic year at the Harvard University Extension Program. The maximum number of courses allowed in transfer is 20; a total of 32 courses are required for graduation.

Approval of transfer credit toward concentration requirements for courses taken at another accredited college or university must be obtained from the department of concentration after initial approval by the admissions office. Transfer students should make every effort to attend the special transfer registration program held during the summer (or in January for January matriculants). Registration information will be sent to all incoming students.

Except under a cooperative arrangement, no matriculated student may carry courses concurrently in another institution. Grades from courses taken at external colleges and universities (except coursework undertaken as part of the College’s consortium agreement) will not be included in the student’s grade point average (GPA) or appear on the student’s Boston University transcript.

See also Summer Study at Other Universities found in the CAS Policies and Procedures section.

Intra-University Transfer

Students in other schools and colleges within the University wishing to transfer into the College of Arts & Sciences may obtain information in CAS Room 105 or B3 (where applications are submitted). College of Arts & Sciences students wishing to transfer to another school or college within the University must consult that particular school or college.

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Published by Trustees of Boston University
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16 October 2009
Boston University
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