challenged BE
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Our Distinctive Program
At Boston University Academy, kind and curious students who love learning are challenged to read deeply and think critically, to explore adventurously at Boston University, and to engage meaningfully in our community and beyond.
Boston University Academy’s academic program pairs a liberal arts high school curriculum with courses at Boston University. It’s an optimal blend of small classes and individualized teacher attention at BUA and the vast educational resources available through BU. Students’ zeal for learning can take them as far as they are capable: there are no limits to learning at BUA.
The BUA curriculum — the only one of its kind in New England — enables students to gain exposure to new disciplines and to pursue their particular interests at advanced levels. It is a program built for students’ growth as thinkers and as individuals. By design, the curriculum evolves to provide an appropriate level of challenge and support for each grade level, preparing students for the myriad of opportunities offered at BU in their junior and senior years. Boston University Academy’s program is mindful of each student’s unique interests and needs.
Best of Both Worlds
Boston University Academy classes are all honors level. Every student gains a solid foundation in the humanities — English, history, and language. Ninth and tenth graders also study biology and chemistry, a visual or performing art, and the level of mathematics they are prepared for, from advanced algebra to multivariate calculus and beyond. BUA’s core curriculum prepares students for in-depth study of just about anything.
While ninth- and tenth-grade students follow a classically-based, globally-focused liberal arts curriculum, eleventh and twelfth graders have the freedom to choose from more than 2,000 classes from Boston University’s course catalog. In their BU courses, eleventh- and twelfth-grade students build upon their underclassmen experience to pursue their individual interests at advanced levels.
Grades 9 & 10
Liberal arts curriculum that includes English, history, science, mathematics, classical language, the arts, and physical education
Two-year study of Latin or ancient Greek; tenth graders who test into the third semester of a modern language may apply to take that course at BU instead of the second year of classical language
Elective modern language courses offered online or at BU in ninth and tenth grades, respectively
Ninth- and Tenth-Grade Seminars, courses on issues of relevance to today's teenagers (more info on p. 9)
Interdisciplinary approach to humanities through immersion in the classic works of Western civilization in conversation with global texts and with emphasis on close reading and writing
A shared academic experience to support study across a wide variety of disciplines in eleventh and twelfth grades
The BUA approach prompts students to understand historical perspectives, to think critically and delve deeply, to master the use of primary texts, and to hone their interpretive skills. BUA students learn to question what they read, to craft a well-reasoned argument, and to appreciate the connections between literature, history, philosophy, religion, science, and political theory. Classes focus on the debate of “why” and “how.”
Master Class Schedule
Sample Ninth-Grade Schedule
MONDAY
8:55-9:55 LATIN I
10:05-11:05 ADVANCED ALGEBRA
8:30-9:20 ALL-SCHOOL MEETING
9:30-10:45 (long) THE LITERARY CANON IN CONVERSATION: SELF & SOCIETY
8:30-9:45 (long) LATIN I
10:05-11:05 ADVANCED ALGEBRA
11:10-11:50 LUNCH 11:10-11:50 LUNCH
11:55-12:15 ADVISORY
12:20-1:10 ACADEMIC BLOCK
1:25-2:25 POWER AND WISDOM IN THE ANCIENT WORLD
2:35-3:50 PHYSICAL EDUCATION
8:30-9:45 (long) ADVANCED ALGEBRA
8:55-9:55 LATIN I
10:50-11:40 9TH-GRADE SEMINAR 11:00-11:20 CLASS MEETING
11:40-12:25 LUNCH
11:55-12:10 ADVISORY
12:15-1:15 VISUAL ARTS FOUNDATIONS I
1:25-2:40 (long) POWER AND WISDOM IN THE ANCIENT WORLD
1:45-3:00 (long) BIOLOGY 11:25-12:25 LUNCH 9:55-10:55 SELF & SOCIETY 2:00-3:00 BIOLOGY
11:10-11:50 LUNCH
11:55-12:10 ADVISORY
12:15-1:15 VISUAL ARTS FOUNDATIONS I
12:30-1:45 (long) VISUAL ARTS FOUNDATIONS I 12:30-1:30 POWER AND WISDOM IN THE ANCIENT WORLD 10:05-11:05 SELF & SOCIETY
2:45-3:30 ACADEMIC BLOCK
2:35-3:30 ACTIVITY BLOCK 1:25-2:25 BIOLOGY
Sample Tenth-Grade Schedule
8:30-9:20 ALL-SCHOOL MEETING
9:30-10:45 (long) MAKINGS OF THE MODERN WORLD
8:30-9:45 long GEOMETRY
8:55-9:55 CHORUS 8:55-9:55 CHORUS
10:05-11:05 GEOMETRY 9:55-10:55 MAKINGS OF THE MODERN WORLD
11:10-11:50 LUNCH 10:50-11:40 ACADEMIC BLOCK 11:00-11:20 CLASS MEETING 11:40-12:25 LUNCH
11:55-12:15 ADVISORY
10:05-11:05 GEOMETRY 10:05-11:05 MAKINGS OF THE MODERN WORLD 12:15-1:15 BRITISH LITERATURE
1:25-2:25 CHEMISTRY
2:35-3:50 PHYSICAL EDUCATION
12:15-1:15 BRITISH LITERATURE 8:30-9:45 long CHORUS
11:55-12:10 ADVISORY 11:55-12:10 ADVISORY 11:25-12:25 LUNCH
12:20-1:10 10TH-GRADE SEMINAR 11:10-11:50 LUNCH 11:10-11:50 LUNCH
12:30-1:45 (long) BRITISH LITERATURE: GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP 12:30-1:30 CHEMISTRY
1:25-2:40 (long) CHEMISTRY
2:45-3:30 ACADEMIC BLOCK 2:00-3:00 ANCIENT GREEK II
1:45-3:00 (long) ANCIENT GREEK II
1:25-2:25 ANCIENT GREEK II
2:35-3:30 ACTIVITY BLOCK
Grades 11 & 12
All eleventh and twelfth graders enroll in courses at BUA and BU; juniors typically take two courses a semester at the University, while seniors can take as many as four courses a semester at BU
Students can pick from over 2,000 BU courses including 27 modern languages
All University courses are taken for credit with Boston University faculty and students; most students earn as many as 48 college credits (the equivalent of 12 college courses or 1 ½ years) prior to graduating
Course credits may be transferred or used for placement at the discretion of the college at which a student matriculates
Most students graduate with proficiency in two languages: one classical and one modern (students often achieve in two years the equivalent of four years of high school language study)
All students must complete calculus by the end of their senior year
Most juniors enroll in a lab-based science at BU, completing the science sequence that began with biology and chemistry at BUA
All seniors complete a year-long thesis project under the guidance of a University professor and a BUA faculty advisor The courses shaded in red are undergraduate-level classes taken at Boston University.
Sample Eleventh-Grade Schedule
Sample Twelfth-Grade Schedule
8:30-9:20 ALL-SCHOOL MEETING
9:30-10:45
10:10-11:00 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY
11:15-12:05
SENIOR THESIS
12:20-1:10
SENIOR SEMINAR: THE SHORT STORY
WOMEN IN THE MUSLIM WORLD
12:30-1:45 GENETICS
8:30-9:20 COLLEGE COUNSELING
9:30-10:45 WOMEN IN THE MUSLIM WORLD
10:10-11:00 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY 10:10-11:00 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY
12:20-1:10
SENIOR SEMINAR: THE SHORT STORY
1:25-2:15 discussion GENETICS
12:30-1:45 GENETICS
12:20-1:10
SENIOR SEMINAR: THE SHORT STORY
Curriculum Overview
The non-shaded areas represent required coursework, while the shaded boxes represent elective options.
ENGLISH
HISTORY
LANGUAGE
SCIENCE
MATH
ARTS
ADDITIONAL COURSEWORK
Program Highlights
The Literary Canon in Conversation: Self in Society
British Literature: Global Citizenship Senior
Power and Wisdom in the Ancient World Makings of the Modern World
Latin or Ancient Greek Latin or Ancient Greek Modern Language Program Modern Language Program
United States History
BU Course
American Literature: Identity and Belonging 27 modern languages offered at BU; placement is determined by exam (not grade level)
BU Course (Physics if appropriate)
Typical course progression: Advanced Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus, Calculus I, Calculus II, and Multivariate Calculus. Placement is determined by ability and exposure, not grade level; completion of Calculus I is a graduation requirement. Students can take up to Multivariate Calculus at BUA, after which higher level math courses are available at BU.
Ninth-Grade Seminar
Junior Research Seminar (half-credit elective) Physical Education Physical Education Senior Thesis 9 10 11 12
BU Course (Physics if appropriate)
Chamber Ensemble, Chorus, Jazz Band, Drama or Visual Art Advanced seminars available at BUA and BU
Tenth-Grade Seminar
Ninth- and Tenth-Grade Seminars required These are opportunities for fun, hands-on learning without the added pressures of grades or homework. Ninth- and tenth-grade seminars meet once per week and rotate through three topics of study each year: Health & Wellness; Cultural Competency; Foundations in Language and Logic; Introduction to Research; Python & Machine Learning; Engineering & Design Thinking; and Entrepreneurship. Tenth graders continue with a Health & Wellness unit and an Introduction to Research, and choose either a handson Python & Machine Learning course in collaboration with BU's Software & Application Innovation Lab or an Engineering & Design Thinking course with BU’s Engineering Product Innovation Center and Innovate@ BU’s BUild Lab. These themes were chosen based on their broad applicability to adolescents and their importance in preparing students for their futures as responsible, productive citizens in society.
Modern Language Program optional elective for 9th and 10th graders; by application This elective program enables underclassmen to study a modern language alongside their regular courseload. Ninth graders may study a modern language through an online program; tenth graders may apply to take a modern language at BU. Tenth graders must demonstrate proficiency equivalent to two years of high school language (by placing into a third-semester language course at BU)
and their application must be approved by the Modern Language faculty committee.
Physical Education required of all 9th and 10th graders
BUA’s PE program utilizes BU’s extraordinary athletic facilities and program offerings. Students in ninth and tenth grade can choose from over two dozen electives to fulfill this requirement. Upperclassmen may choose to use any of the fitness equipment; weight rooms; multipurpose fitness studios; aquatic facilities; and squash, racquetball, and basketball courts housed within BU’s 270,000-square-foot Fitness and Recreation Center (FitRec).
Junior Research Seminars optional elective for 11th graders
Juniors with defined academic interests may enroll in one of two optional, honors-level seminars. These electives provide students with skills in research methodology, and introduce students to University faculty and research being undertaken at Boston University and beyond. For many students, these seminars become the basis for their Senior Thesis.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) — optional elective for 11th graders
Students tour various laboratories and examine current science periodicals; many students opt to conclude the course by participating in summer research internships.
Continued>>
Seminar at BUA or an English course at BU
Humanities, Experiential Learning, and Arts, Research Seminar (HEAR) optional elective for 11th graders
Students explore how humanities and social science research can drive change utilizing the City of Boston and the reseources of Boston University.
Advanced Art Seminars optional elective for 11th and 12th graders
Topics for these year-long electives vary from year to year; recent offerings have included: Independent Study in 2D Design, Shakespeare Study, Music Theory, and Musicianship.
Senior Thesis required coursework for all 12th graders
A culminating BUA experience, this year-long project provides students with the opportunity to follow an intellectual passion in depth with the guidance of a University professor and BUA faculty advisor.
Ninth- & Tenth-Grade Seminars: A Deeper Dive
Educating and supporting the whole student is a fundamental part of our philosophy at BUA.
The Health & Wellness unit offers engaging lessons on physical and emotional health and wellbeing with special attention to topics of relevance to today’s teenagers, including nutrition; mental health; sexual health; social interactions; and social media and technology use.
Foundations in Language and Logic introduces students to concepts of written argument and style. This unit aims to develop an early awareness in students of words as both fun and powerful, and of the ways in which language and logic are working on us every waking hour.
It is critical that BUA students learn to be thoughtful, informed, and culturally competent citizens in an increasingly diverse world. The Cultural Competency unit provides a chance to discover our common humanity through active, experiential workshops exploring identity, empathy, stereotypes and bias, and the eight core cultural identifiers.
In Introduction to Research, students will learn a number of skills that are transferable across disciplines and bear fruit throughout their academic careers: finding reliable and relevant sources; navigating research databases; reading journal articles and other academic literature.
In Python & Machine Learning, students will work with researchers from BU’s Software & Application Innovation Lab to learn the fundamentals of coding through interactive lessons in Python and doing hands-on work in machine learning.
Engineering & Design Thinking leverages two partnerships at BU. For half of the unit, students will learn the basics of fabrication at BU’s 15,000-square-foot makerspace, the Engineering Product Innovation Center (EPIC). In the other session, students will work with mentors at Innovate@BU, the University’s innovation and entrepreneurship center, practicing design thinking and applying that methodology to real-world problems.
Entrepreneurship explores teamwork and leadership that foster creative thinking and entrepreneurship. Through interactive exercises and hands-on activities, students will discover their strengths and weaknesses in their personal leadership styles and delve into strategies that will help them become more effective leaders and team members.
Community Moments
All-School Meeting (ASM) takes place every Tuesday morning during the academic year and is an essential part of the BUA program. It is a time for the BUA community to come together to learn, to share news and announcements, and to discuss important issues facing our school and society at large. These weekly gatherings often include talks given by BU professors, visiting scholars, or BUA faculty on their areas of expertise.
Academic Block provides opportunities for students to get a jump-start on homework and to seek out support from teachers and tutors. Academic Blocks are quiet, proctored hours carved out of the school day for all underclassmen.
Advising and Student Support takes on many forms at BUA. Every student is paired with an advisor who supports and encourages that student’s academic and social-emotional wellbeing. Ninth- and tenth-grade students meet with their advisor and advising group three times per week. Class advisors coordinate weekly grade-wide meetings that focus on community norms, adjusting to life at BUA, as well as student health and wellness. The BUA Student Support team includes the school psychologist, learning specialist, and the University liaison who serves as a conduit of communication between BUA and BU instructors.
Student Clubs and Activities provide meaningful ways for students to pursue non-academic interests, enjoy creative outlets, reduce stress, and build community. With more than 50 clubs and 15 interscholastic and recreational sports to choose from, there are more extracurricular opportunities than there are hours in a day!
BUA’s connection to Boston University opens all kinds of doors for our curious and motivated students. BU’s resources are our resources, including cutting edge-learning and athletic facilities, an expansive course catalog, and distinguished faculty.
BU Course Catalog
When it comes time to choose courses at the University, there are over 2,000 available to BUA students. From Stellar and Galactic Astrophysics to the History of Piracy, Philosophy and Film to Foundations of Data Science, if a student is passionate about something, they will be able to pursue it. The active partnership we maintain with Boston University offers one-of-a-kind possibilities: BUA students have the opportunity to gain exposure to new disciplines as well as to follow their passions and pursue particular interests at advanced levels. All University courses are taken with Boston University faculty and students; BUA students must meet all prerequesites listed in the BU course catalog.
Laboratories
Because we’re part of a major research university, BUA students utilize resources that other high schoolers can only dream of. Our unrivaled access to Boston University’s professional laboratories and research facilities allows BUA students interested in STEM to explore their interests in actual — not virtual — reality.
Libraries
BUA students have more than 2.4 million physical volumes and 77,000 media titles available to them through BU’s library system. In addition to books, BU Libraries provide limitless search tools, access to
databases and global resources, research materials and tutorials, and specialty subject research guides developed in-house by librarian experts.
Athletics and Fitness
Students enjoy access to University resources both inside and out of the classroom. Our physical education classes take place at BU’s 270,000-squarefoot Fitness & Recreation Center (FitRec), where students choose from more than 25 physical education electives. Students 16 and older are also able to work out independently at FitRec, where they have access to weight rooms; multipurpose fitness studios; aquatic facilities; and squash, racquetball, and basketball courts.
BUA’s 15 interscholastic and recreational sports also utilize BU’s world-class athletic facilities, from Nickerson Field for soccer, to rowing out of the DeWolfe Boathouse.
Dining Options
BUA students can opt to buy lunch from BU’s George Sherman Union (GSU) next door — not your average high school cafeteria. Choices include sushi, fresh salads, global street food, gourmet sandwiches, and much more. Ninth and tenth graders eat in a reserved dining room, while eleventh and twelfth graders can explore the restaurants and cafes along Commonwealth Avenue.
Boston University Admission Agreement
All BUA students in good academic and disciplinary standing are ensured admission to most of BU’s four-year undergraduate programs with a financial aid package that meets 100% of their calculated need.
How’s that for a perk?
Imagine going into the competitive college application process with the certainty that you will be admitted to one of the nation’s top research universities. Of all our peer schools, Boston University Academy alone is able to offer this assurance to our students.
Tuition Remission for BU Employees
Boston University employees may be eligible to apply their tuition remission benefit toward a portion of their child’s tuition at Boston University Academy. Because seniors at BUA take the majority of their coursework at the University, BU allows employees to participate in the tuition remission program during this year. University families who enroll at BUA may also apply for need-based financial aid to assist in the cost of tuition for all four years.
Boston University Academy students must complete an application and submit all required testing in full if they wish to be considered for admission to BU. BUA students who apply to BU will be granted admission to most of BU’s undergraduate 4-year programs if they meet the following criteria:
Earn a 3.0 cumulative GPA in Academy and University coursework by the time of application
Have no grade of D or F in any BUA or University course(s)
Have no reportable disciplinary infraction(s)
College Credit at BU
In eleventh and twelfth grade, students regularly complete up to 12 courses (equivalent to approximately 48 college credits) from the University’s undergraduate curriculum. For students who matriculate at BU, these credits represent a value of $95,697, based on the current undergraduate tuition cost, and thereby potentially minimize future college tuition costs.
” — BU Professor “ I have always enjoyed having BUA students in my classes. They are very well prepared and motivated to learn. I would say that they often push other students to up their game.
BOSTON UNIVERSITY
ACADEMY STUDENTS HAVE ENROLLED IN A COMBINED
2,804 CLASSES AT BOSTON UNIVERSITY
484
DISTINCT COURSES
This figure represents an impressive across DEPARTMENTS & INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAMS
64
University Coursework
The following is a complete list of the Boston University courses that BUA students enrolled in during the 2023–2024 academic year. Most students take as many as two University courses a semester as juniors and up to four classes a semester during senior year. BUA graduates are likely to have completed up to 12 courses for 48 college credits. All University courses are taken with Boston University faculty and students. Students graduate with transcripts from Boston University Academy and from Boston University.
The following are courses taken in BU’s College of Arts and Sciences
African American Studies
CAS AA 225 Topics in Religion and Music
CAS AA 234 African Americans in Global Perspective
CAS AA 237 Reconstructing the African Past Anthropology
CAS AN 102 Human Behavioral Biology & Evolution
CAS AN 233 The Evolutionary Biology of Human Variation
CAS AN 240 Legal Anthropology
CAS AN 260 Sex and Gender in Anthropological Perspective
CAS AN 263 Behavioral Biology of Women
CAS AN 349 Challenging Xenophobia
CAS AN 351 Language, Culture, and Society Archaeology
CAS AR 100 Great Discoveries in Archaeology
CAS AR 150 Archaeology of Cities
CAS AR 190 Introduction to Archaeology
CAS AR 202 Archaeological Mysteries
CAS AR 210 Minoan and Mycenaean Civilizations
CAS AR 290 Human Impacts on Ancient Environments
CAS AR 508 Landscape Archaeology
Art History
CAS AH 112 Art History II
CAS AH 284 Arts in America Astronomy
CAS AS 101 The Solar System
CAS AS 102 The Astronomical Universe
CAS AS 105 Alien Worlds
CAS AS 108 Life Beyond Earth
CAS AS 109 Cosmology
CAS AS 311 Planetary Physics
Biology
CAS BI 107 Biology I
CAS BI 108 Biology II
CAS BI 203 Cell Biology
CAS BI 206 Genetics
CAS BI 216 Intensive Genetics
CAS BI 260 Marine Biology
CAS BI 309 Evolution
CAS BI 325 Principles of Neuroscience
CAS BI 394 Topics in Biology III
CAS BI 413 Microbial Ecology
Chemistry
CAS CH 101 General Chemistry I
CAS CH 102 General Chemistry II
CAS CH 109 General and Quantitative Analytical Chemistry
Classical Studies
CAS CG 101 Modern Greek Language, Culture, and Literature
CAS CL 201 Classical Civilization: Greece
CAS CL 213 Greek and Roman Mythology
CAS CL 224 Greek Drama in Translation
CAS CL 391 Greek Seminar
Comparative Literature
CAS XL 397 World Cities: Istanbul
Computer Science
CAS CS 105 Databases
CAS CS 111 Intro to Computer Science I
CAS CS 112 Introduction to Computer Science II
CAS CS 132 Geometric Algorithms
CAS CS 210 Computer Systems
CAS CS 237 Probability in Computing
Earth and Environment
CAS EE 100 Environmental Change and Sustainability
CAS EE 105 Crises of Planet Earth
CAS EE 107 Intro to Climate and Earth System Science
CAS EE 144 Introduction to Oceanography
CAS EE 150 Sustainable Energy: Tech, Resources, Society, and Environment
CAS EE 304 Environmentally Sustainable Development
Economics
CAS EC 101 Introductory Microeconomic Analysis
CAS EC 102 Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis
English
CAS EN 126 Jewish Literature
CAS EN 127 Readings in American Literature I
CAS EN 163 Reading Shakespeare
CAS EN 176 Introduction to Film and Media Aesthetics
CAS EN 178 Introduction to Latinx Literature
CAS EN 195 Literature and Ideas
CAS EN 202 Introduction to Creative Writing
CAS EN 364 Shakespeare II
History
CAS HI 112 Black Power in the Classroom
CAS HI 176 World History II: 1500 to the Present
CAS HI 190 History of Boston
CAS HI 203 Magic, Science, and Religion
CAS HI 290 The Reformation: Religious Conflict in Early Modern Europe
International Relations
CAS IR 251 Introduction to Comparative Politics
CAS IR 300 Topics in International Relations
CAS IR 307 Introduction to Middle East Politics
CAS IR 500 Topics in International Relations
CAS IR 531 Intercultural Communication
Jewish Studies
CAS JS 136 Jewish Literature
Linguistics
CAS LX 250 Introduction to Linguistics
CAS LX 331 Semantics and Pragmatics
CAS LX 390 Topics in Linguistics
CAS LX 432 Intermediate Semantics
Mathematics and Statistics
CAS MA 115 Statistics I
CAS MA 123 Calculus I
CAS MA 124 Calculus II
CAS MA 213 Basic Statistics and Probability
CAS MA 214 Applied Statistics
CAS MA 225 Multivariate Calculus
CAS MA 226 Differential Equations
CAS MA 242 Linear Algebra
CAS MA 293 Discrete Mathematics
CAS MA 294 Applied Abstract Algebra
CAS MA 412 Complex Variables
CAS MA 416 Analysis of Variance
CAS MA 433 Graph Theory
Neuroscience
CAS NE 101 Introduction to Neuroscience
Philosophy
CAS PH 150 Introduction to Ethics
CAS PH 155 Politics and Philosophy
CAS PH 159 Philosophy and Film
CAS PH 160 Reasoning and Argumentation
CAS PH 248 Existentialism
CAS PH 256 Philosophy of Gender and Sexuality
CAS PH 261 Puzzles and Paradoxes
CAS PH 272 Science and Technology Values
CAS PH 310 History of Modern Philosophy
CAS PH 350 History of Ethics
CAS PH 446 Philosophy of Religion
Physics
CAS PY 211 General Physics I
CAS PY 212 General Physics II
CAS PY 251 Principles of Physics I
CAS PY 252 Principles of Physics II
CAS PY 313 Waves and Modern Physics
Political Science
CAS PO 171 Introduction to International Relations
CAS PO 191 Introduction to Political Theory
CAS PO 390 Special Topics in Political Theory
CAS PO 393 The European Enlightenment
Psychological & Brain Sciences
CAS PS 101 General Psychology
CAS PS 241 Developmental Psychology
CAS PS 251 Psychology of Personality
Religion
CAS RN 100 Introduction to Religion
CAS RN 205 Topics in Religion and Music
CAS RN 242 Magic, Science, and Religion
CAS RN 248 Food and Religion
Romance Studies
CAS LF 111 First Semester French
CAS LF 112 Second Semester French
CAS LF 211 Third Semester French
CAS LF 212 Fourth Semester French
CAS LF 307 French Arts and Society
CAS LF 308 French through Film and Media
CAS LF 309 French in the World
CAS LF 323 Creative Writing in French
CAS LF 324 Advanced Spoked French
CAS LF 350 Introduction to French Texts
CAS LF 478 The Voice in the Text: Gender and Authorship
CAS LI 111 First Semester Italian
CAS LI 112 Second Semester Italian
CAS LI 313 Italian Media and Popular Culture
CAS LP 352 Tropical Metropolis and Brazilian Modernity
CAS LP 362 Inventing Brazil
CAS LS 111 First Semester Spanish
CAS LS 112 Second Semester Spanish
CAS LS 211 Third Semester Spanish
CAS LS 212 Fourth Semester Spanish
CAS LS 306 Spanish Translation
CAS LS 307 Spanish Literature and Arts
CAS LS 308 Spanish Film & Media
CAS LS 309 Spanish for Heritage and Native Speakers
CAS LS 310 Spanish for the Professions
CAS LS 311 Spanish Through Performance
CAS LS 350 Introduction to Analysis of Hispanic Texts
Sociology
CAS SO 100 Principles in Sociology
CAS SO 207 Introduction to Ethnic, Race, and Minority Issues
CAS SO 208 Sociological Approaches to Current Issues
CAS SO 215 Sociology of Health Care
World Languages and Literatures
CAS LC 111 First Semester Chinese
CAS LC 112 Second Semester Chinese
CAS LC 116 Reading and Writing Chinese
CAS LC 281 Chinese Theater
CAS LC 313 Chinese Through Theater and Performance
CAS LC 317 Chinese in Modern Society
CAS LC 318 Chinese Through Public Speaking
CAS LC 322 Business Chinese
CAS LG 111 First Semester German
CAS LG 250 Masterpieces of German Literature
CAS LG 308 Food Culture in German- Speaking Countries
CAS LG 350 Introduction to German Literature
CAS LG 492 Directed Study: German
CAS LH 111 First Semester Hebrew
CAS LH 112 Second Semester Hebrew
CAS LH 211 Third Semester Hebrew
CAS LH 212 Fourth Semester Hebrew
CAS LJ 111 Japanese I
CAS LJ 112 Japanese II
CAS LJ 211 Japanese III
CAS LJ 212 Japanese IV
CAS LJ 250 Masterpieces of Japanese Literature
CAS LN 111 Hindi-Urdu
CAS LN 112 Second-Semester Hindi-Urdu
CAS LR 250 Classics of Russian Prose
CAS LR 442 Russian Media
CAS LY 211 Second Year Modern Arabic
CAS LY 212 Modern Arabic IV
Writing Program
CAS WR 120 First-Year Writing Seminar
CAS WR 151 Writing, Research, and Inquiry
CAS WR 152 Writing, Research, and Inquiry with Digital/ Multimedia Expression
CAS WR 152 Writing, Research, and Inquiry with Creativity/Innovation
Women's, Gender, & Sexuality Studies
CAS WS 101 Gender and Sexuality
CAS WS 233 The Evolutionary Biology of Human Variation
The following are courses taken in BU schools and colleges other than the College of Arts and Sciences
Communications
COM CM 215 Principles and Practices of Public Relations
COM CM 217 Introduction to Advertising
COM FT 201 Screen Language
Chemistry
PLB CH 203 Organic Chemistry I Pre-Lab
PLB CH 204 Organic Chemistry II Pre-Lab
Data Sciences
CDS DS 110 Introduction to Data Science with Python
CDS DS 121 Foundations of Data Science II
Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
GRS MA 711 Real Analysis
GRS MA 713 Functions of a Complex Variable I
Physical Development
PDP DA 329 Ballet, High Intermediate
Questrom School of Business
QST FE 200 Principles of Finance
QST MK 200 Principles of Marketing
School of Education
SED DE 381 American Sign Language I
SED DE 382 American Sign Language II
SED HD 354 Challenging Educational Inequality
School of Hospitality Administration
SHA HF 150 Experience Management
SHA HF 231 Talent and People Strategies
SHA HF 250 Hospitality Law
Research Opportunities
Being a part of a major research university means BUA students utilize resources that other high schoolers can only dream about. Our Junior Research Seminar exposes students to research at Boston University and provides students with the opportunity to begin initial research on their thesis work.
Humanities, Experiential Learning, and Arts Research Seminar (HEAR)
How can we use humanities and social science research to drive change? This junior research seminar answers this essential question while exploring adventurously the city of Boston and the resources of Boston University. The seminar includes classroom discussions on research tools and methods, critical analyses of current research, meetings with professionals in social impact fields employing the humanities and social sciences, visits to BU libraries and archives, and field trips to museums and historical societies. By the end of the course, students are prepared to find purpose through research and action that matter.
Senior Thesis Project
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
Students learn how to read and discuss scholarly research articles and current topics in a variety of STEM disciplines. They then visit research labs at BU and beyond to get on-site inspiration and lay the groundwork for their Senior Thesis projects. The following is a list of participating labs in the 2023–2024 academic year:
Anthropology
Professor Christopher Schmitt, Sensory Morphology and Anthropological Genomics Lab
Biology
Professor Randi Rotjan, Marine Biology
Chemistry/Biochemistry
Professor Linda Doerrer, Chemistry
Professor Daniel Segre, Biochemistry
Engineering
Dr. Drew Bennett, MIT Sea Grant, Engineering & Marine Biology
Neuroscience
Dr. Catherine Chu, BU-Harvard Neuroscience Lab
A culminating experience for all BUA students, the Senior Thesis is an independent research project that provides students with the opportunity to follow an intellectual passion in depth with the guidance of a University professor.
The year-long project is designed to demonstrate students’ ability to read closely, research thoroughly, think analytically, and write coherently in a scholarly fashion. All students present their research to the BUA community at the Senior Thesis Symposium prior to graduation. Thesis topics run the gamut of academic and artistic fields and disciplines, and reflect the many and varied interests and passions of BUA students. The following is a list of senior thesis topics for the Class of 2024 (mind, prepare to explode!):
• The Ethical Dilemma of Busing in Massachusetts: Interrogating the Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity
• Fashion Collection: Resilient Life
• Race is a Roadblock, Even in Sports Journalism
• A Case Study Analysis of Restorative Justice in Schools
• Rethinking the American Dream
• Forging a Future for Taiwan and its Independence
• A Philosophical Approach on Realism: An International Relations Story
• A Brief Introduction to System Dynamics
• Analysis of Experimental Data to Identify Axionlike Dark Matter Spectral Signatures
• Social Media and Indigenous Language Revitalization
• A Statistical Analysis of the Value of a Stolen Base
• Green Capitalism or Eco-Socialism? Debating Economic Systems and Solutions for Climate Change in the Transportation Sector and Beyond
• An Analysis of Eastern and Western Foreign Investment with a Focus on the Balkans: The Stall and the Lack of Transparency of the Modern European Union
• Cowboys, Reality, Reputation, and Replica
• Millcaster State
• Representations of Urbanization in 19th Century American Art
• Suspiria: Female Bodies and Horror Cinema
• Heterosexual Relationships and Existential Freedom
• “Playing Out:” Harmonic Freedom in Jazz Fusion Improvisation
• Investigating HIV Defective Viruses through CRISPR-Cas9 and Self Inactivating Vectors
• CRISPR Activation for SynGAP Upregulation in Haploinsufficient Mice
• Looking Up: Shifting Views in Observational Cosmology from the Classics to the Contemporary Period
• Summertime Impact of White Roofs on Building Energy Balance and Air Conditioning Flux
• Visualizing Amyloid Fibrils: A Computational Chemistry Study
• Utilizing Machine Learning Methods in Genome Scale Stoichiometric Models of P. simiae with COMETS
• Neuroregenerative Applications of STEM CellLoaded Extracellular Vesicles in Biocompatible Hydrogels: Insights from Nonhuman Primate Mode
• The Effect of Fetal and Neonatal Environmental Exposures on Developmental and Degenerative Neurological Disorders
• Patient Sex Drives Differential Transcriptional Regulation in Pancreatic Cancer
• Developing and Applying an Inclusive Polygenic Risk Score to Alzheimer’s Related Traits
• The Use of Formal Versus Informal Pronouns In Standard German
• Asian American Silence: Appealing to Whiteness
• Before the Boston Busing Crisis of 1974: Voices from the Freedom Schools
• Drugs, Cults, and the Patriarchy: Artistic and Cultural Understanding of the Maenads in Late 5th-Century Athens
• German Romanticism: Music and Poetry
• My Alcestis: Translating Euripides for a Modern Audience
• I Buy, Therefore I Am: How Existentialist Philosophies Have Influenced the Modern Marketplace
• Visual Representations of the Effect of Media on Teenagers’ Mental Health and Well-being
• Fostering Success for Minority-Owned Businesses
• The Effects of Sodium-glucose Co-transporter 2 Inhibitors on Rat Cardiomyocytes
• Molecular Gastronomy in the Everyday Kitchen
• Validation of pPDH as a Marker for Inhibition of Serotonergic Neurons
• Dynamics of the PVC Flooring Market: A Comprehensive Analysis of American Sectors
• Predicting Oral Drug Elimination Half-life In Humans Using Regression Models
• The History and Ethics of CRISPR
• Characterizing Recruitment of CBP Binding Domains
• Modeling Rhizobacterial Colonization of Plant Roots in COMETS
• Improving Vaccine Uptake through Machine Learning
• Modeling the Impacts of Climate Change on Tuberculosis
• Understanding Economics through Music Sentiment
• Activation of the Complement System in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Using Stellar Remnants to Understand How Often Massive Stars Form Planets
• Cryopreservation Practices for Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Potential Effects During CpG Stimulation