Writing

Colleges: College of Arts & Sciences | College of Communication

Courses in: First-Year Writing Seminar (CAS WR 120) | Writing, Research, & Inquiry with Oral and/or Signed Expression (CAS WR 151) | Writing, Research, & Inquiry with Digital/Multimedia Expression (CAS WR 152) | Writing, Research, & Inquiry with Creativity/Innovation (CAS WR 153) | Creative Writing | Introduction to Communication Writing (COM CO 201) | Writing for Communication (COM CM 331)

College of Arts & Sciences

College of Arts & Sciences Writing Program

Through its courses and tutorials, the Writing Program helps undergraduates acquire writing and communication skills and more general habits of mind essential both to their full participation in the intellectual life of the University and to their future personal, professional, and civic lives.

All students entering Boston University as first-year undergraduates in Fall 2018 and after will pursue coursework in the BU Hub, a general education program that is integrated into the entire undergraduate experience. BU Hub requirements are flexible and can be satisfied in many different ways, through coursework in and beyond the major (or minor) and, in some cases, through co-curricular activities. Students who take CAS WR 120 and either CAS WR 151, WR 152, or WR 153 will satisfy Hub requirements in First-Year Writing; Writing, Research & Inquiry; and Research and Information Literacy. Those who take CAS WR 151 will receive an additional Hub unit in Oral and/or Signed Communication. Those who take CAS WR 152 will receive an additional Hub unit in Digital/Multimedia Expression. Those who take CAS WR 153 will receive an additional Hub unit in Creativity/Innovation. While it is permissible for students to take more than one writing course at the 150 level (WR 151, WR 152, WR 153), it is not generally recommended. CAS WR 111 and CAS WR 112 (not offered in summer) are reserved for ELL (English Language Learner) students who may need preparatory work prior to enrolling in CAS WR 120.

Current and incoming Boston University students who submitted English-language proficiency test scores, such as TOEFL or DET scores, to Admissions are required to complete the online Multilingual Writer Placement (MWP) before taking any WR courses if they have not received a placement yet. Students should arrange to complete the MWP self-evaluation activity before the start of Summer Term by using the Placement Help Form on the Writing Program website (www.bu.edu/writingprogram) under the Student Resources section.

Writing assistance is available to students enrolled in summer WR courses. To make an appointment with a writing consultant, please go to www.bu.edu/writingprogram/the-writing-center.

First-Year Writing Seminar (CAS WR 120)

Prereq: CAS WR 112, placement results, or transfer credit for WR 02* (for English language learners only). Topic-based seminar in critical reading and writing. Engagement with a variety of sources and practice in writing in a range of genres with particular attention to argumentation, prose style, and revision, informed by reflection and feedback, including individual conferences. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: First-Year Writing Seminar.

Topics for 2025:

A1 - College: Myths and Realities. We explore college student life from diverse perspectives, starting with why higher education is central to the American Dream and why many young adults pursue degrees. We critically examine myths about college, such as the “traditional student” concept, and explore challenges students face today, including mental health, financial struggles, and homesickness. We also focus on the unique experiences of international students. Through these discussions, we develop our communication and academic literacy skills. Our readings include authors like Rebekah Nathan, Anthony Abraham Jack, and Rainesford Stauffer, along with traditional and multimodal texts like news articles, video essays, and slam poetry.

A2 - Philosophy, Horror, and Film. In this course, we study disturbing stories and ask why they speak to us. Why are “rough” or immoral heroes so compelling? What makes “immoral” stories, where bad things happen to good people, so gripping? Throughout the course, we survey controversial topics in the philosophy of art such as catharsis, censorship, the meaning of beauty, and the value of art both in our personal lives and in our society today. As we investigate these topics, we analyze influential horror films such as Takashi Miike’s Audition, Kim Jee-woon’s A Tale of Two Sisters, and Anna Biller’s The Love Witch.

First-Year Writing Seminar

CAS WR 120

Topic: College: Myths and Realities. We explore college student life from diverse perspectives, starting with why higher education is central to the American Dream and why many young adults pursue degrees. We critically examine myths about college, such as the “traditional student” concept, and explore challenges students face today, including mental health, financial struggles, and homesickness. We also focus on the unique experiences of international students. Through these discussions, we develop our communication and academic literacy skills. Our readings include authors like Rebekah Nathan, Anthony Abraham Jack, and Rainesford Stauffer, along with traditional and multimodal texts like news articles, video essays, and slam poetry. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260

Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)

A1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Thurs. 10 am-12:30 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Last day to add	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, June 12, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, June 27, 2025

Location: YAW 322 ... Open Seats

Aleksandra Kasztalska

Topic: College Myths and Realities

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First-Year Writing Seminar

CAS WR 120

Topic: Philosophy, Horror, and Film. In this course, we study disturbing stories and ask why they speak to us. Why are “rough” or immoral heroes so compelling? What makes “immoral” stories, where bad things happen to good people, so gripping? Throughout the course, we survey controversial topics in the philosophy of art such as catharsis, censorship, the meaning of beauty, and the value of art both in our personal lives and in our society today. As we investigate these topics, we analyze influential horror films such as Takashi Miike’s Audition, Kim Jee-woon’s A Tale of Two Sisters, and Anna Biller’s The Love Witch. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260

Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)

A2 (IND) Mon./Tues./Thurs. 1:30-4 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Last day to add	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, June 12, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, June 27, 2025

Location: YAW 322 ... Open Seats

Curtis Snyder

Topic: Philosophy, Horror, and Film

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Writing, Research, & Inquiry with Oral and/or Signed Expression (CAS WR 151)

Prereq: First-Year Writing Seminar (e.g., CAS WR 120) or transfer credit for CAS WR 13* or CAS WR 16*. Topic-based seminar in critical reading, research, writing, and oral communication. Practice in sustained inquiry, including scholarly research and communication of findings to different audiences. Attention to argumentation, public speaking, prose style, and revision, informed by reflection and feedback, including individual conferences. Effective Fall 2018, 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.

Topic for 2025

A1 - 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

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. Tuition: $3260

Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)

A1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Thurs. 10 am-12:30 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Last day to add	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, June 12, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, June 27, 2025

Location: YAW 440 ... Open Seats

William Giraldi

Topic: I Want to Believe: UFOs

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Writing, Research, & Inquiry with Digital/Multimedia Expression (CAS WR 152)

Prereq: First-Year Writing Seminar (e.g., CAS WR 120) or transfer credit for CAS WR 13* or CAS WR 16*. Topic-based seminar in critical reading, research, writing, and digital/multimedia communication. Practice in sustained inquiry, including scholarly research and communication of findings to different audiences. Attention to argumentation, prose style, digital/multimedia design and communication, and revision, informed by reflection and feedback, including individual conferences. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Digital/Multimedia Expression, Writing, Research, and Inquiry, Research and Information Literacy.

Topics for 2025

A1 - 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.

B1 - 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?

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. Tuition: $3260

Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)

A1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Thurs. 1:30-4 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Last day to add	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, June 12, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, June 27, 2025

Location: YAW 440 ... Open Seats

Caitlin Dalton

Topic: Art and Justice in Boston

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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. Tuition: $3260

Summer 2 (June 30-August 8)

B1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Thurs. 10 am-12:30 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Monday, June 30, 2025
Last day to add	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, July 24, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, August 8, 2025

Location: YAW 322 ... Open Seats

Kimberly Shuckra

Topic: Hip Hop: Race & Social Justice

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Writing, Research, & Inquiry with Creativity/Innovation (CAS WR 153)

Prereq: First-Year Writing Seminar (e.g., CAS WR 120) or transfer credit for CAS WR 13* or CAS WR 16*. Topic-based seminar in critical reading, research, writing, and creativity and innovation. Practice in sustained inquiry, including scholarly research and communication of findings to different audiences. Attention to argumentation, prose style, creative process, and revision, informed by reflection and feedback, including individual conferences. Effective Spring 2022, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Creativity/Innovation, Writing, Research, and Inquiry, Research and Information Literacy.

Topics for 2025

A1 - 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

B1 - 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.

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. Tuition: $3260

Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)

A1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Thurs. 10 am-12:30 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Last day to add	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, June 12, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, June 27, 2025

Location: CAS B25A ... Open Seats

Christopher McVey

Topic: AI: Philosophy and Ethics

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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. Tuition: $3260

Summer 2 (June 30-August 8)

B1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Thurs. 1:30-4 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Monday, June 30, 2025
Last day to add	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, July 24, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, August 8, 2025

Location: YAW 322 ... Open Seats

Seth Blumenthal

Topic: Marijuana in America

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Creative Writing

Introduction to Creative Writing

CAS EN 202

Primarily a creative writing workshop, in which students write and revise their own short fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry, and read their peers' work with generosity, providing constructive feedback. Students also learn to read closely the work of literary masters past and present. Effective Fall 2022, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Aesthetic Exploration. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260

Summer 2 (June 30-August 8)

B1 (IND) Tues./Thurs. 1-4:30 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Monday, June 30, 2025
Last day to add	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, July 24, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, August 8, 2025

Location: EGL 222 ... Open Seats

Augusta Schufreider and Elijah Frydman

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Reading and Writing Literary Nonfiction

CAS EN 502

Undergraduate Prerequisites: two previous literature courses or junior or senior standing; and Firs t-Year Writing (WR 120 or equivalent). - Prereq: First-Year Writing Seminar (e.g., CAS EN 120 or CAS WR 100 or CAS WR 120) and two previous literature courses or junior or senior standing. This reading and writing seminar explores literary nonfiction, a wide-ranging, sometimes controversial genre in which writers use techniques associated with fiction and poetry to make meaning of lives. How do writers describe their world, especially peoples, places, and things' What are different ways of using personal voice' Each weekly meeting includes discussion of published nonfiction along with writing short exercises, and workshopping writing. The learning goals of this course are to become better readers and more skillful practitioners of the craft of literary nonfiction. Effective Fall 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing-Intensive Course, Creativity/Innovation. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260

Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)

A1 (IND) Mon./Wed. 2-5:30 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Last day to add	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, June 12, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, June 27, 2025

Location: CAS 323B ... Open Seats

Chris Walsh

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Interdisciplinary Studies in Creative Writing: Writer as Illustrator

CAS EN 549

A workshop-based class, for the artist interested in creative writing, the creative writer interested in art and the history of comics, or any student interested in interdisciplinary studies in humanities. Explores the overlaps between the disciplines of creative writing and illustration, as well as the surprises and difficulties that arise when combining the two. Students write and revise their own creative works, as well as receive feedback from their classmates and professor in the workshop environment. Readings include literary works, comics, and historical articles. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260

Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)

A1 (IND) Tues./Thurs. 1-4:30 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Last day to add	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, June 12, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, June 27, 2025

Location: EGL 222 ... Open Seats

Jessica Ruliffson

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College of Communication

Introduction to Communication Writing (COM CO 201)

The College of Communication Writing Center is available to students seeking help with their writing. Students can sign up for appointments at bu.mywconline.com. For more information, visit The COM Writing Center, or email comwrite@bu.edu with any questions.

Introduction to Communication Writing

COM CO 201

Undergraduate Prerequisites: First-Year Writing Seminar (e.g., CAS WR 100 or CAS WR 120) or equivalent. - This is the College of Communication's core undergraduate writing course. Students refresh their grammatical and stylistic skills and apply those skills to professional writing assignments. The course prepares students to write with clarity, conciseness, precision, and accuracy within communication fields. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing-Intensive Course, Oral and/or Signed Communication, Research and Information Literacy. (Students on the Hub cannot take CAS WR 100 as a prerequisite.) 4 cr. Tuition: $3260

Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)

A1 (IND) Tues./Thurs. 9 am-12:30 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Last day to add	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, June 12, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, June 27, 2025

Location: COM 210 ... Open Seats

Robert Gavin

A2 (IND) Tues./Thurs. 6-9:30 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Last day to add	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, June 12, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, June 27, 2025

Location: CDS 265 ... Open Seats

Allison Waxman

A3 (IND) Mon./Wed. 9 am-12:30 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Last day to add	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, June 12, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, June 27, 2025

Location: COM 210 ... Open Seats

Jay Atkinson

Summer 2 (June 30-August 8)

B1 (IND) Tues./Thurs. 1-4:30 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Monday, June 30, 2025
Last day to add	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, July 24, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, August 8, 2025

Location: COM 212 ... Open Seats

Karla Odenwald

B2 (IND) Mon./Wed. 9 am-12:30 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Monday, June 30, 2025
Last day to add	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, July 24, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, August 8, 2025

Location: COM 210 ... Open Seats

Sam Sarkisian

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Writing for Communication (COM CM 331)

Writing for Communication

COM CM 331

Undergraduate Prerequisites: CO201 AND First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120). - Prereq: (COM CO 201) and First-Year Writing Seminar (e.g., CAS WR 100 or CAS WR 120). Intensive exposure to some of the basic writing formats in the communications profession: news releases, letters, features, and profiles. Lead writing, editing, and techniques of interviewing. Extensive writing and rewriting. Develops basic writing skills for different audiences. Effective Fall 2018, course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Writing-Intensive Course. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260

Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)

A1 (IND) Tues./Thurs. 6-9:30 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Last day to add	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, June 12, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, June 27, 2025

Location: CDS B63 ... Open Seats

Michael Dowding

A2 (IND) Tues./Thurs. 1-4:30 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Last day to add	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, June 12, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, June 27, 2025

Location: CDS 163 ... Open Seats

Michael Dowding

Summer 2 (June 30-August 8)

B1 (IND) Mon./Wed. 6-9:30 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Monday, June 30, 2025
Last day to add	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, July 24, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, August 8, 2025

Location: SOC B65 ... Open Seats

Michael Dodge

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