May 14, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


Use the course filter below to search for active courses.

Course numbers followed by an ‘L’ are cross-listed with another department or program.

This catalog may contain course information that is out of date. Before registering for a course, always check the course information in WISER.

 

Economics

  
  • ECON 406 - Introduction to Behavioral Economics


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    Behavioral economics is a new, and quickly growing field that attempts to provide a more realistic understanding of judgment and decision making in an economic context. In this course, we will discuss the short-comings of the standard economic model, and how these short-comings can be replaced with more plausible assumptions about decision making. We will apply these principles in the areas of labor markets and firm organization, financial markets, and public policy.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: ECON 201  

    036998:1
  
  • ECON 407 - Advanced Topics in Development Economics


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This course has two aims. In the first four weeks of the semester students will be introduced to some core issues in Development Economics. These topics will be covered at a more advanced level than they are covered in existing courses and will provide the basic framework for the remainder of the course. In the second part of the course, which constitutes the bulk, students will have an opportunity to engage with a specific topic in greater depth. This topic will vary with the instructor teaching the course. The proposed topics are: Urbanization in Developing Countries, Poverty and Inequality, Structural Change and Transformation, Gender and Development, War, Macroeconomic Issues in Developing Countries, and Political Economy of Development. Whichever the area, students will be given the skills necessary to critically analyze the process of economic development, to identify the winners and losers in this process, and to appreciate what would constitute just and sustainable policy in that area.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisites: ECON 101  and ECON 102  and ECON 201  and ECON 202  

    039921:1
  
  • ECON 413 - Advanced Topics in Urban Economics


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    At the most general level, urban economics introduces space into economic models and studies the location of economic activity. This course is organized around three primary sets of questions within the field of urban economics. The first focuses on the development of urban areas. Why do cities exist and why do some grow more rapidly? The second area addresses patterns of development within metropolitan areas. How do firms and households decide where to locate within given metropolitan areas? What determines the price of land, and how do these prices vary across space? The third and final area concerns the spatial dimensions of urban problems. Specifically, we will examine poverty, housing, and congestion. In addition to a rigorous study of urban economic theory, this course will also include a team based consulting project for a specific client in the city of Boston. Students will receive their client at the beginning of the semester and will conduct original empirical research to address their client’s concerns. Clients will vary, but may include the Boston Foundation, the Boston Federal Reserve and the Boston Redevelopment Authority.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisites:



    039922:1
  
  • ECON 415 - Economic Demography


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This is a course in population economics. In this course you will gain an understanding of global and national demographic trends and the theories of demographic change underlying these trends. Much of the course will focus on the economics of the family. We will analyze marriage, fertility, intergenerational ties, and mortality at the level of the individual and the household.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: ECON 201  

    037767:1
  
  • ECON 417 - Public Finance


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    An examination of the role of the public sector in the U.S. economy, focusing on expenditures and tax theory. Topics usually include: welfare economics and justification for government intervention in the market economy, and explanation of the federal budget, theories of growth in government, benefit/cost analysis, income redistribution theory, tax incidence, and the effect of different forms of taxation on consumption, labor supply, savings, and investment.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisites: ECON 102  and ECON 201  and MATH 129  

    013754:1
  
  • ECON 418 - Political Economy of Violent Conflict


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This course examines the Political Economy of Violent Conflict with a focus on low and middle income countries over the last 3 decades. Particular attention will be given to the theories and causes of war, the ways wars are waged, resource conflicts, financing of wars, the effect of war on the economy, conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction and nation building. This course seeks to combine theoretical debates with country case studies as a way to illustrate the diversity of experiences and complexity of understanding conflict. Throughout this course gender will be considered as an important conceptual category in understanding the patterns, prevalence, and impacts of violence in war-affected countries.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisites: 



    039010:1
  
  • ECON 420 - Gender and Economics


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This course explores how and why gender affects contemporary economic outcomes in the United States, with a particular attention to occupations, incomes, and the distribution of unpaid work, and to the intersection of gender with race and class. Both mainstream economic and alternative theories are discussed, and emphasis is placed on evaluating these theories in light of empirical evidence. The role of government and business policies in creating more equitable and efficient outcomes is explored.

    Course Attribute(s):
    Distribution Area: Social & Behavioral Sciences | Diversity Area: United States

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisites:



    014019:1
  
  • ECON 435 - The Multinational Corporation


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    Examination of the patterns, trends, and theories of direct foreign investment, and impacts of multinational corporations on home and host countries. Topics include effects of MNCs on trade, employment, wages, technology, and economic development. Papers, class presentation, and class discussion required.

    Course Attribute(s):
    Distribution Area: Social & Behavioral Sciences

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisites: 



    014036:1
  
  • ECON 452 - Econometrics


    4 Credit(s) | Lecture and Laboratory |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This is a course in the techniques of estimating economic models. The uses and pitfalls of empirical estimation in economics will be examined. In addition to lectures, there will be a weekly two-hour computer lab, where students will apply these methods using econometric software.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisites:



    014041:1
  
  • ECON 453 - Advanced Macroeconomics


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    An investigation of the stability and volatility of the US economy, using both theoretical and applied analyses. The course examines several macroeconomic issues: the determinants of economic growth; the sources of instability in “managed-market” economies like the US; the interaction between macroeconomic policy and the international economy and the scope for systematic stabilization policy.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisites: ECON 202  and MATH 129  or higher

    014042:1
  
  • ECON 476 - Internship in Economics


    3 - 6 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    Carefully supervised field work for eight or sixteen hours per week in Boston-area institutions that conduct research on economic issues-e.g. government and non-government organizations. Open to a limited number of students each spring; applications are typically due in November. More information is available from the Economics Department.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisites: ECON 201  and ECON 202  and ECON 205  and five additional ECON courses and a minimum of 60 credits

    Economics majors only

    Department consent

    014056:1

  
  • ECON 479 - Independent Study


    1 - 3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit up to 6 times/6 credits

    Description:
    Research and reading in any area in economics: the purpose of this course is to allow the student to do advanced work in an area of economics to which he or she has already been exposed or to investigate an entirely new area.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: A minimum of 60 credits

    Department consent

    014060:1

  
  • ECON 480 - Health Economics


    Formerly ECON 380
    3 Credit(s) | Lecture | Graded or pass/fail
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This elective course introduces students to how economists analyze topics related to the demand for health care, health disparities, and the US health care delivery system using the tools of microeconomics. Students develop an understanding of asymmetric information, how health insurance contracts operate, and the role that government plays in the modern health care system. Students empirically analyze health care policies, and apply tools of cost-benefit analysis to understand the tradeoffs in improving efficiency and equity.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: ECON 201  or permission of instructor.

    014005:1
  
  • ECON 481 - Senior Independent Study


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit up to 2 times/6 credits

    Description:
    Reading and research, under the direction of an individual faculty member, that builds on knowledge and skills obtained in a student’s previous economics courses and that culminates in the production of a substantial research paper. Students will be allowed to enroll in ECON 481 only after the completion of a written proposal that obtains written approval from the supervising faculty member and from the department chairperson. (Fulfills the capstone requirement.)

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisites: Seven ECON courses and a minimum of 80 credits

    Economics majors only

    Department consent

    014066:1

  
  • ECON 489 - Senior Honors Project


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    Closely supervised individual research on a topic chosen by a student in consultation with a faculty supervisor. The course’s aim is to enable highly qualified students to undertake the preliminary exploration-reading, thinking, data-gathering-necessary for the successful undertaking of writing a senior honors thesis during the following term. The thesis prospectus must be completed and accepted by the student’s proposed thesis supervisor before enrollment. Enrollment is limited to economics majors with at least 80 credits and an overall cumulative GPA of 3.25 who have completed at least 7 economics courses with a GPA of 3.5; permission of both a faculty supervisor and the department chairperson is required. (Fulfills the capstone requirement.)

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Department consent

    014068:1
  
  • ECON 490 - Senior Honors Thesis


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    Closely supervised individual research resulting in the completion of a senior honors thesis. Topics will be mutually agreed upon by students and their faculty supervisors, on the basis of the thesis prospectus (See ECON 489 ). At the beginning of the term the department chairperson will, in consultation with the thesis supervisor, appoint a second reader for the thesis, who will be available for consultation during the term. On completion of the thesis, and its acceptance by the supervisor and the second reader, the student will present an oral summary of his or her research at a seminar open to all economics students and faculty. (Fulfills the capstone requirement.)

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Department consent

    014069:1

Education

  
  • EDC U 230 - Inclusion K-12 Inclusion K-12


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    The Purpose of this course is to examine the theoretical and practical issues that teachers must address as they implement effective inclusion of children with disabilities in general education classrooms. Topics to be studied include: the legal foundations of inclusion; appropriate strategies for supporting the academic, behavioral and social aspects of inclusive teaching; and strategies for productive interaction with other educators and parents. The central premise of this course is that inclusion requires collective attention to student needs within the general education program. Class participants will become familiar with: the roles of the general education teacher in special education; learning and behavior strategies to accommodate diverse student needs and analyzing school activities to maximize effective participation by a range of students. Twelve hours of filed experience are included.

    039102:1
  
  • EDC U 241 - Introduction to Urban Education


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This course focuses on understanding the complexities of teaching in urban schools. We will explore the strengths, problems and issues that affect urban schools and examine how teachers can effectively respond to the issues that impact their students in this environment. The course covers four major topics. Understanding the Strengths and Challenges of the Urban Environment; Community Building and School Climate; Achievement Motivation: Working from a Strengths Based Perspective; Language Development as a Foundation of Learning.

    032936:1
  
  • EDC U 246 - Reading Development & Instruction in the Elem Classroom 1


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This first course on reading development immerses participants in the content and pedagogy necessary to prepare diverse learners to become proficient readers in an elementary setting. Participants will develop an understanding of reading development, assessment and instruction while also deepening their own critical reading skills. This course also immerses participants in the MA Standards for Literacy and English Language Arts incorporating the Common Core State Standards, introduces effective literacy lesson planning and prepares students for the MTEL Foundations of Reading Test.

    039103:1
  
  • EDC U 270 - UTeach: Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    The course focuses on knowing and learning specifically within the context of mathematics and science. Students analyze domain-specific problems-solving activities and approaches in an applied fashion, such as through the clinical interview process. Students explore the implications of individual and social learning theories on the design of learning environments within classrooms and within the context of larger social justice issues.

    Course Attribute(s):
    Distribution Area: Social & Behavioral Sciences

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Instructor consent

    039863:1
  
  • EDC U 275 - UTeach: Classroom Interactions


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This course continues the process of preparing students to teach mathematics, science, and engineering by providing opportunities to apply theories developed in Knowing and Learning in instructional settings. Students design and implement instructional activities informed by their own understanding of what it means to know and learn mathematics and science and then evaluate the outcomes of those activities on the basis of student artifacts (i.e., what students say, do, or create). An important focus of the course is on building students’ awareness and understanding of equity issues and their effects on student learning. Students are provided frameworks for thinking about equity issues in the classroom and larger school settings, and they learn strategies for teaching students with learning differences and diverse backgrounds equitably. Additionally, the course introduces ways curriculum and technology are used in classroom settings to build relationships among teachers and students and provide access to learning opportunities for all. Students engage deeply with science and mathematics content, reflecting on their own and others’ learning and problem solving, as well as the underlying structures of these disciplines and their relation to other fields of inquiry. In essence, Classroom Interaction is centered on a close examination of the interplay between teachers, students, content, and the world beyond schools, and how such interactions enable students to develop deep conceptual understanding. Students learn how content and pedagogy combine to make effective teaching.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Instructor consent

    039864:1
  
  • EDC U 310 - Technology & Education


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This is an introduction to using computers and technology in education in responding to the ISTE National Technology Standards for Teachers and Students. The various uses of computers and K-12 educational applications in different content areas are examined. Students explore pedagogical and ethical issues that are raised by the use of computers in the classroom. In addition, students explore various criteria for effective use of technology in the classroom. Finally, the course looks at varied approaches in which technology may be used as mindful tools to facilitate changes in the ways teachers teach and students learn.

    039104:1
  
  • EDC U 370 - UTeach: Perspectives on Science and Mathematics


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    The Perspective on Science and Mathematics course explores a selection of topics and episodes in the history of science and mathematics. You will understand that these disciplines are not merely a body of facts, theories, and techniques. rather, they involve diverse processes by which knowledge is continually generated and reformulated. Sciences typically discussed in Perspectives include biology, physics, geology, astronomy, and chemistry. The course traces the development of key notions in these sciences and seeks to correct common myths or defective portrayals of history in science textbooks. We will also discuss the question of whether mathematics is itself a science. The course provides historical perspectives on how practical needs, social conflicts, and even individual personalities shaped the content and direction of the disciplines. An additional objective of the course is to convey that scientific and mathematical concepts are not static. The goal of the course is to promote among UTeach students the understanding that even the most basic ideas of science and mathematics are dynamic, despite the way this information is presented in K-12 textbooks.

    Course Attribute(s):
    Distribution Area: Humanities

    040360:1
  
  • EDC U 375 - UTeach: Functions and Modeling


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    In this course, students will engage in explorations and lab activities designed to strengthen and expand knowledge of the topics found in secondary mathematics. Students will collect data and explore a variety of situations that can be modeled using linear, exponential, polynomial, and trigonometric functions. Topics involving function properties and patterns, complex numbers, parametric equations, polar equations, vectors, and exponential growth and decay will be investigated. Explorations will involve the use of multiple representations, transformations, data analysis techniques (such as curve fitting) and interconnections among topics in algebra, analytic geometry, statistics, trigonometry, and calculus. The lab investigations will include use of various technologies including computers, calculators, and computer graphing software. Within each of the four units included in the course, the activities by which students learn are chosen and designed to do one of more of the following: 1. Take a second, deeper look at topics that have been exposed to previously; 2. Illuminate the connections between secondary and college mathematics; 3. Illustrate good (as opposed to the all too often poor, sometimes counterproductive) use of technology in teaching; 4. Illuminate the connections between various areas of mathematics; 5. Involvement as a student in serious (i.e., non-routine) problem solving; 6. Engage in problem-based learning; 7. Engage in non-routine applications of mathematics. This is a course designed to make students think.

    040361:1
  
  • EDC U 406 - Sociocultural Perspectives: Building School, Family & Community Relationships


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    Examine the interrelationships among students, schools and society. Learn about the ways in which race, class, gender, language, culture, and ethnicity influence how we define each other and ourselves within the broader culture of U.S. society. Explore the historical antecedents influencing the lives of exclusive and diverse peoples of the United States, as a foundation for understanding the policies, goals, assumptions, strategies, and practices of multicultural approaches to education. Draw on various models to construct educational curricula that are multicultural and socially re-constructionist. Within the context of public schooling today, read about how to develop students’ “cultural consciousness” of the shared societal assumptions, experiences and/or our interactions with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Prepracticum experiences will deepen understandings of the interrelationships among students, schools and society.

    033357:1
  
  • EDC U 410 - Computers-Tech & Edu


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    An introduction to using computers and technology in education. The various uses of computers and technology in education are examined in depth as participants are introduced to a wide variety of K-12 educational software and the Internet and explore the pedagogical issues raised by the use of computers for students, teachers, and school administrators. These include consequences for learning, problem solving, organizing data, creativity, and an integrated curriculum. Finally, the course looks at ways in which technology may help facilitate changes in the ways teachers teach and students learn and ultimately may stimulate reform in education. The course has a field component where students observe computer use in the classroom.

    014133:1
  
  • EDC U 416 - Fstr Dev Math Thinkg


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This course explores critical issues related to implementation of NCTM Standards and reviews selected research findings and theories of learning. Participants examine various methods and materials for teaching mathematics in grades N-6; engage in problem-solving and problem-posing activities; observe and work with children in a pre-practicum field site; and critically examine how their experiences relate to the teaching and learning of mathematics. Field observations are required.

    032933:1
  
  • EDC U 420 - Elementary Education Pre-Practicum Experience I


    1 - 6 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This classroom experience in an urban public school provides opportunities for the pre-service teacher to observe the teaching of a master teacher, begin to assume responsibility for the education experience of students at the elementary level, and become familiar with curriculum and teaching materials. This practical experience is designed to correspond to the theory and instruction being presented in both EDC U 403  (Creating Effective Learning Environments) and EDC U 417  (Fostering Language and Literacy Development). Students enrolled in this course will engage in direct participation in a developmental set of experiences in an elementary classroom setting.

    032038:1
  
  • EDC U 421 - Elementary Ed Pre-Practicum Experience II


    1 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This classroom experience in an urban public school provides opportunities for the pre-service teacher to observe the teaching of a master teacher, begin to assume responsibility for the education experience of students, and become familiar with curriculum and teaching materials. This practical experience is deigned to correspond to the theory and instruction being presented in EDCH 497L Curriculum Development in Elementary Schools. Students enrolled in this course will engage in direct participation in a development set of experiences in an elementary setting.

    032041:1
  
  • EDC U 422 - Middle & Secondary Pre-Practicum I


    1 - 6 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    Course Description to be renumbered to EDCG 422 The pre-practicum, the culminating experience for teacher candidates, provides student with opportunities to observe how theory and technique of education are being used through a year-long observation in a classroom. Students observe how classroom teachers are applying the teaching methods and theories in their real practice.

    032039:1
  
  • EDC U 423 - Middle & Secondary Pre-Practicum II


    1 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This classroom experience in an urban public school provides opportunities for the pre-service teacher to observe the teaching of a master teacher, begin to assume responsibility for the educational experience of students, and become familiar with curriculum and teaching materials. This practical experience is designed to correspond to the theory and instruction being presented in EDCG 497O Curriculum Development in Elementary Schools. Students enrolled in this course will engage in direct participation in a developmental set of experiences in an elementary setting.

    032042:1
  
  • EDC U 425 - Curriculum Development for Elementary Classrooms


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This course explores the history, approaches, and implication of curriculum planning. In this introductory course in curriculum development, students will learn various approaches to planning curriculum units of study, with particular emphasis on way to incorporate the arts, science and social studies into elementary classroom learning experience. This course is required for certification at the elementary level.

    032040:1
  
  • EDC U 446 - Understanding Reading: Principles & Practices


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    Introduction to theoretical and instructional issues involved in the acquisition of literacy; provide research-based practical constructs for knowledgeable decision making; consider effective ways of creating and managing an inclusionary, balanced literacy development program, which addresses the needs of children who are culturally and linguistically diverse. Topics include: oral language and the impacts of emergent literacy development, lesson planning with particular attention to selection of appropriate literacy materials, strategies for beginning reading and writing, literacy development for English language learners, and strengthening family literacy connections. Across topics, emphasis is on teacher’s roll as an observer, and the use of assessment to guide instruction. This course is taken with ECHD 490 or ECHD 491, a full time practicum.

    033358:1
  
  • EDC U 451 - Rethinking Equity and Teaching for English Language Learners


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This course fulfills the Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) endorsement requirement for core academic teachers outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as part of the Commonwealth’s Rethinking Equity and Teaching for English Language Learners (RETELL) initiative. The RETELL initiative comes at a time when teachers of all students, and teachers of multilingual learners (MLLs) in particular, must be equipped to address the needs and build on the assets of a diverse and ever- changing student population in Massachusetts. The introduction of various educational reforms requires teachers to assume new roles and responsibilities in their classrooms. This course will support the professional growth of educators and the teaching and learning of all students in this time of change.

    040589:1
  
  • EDC U 460 - DSG SEC CUR&LRN STRA


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This course examines current principles of curriculum and instruction, as well as state and national standards for the teaching of the disciplines at the middle and secondary school levels. Students review teaching materials and methods, design curriculum units, develop strategies for communicating with students from diverse backgrounds, do micro-teaching, design assessment and evaluation instruments, and critique their own and one another’s efforts. This is a field-based course in which students are asked to reflect on the learning and teaching they see in a variety of school sites and apply what they observe as they design curriculum units.

    032830:1
  
  • EDC U 466 - Teaching and Learning in the Discipline History and Social Studies


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of teaching the social studies, including history, civics and government, geography, and economics, at the middle and secondary levels. Students will design units of study, individual lessons, and assessments in social studies attentive to the increasing socioeconomic, cultural, linguistic, and ability-level diversity of students in today’s classrooms. A required field experience component is included; students are responsible for securing access to a classroom at the level of licensure sought.

    033337:1
  
  • EDC U 467 - Teaching & Learning in the Discipline English


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of teaching English in middle and secondary classrooms, in particular in ways that take into account the needs and expectations of diverse learners in a multicultural society. The course focuses on participants’ on-going inquiry and reflection of field experiences. Participants will connect observed teaching practices, experiences of learners within the major components of the English curriculum, and the relationship and impact of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and high stakes testing preparation on the best practices.

    033336:1
  
  • EDC U 470 - UTeach: Research Methods


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    Learning about science includes both learning material that has already been established (e.g., the structure of DNA, how to find forces on blocks being pushed up a ramp, the definition of an acid) and learning how scientists gained this knowledge (e.g., how new discoveries gain authority and are adopted by the scientific community, how to evaluate scientific claims when they conflict, how to design and carry out investigations to answer new questions). Most high school and undergraduate college science courses are devoted to presenting the first type of knowledge. Education in the second aspect of science has traditionally been left to graduate school. Research Methods simultaneously provides students specific techniques needed to address scientific questions and examples of how to provide this sort of training for students through individualized instruction. Core Components: 1. The course is primarily a laboratory course in which students develop and practice skills that are fundamental to the scientific enterprise. 2. The course is organized around four independent inquiries that UTeach students design carry out. 3. The course emphasizes the use of mathematics to model and explain both the natural and man-made worlds. 4. The course requires a substantial amount of writing. The written inquiries that students produce are evaluated as examples of scientific writing. 5. The course emphasizes the development of skills that are directly applicable in teaching secondary science and mathematics (e.g., use of equipment, preparation of lab materials, safety issues, and use of technology).

    040362:1
  
  • EDC U 475 - UTeach: Project-Based Instruction


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    The Project-Based Instruction (PBI) course is based on the premise that project-based instruction engages learners in exploring authentic, important, and meaningful questions of real concern to secondary students. Project-based instruction promotes equitable and diverse participation and engages high school student sin learning. They learn fundamental science and mathematical concepts and principles that they can apply to their daily lives. The overall goal of this course is to help mathematics and science pre-service teachers develop the knowledge, dispositions, and skills needed to be effective teachers in middle and high schools. A major focus of this course is in developing an approach to designing, implementing, and evaluation problem-and project-based curricula and processes by employing approaches that have emerged from collaborations between teachers and researchers. Specifically, four common design principles are emphasized: 1. Defining learning appropriate goals that lead to deep understanding. 2. Providing scaffolds such as beginning with problem-based learning activities before completing a project; using embedded teaching, teaching tools, and a set of contrasting cases. 3. Including multiple opportunities for formative self-assessment. 4. Developing social structures that promote participation and revision. PBI has three essential components: Theory-driven perspective: Students learn about how people learn and how project-based instruction may be among our most informed classroom learning environments for bridging the gap between theory and practice. Instructional development: Students develop technological and pedagogical content knowledge as they work toward the design of project-based units. They continually build competency as they read about and discuss the principles of PBI, reflect on observations of project-based learning environments in high school settings, and incorporate what they are learning into the design of problem-based lessons and ultimately, and entire project-based unit. Field experience: An intensive field component includes observation of well-implemented project-based instruction in local schools as well as implementation of problem-based lessons with area high school students on a study field trip.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisites: EDC U 270  and EDC U 275  

    040365:1
  
  • EDC U 497 - Special Topics


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit up to 2 times/6 credits

    Description:
    This course offers study of selected topics within this subject. Course content and credits vary according to topic and are announced prior to the registration period.

    014141:1
  
  • EDC U 498 - Practicum & Seminar Elementary Education


    6 - 12 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    The clinical practicum provides students with opportunities to put theory and technique into practice through placement in a classroom at the grade level and content area of the certification sought. Students develop their teaching competencies, with assistance from a certified cooperating teacher, a university supervisor and classroom faculty. This seminar will explore the connections between theory and practice by discussing the application of learning strategies and curriculum design, classroom management techniques and assessment. This seminar is held in conjunction with a year-long clinical placement designed to assist students in learning, practicing and perfecting the five Massachusetts Department of Education Standards for Educator Licensure, 603 CMR, Article 7.08: Professional Standards for Teachers: 1. Plans Curriculum and Instruction, 2. Delivers Effective Instruction, 3. Manages Classroom Climate and Operation, 4. Promotes Equity, 5. Meets Professional Responsibilities.

    033335:1
  
  • EDC U 499 - Practicum & Seminar


    12 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    Each practicum provides students with the opportunity to put theory and technique into practice at the level of their specialization. Students demonstrate their teaching skills in a school, with supervision by both a certified cooperating teacher and a member of the University faculty. They also attend a seminar led by the latter. The seminar provides an opportunity for student teachers to share their practicum experiences, to try out and critique plans and ideas, to air and solve problems, and to reflect on the process by which they are becoming education professionals. A formal application to do a practicum must be filed with the Advising Office by October 1 for a spring practicum or by March 1 for a fall practicum.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Department consent

    032244:1

Engineering

  
  • ENGIN 103 - Introduction to Engineering


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    Via team projects and discussions, students will discover the tools of engineering design, data analysis and modeling, estimations, spreadsheets, oral presentations, logbook, written reports, web page building, movies making, graphical programming, teamwork, leadership, project management, and problem-solving skills. Not only for prospective engineering students, also for those seeking important skills to succeed in college and/or the job market.

    Course Attribute(s):
    Distribution Area: Natural Sciences

    015190:1
  
  • ENGIN 104 - Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    Students will work in teams to build and test electrical circuits and to explore the basics of signal processing and data modeling. The essentials of computer programming are introduced using languages such as LabVIEW and Matlab with the goal of enabling students to use the computer effectively in subsequent courses. Students will develop codes in computer languages such as LabVIEW and Matlab to analyze circuits and to design and apply digital filters. Teamwork, logbook, presentations, and report writing are integral components of the course. No previous programming experience is required.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Students in computer engineering, electrical engineering, and engineering physics only

    037808:1
  
  • ENGIN 202 - Statics (Mechanical Engineering)


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    A vector treatment of the equilibrium of particles and rigid bodies. Topics include: vector algebra, forces, moments, couples, equations of equilibrium, free-body diagrams, graphical techniques, constraints, structures and mechanisms, friction, centroids and moments of inertia, the method of virtual work. (Course offered in the fall only.)

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: PHYSIC 113  

    015196:1
  
  • ENGIN 211L - Engineering Mathematics


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    In this course students will learn important math concepts and techniques they will need to study engineering topics such as circuit analysis, signal processing, electromagnetic fields and wavers, etc. Topics include complex numbers and functions. Laplace transform, Fourier series and transform, first and second order differential equations, partial differential equations, vector differential calculus, matrix algebra, and probability and statistics. For each of these topics, engineering applications will be emphasized, and when appropriate, numerical solutions will be introduced.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: MATH 141  

    038411:1
  
  • ENGIN 221 - Strength of Materials I


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    Notions of stress, strain and Mohr’s circle; tension; shear and torsion; plane stress and plane strain; moments of inertia. Shear force and bending moment diagrams. Depletion of beams; indeterminate beams; Castigliano’s principle; plastic bending of beams. Mechanical properties of materials. (Course offered in the spring only.)

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: ENGIN 202  

    015200:1
  
  • ENGIN 222 - Dynamics


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    A vector treatment of dynamics. Kinematics of a particle in two and three dimensions. Dynamics of a particle; momentum, moment of momentum, and work-energy. Rigid bodies in plane motion; kinematics and dynamics. Relative motion. (Course offered in the spring only.)

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: ENGIN 202  

    015201:1
  
  • ENGIN 231 - Circuit Analysis I


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    Mathematical models for circuit elements, basic circuit laws, techniques for writing and solving circuit equations. Circuit theorems, operational amplifiers, first- and second-order circuits. Numerical methods of circuit analysis.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Pre- or corequisite: PHYSIC 114  

    000731:1
  
  • ENGIN 232 - Circuit Analysis II


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    Analysis of AC circuits using phasors, mutual inductance and the dot convention, ideal transformers, power analysis, balanced three-phase circuits, frequency response and Bode plots, transfer functions, and application of Laplace and Fourier transforms in circuit analysis. Students use PSPICE to check their results.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: ENGIN 231  

    000730:1
  
  • ENGIN 241 - Digital Systems with Lab


    4 Credit(s) | Lecture and Laboratory |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    Concepts of digital measurement, counting, timing and switching, basic logic concepts, basic theorems in Boolean algebra, manipulation of logic statements, binary information gates, application of logic gates, flip-flops and multivibrators, counters, registers and readouts, and other combinational and sequential circuits. Note: When this course is not being offered, students may instead take PHYSIC 392 (Digital Electronics with Lab).

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: ENGIN 231  or permission of instructor

    015207:1
  
  • ENGIN 246 - Computer Organization and Assembly Language


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    Introduction to the organization of general-purpose computers and assembly language programming. Topics include: fundamentals of CPU design, Instruction Set Architectures (ISA) design, number systems and computer arithmetic, datapath and controller abstraction and design, parallelism and pipelines, hierarchical memory design and operation, input/output systems and storage, and assembly language programming.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: CS 109  or CS 110  

    040859:1
  
  • ENGIN 263 - Engineering Thermodynamics


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    The objective of the science of thermodynamics is to describe the state of matter and its interactions with surrounding s in terms of macroscopic properties such as temperature, pressure, etc. The course will introduce the fundamentals of science of classical thermodynamics. Historical perspectives on the evolution of this field and its gradual development into a modern branch of science will be presented. Upon successful completion of the course, students are expected to be capable of applying the First and the Second Laws of thermodynamics to the analyze the performance and efficiency of pumps, compressors, turbines, nozzles, diffusers, and other engineering systems.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisites: PHYSIC 114  and PHYSIC 182 

    040865:1
  
  • ENGIN 271 - Circuit Lab I


    1 Credit(s) | Laboratory |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    An introductory electrical measurements and linear circuit analysis laboratory to accompany ENGIN 231 (Circuit Analysis I). Topics include voltage and current division in resistive networks, circuit theorems, operational amplifiers, first- and second-order circuits, power transfer, capacitors and inductors.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Corequisite: ENGIN 231 

    000729:1
  
  • ENGIN 272 - Circuit Lab II


    1 Credit(s) | Laboratory |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    An electrical measurements laboratory to accompany ENGIN 232 (Circuit Analysis II). Topics include ac power and phase measurements, frequency response, transformers, Laplace and Fourier analysis.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Corequisite: ENGIN 232 

    000728:1
  
  • ENGIN 321 - Signals and Systems


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    The concepts of signals and systems arise in all areas of technology, e.g. signal processing. This course provides an introduction to the analysis of linear systems in the time- and frequency-domain, e.g. what is the output of a system if we know the input and the impulse response function or the transfer function of the system, how to characterize a system by stimulating it and measuring the output signals. Students will learn about the input/output differential or difference equation, the convolution theorem and its applications, the continuous- and discrete-time Fourier and Laplace transforms, and how to use Matlab in solving problems.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisites: ENGIN 232  and MATH 242 

    015230:1
  
  • ENGIN 322 - Probability and Random Processes


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    An introduction to probabilistic description (via the probability density function or distribution function) and statistical description (via the ensemble average, variance, etc.) of random signals as applied to the analysis of linear systems. Other topics include conditional probability, statistical independence, correlation, sampling theory, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, stationary and ergodic processes, auto-correlation and cross-correlation functions, spectral density, and their interconnections.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: ENGIN 321 

    032234:1
  
  • ENGIN 331 - Fields & Waves


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    The course will cover topics including vector analysis, electrostatic fields in vacuum and material media, stationary currents in conducting media, magnetostatic fields in vacuum and material media, Maxwell’s equations and time-dependent electric and magnetic fields, electromagnetic waves and radiation, transmission lines, wave guides, and applications.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisites: PHYSIC 114 and MATH 242 and 310

    038410:1
  
  • ENGIN 332 - Fields and Waves II


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This is a second course in Fields and Waves, which covers time-harmonic wave propagation in transmission lines, in free space, in waveguides, at interfaces and in waveguides. The course focuses on the application of electromagnetic analysis techniques to engineering problems.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: ENGIN 331

    039221:1
  
  • ENGIN 341 - Advanced Digital Design


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    The course will cover topics including tools and methodologies for top-down design of complex digital systems. Important topics include minimization, mixed logic, algorithmic state machines, microprogrammed controllers, creating and using a gold model, data and control path design, and data movement and routing via buses. Design methodologies covered include managing the design process from concept to implementation, gold model validation, and introduction to design flow. A hardware description language is used extensively to demonstrate models and methodologies, and is also used in design exercises and projects.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: ENGIN 241 

    039055:1
  
  • ENGIN 346 - Microcontrollers


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    A hands-on approach to microprocessor and peripheral system programming, I/O interfacing, and soft and real-time interrupt management, using a mixture of assembly and higher-level programming languages.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisites: ENGIN 241  and CS 240  or permission of instructor

    039056:1
  
  • ENGIN 351 - Fundamentals of Semiconductor Devices


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    The course will cover topics including semiconductor materials, basic device physics, pn-junctions, metal-semiconductor junctions, and both bipolar and metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistors.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: ENGIN 365  or permission of instructor

    038847:1
  
  • ENGIN 362 - Fluid Mechanics


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This course will cover the fundamental background in the statics and dynamics of fluids. The basic conservation laws of mass, momentum and energy are analyzed in control volume and differential from. Topics include stress and strain rate descriptions, fluid statics, use of differential and finite control volume analysis with continuity, momentum, and energy equations, Bernoulli and Euler equations, vorticity, potential flow, incompressible viscous flow using Navier-Stokes equations, dimensional analysis, pipe flow, boundary layers, separation, introduction to turbulence.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: MATH 270  

    Pre- or corequisite: ENGIN 263  

    040866:1

  
  • ENGIN 365 - Electronics I with Lab


    4 Credit(s) | Lecture and Laboratory |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    A brief introduction to semiconductor physics, leading to physical characteristics of pn junction diodes, bipolar junction transistors, and field effect transistors. Circuit models for diodes, transistors and operational amplifiers and their use in practical circuits. Analysis of linear circuits based on application of circuit models of devices and circuit theory. Note: When this course is not being offered, students may instead take PHYSIC 391 (Basic Electronics with Lab).

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisites: ENGIN 232  and MATH 242 

    015225:1
  
  • ENGIN 366 - Electronics II with Lab


    4 Credit(s) | Lecture and Laboratory |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    Continuation of ENGIN 365. Differential, operational amplifiers and applications, transistor amplifiers at very high frequencies, direct-coupled and band-pass, small- and large-signal, feedback amplifiers; and oscillators. Active filters, waveform generation including Schmitt trigger, multiplexers, A/D and D/A converters. Circuit design employing IC operational amplifiers, discrete devices, SPICE. An electronic design project constitutes a major part of the course.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: ENGIN 365  

    015235:1
  
  • ENGIN 421 - Radar Systems


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This is a course for electrical engineering majors providing an introduction to radar systems, signal processing, and applications. Topics covered during lecture include: description of radar architecture and components; common radar applications; choice of operation parameters, mathematical models for radar signals and scattering, review of Fourier Transform properties, application of Fourier transform to range compression and Doppler processing, emphasis on special topics such as police speed radar and SAR image formation. Laboratory work will include Matlab processing of experimental radar data.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: ENGIN 321  

    040864:1
  
  • ENGIN 435 - Antenna Design


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This is a course for electrical engineering majors in antenna design and applications. Topics covered include: how radiation works; common antenna types; antenna design techniques and rules of thumb; physical laws that limit realizable performance; antenna metrics; and antenna performance in a system.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: ENGIN 331  

    039220:1
  
  • ENGIN 441 - Embedded Systems


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This course covers fundamentals of embedded systems: architecture, programming, design, and interfacing. Topics include processors and hardware for embedded systems, embedded programming and real time operating systems. The course will cover technologies and methods using computer Aided Design (CAD) design tools for implementation of complex digital systems using Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). It provides advanced methods of digital circuit design, specification, synthesis, implementation and prototyping.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: ENGIN 341 

    039057:1
  
  • ENGIN 442 - Internet of Things


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This course teaches foundations and applications of Internet of Things (IoTs). IoTs is a global network infrastructure, linking physical and virtual objects using cloud computing, data capture, and network communications. We will cover fundamental concepts of IoT system analysis and design, cloud computing, sensor data collection/analysis and its interfacing with microcontrollers, communication between IoT objects, smartphones, and Internet-based computing resources, and application of machine learning techniques in IoT data analysis and control.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: ENGIN 346 

    Instructor consent

    040853:1

  
  • ENGIN 446 - Computer Architecture Design


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    An introduction to computer architectures; analysis and design of computer subsystems including central processing units, memories and input/output subsystems; important concepts include datapaths, computer arithmetic, instruction cycles, pipelining, virtual and cache memories, direct memory access and controller design.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisites:



    039058:1
  
  • ENGIN 451 - Semiconductor Device Design, Simulation and Fabrication


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This hands-on course will cover topics including design, simulation, fabrication, and characterization of basic semiconductor devices made of either silicon or compound III-V semiconductors as well as the fabrication methods needed to produce such devices.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: ENGIN 351 

    039215:1
  
  • ENGIN 471 - RF/Microwave Circuits


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This course is the first of a two course sequence on modern microwave engineering. This course will cover primarily passive circuit design and analysis, specifically: transmission line theory and waveguides, microwave network analysis, impedance matching and tuning, power dividers and couplers, microwave resonators, and microwave filters. This course will utilize computer-aided design (CAD) tools as well as a microwave laboratory experience for assignments and team projects.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisites: ENGIN 232  and ENGIN 272  and ENGIN 331 

    038848:1
  
  • ENGIN 478 - Independent Study


    1 - 3 Credit(s) | Independent Study |
    Course can be counted for credit up to 2 times/6 credits

    Description:
    Study of an engineering topic or work on a research project by a student or group of students under faculty supervision on subjects not currently offered in a regularly scheduled course.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Instructor consent

    039216:1
  
  • ENGIN 491 - Senior Design Project I


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    ENGIN 491, Senior Design Project I is the first semester of the two-part, two-semester Senior Design Project sequence (ENGIN 491/492 ) designed to help students prepare to make the transition to the Engineering workplace. During the first semester (ENGIN 491), students work in project teams to create a design solution to an engineering problem, and use their technical writing and presentation skills to produce a project plan and design report.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Instructor consent

    037603:1
  
  • ENGIN 492 - Senior Design Project II


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    ENGIN 492, Senior Design Project II is the second semester of the two-part, two-semester Senior Design Project sequence (ENGIN 491 /492) designed to help students prepare to make the transition to the engineering workplace. As a continuation of ENGIN 491 , during the second semester (ENGIN 492), students work in project teams to implement the design solution to an engineering problem that they came up with in ENGIN 491 , and continue to practice their technical writing skills to produce final reports as well as technical manuals for their device/software, in addition to presenting their products and/or findings to a group of panelists consisting of people as potential customers.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: ENGIN 491 

    037604:1

English

  
  • ENGL 101 - Composition I


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    Composition I is an introductory course in critical reading and writing that prepares students for working with the complex texts and ideas they will find in their college studies. Composition I teaches students to discover and shape their own perspectives in dialogue with challenging readings. Through carefully sequenced assignments, students are guided through various processes for constructing academic essays that may include journal writing, glossing texts, discussing student papers in class, peer reviewing, and especially revising. Readings and materials vary from section to section. Note: English 101 satisfies the first half of the College’s first-year writing requirements.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Degree students only

    015103:1
  
  • ENGL 102 - Composition II


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    Composition II is a more advanced course in critical reading and writing than Composition I; it is intended to help students prepare for their upper-level courses and the Writing Proficiency Requirement. Through sequenced assignments, students learn to sustain inquiries on particular themes or issues and to treat subjects from different perspectives, including their own. Through frequent reading and writing assignments, students learn to analyze the structures of essays and arguments so they are able to develop informed responses to them. As in Composition I, drafting and redrafting are emphasized. One of the course papers will be a researched essay that builds on course themes and issues. Note: English 102 satisfies the second half of the College’s first-year writing requirement.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: ENGL 101 

    Degree students only

    015102:1

  
  • ENGL 105 - Reading the University


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture | Graded or pass/fail
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    What is a university and what is its purpose? Many assume that the university is designed to train people for jobs and improve their earning potential, but are these its main objectives? What do universities require courses that seem to bear no direct relevance on the career path of many students? And what value do the humanities have in a university curriculum? This course introduces students to university education through critical reading and active engagement with the humanities. As a complement to the ‘writing intensive’ course within the general education curriculum, this ‘reading intensive’ course aims to help students establish a balance between their career and civic goals for their university learning. Students will therefore read the university within the specific context of UMass Boston to reveal the economic, political and social issues the university is facing. The university will be unpacked to expose its structure, its curricula, and its role in society, all in an effort to empower students to take charge of their education and make it meaningful for them before and beyond graduation. This is a hands-on, interactive course designed with the support of the Mellon Foundation.

    041387:1
  
  • ENGL 110 - Reading Like a Writer


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    Students will learn to understand, use, and refine the techniques used by creative writers. Through weekly readings and discussion, students will become acquainted with how individual works of literature produce their effects, focusing not so much on what a piece means, but how meaning is made. Classic and contemporary examples of the genres of poetry and fiction will be studies with the goal of understanding the ways writers imagine elements of language, structure, and process to create a fully developed work. Class work will include in-class writing, examinations, creative-writing assignments, and attendance at one poetry or fiction reading during the semester with the goal of producing a final portfolio of creative work.

    Course Attribute(s):
    Distribution Area: The Arts

    038428:1
  
  • ENGL 120 - What to Read: Life-Changing Literature


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    If students could gather English professors in a room and find out what novels, stories, poets, and films they find most exciting, what would the students learn? This course offers an introduction to literature written in English, from medieval England to the present, exploring how literature inspires a deeper understanding of the self, others, and society. A team of English professors explain what literary works they have found to be most meaningful and important, offering students the opportunity to experience the life-changing power of literature. The text and the lecturer change every week, while students participate in a weekly discussion section. Lectures, discussions and writing assignments cultivate skills of active and open-ended interpretation, literary analysis, conceptual thinking, and the investigation of varied cultural forms.

    Course Attribute(s):
    Distribution Area: Humanities

    038429:1
  
  • ENGL 123 - Adaptations: Literature, Film, and Beyond


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This course is open to anyone interested in how stories get told in different ways. It is an introduction to thinking about literary forms in relation to narratives, so that we can learn to see the craft necessary for authors to transform a well-known poem into a novel, or a play into another play, or a novel into a film. We will also learn some of the basic elements of Adaptation Studies to learn how scholars think about adaptations and how they revivify narrative, returning readers to older literary texts in new ways.

    040696:1
  
  • ENGL 124 - Science Fiction: Cross-Cultural Perspectives


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    Science Fiction has been one of the most popular genres of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, extending from a niche literary market into film, television, comics and even music. Given its cultural pervasiveness, in many ways, science fiction has become the key touchstone for popular culture. In this course, we will chart the development of science fiction as a distinct popular cultural form, paying particular attention to its defining characteristics. As such, we’ll study a wide range of themes and issues central to science fiction literature: early narratives that champion a scientific sense of wonder and possibility alongside others that articulate fears of technological destruction; the development of the “first-contact” narrative that imagines meetings between humans and aliens both positively and negatively; the alternating hopes and fears that characterize utopias and dystopias; the dreams of an elsewhere captured in intergalactic space operas; imaginative conceptions of temporality in time travel and alternative history narratives; and the development of cyberpunk and its focus on the integration of humans with cybernetic technology and the development of artificial intelligence. Alongside the exploration of science fiction as a recognizable set of familiar narratives, we’ll also study how these narratives relate to their own historical and cultural moments, expressing particular hopes and fears, anxieties and desires. Readings will mainly be short stories that we’ll supplement with some critical essays about the history and aesthetics of science fiction.

    Course Attribute(s):
    Distribution Area: The Arts | Diversity Area: United States

    040697:1
  
  • ENGL 125 - From Crime to Sci-Fi: Popular Literary Genres


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This course examines the popular literary genres we use to categorize literature, including crime and detective fiction, science fiction, horror, action-adventure, western, and romance. Students in the course will address the thought-provoking questions raised by the different genre formulas that define literature: Why do we categorize literature into these different types? Do these different types limit or expand the reading experience? Do these different genres require a repetition of plot or do they encourage plot innovation? Students will define each genre’s key characteristics and historical development. Students will investigate what genre reveals about today’s popular reading and writing experience.

    Course Attribute(s):
    Distribution Area: The Arts | Diversity Area: United States

    038430:1
  
  • ENGL 126 - Young Adult Literature


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    Young adult fiction is a booming segment of the book publishing industry. This course investigates why, in our increasingly sophisticated storytelling culture, we turn to novels that are supposedly aimed at a “younger” audience. What attracts readers of all ages to young adult literature? We will examine how these novels use well-known plot structures and literary devices to create compellingly artistic stories. We will also examine how young adult literature tackles difficult topics, such as race, class, gender, and sexuality, in stories that mange to be both accessible and deeply thought provoking in their portrayals of diversity. Although this class features young adult literature, it has a heavy reading load and a fast-paced reading schedule.

    Course Attribute(s):
    Distribution Area: The Arts | Diversity Area: United States

    038431:1
  
  • ENGL 130 - Vikings!: The Literature of Scandinavia, Medieval and Postmodern


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    In this class we will take a critical look at popular portrayals of Vikings in film, television, literature, and comics by familiarizing ourselves with actual medieval texts about Vikings and the Viking Age. We will read (in English translations) from the famous Icelandic Sagas of Vikings as well as from poetry that memorializes warrior-kings and tells of dragon slayings. But we will also consider writings about the Vikings from cultures that fell victim to their raids and invasions, including the great Old English poem Beowulf. We will thus be able to critically compare contemporary uses and portrayals of the Vikings with the medieval sources, and will even trace some of the sources for the narratives of Tolkien’s famous Lord of the Rings. Our study of Viking Literatures will be also rooted in their various historical contexts, which will give us a more complex understanding of a society and its very rich literary and artistic traditions than many popular portrayals. These literatures will offer us fascinating insights into the society of the Vikings and their Anglo-Saxon victims, including elements of religion, gender and sexuality, economy, technologies of violence, and government. We will have to take on some very difficult questions about how and why texts both then and now represent violence as we equip ourselves to better understand Viking Literatures, but there will also be much to surprise and to delight in these rich cultural forms.

    Course Attribute(s):
    Distribution Area: World Cultures

    040032:1
  
  • ENGL 135 - American Stories


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This course asks essential question about American literature: What does it mean to be American? How do we tell stories about who we are? Have those stories remained the same or have we changes? How do we define ourselves over time? Students in “American Stories” will encounter the classic and contemporary narratives that define American literature and culture. From Benjamin Franklin to Junot Diaz, students will read across genres, historical periods, and perspectives. Themes might include the mythology of the American Dream, particularly the American emphasis on individualism, and the place of the U.S. in global context. In addition to attending lectures, students will write brief weekly reflections and participate in discussion sections.

    Course Attribute(s):
    Distribution Area: Humanities | Diversity Area: United States

    038432:1
  
  • ENGL 179GL - Sexuality in Nature and Culture


    4 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This course explores texts and film in order to expand, complicate, and challenge the way students think about diverse sexualities and genders. The course will ask where ideas about sexuality and gender come from, and question whether those ideas are rooted in nature or culture. Students will examine theories and concepts addressing cultural norms, systems of power, and the performance of the self. Students will become familiar with methods of analysis from a range of disciplines, including literature, women’s studies,, cultural studies, biology, psychology, philosophy and law. As the class investigates sexuality and gender, students will engage in self-evaluation, examine methods of reasoning, and ask questions about cultural values and inheritances. ENGL 179GL and WGS 179GL  are the same course.

    Course Attribute(s):
    First Year Seminar

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Degree students only with fewer than 30 credits when they entered UMass Boston

    Students may complete only one 100G course (First Year Seminar)

    039490:1

  
  • ENGL 181G - Literature and the Visual Arts


    4 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This is a course about the artistic aspects of literature. Students consider the nature of art-what it is, what it does, why it matters. The course analyzes a variety of works drawn from three genres-the short story, poetry, and drama. Topics include censorship, public funding for the arts, and contemporary critical theory.

    Course Attribute(s):
    First Year Seminar

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Degree students only with fewer than 30 credits when they entered UMass Boston.

    Students may complete only one 100G course (First Year Seminar).

    016318:1

  
  • ENGL 183G - Literature and Society


    4 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    Introduction to the ways in which literary works represent a particular aspect of society, such as work, education, aging, or war. Close analytical reading of literary works with special attention to a writer’s social milieu and choices of form (including figurative language and representations of speech), and how readers in varying social contexts have read and used the work.

    Course Attribute(s):
    First Year Seminar

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Department consent

    Degree students only with fewer than 30 credits when they entered UMass Boston.

    Students may complete only one 100G course (First Year Seminar).

    016320:1

  
  • ENGL 185G - Literature and Film


    4 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    An introductory examination of the relationship between moving pictures and the written word. Students will study how filmmakers and writers construct narrative, and how stories have been adapted across media. Other topics may include the following: the different ways that literature and film have dealt with the problem of realism, the use of iconic and symbolic modes, and the political implications of film.

    Course Attribute(s):
    First Year Seminar

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Degree students only with fewer than 30 credits when they entered UMass Boston.

    Students may complete only one 100G course (First Year Seminar).

    036547:1

  
  • ENGL 188G - Literature, Medicine, and Culture


    4 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    A consideration of the humanistic aspects (“the human factor”) in medicine. Readings will include works from the perspective of both patients and medical professionals in order to focus on those areas of medicine that challenge our ideas about what we think we want from medical research and practice in the twenty-first century.

    Course Attribute(s):
    First Year Seminar

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Degree students only with fewer than 30 credits when they entered UMass Boston.

    Students may complete only one 100G course (First Year Seminar).

    036548:1

  
  • ENGL 189G - War in Literature


    4 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    A study of the ways in which literary works have dealt with the problem of representing the terrors of war. Attention will be paid to the ethical and aesthetic issues particular to the depiction of war in variety of media, such as novels, short stories, poetry, a graphic novel, film, and journalism.

    Course Attribute(s):
    First Year Seminar

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Degree students only with fewer than 30 credits when they entered UMass Boston.

    Students may complete only one 100G course (First Year Seminar).

    036247:1

  
  • ENGL 200 - Introduction to Literary Studies


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This course introduces students to the practice of literary studies, with a particular emphasis on the skills involved in close reading and analytical writing. Through an exploration of fiction, drama, and poetry, students will develop the capacity to consider texts in their historical and cultural contexts as well as to apply a range of critical frameworks. Ultimately, this course will equip students with a set of tools for interpretation and techniques for writing effectively about literature that will serve them throughout the English major.

    Course Attribute(s):
    Distribution Area: The Arts

    015414:1
  
  • ENGL 201 - Five British Authors


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    Representative works by five of the most important writers from the fourteenth to the nineteenth century, studied as introductions to philosophical and humanistic studies, explored as reflecting and shaping the leading ideas, assumptions, and values of their ages. Works by Chaucer, Shakespeare, and other authors such as Milton, Swift, and Austen, with films and background lectures on the philosophical and historical contexts of the works and their authors. Instruction in analytical reading and writing is provided.

    Course Attribute(s):
    Distribution Area: Humanities

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: ENGL 101  or ENGL 102 

    015109:1
  
  • ENGL 202 - Six American Authors


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    The achievements of American literature in articulating the American mind is illustrated by works from some well-known American writers-Thoreau, Dickinson, Faulkner, for example-as well as from those who deserve to be better known, such as William Wells Brown, Kate Chopin, Zora Neale Hurston.

    Course Attribute(s):
    Distribution Area: Humanities | Diversity Area: United States

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: ENGL 101 

    015111:1
  
  • ENGL 203 - Writing Craft/Context/Design


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This course introduces students to rhetorical, literary, and critical approaches to studying and producing writing as they play out across a range of contexts–in print and digital media, in the workplace, in journalistic and artistic venues, and in academic settings. The course will also pay attention to the role of editing and publishing in text production. Framing writing in terms of genre, purpose, audience, and compositional practice, the course will introduce students to aspects of writing that span different situations: collaborative writing, visual and verbal design, and research practices. Other topics include learning about the range of career opportunities in English studies and primary and secondary research methods.

    039364:1
  
  • ENGL 204 - Professional and Technical Writing


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture | Graded or pass/fail
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    Technical writing is a dynamic and vibrant sub-field in English studies and it illustrates the same general rhetorical principles studies in composition, journalism, and literature. On our way to understanding technical writing we will analyze technical documents and the ways in which these documents create particular worlds for users. We will compose technical genres with specific attention to the needs of audiences and institutions. We will also interrogate technical writing from similar humanistic perspectives that apply to creative writing and journalism. Time will also be spent paying attention to document design and usability. this course will enhance your abilities to function in workplace contexts.

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisites: ENGL 101  and ENGL 102 .

    041196:1
  
  • ENGL 205 - One Book in the World


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture | Graded or pass/fail
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This course will introduce students to one major literary text over the course of an entire semester. This immersive reading experience will teach students to read slowly and closely. The central text will also serve as a point of departure for a range of explorations and inquires, revealing how literary studies can help us read the present. This course will involve at least one off-campus excursion and will include interdisciplinary materials. This is a hands-on, Interactive course designed with the support of the Mellon Foundation.

    Course Attribute(s):
    Distribution Area: Humanities

    Enrollment Requirements:
    Prerequisite: ENGL 101 

    Corequisite: ENGL 102 

    041282:1

  
  • ENGL 210 - Introduction to Creative Writing


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This course provides an introduction to the arts through the medium of creative writing. The course focuses on writing stories and poems, as well as reading fiction and poetry. Additional genres of writing may be introduced. Student writing is submitted weekly and discussed in class. Students are encouraged to explore issues of literary form, style, and voice, developing creativity and experiencing the importance of artistic expression. Not experience in creative writing is required.

    Course Attribute(s):
    Distribution Area: The Arts

    000726:1
  
  • ENGL 211 - Creative Writing: Poetry


    3 Credit(s) | Lecture |
    Course can be counted for credit once

    Description:
    This course provides an introduction to the writing of poetry for students who may or may not have had prior experience. Students read poetry as a basis for learning to write it, and class discussion focuses both on assigned readings and on student work. Student writing is submitted weekly and is strengthened through in-class workshops, revision exercises, and portfolio compilations. Individual conferences with the instructor are required. Students are encouraged to explore issues of poetic form and content, developing knowledge about poetry while developing creative, analytical, and artistic skills.

    015484:1
 

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