ENGL1736 · Complex Problems and Enduring Questions
Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences
This is an Enduring Question course and is open to FRESHMEN only. You must take both PSYC1701 and ENGL1736. What is memory, and why does it matter? These paired courses explore complex and fascinating aspects of human memory through two disciplines: neuroscience and literature. In five short modules, we will consider enduring and emerging questions about memory: how it works (both scientifically and literarily); how it can be distorted or misrepresented; how it intersects with cultural values and beliefs; how stress or trauma can change or damage memory; and how monuments (built and literary) help us both to remember and to heal. Shared texts will include Maya Lin'sBoundaries, Christopher Nolan's 2001 filmMemento and the short story "Memento Mori" by Nolan's brother Jonathan, and essays by Oliver Sacks.
Course experience
Averages use the original five-point historical evaluation scale.
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hours per week
Estimated from the original workload response buckets. Individual sections may differ.
Instructor options
Ratings below reflect only recovered evaluations connected to this course.
Student perspective
Recovered and new anonymous comments are shown as written and may reflect different course formats.
Jan 13, 2026 · Historical comment
One of the sweetest professors ever. I couldn't have asked for a better literature teacher for my first semester at BC. She made class engaging, brought unique perspectives, and was incredibly understanding!!
Jan 12, 2026 · Historical comment
Amazing and caring teacher who is fun inside and outside of class! Couldn't recommend more strongly!
Nov 18, 2025 · Historical comment
Professor Boesky is the sweetest woman at Boston College. She genuinely cares about what she teaches and is genuinely curious about what you have to say. If you feel stuck on a paper, just go to her office hours and talk it out. She is a fair grader and I would take this class again.
Across time
Section-level results available in the recovered archive.
Fall 2023
2 sections