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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2017-2018
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PL 307 Environmental Ethics (1)
A study of one or more of the current trends and theories in environmental ethics. The
course may focus on areas such as deep ecology, eco-feminism, sustainability, process
ecology, environmental pragmatism, and others. A Leadership Studies designated course.
Prerequisite: one previous course in PL (except PL 241).
PL 308 Topics in Metaphysics and Epistemology (1)
An examination of questions in contemporary metaphysics and epistemology concerning
the nature of our knowledge of the world and different conceptions of reality which come
into play in our idea of what there is in the world. The focus of the course may vary with
different questions being highlighted: for example, questions concerning the objectivity
of moral values, the dominance of science in our understanding of reality, the identity of
consciousness and neurophysiological processes, the relation of knowledge to experience
and reason, and the capacity of truth to transcend our capacity to know it. With the
permission of the philosophy faculty, students may enroll more than once for credit,
provided that the focus of the course is different. Prerequisite: one previous course in PL
(except PL 241).
PL 360 Postmodernism and Philosophy (1)
An examination of some of the ways postmodern perspectives have impacted recent
philosophy with respect to questions about the nature of language, reason, community,
and justice. A major contemporary alternative to postmodernism is also assessed in order
to establish a critical dialogue concerning the strengths and weaknesses of our
“postmodern condition.” Prerequisite: one previous course in PL (except PL 241).
PL 361 Topics in Philosophy of Religion (1)
An examination of some issues in the philosophy of religion primarily in the Western
tradition. Potential topics include the problem of evil, the nature of God, proofs for God’s
existence, the nature of faith, and non-traditional concepts of God (e.g., process theology,
feminist theology). With the permission of the philosophy faculty, students may enroll
more than once for credit, provided that the focus of the course is different. Prerequisite:
one previous course in PL (except PL 241).
PL 470 Senior Seminar in Philosophy (1)
A research seminar that examines a significant body of philosophical literature and
utilizes a student’s accumulated knowledge and skills in the discipline. A substantial
paper is required. All students enrolled in the course will meet in a seminar to discuss the
progress of their projects. Prerequisites: at least two 300-level PL courses (one of which
must be designated a Writing Reinforcement course in philosophy), and senior standing.
PS - Political Science
PS 101 Introduction to American Government and Politics (1)
A survey of research on the institutions of American government (the Presidency, the
Congress, and the Supreme Court) and on political behavior at the mass, elite, and