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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2017-2018
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RE 235 Abrahamic Religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam (1)
A study of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the three major religious traditions that trace
their historical and theological roots to one figure: Abraham. The objective of the course
is to explore the interconnection of these traditions, a historical and theological
entwinement that is vital for understanding the modern world situation.
RE 242 The Good Life (1)
A consideration of what it is to live a good life from the perspective of various religious
traditions. By focusing on current global issues, this course helps students to reflect on
who they want to be, how they should act, and what effect they want to have on the
world.
RE 275 Buddhism (1)
A study of the Buddhist traditions from the life of the Buddha to modern times. The
course explores the doctrines and practices of Buddhist traditions in historical and
geographic context. Emphasis is placed on how the study of Buddhism in historical
context contributes to our understanding of cross-cultural categories in the study of
religion as well as the concept of religion itself.
RE 276 Hinduism (1)
A study of the Hindu traditions from prehistory to modern South Asia and the era of
globalization. This course examines the diversity and unity of those South Asian religious
dispositions, beliefs, and practices referred to collectively in the modern period as
“Hinduism.” Emphasis will be placed on how the study of Hinduism challenges and
refines our understanding of the concept of religion.
RE 288 Meditation: Theory and Practice (1)
An examination of Hindu and Buddhist philosophy through the theory and practice of
meditation, and as means through which to understand debates regarding consciousness
and its relationship with the material world in Indian philosophy. Consideration of
traditional texts on meditation and philosophy (while engaging in the contemplative
methods that inform them), and contemporary scientific studies and the philosophical
frameworks that address meditation’s putative effects.
RE 293, 393, 493 Independent Study in Religion (½ or 1)
Directed study for advanced students in the major. Specific guidelines concerning
independent study projects appear in the “Exploration Term and Contract Learning”
section of this catalog.
RE 298, 398, 498 Teaching Experience in Religion (½ or 1)
A teaching experience course. Upon invitation, qualified students participate in first-year
and sophomore courses as docents. Specific guidelines concerning teaching experiences
appear in the “Teaching Experiences” section of this catalog.
RE 300 Explorations in Religious Identity (1)
An examination of the way that religious identity (of individuals, communities, and