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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2016-2017
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AN 303 Comparative Mysticism (1)
An interdisciplinary genealogy of mysticism. Using primary texts and contemporary
scholarship, students examine critically the major theories, practices, experiences, and
literature deemed “mystical.” Topics include “the Oriental mystery religions,” Vedanta,
Pythagoreanism (and the uncanny power of music), Neoplatonic Christianity,
Gnosticism, Kabbalah, Sufism, and Daoism. Prerequisite: at least junior standing or
instructor consent.
AN 323 Chinese Philosophies of Leadership and Strategy (1)
An investigation of major Chinese philosophies of leadership and strategy, including
Confucian exemplarism, Daoist notions of spontaneous emergence, and Sunzi’s
praxiological cultivation of efficacious situations. Considerable attention is given to
comparing Chinese thinking with the classical Western philosophies of Plato, Aristotle,
Machiavelli, and Clausewitz to articulate uncommon assumptions and contrasting notions
of efficacy. A Leadership Studies designated course. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or
one previous course in PL (except PL 241).
AN 470 Senior Project in Asian Studies (1)
A research project that demonstrates a student’s ability to investigate a problem in Asian
studies. The research paper required must use scholarly and, if possible, primary sources,
either in translation or in the appropriate Asian language. Prerequisite: senior standing in
Asian studies.
AR - Art
AR 101 Basic Painting (1)
A studio course dealing with the fundamental principles of oil painting, accompanied by
supplemental exercises aimed at developing elementary drawing skills. Fall, Spring.
AR 111 Two-Dimensional Design (1)
A studio course emphasizing structural and proportional organization through problems
in line, tonal contrast, and color relationship, employing a variety of materials. Fall,
Spring.
AR 112 Three-Dimensional Design (1)
A studio course emphasizing composition and construction techniques through a series of
three-dimensional projects. Fall, Spring.
AR 131 Printmaking: The Revolution of Media and the Matrix (1)
An exploration of print media as a catalyst in social transformation and its evolution from a
visual object disseminating information to one that is shared and liked digitally in a global
network. Particular emphasis will be placed on printmaking’s historical and contemporary
impact on media and the art world.