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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2016-2017
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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
organizational levels. Questions of democratic theory are applied to the American
context. Fall, Spring.
PS 111 Humor and the Cynical Political Mind (1)
Examines politics and political issues through the perspective of humor, satire, and
parody. The significance and impact of humor on the political process and on political
knowledge will be explored, and a variety of humorous forms will be analyzed, including
editorial cartoons, comic strips, late night television, situation comedies, radio talk shows,
movies, and books. An emphasis will be placed on politics in the United States.
PS 195 Talk, Talk, Spin, Spin: Politics, Media, and Political Culture (1)
Explores the relationship between politics, media, and political culture. The course
examines relevant literature and focuses primarily on the impact of television, print
journalism, political advertising, public opinion, and popular culture on the norms and
values which undergird the American political system. Fall.
PS 204 Survey Data Analysis and Statistics (1)
Theory and practice in formulating hypotheses and evaluating them by analyzing
secondary sources of data with statistical analysis software. Emphasis is placed on data
management, data analysis, the use of appropriate statistics, and the interpretation of
statistical output. Though intended as a prerequisite for EC 304, GCS 304, PS 304, or SO
304, this course can help any student develop analytical skills. Laboratory required. (Also
listed as EC 204, GCS 204, and SO 204, this course may be counted for credit in
economics, global and comparative studies, political science, or sociology.) Fall.
PS 210 Environmental Problems and Policy (1)
An introduction to U.S. and international policies that address our many significant
environmental problems. There are more than 30 major U.S. environmental laws, and