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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2016-2017
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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 280 John Wesley and the People Called Methodists (1)
An examination of Methodism, from its beginnings, to the present. The course will cover
the history, doctrine and polity of Methodism. Emphasis is placed on the influence of
John Wesley and the effect his theology, life, and ministry had on Methodism in
particular and society in general. The purpose of the course is to help both Methodists
and non-Methodists understand and appreciate the contributions that Methodism has
made in the Protestant world. A Leadership Studies designated course. Spring.
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
institutions) is created and sustained by and through religious practices, traditions, and
beliefs. Possible topics include the role of food in the construction of religious identity,
the tension between religious identity and modernity, and comparative religious
identities. Prerequisite: at least one unit in RE. Fall.
RE 311 Christian Ethics (1)
An examination of the implications of Christian faith for contemporary ethical problems.
Prerequisite: RE 201.
RE 315 Contemporary Christian Theology (1)
A survey of the thought of certain leading theologians in the twentieth century. Particular
attention is given to Barth, Tillich, Bonhoeffer, the Niebuhrs, process theology, and
liberation theology. Prerequisite: RE 201.