ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2016-2017
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detail the objectives of the project, procedures to be used, timetable for work to be
completed, a bibliography, and the means by which the project will be evaluated. For a
unit of credit, students should complete at least 150 clock hours of work associated with
the contract during the term, including time spent reading, writing, or completing other
assignments, as well as time on site for an internship experience. The department chair of
the faculty sponsor, the student’s academic advisor, and the Exploration Term and
Contract Learning Committee review and must approve all proposals. Contract titles and
descriptions appear on the academic transcript, and contracts are kept on file in the Office
of Academic Records.
Contracts are not an alternative for existing courses in the curriculum. Courses may not
be redeemed by contract. Not-candidate-for-degree students are not allowed to design and
contract individualized learning experiences. Individualized courses usually carry the
designation of the supervising discipline. The college-wide designations “IND,” “GEN,”
and other interdisciplinary designations are also available as alternatives for courses that
do not fall clearly within a single discipline. Courses with non-disciplinary designations
do not satisfy Explorations curriculum requirements. Exploration term contracts are
numbered 299 or 499; regular term independent study contracts are numbered 293, 393,
or 493; and regular term career orientation practicums or pre-professional internships are
numbered 297, 397, or 497. See the “Common Course Numbers” section in this catalog
for more information. A maximum of two units counting toward graduation may be
earned for independent study and internships. Career orientation practicums or pre-
professional internships for academic credit normally carry a satisfactory or
unsatisfactory grade (“S”/“U”).
Bunting Center for Engaged Study and Community Action
Kristin Harper, Director
The Bunting Center for Engaged Study and Community Action promotes active civic
engagement by encouraging participation in service-learning projects with local, national,
and international agencies or organizations. Service-learning combines academic study,
community work, and intentional reflection. The essential question posed by Bunting
Center experiences is
how do we develop the best combination of knowledge, skills, and
values that will make a positive difference in our communities?
The Bunting Center provides opportunities for the Birmingham-Southern College
community to
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engage in the community beyond the gate
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recognize and challenge assumptions
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interact across cultures
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reconsider ways of knowing and sources of knowledge
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understand and practice civic involvement
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channel personal and academic interests to address community-identified needs
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act to recognize and correct injustice
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prepare for lives of active citizenship