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Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2017-2018
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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
HON 301 Special Topics: Who Is Jesus? Exploring a Cultural Phenomenon (1)
An investigation of the ways that Jesus Christ has influenced and shaped culture for
twenty centuries. This seminar takes the view that the person of Jesus not only influences
culture but that culture continually interprets him to meet and to satisfy culture’s
understanding of itself. The course begins with a review of scriptural understandings of
Jesus, moves to a survey of his place in the history of culture, and concludes with an
examination of a variety of ways of interpreting the cultural identity of Jesus.
Prerequisite: Harrison Honors Program.
HON 302 Church, Slavery, and Civil War (1)
An in-depth examination of slavery in the American south and the debate around its
abolition, explored through the role of religion in the American Civil War. This seminar
will explore how the Bible and Christian theology were used to defend divergent and
diametrically opposed positions. Throughout this discussion, the class will work to make
connections between that historical period and theological debates surrounding
controversial issues in twenty-first century American culture. Prerequisite: Harrison
Honors Program.
HON 303 The History of Death in America (1)
An interdisciplinary investigation of the history of death in America from the colonial
period to the present. The course examines and evaluates particularly the claim that
America is a “death-denying” culture. Prerequisite: Harrison Honors Program.
HON 307 Civil Rights and Justice (1)
A review of the Civil Rights Movement in the South, focusing on the judicial process and
the role of the courts, followed by an examination of contemporary issues that reflect the
continuing struggle to achieve full civil rights and justice, including housing, education,
and employment. A Leadership Studies designated course. Prerequisite: Harrison Honors
Program.
HON 315 Sexual Ethics and Religion in Global Perspective (1)
An examination of the wide diversity of ways religious traditions (especially Judaism,
Christianity, and Islam) have understood, taught, and practiced sexual ethics. Attention is
given to understandings of sexual ethics in sacred texts and the ways those texts continue
to affect modern discourse around the world. Moreover, this course situates the
connections between sexuality and religion in the context of modern globalization, a
dynamic that brings these diverse religious traditions and their understandings of sexual
ethics into frequent contact. May count as an elective for the major or minor in religion.
Prerequisite: Harrison Honors Program.
HON 325 Contemporary Southern Politics (1)
An in-depth review of the literature on Southern politics as well as an opportunity for
students to complete original research. Primary emphasis is placed on contemporary
Southern political behavior, including parties and elections, voting behavior, and the
politics of race. A Leadership Studies designated course. Prerequisite: Harrison Honors
Program.