2023-2024 BSC Catalog Updated_UG ONLY_FINAL[82]

228 ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
PL 253 CI, IA Ethical Theory (1)
An examination of the theoretical grounds of ethical reasoning encompassing such issues
as the respective roles of reason and emotion in ethical judgment, utilitarian and socialcontract
conceptions of justice, and the reality of ethical values. A Community Interests
and Interpretation or Analysis designated course.
PL 256 GP, IA Confucianism and Daoism (1)
An examination of the central texts and philosophical problems of Confucianism and
Daoism. Texts include philosophical translations of the Confucian Analects and
Zhongyong, the Laozi Daodejing, Zhuangzi, and others. A Global Perspectives and
Interpretation or Analysis designated course.
PL 263 GP Philosophies of Film: Cinematic Wisdom West to East (1)
A pluralistic exploration of the medium of film using the discipline of philosophy.
Students examine primary texts from both philosophers and film theorists with the aim of
discovering and articulating cinematic wisdom. Focus is placed on the areas of aesthetics
(Western and East Asian), ontology, depth psychology, and cognitive theory. A Global
Perspectives designated course. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or one previous course
in PL (except PL 241).
PL 275 Philosophy of Law (1)
An examination of the major concepts of law, natural law, positivism, legal realism, and
analytical jurisprudence. The course also explores the relationship of law and morals.
PL 293, 393, 493 Independent Study in Philosophy (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.
PL 296 IA Nietzsche: Experimental Philosophy of Future (1)
A seminar focusing on the writings and philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche with an
emphasis on his evolving experimental method of revaluing values. Topics include the
evolution of the Apollinian-Dionysian polarity, depth-psychology, genealogy and
historical sense, perspectivism and hermeneutic distance, amor fati, eternal recurrence,
and the global aspiration of the “über-Asiatic eye.” An Interpretation or Analysis
designated course. Prerequisite: at least sophomore standing or instructor consent.
PL 297, 397, 497 Internship in Philosophy (½ or 1)
An internship opportunity allowing students to practice career skills and/or further
develop abilities beneficial for graduate study. Specific guidelines concerning internships
appear in the “Exploration Term and Contract Learning” section of this catalog.
PL 298, 398, 498 Teaching Experience in Philosophy (½ or 1)
A contracted teaching experience that requires instructor approval. Specific guidelines
concerning teaching experiences appear in the “Teaching Experiences” section of this
catalog.
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2023-2024