2023-2024 BSC Catalog Updated_UG ONLY_FINAL[82]

244 ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
RE 255 IA Race, Ethnicity, and the Bible (1)
An introduction to the intersection of racial and ethnic identities in the Bible and its
interpretation. In addition to examining differing concepts of race and ethnicity in the
contexts in which biblical texts were produced, a primary focus is biblical interpretation
by Black scholars, artists, preachers, and writers, as well as scholarly and artistic
creations by other racially and ethnically minoritized individuals and groups. The course
will address the interconnected ethical, political, and religious issues confronted and
addressed by minoritized interpreters of the Bible, including race, ethnicity, gender, class,
colonialism, resistance, and liberation. An Interpretation or Analysis designated course.
RE 270 CI Wealth, Poverty, and Religion (1)
An examination of the ways in which various religious traditions have discussed, viewed,
glorified, and vilified both wealth and poverty over time, and how they are agents for
both economic stagnation and revolutionary change. Topics may include ascetic
movements, the U.S. Prosperity Gospel movement, Muslim self-help preachers, and
debates over Gandhi’s work in colonial India. A Community Interests and Poverty
Studies designated course.
RE 275 GP Buddhism (1)
A study of the Buddhist traditions from the life of the Buddha to modern times. The
course explores the doctrines and practices of Buddhist traditions in historical and
geographic context. Emphasis is placed on how the study of Buddhism in historical
context contributes to our understanding of cross-cultural categories in the study of
religion as well as the concept of religion itself. A Global Perspectives designated course.
RE 276 GP Sacred India: The Traditions of Hinduism (1)
A study of the Hindu traditions from prehistory to modern South Asia and the era of
globalization. This course examines the diversity and unity of those South Asian religious
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. A Global Perspectives designated
course.
RE 288 GP 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. A Global Perspectives designated
course.
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.
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2023-2024