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COURSES OF STUDY
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2014-2015
RE 231 Popular and Folk Religion (1)
An examination of popular and folk religions, including beliefs and
practices that exist among the people, apart from and alongside the
theological and liturgical forms of mainline religion.
RE 235 Abrahamic Religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam (1)
A study of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the three major religious
traditions that trace their historical and theological roots to one figure:
Abraham. The objective of the course is to explore the interconnection
of these traditions, a historical and theological entwinement that is vital
for understanding the modern world situation.
RE 250 Jesus Through the Centuries (1)
An examination of Jesus as a figure in history. This seminar critically
examines the way Jesus has been viewed in different historical eras,
including various attempts to reconstruct the “historical Jesus,”
contemporary representations of Jesus in film, and the emerging
scholarly consensus on Jesus in history.
RE 275 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 the 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.
RE 276 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.
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.
