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Course Catalog

Social and Natural Sciences Classes


Social and Natural Sciences courses: World Mysticism, Meeting of the Minds, Culture Experience classes.


Thomas Merton and Our Spiritual Quest in a Technological World


The great spiritual master and monk, Thomas Merton, was known for his keen insight into spiritual opportunities and challenges of the modern world. In this class we will explore how he provides a contemplative critique of technology whose fundamental aim is to secure and cultivate in a technological world a path to reality, to the transcendent.
Required reading: Returning to Reality, Thomas Merton’s Wisdom for a Technological World
Section Start Date End Date Campus Tuition Instructor Action
THOMASMERTON (09JUL13)
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Jul 9, 2013 Aug 13, 2013 Briarcliff Campus $195.00 Phillip Thompson
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A Holocaust Lecture: Carrying Forward the Memory


In reliving with the world their most painful experiences, Fate has placed an unprecedented burden on the survivors of the Holocaust. Living testimony has become rare because most survivors are no longer with us or have grown too old to make presentations. Paula Gris, a Holocaust survivor imprisoned in a concentration camp in the Ukraine as a child, presents her personal history along with a historical overview of the holocaust in Romania. History is not just about an event—it is about human lives. Take this rare and fleeting opportunity to hear from a survivor.
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Astronomy in the Suburbs - An Introduction to Star Gazing


Learn a basic understanding of the night sky and how to enjoy it from your own neighborhood. Your instructor will guide you through the constellations and how to use a sky chart to locate the major stars. Observe the phases of the moon and how to locate the major planets. Learn basic astronomy concepts to further your enjoyment of the night sky. each class will take time outside to view key objects (weather permitting). Textbook is strongly recommended, but not required. Textbook: Patterns in the Sky: An Introduction to Stargazing
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Emory Mini Law School – Teaching You about the Law

Join esteemed faculty members of Emory University Law School for a series of informative and interesting lectures encompassing topics such as the State and Federal Court Structure, Religion and the First Amendment and Legal Research on the Internet. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn the most up-to-date information on the Mortgage Meltdown and Constitutional Law. This series of intellectual explorations in law will provide you with the information to more fully understand how this country’s legal system works. The lectures seek to inform the public and are taught by the renowned Emory Faculty who teach Emory students in the Law School.
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Introduction to World Mysticism


Central to many cultural trends is mysticism—a vague word that can be translated as "the spiritual principle at the heart of religion." Many people believe mysticism is the golden thread that unites all the world's religions, while others scoff at the idea. Decide for yourself in this class as we explore major themes and writings from the world's great mystical traditions. Using Andrew Harvey's The Essential Mystics as our textbook, we'll examine the world's great wisdom traditions—Taoism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, as well as pagan and philosophical forms of mysticism—acknowledging both the common ground and the distinctive qualities of each mystical path. Class is taught from an academic/nonsectarian perspective. Textbook is not included. Textbook: The Essential Mystics : Selections from the World's Great Wisdom Traditions
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Judaism: Understanding the Basics


Why do Jewish people follow certain practices? How does Judaism distinguish between work and play? Come learn about Jewish life-cycle events, Jewish dietary practices, Sabbath observance and the annual cycle of holidays and commemorations. This is a cultural/historical overview of the traditions of the Jewish people. Students will have an opportunity to attend a traditional Sabbath morning service in a synagogue, followed by a Q&A session at our final session. A great introduction for those who have always had questions but didn’t know whom to ask; for those who plan to travel to Israel, as well as the merely curious.
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Spirituality versus Religion: The State of the Question


Many today claim to be "spiritual but not religious." This sentiment is not only found in popular discourse: it intrigues scholars in the academy as well. In this course, we will examine the meanings of "religion" and "spirituality" and discuss whether the two are at odds with each other or whether, in fact, the two can be partners in the process.
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Stem Cell Biology: Possibilities and Shortcomings


Stem cells are one of the most exciting and dynamic areas of scientific research in the 21st century. These cells offer great promise for insights about basic biological mechanisms as well as biotechnological therapeutics. However, much about stem cells remains misunderstood and mysterious. This course will involve discussion and debate of current issues concerning stem cell biology and the uses of stem cells in biotechnology and theraputics. Topics will include basic developmental and cell biology, stem cell characteristics, therapeutic uses of stem cells, and regulatory and ethical issues. Through participation in this course, students will be equipped to make informed decisions about stem cell research and stem cell-based therapies and to participate knowledgeably in discourse on stem cell-related topics.
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