First-Year Seminar in Philosophy (109-6-20)

Topic

Philosophy through Race

Instructors

Corey Lorenzo Barnes

Meeting Info

Kresge 3438 Philosophy Sem. Rm: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

This first year seminar introduces students to philosophical issues and foundational questions in philosophy through an examination of a very fundamental part of our world—namely, race. And so students will be introduced to different philosophical questions in seven traditional areas in philosophy—namely: 1) knowledge and certainty; 2) being and reality; 3) language and meaning; 4) aesthetics; 5) morality; 6) politics; and 7) God and religion. However, we will engage each area through an analysis of race.

Learning Objectives

1) Use the tools of philosophy (logic) to compose, analyze, and evaluate arguments. 2) Describe and explain some of the answers philosophers throughout history have defended in reply to questions about justice, human nature, faith and reason, God's existence, knowledge and skepticism by examining work on race. 3) Articulate and defend your own answers to such questions in speech. 4) Use and correctly cite credible sources to develop ideas and strategies that improve your arguments and refine your thinking. 5) Cultivate your ability to do focused philosophical research. 6) Write clearly and fluently in structured and sophisticated argumentative prose and learn to revise your work in response to peer and professor feedback.

Evaluation Method

Final Paper

Class Materials (Required)

All readings will be provided on CANVAS at no cost to students.

Class Notes

Final paper

Class Attributes

WCAS First-Year Seminar

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for First Year & Sophomore only