Philosophy, Race, and Racism (224-0-20)
Instructors
Jose Maria Medina
847/467-7539
Kresge 3-347
Meeting Info
Lutkin Hall: Mon, Wed 3:30PM - 4:50PM
Overview of class
This course provides a broad overview of philosophical discussions of race and racism in American culture. In this overview, we will focus on phenomenological issues concerning the experience of race, epistemological issues concerning racial distortions and racial ignorance, and ethical and political issues concerning racial oppression. Some of the central questions that we will address are: How should we understand the concept of race and the processes of racialization through which people come to see themselves as having a racial identity? What are the different kinds of racial injustice that we can identify, and the different kinds of exclusion, subordination, marginalization and stigmatization that can be part of racial oppression? How should racial oppression be resisted? How should racial violence be stopped? How should we build racial solidarity and fight for racial justice? We will also explore the connections between race and other identity categories such as gender, sexuality, class, ethnicity, religion, nationality, etc. In the last part of the course we will read recent philosophical essays on Black Lives Matter.
Learning Objectives
Students will develop familiarity with key ideas and essential authors in philosophy of race and critical race theory. Students will also learn how to apply these ideas to American history and to contemporary cultural practices and social realities, so that they learn how to give critical attention to racial phenomena and racial problems.
Evaluation Method
Final exam in class
Class Attributes
Ethical and Evaluative Thinking Foundational Disci
U.S. Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
Ethics & Values Distro Area
Associated Classes
DIS - Parkes Hall 212: Mon 10:00AM - 10:50AM
DIS - Locy Hall 111: Wed 12:00PM - 12:50PM
DIS - University Hall 312: Thurs 3:00PM - 3:50PM
DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-410: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM
DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-435: Fri 2:00PM - 2:50PM
DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-435: Fri 3:00PM - 3:50PM