Studies in African American Philosophy (324-0-20)
Instructors
Corey Lorenzo Barnes
Meeting Info
Locy Hall 109: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM
Overview of class
In 1940, W.E.B. Du Bois wrote in Dusk of Dawn that: "As American Negroes, we believe in unity of racial effort, so far as this is necessary for self-defense and self-expression, leading ultimately to the goal of a united humanity and the abolition of all racial distinctions." Among the many important ideas to which Du Bois words lead, one may find in it justification for the idea that in the face of racial oppression Black Americans have a special duty to unify on the basis of of race—even if race distinctions are false or arbitrary. Black American intellectuals have a lengthy history of debating this issue. This course considers this debate. Do African Americans have a duty to unify on the basis of race for the purpose of eradicating racial oppression? We will examine different philosophical theories relating to Black solidarity.
Learning Objectives
1) Identify and define issues and problems of concern, analyzing them critically and systematically by asking relevant questions, examining different sides of an issue and evaluating arguments and, where appropriate, using the language and techniques of formal logic to articulate and assess argumentation. 2) Construct clear, rigorous arguments for well-delineated theses. 3) Critically reflect on and accurately describe experiences of privilege and oppression through the lenses of themes related to African Americans. 4) Describe struggles of African Americans against forces such as racism, sexism, and classism to attain equitable outcomes. 5) Critically and accurately examine the intersections of categories such as race, class, and gender in an American context of unequal power relationships and social justice.
Class Materials (Required)
Class materials must be purchased.
Tommie Shelby, We Who Are Dark: The Philosophical Foundations of Black Solidarity (ISNB: 978-0674025714)
Class Notes
Final paper
Class Attributes
U.S. Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Pre-registration Seniors and Junior Philosophy students only.