Studies in African American Philosophy (324-0-20)
Instructors
Corey Barnes
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-435: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM
Overview of class
African American Philosophy can be understood as philosophical engagement with African American experiences. And since African Americans (and thus their experiences) are a Western people, African American Philosophy is often theorized as, even if contentiously, engaged with Western philosophical traditions and methodologies. African American Philosophy thereby tends to apply Western traditions and methodologies to issues such as slavery, integration/self-segregation, assimilation/separatism, reparations, collective identity and efficacy, intersectionality, etc., and concepts such as respect, alienation, oppression, citizenship, forgiveness, art, progress, etc. as they are either conceptualized or reimagined through African American experiences. This course introduces students to African American Philosophy, but centers the work of one of the great pioneers of African American Philosophy—namely, Charles W. Mills. And so students will engage many issues and concepts pertinent to African American Philosophy by looking deeply into Mills' philosophical corpus.
Learning Objectives
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. Construct clear, rigorous arguments for well-delineated theses. Critically reflect on and accurately describe experiences of privilege and oppression through the lenses of themes related to African Americans. Describe struggles of African Americans against forces such as racism, sexism, and classism to attain equitable outcomes. 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.
Blackness Visible. Charles W. Mills. ISBN: 978-0-80148-471-1 & The Racial Contract. Charles W. Mills. ISBN: 978-1-50176-428-8
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.
Add Consent: Department Consent Required