Race, Gender, and Philosophy

In this course students will examine philosophical aspects of race and gender, with interdisciplinary perspectives from fields that may include history, sociology, and biology. Students will use philosophical tools to examine the nature of the social world, how it affects what we think, and its ethical ramifications. In particular, students will engage with questions including: Are race and gender natural or socially created? Should we think race and gender are real or fictional? How have cultural and social forces, scientific theories, and public policies affected how we understand race and gender? How have race and gender led to oppression and privilege today and throughout American history? Students will engage with texts drawn from disciplines including philosophy and other disciplines such as history, sociology, and/or biology. 3 hr./wk; 3 cr.