PHIL 207 - Contemporary Issues in Social Justice

Number of Credits: 3
Evaluate classic theories of justice alongside theories from marginalized groups. Extend these theories to such issues as institutionalized forms of racial and gender discrimination; economic inequity and poverty; systemic disparities in access to health care, education, and other social goods; the legal status and treatment of immigrants, migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees; and the impact of globalization and environmental issues on social equity. GENERAL EDUCATION and DIVERSITY (All terms) Three hours lecture each week. Three credits. Three billable hours.

Diversity: meets Diversity requirement
General education Category: Arts and Humanities

Pre-requisite(s): Take ENGL 101
Course Topics:
Justice

Power and Authority

Human Rights and Capabilities

Activism vs. Tokenism

Voice and Epistemic Injustice

Systems Change

Community Partnering and Community Service

Oppression

Racism

Issues chosen by students
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Describe key concepts, beliefs, and arguments relating to philosophical theories of justice. (GE1)
Discuss issues in social justice and competing philosophical perspectives, including one’s own, in ways that are co-operative, respectful, clear, and rationally compelling. (GE1, GE3, GE7, GE8)
Analyze philosophical theories and stances on issues in social justice, including one’s own, in ways that acknowledge their inherent complexity and nuance. (GE1, GE3, GE4, GE6, GE7, GE8)
Develop well-reasoned judgments about philosophical theories and issues in social justice. (GE1, GE3, GE4, GE7, GE8)
Communicate judgments about philosophical theories and issues in social justice in ways that adhere to accepted academic conventions. (GE1, GE3, GE4, GE7, GE8)
Connect assigned source material and contemporary, real-world issues in social justice. (GE1, GE3, GE4, GE6, GE7)
Critically evaluate and adjudicate between competing philosophical perspectives, including one’s own, and arguments about issues in social justice with fairness, charity, and rigor. (GE1, GE3, GE7, GE8)
Assess their own philosophical beliefs and practices in a fair-minded, reasoned, and insightful way. (GE3, GE7, GE8)
Employ philosophical activity to explore issues in social justice that are important to them and to expand, challenge, and refine their views. (GE3, GE7, GE8)