Description--Fall 2008

Prerequisite: None

Course Description:

This course introduces students to contemporary theories, issues, and policies in social and political philosophy, with special attention to social justice in a diverse society. It is divided into two parts. In the first part, we will examine various theories of justice in three aspects: redistribution as economic justice, full citizenship and democracy as political justice, and recognition as cultural justice. Comparing competing theories such as liberalism, libertarianism, radical egalitarianism, and multiculturalism, we will also explore how concepts of justice are linked to the realization of other political ideals such as equality, liberty, fairness, rights, inclusion, and reciprocity in each theory.

In the second part, we will consider how the theories can apply to analyzing issues and policies in our society -- gender, racial, class, sexual, disability, multicultural, criminal, and environmental policies. We will also apply what we have learned in the classroom to the development of our understanding of justice claims in our local communities and to the examination of policies for remediation of social injustices.

Course Objectives:

This course is designed to help students expand their awareness of social injustice as well as enhance their critical and analytical thinking skills. Students are expected to practice clarifying concepts and analyzing arguments, developing their own arguments as they respond to the materials, and applying these ideas to their personal, social, and political lives. Through this process, students are also expected to cultivate their skills in critical reading, thinking, and problem solving, and in effectively presenting their ideas in both oral and written arguments.

Text:

The articles for this course will be posted on the WebCt (WebCampus).

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