Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2017 - PHIL 333 D100

Selected Topics (3)

Phil of Race and Gender

Class Number: 8231

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    As stated by department at time of offering.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

May be repeated for credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Selected Topics: Philosophy of Race and Gender

Prerequisites: At least one Philosophy course or permission of the instructor.

The course will investigate philosophical questions that concern race and gender. The first half of the course will focus on topics in the metaphysics, epistemology and ethics of race and gender. Questions addressed will include: What is race? What is gender? When is a belief a racist belief? What grounds the wrongness of racism? Of sexism? What is racist/sexist humour, and why is it offensive? Is there a close parallel between treatments of race/racism and gender/sexism? The second half of the course will focus on applied topics. Questions addressed will include: Is affirmative action permissible? Can racial profiling be justified? Should the burqa be banned? Can patriarchal religious structures be reconciled with feminism?

Grading

  • Midterm paper (about 1500 words) 30%
  • Term paper (about 2000 words) 45%
  • Active Engagement (Every week students will be required to submit answers to a ‘reading question’ pertaining to a particular assigned reading. Answers to these questions will be graded and constitute the ‘active engagement’ portion of the grade) 15%
  • Attendance 10%

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS