Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - HUM 320 J100

Cross-Cultural Philosophy in the Humanities (4)

Class Number: 7102

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Thu, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An exploration of the characteristic ways in which the humanities, with its emphasis on expression, belief and tradition, presents important philosophical concepts. Based upon an interdisciplinary selection of texts drawn from history, philosophy, literature and the arts. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course takes an in-depth look at “Identity politics,” a term that is used incessantly but rarely defined. While in currency for some time on the radical left, within the university and the art world, it has dramatically burst on the scene within mainstream politics in recent years. Identity politics manifested itself both in Hillary Clinton’s use of the language of intersectionality (as well as her denigration of members of the White working class as a “basket of deplorables”) as well as in President Donald J. Trump’s, and his aides Steve Bannon’s and Stephen Miller’s White nationalist vocabulary. Identity politics has given rise to a politics of self-segregation and a fetishization of “safety,” on the one hand, and form of redoubled “Identitarianism” of a neo-fascist right, clamoring for ethnic cleansing and an ethno-state, on the other.

This course seeks to frame the rise of identity politics in the context of the neo-liberalization of the economy and society, the proliferation of negative affects such as frustration, anxiety and fear, and an increasing sceptical attitude towards reasoned discourse manifested in the tendency to “cancel” ideas and political positions one finds offensive or disagrees with. More than that, it results in the tendency to insulate oneself from even the possibility of encountering contrary views in establishing “firewalls” of safe spaces and trigger warnings. Examining notable statements in political thought—both historical and contemporary—as well as contemporary films and art works, the course will enable students to critically evaluate identity politics and its various implications for a transformative, radical democratic politics.

Grading

  • 4 Short Papers (4 pages double spaced) 60%
  • Presentations 25%
  • Participation 15%

NOTES:

Your class participation grade is based on attendance, recorded at the beginning of each class, and the quality of your contributions. Such contributions mainly, though not exclusively, take the form of critical

questions, comments, observations, etc. that directly or indirectly address or go above and beyond the course content. When you are absent from class, a record will be made, as far as is possible, as to whether you have notified me in advance and/or whether you have well-founded reasons for being absent, etc. The best way to maximize your class participation grade is to come to class prepared, ie. do the weekly readings and think critically about them, and contribute your reflections to the class discussion

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All readings will be provided on Canvas. 

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).