LARTS 328 — Philosophies of Black Liberation

3 credits
Spring
Aaron Jaffe

In this class we will explore historical and contemporary theories of Black liberation. Doing so will require first thinking carefully about the specific nature of Black oppression, which we will do with the help of multiple philosophical theories. Among others, will work through Afro-pessimist, Anti-capitalist, Anti-colonial, Abolitionist, Feminist, and Psychological analyses and liberatory commitments. Though primarily focused on the US context, we will aim to theorize the limits of the US horizon through an international perspective as well. This means thinking Blackness through the history and (ongoing) trauma of slavery, a central but not exclusive lens for thinking about Black liberation. Methodologically, it will be important to de-center white experiences and responses to racialization and its harms. This will be a reading intensive class, with reflection and discussion assignments due every session. Guest lecturers will be invited to introduce text and lead discussion at multiple points in the term.