Note: This course was previously offered as COMPLIT 376/PHIL 355.
The course explores the simultaneous elaboration of the concept of race, and of European racism, with that of human rights, proposed as equal and universal to all. And does so by connecting the articulation of the idea of race in the 18th and 19th centuries to colonialism, nationalism, the histories of science and of letters.
Nationalist driven racism finds it ultimate conclusion in the Second World War, leading in turn to the birth of new moral, legal and political concepts--those of genocide and of crimes against humanity. And to the role these new concepts play in the articulation of the moral culture of humanitarianism at the end of the Second World War, a culture of the greatest importance for our own time.
The successes and failures of humanitarianism are one of the best windows into the practice of human rights today. This culture has led to the multiplication of rights, the writing of new constitutions, the project of the Truth Commission, a new form of justice that is not retributive, and to the politics of humanitarian intervention. These successes and failures will be the topic of the second half of the course.
Only at the end of the class will we ask directly: Are there any viable notions of race left today, and what productive/emancipatory roles might they have? And read the great work of W.E.B. DuBois about what it is like to be a black person with what he calls a "double consciousness".
Readings will range widely across philosophy, history, literature, law and politics.
Course Requirements:
Assignments will be submitted to the GSIs via their Canvas sites. Assignments will consist of three papers, two of three pages and one of six pages. Each on topics assigned by the graduate instructors and due at the discretion of the GSI. One of the first two may be rewritten by the final class period for regrading. There will be no exams.
Class Format:
The class is lecture/GSI discussion. Lectures are recorded for those unable to attend.