This course will study a small selection of the vast literature on the philosophies of Africa and the African diaspora. After an examination of some of the framing philosophical questions and the relationship of Africana thought to the terribly destructive and culture-interrupting twin episodes of European colonization of the continent and the Atlantic slave trade, the class will explore three strands in African thought: sagacity, an Akan perspective on morality and ubuntu. Three main texts, Brand's Map to the Door of No Return, Krog's Country of My Skull, and Williams' Losing My Cool, will frame the remaining major sections of the course. The first will be an exploration of diasporic consciousnesses framed by and in resistance to the castles in West Africa that are the door of no return about which Brand writes. The second is an examination of the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions in the wake of apartheid in South Africa and the ubuntu philosophy that framed them. And, finally, we will read Thomas Williams' memoir exploring what it means to be Black in the contemporary United States. His text provides a context to discuss a variety of African-American philosophical thinking, from the 19th century to the present. (One course).
- Teacher: Anne Mamary
When it was published in England, the first of the Harry Potter novels was called Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Although Rowling was referring to the stone of alchemy supposedly able to turn base metals into gold, her novels also perform a sort of literary alchemy. This class will read the Harry Potter series for its transformative themes, primarily themes of moral development. More specifically, we will reflect on the 'alchemical' potential of the books to transform their readers and, through them, the society in which we live. Reading the novels through this lens, students will bring scenes to class for discussion, highlighting the issues they find important there. The class will read philosophical, literary, scientific, and cultural studies articles on such themes as the transformative power of Renaissance science (alchemy, astronomy, and astrology) in the Potter novels; construction of self and/in society; oppression and social justice; issues of gender, race and ethnicity; power, mortality, evil and courage; and the magic of love. (One course)
- Teacher: Anne Mamary
This course will offer an introduction to some of the questions that shape feminist philosophy today. What connections are there between feminist philosophy and feminist writing in other disciplines and feminist movements inside and outside the academy? The class will assume the important of diverse women's voices. Reading theoretical, literary, and experimental texts which challenge the distinction between theory and literature, the class will focus on how an awareness of the intersections of race, class, sexuality, gender, ability, and ethnicity is vital for disciplinary and interdisciplinary study in feminist philosophy. This course is required for the Women's Studies minor. Prerequisite: None. (One course).
- Teacher: Anne Mamary
This course explores the intersections of creativity, ethics, and social justice through the lens of the radical imagination. We will investigate how storytelling, art, and social engagement can bring invisible social, political, and existential dimensions to light. Through creative acts and projects, students will engage with the local community in Monmouth to explore the ethical dimension of imagination.
- Teacher: Joshua Gentzke
This course explores the intersections of creativity, ethics, and social justice through the lens of the radical imagination. We will investigate how storytelling, art, and social engagement can bring invisible social, political, and existential dimensions to light. Through creative acts and projects, students will engage with the local community in Monmouth to explore the ethical dimension of imagination.
- Teacher: Joshua Gentzke
This course explores magic and alchemy from historical, cultural, and philosophical perspectives We will delve into these multifaceted concepts, examining their evolution, cultural significance, and philosophical implications from ancient times to the present day. Students will explore the intersections of magic with religion, politics, art, and psychology, as well as its role in contemporary countercultural movements and online spaces.
- Teacher: Joshua Gentzke
An examination of perennial questions concerning beauty in works of art and nature, the attribution of value, the relation of aesthetic judgment and imagination to cognition and moral duty, and the impact of these matters on inquiries in related disciplines (i.e., linguistics, psychoanalysis, and religious studies). This course fulfills the Artistic Inquiry. (One course).
- Teacher: Anne Mamary