HS 210F — Postcolonial Theories of Global Injustice and Social Inequality

Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.

Examines historical, philosophical, and political concepts of poverty, injustice, and inequality from a comparative perspective on postcolonial theories. Although we will read thinkers and activists primarily from the global South, we will examine decolonizing movements in the West too, particularly on the fight for racial, ethnic, and indigenous rights and justice. It is based on understanding perceptions of race, ethnicity, social class, and other markers of "difference" in contemporary societies and how those perceptions by majorities lead to bias, social exclusion, and marginalization of minorities. Furthermore, we will assess and innovate policies designed to overcome those divisions. Country case studies examine responses to historical and cultural legacies of repressive systems based on colonialism, slavery, apartheid, and caste. Usually offered every year.
Staff