PH 340 - Otherness and Marginalization

The theme of this course will be “marginalization of ‘Others.’” There will be three main components to the course: (1) stories, testimonies, videos, and articles written by victims of marginalization, or about their experiences; (2) examination of Emmanuel Levinas’ philosophical ethics based on “Otherness”; and (3) service-learning work with individuals in the community who face possible marginalization. We will discuss five broad categories of marginalization: marginalization of (1) a race group, (2) the poor, (3) the abandoned/rejected, (4) the ill, and (5) the elderly. In a world that requires frequent and meaningful contact with people, cultures, and belief systems different from one’s own, this problem of marginalization and otherness demands attention and discussion.

Prerequisites: One 200-level Philosophy course.

Credits: 3 cr.
Misc. Notes: Optional service-learning trip to Georgetown, Guyana in May. 1 cr.
Crosslisted: GL 340