Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was the foremost leader of the US Civil Rights Movement. He also had a sophisticated understanding of Philosophy and Political Theory, which he discussed in sermons, articles, and books. His writings discuss issues such as the nature of racism, the value of integration, the possibility of political and moral progress, reasons for hope, the injustice of poverty, the justification civil disobedience, and the reasons for non-violence. This seminar will discuss King’s writings both in their historical context and for their possible continued relevance. We will also read chapters and essays by other political thinkers and contemporary Philosophers and Political Theorists in order to better understand King’s significance.

 

This class will be conducted in English. All written assignment and oral presentations must also be completed in English.