University of Cape Town

This course introduces and critically examines various understandings of the social categories of race, class, gender, and sexuality. Instead of assuming these categories to be biological, ahistorical and/or static, theories of social constructionism are used to analyze these categories as relational and contingent - depending on the historical, political, cultural, economic and national contexts. Finally, the class explores ways in which these categories intersect to shape experiences of inequalities in South Africa and outside both historically and in the present.

Many of the topics of public debate in contemporary South Africa raise intriguing philosophical questions: Morally speaking, does most of the Western Cape actually belong to the Khoisan? Does being indigenous give one certain moral rights? Has the achievement of legal equality liberated black people, or would true liberation require the rediscovery of a distinctive identity? What special responsibilities (if any) do formerly advantaged groups have today? This course brings the tools of philosophical argument and analysis to bear on such problems, making use of, e.g., contemporary theories of moral ownership rights and the phenomenon of “epistemic injustice". In addition, it traces the intellectual ancestry of ideas such as those of Black Consciousness, critically examining the attempts of theorists such as Hegel, Fanon, Césaire, and Biko to theorize about oppression, identity, empowerment, and the predicament of colonized peoples. DP requirements: Regular attendance at lectures and tutorials; completion of all tests, submission of all essays and assignments by due dates, and an average mark of at least 35% for the coursework. Assessment: Coursework counts 40%; one three-hour examination in October/November counts 60%. Course entry requirements: At least second-year status.

This course examines the major political and economic trends in African history since 1800. Through exploring the wide-ranging debates about the origins of modern Africa, the course equips students with critical analytical tools with which to understand Africa's complex pasts and place in world history and in the contemporary world. Topics include the abolition of the Atlantic slave trade, colonial conquest and rule, socio-economic changes, and the decolonization process. Through a selection of regional case studies, the course covers the entire continent so as to understand the diversity of the historical forces that have shaped contemporary Africa.

This course introduces the science and practice of conservation biology, beginning with an overview of conservation issues, the value of biodiversity, extinction risks, and the history and philosophy of conservation. It explores the conservation of biodiversity at multiple levels, including the diversity of genes, species, populations, and ecosystems. At the species and population levels, the role of life history, behavior, and management of populations in the real world is covered. The conservation and management of ecosystems is considered in terms of important processes, such as disturbance, re-wilding, and threats by alien species. Issues considered here include incentives, access, who benefits from conservation, legal aspects, and management policies. 

The course is divided into two equal components: microeconomics and macroeconomics. The first part of the course covers microeconomics, which focuses on the general equilibrium analysis under perfect competition and market failure (externalities, public goods, and imperfect information). It examines the dynamic interplay of behavior and institutions, and the outcomes produced through their interaction. The course draws attention to issues of distribution and market exclusion (issues of power and bargaining), as well as efficiency and issues such as land reform, water allocation, and funding for tertiary education. The macroeconomics module employs a microfoundations approach to macroeconomics. It first covers explanations for the business cycle in a closed economy model with money. The course then explores an open monetary economy model with foreign trade, capital flows, and an exchange rate. Students study the real business cycle model, the functioning of foreign trade and exchange rates, and the role of money and banking.  Assessment: coursework (50%) and final exam (50%).

This course considers a variety of issues in contemporary philosophy of art and literature. Topics include the ontology of art, interpreting literary and other artworks, the nature of metaphor, the relationship between art and morality, truth and sincerity as criteria of literary and artistic value, and the definition of art and literature. DP requirements: Regular attendance at lectures and tutorials; completion of all tests, submission of all essays and assignments by due dates, and an average mark of at least 35% for the coursework. Assessment: Coursework counts 40%; one 3-hour examination in October/November counts 60%. Course entry requirements: At least second-year status.