Professor Idil Boran
iboran@yorku.ca

Virtual office hours:

Monday and Wednesday 12:00-13:00 and by appointment

https://yorku.zoom.us/j/95826078755

This course introduces students to central themes in social and political philosophy from a global perspective, with a focus on the theory and practice of social justice. Drawing on the work of international experts, the course offers wide-ranging analyses of the meaning and value of social justice in contemporary societies. Students will explore how theoretical approaches shape practice across diverse sectors, developing critical thinking skills and engaging with complex debates. The course is designed for students who wish to become well-informed, independent thinkers in areas of social and political theory, equipped to analyze and critically reflect on the concepts and practice of social justice in global and local contexts.

Technical requirements for taking the course:

To fully participate in this course, students need to:

• attend lectures in person (attendance will be taken)
• use eClass
• read the assigned readings prior to coming to class
• participate in classroom learning activities—classroom learning activities

include three structured workshops—workshop attendance is required

and participation is expected

• write all in-class tests, complete all online quizzes and all assignments
• complete the tests, quizzes, and assignments on time

Here are some useful links for student computing information, resources and help:

Student Guide to Moodle

Zoom@YorkU Best Practices 

Zoom@YorkU User Reference Guide

Computing for Students Website

Student Guide to eLearning at York University

Required Course Text / Readings:

• Craig, Gary, ed. Handbook on Global Social Justice. Northampton, MA: Edward Elgar Pub.,

Inc., 2018. (in this course, referred to as Handbook)

Available through York University Libraries (requires login with Passport York): https://ocul-yor.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01OCUL_YOR/j50f41/cdi_edwardelgar_ebooks_9781786431424

• Mills, Charles W. “Decolonizing Western Political Philosophy.” New Political Science1

(2015): 1–24. Web.

Available through York University Libraries (requires login with Passport York): https://ocul-yor.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01OCUL_YOR/j50f41/cdi_crossref_citationtrail_10_1080_07393148_2014_995491

• Mills, Charles W, and Srdjan Vucetic. “Race, Liberalism, and Global Justice:

Interview with Charles W. Mills.” International politics reviews 9.1 (2021): 155–170. Web.

Available through York University Libraries (requires login with Passport York): https://ocul-yor.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01OCUL_YOR/j50f41/cdi_proquest_journals_2545000890

• Supplementary readings (TBA)

This course is delivered in class. In person attendance is required. Students use eClass to stay up

to date, for resources and to complete some tests and assignments.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of key themes, concepts, and issues in social and political theory.
2. Apply these concepts in reflecting on societal issues related to social justice across a range of issues, including migration, health, care, transport, housing, employment, environment, global and local perspectives.
3. Identify and frame key issues, formulate informed questions, engage in guided dialogue that weighs diverse perspectives.
4. Interact with peers in a spirit of listening, mutual respect, and collaborative learning.
5. Prepare cohesive reports and deliver effective presentations on topics related to social justice.

Course policies

Class attendance is required in this course. Students are expected to read assigned readings prior to class.

Assignments are due on the due date. There is a 48-hour grace period for assignments without penalty.  Late assignments will be accepted during a late submission period of seven calendar days (one week) following the due date, for a flat penalty of 10%.  After the late submission period, late essays cannot be accepted.  If there is a case of long-term illness or emergency, official documentation will be necessary and will be subject to approval by the professor.

Note that missing a test or classroom exercise with a participation grade nullifies the grade for the test or graded exercise. Providing a doctor’s note is necessary in cases of unforeseen acute illness or medical emergency. For other forms of emergencies, supporting official documentation is required. No accommodation can be provided without documentation. However, a doctor’s note is not an automatic pathway to reschedule a test. It is subject to review and approval by the instructor. Approval depends on the strength of documented evidence.

Tests and assignments are graded fairly and with due diligence. Feedback is provided by the Course Director. Regrading can be considered only in cases of calculation error.

All accommodation requests made through Student Accessibility Services (SAS) will be honoured.

Further information on Student Accessibility Services at York University can be found at: https://accessibility.students.yorku.ca/about-us

https://students.yorku.ca/accessibility/new-to-our-office

Please read York University’s Academic Honesty Policy below carefully.