Idil Boran
iboran@yorku.ca

Virtual office hours: Zoom link TBA

This course introduces students to central themes of social and environmental justice through a decolonizing political philosophy lens. It critically examines how historical and contemporary power structures shape access to resources, rights, and opportunities, with particular attention to marginalized and Indigenous communities. Drawing on the work of international and African scholars, the course provides an overview of key issues in climate justice. The course is for students who want to think deeply, challenge dominant ideas, and develop the skills to analyze political theory from Global South perspectives.

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
• 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

To determine Internet connection and speed, there are online tests, such as Speedtest, that can be run.]

Times and locations: in class

Jafry, T., Helwig, K., Mikulewicz, M., & Taylor & Francis E-Books - York University. (2019). Routledge handbook of climate justice (T. Jafry, K. Helwig, & M. Mikulewicz, Eds.). Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/9781315537689

Available at York University Libraries: https://ocul-yor.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01OCUL_YOR/1jocqcq/alma991036322748605164

Mbeva, K., Makomere, R., Atela, J., Chengo, V., Tonui, C., & ProQuest - York University. (2023). Africa’s right to development in a climate constrained world. Palgrave Macmillan. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/york/detail.action?docID=7184746

Available at York University Libraries: https://ocul-yor.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01OCUL_YOR/1jocqcq/alma991036781552105164

TBA

The course is in an in-class, in-person seminar format .

1. Demonstrate an understanding of themes, concepts, and debates in political philosophy from the perspective of social and environmental justice, grounded in decolonizing theory.
2. Apply a decolonial lens to analyze political, social, and environmental issues, emphasizing perspectives and knowledge systems from the Global South.
3. Identify and critically frame key issues, formulate informed questions, and engage in dialogue that reflects awareness of historical and structural inequalities.
4. Interact with peers in a spirit of listening, mutual respect, and collaborative learning, valuing diverse voices and knowledge systems.
5. Prepare cohesive reports and deliver effective presentations that integrate decolonial insights and advance critical understanding of social and climate 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 carefully.