Lincoln University

Philosophy Program

Department of History, Political Science, Philosophy and Religion

Course Title:	African Philosophy	Course number:	PHL 212
Credit Hours	3	Prerequisite (s):	None
Term:	Fall 2020	Co-Requisite (s)	None
Course Method	Lecture and discussion	Meeting day and Time:	MWF 3-3:50 pm
Instructor:	Safro Kwame, Ph.D.	Classroom/lab/Studio Location:	Grim Hall 306 or 307
Office location:	GRIM HALL 310	e-mail:	kwame@lincoln.edu
Office Hours:	MWF 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.	Phone Extension:	7569 (484-365-7569)

Course Description: (as in the university bulletin):  An introduction to African philosophers and fundamental issues concerning Africa. This course examines a select set of issues and historical developments in the philosophical thinking of Africans about Africa. Prerequisite/Co-requisite: None. Course Objective: (a) To familiarize the student with philosophers and issues in the African tradition. (b) To foster deep and critical thinking about basic issues concerning Africa and people of African descent.

Required Text/Materials: (a) Wiredu, K. A Companion to African Philosophy, Malden, MA., Blackwell Publishing, 2006 (Required).

REQUIRED MATERIALS: Textbook, Computer, Word Processor, Internet Browser, E-mail Account, and Internet Access (Wifi).

REQUIRED SOFTWARE/TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS:

Word-processing, use of Microsoft Office or equivalent, document conversion, use of e-mail, social media and a learning or course management system including Moodle and Blackboard, use of the Internet including Internet searches and grade checks; web or video conferencing (or teleconferencing including the use of Zoom and Skype).

Communication mode: E-mail, Moodle or current University learning or course management system, web or video conferencing (or teleconferencing including the use of Zoom and Skype). Initial student contact with instructor should be by e-mail followed by the current University learning or course management system e.g. Moodle or Canvas. Additional or subsequent communications will be conducted by e-mail, the use of the current University learning or course management system, and/or web or video conferencing (or teleconferencing including the use of Zoom and Skype).

UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC, INSTITUTIONAL and TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT SERVICES:

Students can access assistance for academic, institutional and technology support at:

Academic Support: https://www.lincoln.edu/departments/academic-support

Institutional Support: https://www.lincoln.edu/departments/institutional-effectiveness-research-and-planning

Technology Support: https://www.lincoln.edu/departments/information-technology

Academic Advising: https://www.lincoln.edu/departments/academic-advising

Counseling Services: https://www.lincoln.edu/departments/counseling-services

Health Services: https://www.lincoln.edu/departments/health-services

Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of the course, students will be able to: 1. Define African philosophy; 2. Distinguish between African and Western philosophy; 3. Identify some of the famous African philosophers; 4. Apply African philosophical theories and techniques.

Course SLO	Program  SLO	Core  SLO	Direct and Indirect Assessment Measures
1. Define African philosophy.	Interpret and appraise major texts and philosophical systems in the history of philosophy. (Program SLO 5)	Apply information literacy/research skills to assist their systematic process of critical thought; articulating the problem; gather information from multiple sources and venues; evaluating the accuracy/thoroughness/timeliness of the collected data, and determining when/if the problem has been satisfactorily resolved (Core SLO 3).	Course and homework assignments Examinations and quizzes Term papers and reports
2. Distinguish between African and Western philosophy.	Analyze philosophical and logical problems. (Program  SLO 1)	Apply information literacy/research skills to assist their systematic process of critical thought; articulating the problem; gather information from multiple sources and venues; evaluating the accuracy/thoroughness/timeliness of the collected data, and determining when/if the problem has been satisfactorily resolved (Core SLO 3).	Course and homework assignments Examinations and quizzes Term papers and reports Class discussion participation
3. Identify some of the famous African philosophers.	Critically evaluate arguments and claims in philosophical and non-philosophical contexts. (Program  SLO 3)	Think critically via classifying, analyzing, comparing, contrasting, hypothesizing, synthesizing, extrapolating and evaluating ideas (Core SLO 2).	Examinations and quizzes Term papers and reports Class discussion participation
4. Apply African philosophical theories and techniques.	Apply philosophical theories and normative principles to current events and broader issues pertaining to the individual and society. (Program  SLO 4)	Apply information literacy/research skills to assist their systematic process of critical thought; articulating the problem; gather information from multiple sources and venues; evaluating the accuracy/thoroughness/timeliness of the collected data, and determining when/if the problem has been satisfactorily resolved (Core SLO 3).	Course and homework assignments Examinations and quizzes Term papers and reports Class discussion participation

Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLO):

1. Analyze philosophical and logical problems. (Program SLO 1)

2. Create clear and cogent oral and written presentations. (Program SLO 2)

3. Critically evaluate arguments and claims in philosophical and non-philosophical contexts. (Program SLO 3)

4. Apply philosophical theories and normative principles to current events and broader issues pertaining to the individual and society. (Program SLO 4)

5. Interpret and appraise major texts and philosophical systems in the history of philosophy. (Program SLO 5)

6. Analyze and critique major texts and positions in the areas of epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics. (Program SLO 6)

Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILO): (List only those assessed with this course.)

Diversity/Cultural Awareness (ILO 3).

Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement (ILO 4)

Critical Thinking (ILO 5).

Integrative and Life-Long Learning (ILO 8).

Calculation of Final Grades:

Final Exam 30%

Midterm Exam 30%

Paper/Essay 15%

Class Participation 15%

Homework 10%

GRADING SCALE:

Grade	A	A-	B+	B	B-	C+	C	C-	D+	D	F
GPA Points	4.0	3.7	3.3	3.0	2.7	2.3	2.0	1.7	1.3	1.0	0.0
%	100-93	92.9-90	89.9-88	87.9-82	81.9-80	79.9-78	77.9-72	71.9-70	69.9-67	66.9-60.1	60 and under

University ATTENDANCE POLICY:

Lincoln University uses the class method of teaching, which assumes that each student has something to contribute and something to gain by attending class. It further assumes that there is much more instruction absorbed in the classroom than can be tested on examinations. Therefore, students are expected to attend all regularly scheduled class meetings and should exhibit good faith in this regard. For the control of absences, the faculty adopted the following regulations: 1. Four absences may result in an automatic failure in the course. 2. Three tardy arrivals may be counted as one absence. http://www.lincoln.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/registrar/Catalog.pdf

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES STATEMENT:

Lincoln University is committed to non-discrimination of students with disabilities and therefore ensures that they have equal access to higher education, programs, activities, and services in order to achieve full participation and integration into the University.  In keeping with the philosophies of the mission and vision of the University, the Office of Student Support Services, through the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Program, provides an array of support services and reasonable accommodations for students with special needs and/or disabilities as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  The Services for Students with Disabilities Program seeks to promote awareness and a campus environment in which accommodating students with special needs and/or disabilities is natural extension of the University’s goal. Any student with a documented disability should contact the Office of Student Support Services. http://www.lincoln.edu/studentservices/index.html

UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC INTEGRITY STATEMENT:

Students are responsible for proper conduct and integrity in all of their scholastic work. They must follow a professor's instructions when completing tests, homework, and laboratory reports, and must ask for clarification if the instructions are not clear. In general, students should not give or receive aid when taking exams, or exceed the time limitations specified by the professor. In seeking the truth, in learning to think critically, and in preparing for a life of constructive service, honesty is imperative. Honesty in the classroom and in the preparation of papers is therefore expected of all students. Each student has the responsibility to submit work that is uniquely his or her own. All of this work must be done in accordance with established principles of academic integrity. http://www.lincoln.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/registrar/Catalog.pdf

POLICY ON ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN CLASSROOM:

Use of electronic devices is prohibited unless approved by the instructor for purposes directly related to the course.  Texting, searching the internet, recording, taking pictures or videos, talking, and playing games, among other things, are specifically prohibited.   During exams, all electronic devices must be turned off.

Required Text/Materials: (a) Wiredu, K. A Companion to African Philosophy, Malden, MA., Blackwell Publishing, 2006 (Required).

Day	Date	Discussion Topic/Learning Opportunities
Mon	08/17/2020	Prologue.
Wed	08/19/2020	Introduction: African Philosophy In Our Time.
Fri	08/21/2020	Read this before today's class: Part I - Introduction: African Philosophy In Our Time.
Mon	08/24/2020	Read this before today's class: Part I - Introduction: African Philosophy In Our Time.
Wed	08/26/2020	Read this before today's class: 1. Egypt: The Ancient History Of African Philosophy: Theophile Obenga, San Francisco State University.
Fri	08/28/2020	Read this before today's class: 1. Egypt: The Ancient History Of African Philosophy: Theophile Obenga, San Francisco State University.
Mon	08/31/2020	Read this before today's class: 1. Egypt: The Ancient History Of African Philosophy: Theophile Obenga, San Francisco State University.
Wed	09/02/2020	Read this before today's class: 2. African Philosophers In The Greco-Roman Era: D. A. Masolo, University Of Louisville, Kentucky.
Fri	09/04/2020	Read this before today's class: 2. African Philosophers In The Greco-Roman Era: D. A. Masolo, University Of Louisville, Kentucky.
Mon	09/07/2020	Labor Day: Discussion.
Wed	09/09/2020	Discussion.
Fri	09/11/2020	Classwork 1: Quiz on Readings and Classes.
Mon	09/14/2020	Read this before today's class: 3. Pre-Colonial African Philosophy In Arabic: Souleymane Bachir Diagne, University Of Dakar And Northwestern University, Chicago.
Wed	09/16/2020	Read this before today's class: 3. Pre-Colonial African Philosophy In Arabic: Souleymane Bachir Diagne, University Of Dakar And Northwestern University, Chicago.
Fri	09/18/2020	Read this before today's class: 4. Some Nineteenth Century African Political Thinkers: Pieter Boele Van Hensbroek, University Of Groningen, The Netherlands.
Mon	09/21/2020	Read this before today's class: 4. Some Nineteenth Century African Political Thinkers: Pieter Boele Van Hensbroek, University Of Groningen, The Netherlands.
Wed	09/23/2020	Read this before today's class: 5. Africana Philosophy: Origins And Prospects: Lucius Outlaw, Vanderbilt.
Fri	09/25/2020	Read this before today's class: 5. Africana Philosophy: Origins And Prospects: Lucius Outlaw, Vanderbilt.
Mon	09/28/2020	Discussion.
Wed	09/30/2020	Comprehensive Midterm Exam.
Fri	10/02/2020	Midterm Break: NO CLASS.
Mon	10/05/2020	Read this before today's class: 6. Contemporary Anglophone African Philosophy: A Survey: Barry Hallen, Harvard And Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia.
Wed	10/07/2020	Read this before today's class: 6. Contemporary Anglophone African Philosophy: A Survey: Barry Hallen, Harvard And Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia.
Fri	10/09/2020	Read this before today's class: 7. Philosophy In South Africa Under And After Apartheid: Percy More, University Of Durban-Westville, South Africa.
Mon	10/12/2020	Read this before today's class: 7. Philosophy In South Africa Under And After Apartheid: Percy More, University Of Durban-Westville, South Africa.
Wed	10/14/2020	Read this before today's class: 8. Philosophy In North Africa: Mourad Wahba, Ain Shams University, Cairo.
Fri	10/16/2020	Read this before today's class: 8. Philosophy In North Africa: Mourad Wahba, Ain Shams University, Cairo.
Mon	10/19/2020	Read this before today's class: 9. The Light And The Shadow: Zera Yacob And Walda Heywat: Two Ethiopian Philosophers Of The 17th Century: Claude Sumner, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.
Wed	10/21/2020	Read this before today's class: 9. The Light And The Shadow: Zera Yacob And Walda Heywat: Two Ethiopian Philosophers Of The 17th Century: Claude Sumner, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.
Fri	10/23/2020	Read this before today's class: 10. Zara Yacob And Traditional Ethiopian Philosophy: Teodros Kiros, Dubois Institute, Harvard.
Mon	10/26/2020	Read this before today's class: 10. Zara Yacob And Traditional Ethiopian Philosophy: Teodros Kiros, Dubois Institute, Harvard.
Wed	10/28/2020	Discussion.
Fri	10/30/2020	Read this before today's class: 11. Wilhelm Anton Amo: 1703-1758: W. E. Abraham, University Of California, Santa Cruz.
Mon	11/02/2020	Read this before today's class: 11. Wilhelm Anton Amo: 1703-1758: W. E. Abraham, University Of California, Santa Cruz.
Wed	11/04/2020	Read this before today's class: 12. Amo's Critique Of Descartes' Philosophy Of Mind: Kwasi Wiredu, University Of South Florida, Tampa.
Fri	11/06/2020	Read this before today's class: 12. Amo's Critique Of Descartes' Philosophy Of Mind: Kwasi Wiredu, University Of South Florida, Tampa.
Mon	11/09/2020	Discussion.
Wed	11/11/2020	Classwork 2: Quiz on Readings and Classes.
Fri	11/13/2020	Read this before today's class: 13. Albert Luthuli, Steve Biko And Nelson Mandela: The Philosophical Basis Of Their Thought And Practice: Mabogo P. More, University Of Durban-Westville, South Africa.
Mon	11/16/2020	Read this before today's class: 13. Albert Luthuli, Steve Biko And Nelson Mandela: The Philosophical Basis Of Their Thought And Practice: Mabogo P. More, University Of Durban-Westville, South Africa.
Wed	11/18/2020	Term paper, on 3 of the readings on our syllabus, due. (See guidelines.)
Fri	11/20/2020	Review.
Tu-F	12/1/20 to 12/4/20	See Registrar's Exam Schedule for update or changes. You cannot take it earlier than scheduled or with another class. Do not schedule anything that conflicts with your exam.

Calculation of Final Grades: Mid-term grade will be determined by a mid-term exam and semester grade determined by final examination (30%), midterm exam (30%), term paper comparing and evaluating any three of the readings listed on the syllabus, not just from the textbook, and applying those readings to a current event that took place this year (15%), Moodle homework (10%), and class participation/presentation (15%) minus absences or lack of attendance and/or poor participation -- unless stated otherwise on supplementary details. Unless you officially withdraw or formally request an incomplete (in writing) and submit appropriate documentation before the end of the semester, you will receive a passing or failing grade based on performance and attendance. There is no makeup for classwork, quizzes, or extra-credit. Class participation/presentation is the extent to which a student is (perceived by the instructor as being) involved in class discussion of readings and application (not the same as attendance). See instructor for paper guidelines and due-date.

Grading Scale: A=100-93, B=92-82, C=81-72, D=71-60, F=59-0 or for difficult exams A=100-80%, B=70-60%, C=50-40%, D=30-20%, F=10-0%. (+/- determined by curve.) Note:  Each unauthorized use of an electronic device in class -- including the use of a mobile or cell phone -- may count as an absence or, in the case of class exercises (such as exams, tests and quizzes), an act of academic dishonesty (cheating) and sanctioned appropriately. It may result in failure in a project or course.

Class/Course Website: kwame.50webs.com/ or http://kwame.atspace.com/ or http://kwame.byethost22.com or https://philosophydepartment.tripod.com/ or Moodle: http://lincoln.mrooms.net/ To check your grade on the computer or internet, go to any one of the websites listed above and follow the instructions there. Note that some of the websites may be down and not updated.

YOU MAY ASK FOR AN ABSENCE AND EXCUSES FORM

Use the Absence and Excuses Form to indicate which absences you want to be excused and why. (Attach the proper documentation to this form and submit at the end of semester.)