Q: What does looking at race through a philosophical lens provide to the viewer that a historical or psychological one might not, with the understanding that a philosophical perspective intersects with other perspectives? Would, for instance, a philosophy of race class in an Africana studies department be different from an Africana studies class in a philosophy department? How?

A: “Philosophers analyze concepts/ideas, sociologists gather facts, and Africanists focus on history and literature. My fall race class was triple-listed along these lines and I want students to be aware of these different disciplinary approaches. This awareness is important so that students understand their own academic projects and goals. Despite multidisciplinary, the academy remains specialized and one needs to be oriented about the kind of specialist one is.” (Naomi Zack)