“We have to support one another in the care of intellectual practice/s. This is a social imperative.”
— Fred Moten
Teaching Philosophy
As a professor and long-term student of sociology and social theory, my central pedagogical intention is to support students in the care of intellectual practice, which, as Fred Moten notes, is a social imperative. Social knowledge is most compelling when it ignites and nurtures our capacity to critically reflect upon the intersection of human meaning and action, within ever-shifting contexts. Thus, whether working with students in the classroom or on independent research endeavors, i focus on helping students cultivate three fundamental habits or skills of critical social inquiry: questioning, observing, and communicating.
Note to students: If you are a student (graduate or undergraduate) interested in working with me on dissertations, theses, collaborative research, or if you have a question, please feel free to contact me via email. If you would like to request a letter of recommendation click here.
In the past, i have mostly taught courses related to social theory, environmental sociology, and racial-colonial domination. At the University of Pittsburgh, i taught the following courses:
Society and the Environment (writing intensive)
Environmental Sociology (graduate seminar)
Capstone Research Practicum on Air Pollution in Pittsburgh (environmental justice research lab)
Classical Social Theory (writing intensive)
Social Theory
At Oxy, my courses will range in focus but will emphasize social theory and analysis, intellectual practice, and critical environmental thought. In addition to Intro to Black Studies and the Black Studies Senior Seminar, i will teach the following courses:
Du Boisian Social Theory and Analysis
Black Ecological Thought
Black Ecology Collaboratory
Race and the Environment
Waywardness, Fugitivity, and the Anarchism of Blackness
Past and Ongoing Courses
Resources for Students
Tools for intellectual practice
Navigating academe
Sociology and social theory