Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2016 - SA 302W D100

Global Problems and the Culture of Capitalism (SA) (4)

Class Number: 3460

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2016: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Instructor:

    DEBORAH Dergousoff

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the political economy and culture of capitalism in relation to global problems. Case studies may focus on issues of population, famine, disease, poverty, environmental destruction, social inequality, and nation-state violence. Resistance, rebellion and social movements in response to these problems also will be addressed. Students who took SA 294 in 03-1, 04-1 and 04-2 may not take SA 302 for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Social Sci.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course explores a broad range of themes related to global problems and solutions to them.  What is globalization? What forces drive economic globalization? How do trade agreements, rather than creating the opportunities promised, create a more uneven playing field? How does the culture of capitalism affect the way we think about social relationships? Are there alternatives to organizing social and economic life inside or outside the market?  This course aims to build understanding about global capitalism and issues of inequality and alienation in capitalist market economies.  Central to this course is designing and participating in a World Summit on Global Problems project from which you will develop an understanding of how democratic processes work in organizing for social change, and contribute to a class resource for analyzing ‘global problems’ reform. This is a writing intensive course. Feedback on written assignments will help you develop good critical thinking and writing skills.  Creativity and innovation is encouraged in all course work.

Grading

  • Concept definitions and peer review 25%
  • Chapter annotations 20%
  • Analytical reflection 15%
  • Group Role Play (group report 5%, participation 10%) 15%
  • Group Role Play (individual reflection/synthesis of proceedings) 25%

REQUIREMENTS:

Where a final exam is scheduled and you do not write the exam or withdraw from the course before the deadline date, you will be assigned an N grade. Unless otherwise specified on the course outline, all other graded assignments in this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned.

Academic Dishonesty and Misconduct Policy
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) and academic dishonesty and misconduct procedures (S10.01‐ S10.04).  Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style.  It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of SFU policies available on the SFU website: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student.html.    

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Lourdes Beneria, Gunselir Berik, Maria Floro (2016). Gender, Development and Globalization: Economics as if All People Mattered, 2nd ed. New York & London: Routledge.

Raul Delgado Wise and Henry Veltmeyer (2016).  Agrarian Change, Migration and Development. Blackpoint, NS: Fernwood Publishing.

Wayne Ellwood (2015). Globalization: Buying and Selling the World. Ottawa: New Internationalist Publications; Toronto: Between the Lines.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Terry MacDonald, Gregory Wallace & Ian MacPherson (2013). Co-operative Enterprise: Building a Better World, Global Co-operative Development Group.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS