Summer 2016 - SA 302W D100
Global Problems and the Culture of Capitalism (SA) (4)
Class Number: 2825
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Thu, 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Maureen Kihika
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:
While capitalism is generally attributed to global problems such as world hunger, poverty, environmental degradation and disease, little is understood of how capitalist culture critically contributes to these, or the interplay between local and global problems. Globalizing capitalism has led to what some call a ‘global intercultural interplay’ indicating connections between local and global problems, many of which are considered to be intensifying particularly in the wake of the recent capitalist crisis of the global financial meltdown. Using critical readings of course material, media pieces, documentary films, guest lectures and critically engaged reflections, this course encourages students to explore the emergence and expansion of capitalist culture and interrogate the role of capitalism in contributing to and perpetuating local and global problems. We will ask the following questions: What is capitalism and in what ways does capitalist culture contribute to local and global problems such as poverty, hunger, disease, climate change, social inequality and oppression? What is the relationship between capitalism and globalization? What are the characteristics of a globalized capitalist culture? In what ways do societies perceive and respond to such problems? Are there alternatives to the capitalist global economic paradigm and what (and how) are the viable solutions envisioned?
Grading
- Critical Documentary Reviews (x3) 15%
- Participation & Attendance 10%
- Group Presentation 15%
- Take-Home Mid Term Exam 15%
- Project Proposal 15%
- Final Paper Project 30%
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 a 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:
Robbins, Richard. (2014). Global Problems and the Culture of Capitalism (6th Ed). Boston. Allyn &
Bacon
Additional material available on library reserve and through Canvas.
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site contains information on what is meant by academic dishonesty and where you can find resources to help with your studies. There is also a section on tutoring.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS