Fall 2018 - SA 302W D100

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

Class Number: 2149

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Clayton Whitt
    clayton_whitt@sfu.ca
    778-782-5026
    Office: AQ 5069
    Office Hours: FR 13:45-15:45

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:

Fredric Jameson once wrote that “it has become easier to imagine the end of the world than the end of capitalism.” With the collapse of the Soviet Union and end of the Cold War, as well as the rise of what could arguably be called authoritarian capitalism in communist countries like China, it may seem to be the case that capitalism is firmly entrenched as the world’s predominant, all-encompassing economic system. But is this the case?

This course examines the culture of capitalism in terms of some of the most pressing social problems around the world today and their relationships with global political economy. We will look at how researchers employ social science research methods in order to provide key insights into different kinds of social problems. The course will place a special emphasis on the social, political, and material contexts and determinants that entangle in different problems and complicate our understandings and our efforts to find solutions.

Rather than discuss issues of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexuality, and gender identity in their own separate weeks, these discussions will cut across different themes throughout the entire class, reflecting how the different social problems that emerge in relation to capitalism are always entangled with intersectional identities and acts of discrimination.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Understand how sociological and anthropological methods are used to examine the roots of contemporary social problems and their relationships with broader economic systems.
  • Come to a greater understanding of the interrelatedness of different social problems with each other and contemporary structures of capitalism, colonialism, and racism.
  • Learn to read, analyze, and write about different sources critically.
  • Practice understanding and analyzing complex topics using collaborative methods.
  • Improve research skills.

Grading

  • Collaborations 20%
  • Reading diaries 30%
  • Final paper proposal and annotations 15%
  • Research paper 35%

NOTES:

Grading: 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:

Harvey, D. (2014). Seventeen Contradictions and the End of Capitalism. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
ISBN: 978-0-199360260

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