Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2019 - SA 302W D100

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

Class Number: 8202

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Fri, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

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, disease, social inequality and oppression, 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 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 capitalist problems? Are there alternatives to the capitalist global economic paradigm and what (or how) are viable solutions envisioned?

Grading

  • Critical documentary reviews (3 x 5%) 15%
  • Participation and attendance 15%
  • Group presentation 15%
  • Midterm exam (take-home) 15%
  • Final paper proposal 15%
  • Final paper 25%

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:

Robbins, R. (2018). Global Problems and the Culture of Capitalism (7th Ed). Toronto: Pearson.
ISBN: 978-0-134732794

Additional material available on Library reserve and through Canvas.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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