Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - HIST 135 D100

Capitalism and the Making of the Modern World (3)

Class Number: 5665

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introductory survey of the dynamic history of capitalism. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

Capitalism is the dominant economic system in the world today.  Its ways of organizing and controlling work, distributing goods and services, and structuring society are so pervasive that it can sometimes appear as if capitalism is simply how the world naturally works.  But that is not the case.  In fact, capitalism is the product of history.  It was made by people.  It emerged in world history out of a confluence of events and social struggles that might have played out differently given different circumstances, and there is no reason to think that capitalism will last forever.  In this course we will look at the dynamic history of capitalism, how it has changed and been contested over time, and how it has profoundly transformed societies around the world.

We don’t have exams in this course. Instead, there are short reflection papers that respond to writing prompts that ask students to consider lecture arguments and course readings together. The rest of the grade is tutorial attendance and participation.

Grading

  • Short Reflection Papers (x5) 75%
  • Tutorial attendance and participation 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All required texts and other study materials will be available on the Canvas course page.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.