Spring 2025 - SA 362 D100
The Commodification of Everything: Colonialism, Capitalism, and Sustainability (S) (4)
Class Number: 2598
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Yildiz Atasoy
yatasoy@sfu.ca
Office: AQ 5082
Office Hours: Monday: 5:20-6:20 pm
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Prerequisites:
SA 101 or 150 or 201W.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Addresses the historical, global dimensions of the social and ecological by examining hegemonies of capitalism from the colonial to the neoliberal era. Explores deepening commodification in the neoliberal "sustainability by algorithms" approach, animated by powerful discourses of crisis, climate change, food security, and development. Considers resistance possibilities.
COURSE DETAILS:
The trajectory of societies involves specific configurations of territories, landscapes and food-getting that interact with social class, gender and racialized relations. These take shape within – and help shape – the character of the global system in different historical periods. This course addresses the historical and global dimensions of the social and ecological, including the endless process of commodification of land, labour and food. Through a program of focused readings, critical analysis of international news, in-depth class discussion, case studies, historical investigation and film materials, the course stimulates a discussion on hegemonies of capitalism from the colonial to the neoliberal era, with a critical perspective on the role of technology. It explores the deepening commodification in the neoliberal sustainability approach, animated by powerful discourses of modernity, development, biotechnology and digitalization, poverty, crisis, climate change, and food security. Throughout, the course considers resistance possibilities around the global commons and ‘bioregions’ that are attentive to livelihood, democracy, non-market values of well-being, and citizenship issues.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
- To further students’ knowledge of the historical, social and ecological dynamics of commodification as rooted in colonialism, the development era, neoliberal globalization, and sustainable development;
- To encourage students to see development as a contested historical project;
- To encourage students to reflect on the possibilities for a more just social, ecological and political relations
Grading
- In-class written weekly reflections/questions on lectures & readings 10%
- In-class written commentary 15%
- Class Presentation 30%
- Critical Journals 25%
- Presenting the international news of the week/discussion question 10%
- Participation in class discussions 10%
NOTES:
Students will receive an N (incomplete) grade if they do not complete any of the following assignments: In-class written commentary; class presentation; and critical journals. An N is considered an F for purposes of scholastic standing.
Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and the student does not write the exam or withdraws from the course before the deadline date, an N grade will be assigned. Unless otherwise specified on the course syllabus, all graded assignments for this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned. An N is considered as an F for the purposes of scholastic standing.
Grading System: The undergraduate course grading system is A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D, F, N (N standing indicates student did not complete course requirements). Intervals for the assignment of final letter grades based on course percentage grades are as follows:
A+ (95-100) | A (90-94) | A- (85-89) | B+ (80-84) | B (75-79) | B- (70-74) | C+ (65-69) | C (60-64) | C- (55-59) | D (50-54) | F (0-49) | N*
*N standing to indicate the student did not complete course requirements
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
REQUIRED READING:
Philip McMichael and Heloise Weber (2022) Development and Social Change: A Global Perspective (7th edition), Thousand Oaks, California: Pine Forge
Other Course Readings: Available on Canvas, online, and through SFU Library.
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.