Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - SA 362 D100

The Commodification of Everything: Colonialism, Capitalism, and Sustainability (S) (4)

Class Number: 3265

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Yildiz Atasoy
    yatasoy@sfu.ca
    Office Hours: Monday 5:30-6:30 pm (By appointments only)

  • 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 history and trajectory of societies involve 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 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 and new fascisms, 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 on lectures & readings 5%
  • In-class written commentary 20%
  • 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

Academic Honesty and Student Conduct Policies: The Department of Sociology & Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T20.01), and academic honesty and student conduct procedures (S10‐S10.05). 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.

Centre for Accessible Learning: Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need classroom or exam accommodations are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (1250 Maggie Benston Centre) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

The Sociology and Anthropology Student Union, SASU, is a governing body of students who are engaged with the department and want to build the SA community. Get involved!  Follow Facebook and Instagram pages or visit our website.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

  • Textbook: Philip McMichael and Heloise Weber (2026) Development and Social Change: A Global Perspective (8th edition), Thousand Oaks, California: Pine Forge
  • Journal Articles: Available on Canvas, online, and at SFU Library. All required journal articles are available in the modules section on Canvas.

RECOMMENDED READING:

I have listed some optional readings on syllabus for your perusal if you wish to access additional readings. I have posted some of them on canvas as well. You are not required to read the optional readings. 


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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.