Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - SA 302W D100

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

Class Number: 3442

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Amanda Watson
    adwatson@sfu.ca
    Office: AQ 5073
    Office Hours: Wednesdays 1:00-3:00pm (masks required)

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. Writing/Breadth-Social Sci.

COURSE DETAILS:

Explore a series of intersecting global problems produced and maintained by capitalist modes of production and related values and feelings. Use citational strategies and dynamic writing to explain how issues faced by diverse communities are imbricated in global cultures of capitalism. Consider how global problems are produced and where and by whom they are most acutely felt. Reflect on how, amid interlocking global crises, capitalist culture is enforced and resisted. Think through deeply connected issues of colonial violence, marginal workers, consumerism, alienation, corporate charity, racial ableism, the global care chain, migration, and climate emergency. Practice different writing techniques with feedback from peers, a graduate student TA, and the instructor.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

It is my aim that in completing this course, students will be comfortable:
• Explaining concrete global problems in terms of their general and abstract connections to capitalist processes and intersectional theories of political economy
• Analyzing a current affairs moment or event in terms of its framing, implied values, and stakes for particular groups
• Critiquing movements or campaigns that appear to advocate ethical consumption or social justice aims and generate good feelings
• Summarizing and distinguishing capitalism as an economic system and a cultural value system
• Writing clearly and with feeling about the relationship between global problems (e.g. responses to COVID-19 like vaccine nationalism, anti-mask conspiracies, unequal access to paid sick days) and capitalist culture

Grading

  • Specific assignments, weights, and deadlines subject to change by the start of the course.
  • Reflective Essay 1 8%
  • Weekly Responses (x4) 32%
  • Course Project (broken into bits):
  • Essay Proposal (Due Friday Week 5) 15%
  • Case Description (Due Friday Week 8) 15%
  • Intro Paragraphs to Research Essay + Case Description + Detailed Outline FIRST DRAFT with Peer Review (Due Friday Week 10) 15%
  • Intro Paragraphs to Research Essay + Case Description + Detailed Outline SECOND/FINAL DRAFT (Due Friday Week 12) 15%

NOTES:

Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and the student does not write the exam or withdraw 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 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

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

• access to a computer and/or other electronic device that will allow you to write and upload assignments in Canvas and do some interactive online activities in the Canvas shell, including posting video and streaming video and audio
• access to an internet connection
• Microsoft Word for all assignment submissions (available to all students for free http://www.sfu.ca/itservices/technical/software/office365.html)

REQUIRED READING:

• Robbins, Richard H. and Rachel A. Dowty. 2019. Global Problems and the Culture of Capitalism. New York: Pearson.
• Additional required material available through Canvas.

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