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CS92PROD
From Adam Smith to Immanuel Wallerstein: Theories of World Capitalism

CHUM 302
Fall 2010
Section: 01  
Crosslisting: SOC 303
Certificates: International Relations

This course will undertake a critical evaluation of some of the major theories that have shaped our social-scientific understanding of modern capitalism since its emergence as a world-system in the 16th century. Among the questions we will try to answer are the following: Why did capitalism emerge as a social system in the West in the 16th century, and not in the East (China especially), which was more advanced technologically? Once it did emerge as a social system, what are its structural characteristics (its social division of labor within countries--class, race, gender--and between countries--core, semi-periphery, and periphery), its contradictions, its ideologies, and its modus operandi (commodification of everything, accumulation of capital, mechanisms of unequal exchange and exploitation), and the possibilities for social change?

Essential Capabilities: None
Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS CHUM
Course Format: SeminarGrading Mode: Graded
Level: UGRD Prerequisites: SOC151
Fulfills a Requirement for: (SOC)
Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available

Last Updated on DEC-22-2024
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