Informations du cours

Course Convenor Prof Benjamin Selwyn (University of Sussex, UK)

This course examines the historical development of capitalism, from its origins, to its expansion through imperialism and empire, to its contemporary global form. Most approaches to capitalism explain it as a ‘market’ or ‘economic system’. By contrast, part one of this course discusses how capitalism is based upon, and works through, historically specific class, geopolitical, gender and ecological dimensions. The second part of the course focuses upon the relationship(s) between capitalism and imperialism, in theory and by studying the rise of US Power and the nature of contemporary global geopolitics. The course finishes by discussing alternatives to global capitalism.

The objectives of the course are to:

a) Provide an historical/sociological/gender and environmental overview of the formation of Global Capitalism

b) Discuss and debate theories of capitalism, globalisation and imperialism

c) Consider Alternatives to Contemporary Global Capitalism

Session 1:

1. What is Capitalism?

2. The Rise of Capitalism and the Rise of the West 1 (Class and GeoPolitics)

3. The Rise of Capitalism and the Rise of the West 2 (Gender Dimensions)

4. The Rise of Capitalism and the Rise of the West 3 (Ecology)
   

Session 2:

1. Theories of Imperialism and Global Order

2. Rise of US Power

3. Imperialism Today

4. Alternatives?
   

Directions for Study:

Please read the articles/chapters mentioned in this document. While reading them use the questions for each section to think about the readings. In particular, think about what you agree with/disagree with and what you do/or don’t understand in the readings. We will use these questions as the starting point for discussion in each class.

Requirements:

• A 3 page essay to be submitted by the end of the second session to be graded.