ATS2806 · Capitalism and inequality in historical perspective

Overview

In this unit, you will explore the ways in which capitalism has transformed societies and the natural world over the past two centuries. You will examine different ways of conceptualising capitalism: as a system of market-based exchange, a form of social organisation, a means of extracting value from people and nature, and a set of practices that shape the way people live and imagine themselves as subjects in the world. You will also compare diverse perspectives on the impacts of capitalism, from the lauding of dramatic increases in productivity and material comfort, to criticism of its structural inequalities and environmental damage. Through close readings of key texts and in-class activities, you will be introduced to important arguments, ideas, and theories about capitalism, which you will then analyse and apply to evaluate the globalised world we live in today.

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. define, evaluate, and apply key concepts (e.g., commodification, value, inequality, neo-liberalism) from assigned readings;
2. explain the effects of economic systems on social relationships including differences between classes, gender, and location in different historical and geographical contexts;
3. analyse contemporary and historical factors leading to the development of global capitalism;
4. interpret and evaluate on-going scholarly debates about the nature and effects of capitalism through a basic research project on a relevant topic of your design;
5. communicate arguments and ideas related to the course topic in writing.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.