History of Capitalism, 1500-1850 (353-0-20)

Instructors

Robin Duffin Bates
847/467-4839
Harris 242

Meeting Info

Kresge Cent. Hall 2-380 Kaplan: Mon, Wed 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

In 1500, Europe was a relatively unimportant backwater, overshadowed by richer, more populous, and scientifically advanced societies in China, South Asia, and the Middle East. Yet, by 1800 - the blink of an eye, historically speaking - Europe had become the most economically dynamic region of the world, as the emergent social relations of capitalism reordered its states and connected them to different regions of the globe in surprising new ways. How and why did this happen? What were the consequences for everyone else?

As we consider and evaluate competing answers to these questions, we will investigate ongoing debates on issues including: the ultimate source of wealth; the cultural, political, and personal consequences of marketization, commodification, and consumerism; the formation and stratification of social classes; and the forces that drive economic globalization.

Evaluation Method

Class participation (25%), Evaluating an Argument assignment (25%), Midterm Exam (25%), Primary Source Analysis (25%)

Class Notes

History Major Concentration(s): European
History Minor Concentration(s): Europe, Economics and Labor

Class Attributes

Advanced Expression
Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
Historical Studies Distro Area
Global Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Registration is restricted to History Majors and Minors only until the end of pre-registration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisites (if any)

Associated Classes

DIS - Harris Hall L28: Fri 9:00AM - 9:50AM

DIS - Harris Hall L06: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Annenberg Hall G28: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM