Political Economy of Global Capitalism

In this advanced seminar in political economy, students will use the disciplinary lenses of economics, feminist theory and political economy to study how global capitalism has transformed our world materially, socially, and ecologically. We will study theoretical frameworks in political economy such as social structures of accumulation, racial capitalism, and social reproduction theory. We will explore political systems such as social democratic capitalism, democratic socialism and look at the material conditions that give rise to growing authoritarianism, and anti-immigrant ideology and practice. We will read about social movements, political parties and electoral politics, and examine the role played by social movements in bringing about societal transformation.

This program will require close, careful reading, and well-developed writing skills. Our work will be conducted at an upper-division level. Students will work in groups to lead discussion on specific topics and class will often be held in a seminar format. Students are invited to propose an independent research/writing project for 4 credits.