THE UNIVERSITY OF
MICHIGAN
RESIDENTIAL
COLLEGE
Social Science 220
(Sociology 220)
Winter Term 2012
The course explores human society from an interdisciplinary social scientific perspective anchored in political economic analysis. The primary focus is on modern capitalism, especially as it has developed in the United States. A wide range of social analyses is explored with an emphasis on contemporary contributions. Historical and theoretical points are considered in close relation to current affairs and to potential feasible alternatives to prevailing policies and institutions. Students are encouraged to pursue their own interests and ideas as well as to develop their capacities for insightful social analysis. The course provides extensive opportunities for discussion.
The course meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 1-2 pm in 126 East Quad and will sometimes divide into two smaller discussion groups on Fridays.
Reading:
Four books are required and are commercially available as
well as in the University Reserves [
(1) Understanding Capitalism: Competition, Command, and Change (Third Edition), by Samuel Bowles, Richard Edwards, and Frank Roosevelt, Oxford 2005. [UC ]
(2) The Company of Strangers: A Natural History of Economic Life (Revised Edition), by Paul Seabright, Princeton 2010. [CS ]
(3) Justice, by Harry Brighouse, Blackwell 2005. [J ]
All other required readings listed in the schedule below are available on our CTools coursesite.
Writing:
Written work consists of a midterm examination 20 February (20%), a 2,500+ word term paper on a mutually agreeable topic due in class on 16 April (40%), and a final examination on 20 April (40%). There will be no make-up exams and late papers will not be accepted.
Extra credit or discredit may be due via surprise quizzes in class.
Some aspects of the course can be modified to facilitate full participation and fair evaluation of students with SSD recognized disabilities. Students needing such an accommodation should make this known at the beginning of the course. (Such information will be treated as private and confidential.)
Discussion:
Discussion in class and beyond is strongly encouraged. In particular students are urged to participate via political_economy_220@ctools.umich.edu
Office hours are by appointment schedulable via the RC
Academic Services Office or https://www-a1.lsa.umich.edu/AdvAppts/AA_StuSelfSvc1.aspx?ctgy=ECON
(concentration advising,
Outline Schedule of Assignments:
4 January: Introduction.
Reading:
“On a Supposed Antinomy,” by Willard Van Orman Quine, in The Ways of Paradox and Other Essays by Willard Van Orman Quine, Harvard, 1966, Chapter 2, pp. 19-21.
“Book Review: Understanding
Capitalism: Competition, Command, and Change,” by
http://stateofworkingamerica.org/economic-landscape/
5-18 January: Political Economic Evolution.
Reading:
CS, all.
DE, Preface and Chapters One, Two, and Three, pp. ix-xvi and 1-45.
9 January: Film: Quest for Fire (7:00 pm in 126 East Quad).
19 January – 1 February: Political Economic Basics.
Reading:
UC, Part 1, pp. 1-181.
2-18 February: Political Economic Justice.
Reading:
J, all.
DE, Chapters Four and Five, pp. 46-83.
13 February: Midterm Exam study questions distributed.
20 February: Midterm Exam.
5-16 March: Microeconomics.
Reading:
UC, Part 2, pp. 183-340.
http://stateofworkingamerica.org/inequality/
http://stateofworkingamerica.org/inequality/mobility/
DE, Chapters Six and Seven, pp. 84-118.
7 March: Film: The Corporation (7:00 pm in 124 East Quad).
14 March: Film: The Battle of
Ideas (Parts 2-7)
17 March – 6 April: Macroeconomics.
Reading:
UC, Part 3, pp. 341-524.
DE, Chapters Eight, Nine, and Ten, pp. 119-171.
“Equality and Efficiency,” by Andrew Berg et al., Finance & Development, September 2011, pp. 12-15.
http://stateofworkingamerica.org/subjects/international/
7-16 April: Conclusion.
Reading:
UC, Part 4, pp. 524-551.
DE, Chapters Eleven and Twelve, pp. 172-215.
“Severe Poverty as a Human Rights Violation,” by Thomas Pogge, in Freedom from Poverty as a Human Right, edited by Thomas Pogge, Oxford 2007, pp. 11-54.
16 April: Term Paper due; Final Exam study questions distributed.
20 April: Final Exam (4-6 pm)