Course Details in 2024/25 Session

Module Title	The Social Life of the Economy
School	History and Cultures
Department	African Studies & Anthropology
Module Code	09 24821
Module Lead	Maxim Bolt
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Exclusions
Description	What is the economy? In what sense can we distinguish it from other aspects of social life? How do we make sense of economic changes, and their effects on people around the world? This module asks fundamental questions about how humans produce, exchange, distribute and consume resources. After questioning what the economy is in the first place, we will explore topics such as money, commodities and gifts, seeking to explain what these things do in society. We will examine the different meanings of work in different places, and see how understandings of time lie at the heart of economic life. The broad, comparative perspective of this module enables students to rethink capitalism itself, asking questions such as: What is the market? How can we best understand globalisation? What is the everyday, social life of global finance?
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Understand and appraise anthropological perspectives on the economy. Critically assess key debates about the extent to which economic activity is embedded in social institutions, and in wider aspects of social life. Analyse and explain cultural differences and commonalities in production, exchange and distribution worldwide. Critically evaluate central scholarly arguments pertaining to economic transformation and the global rise of capitalism.
Assessment	24821-01 : 1500 word written assignment - Essay 1 : Coursework (40%) 24821-02 : 2000 word written assignment - Essay 2 : Coursework (60%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 1 x 1500 word written assignment (40%)
Other
Reading List