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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%)