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ECON231

Money and Magic: Anthropological Exploration of Contemporary Capitalism

Subject code

ECON

Course Number

231

Department(s)

Instructor(s)

J. Hughes

Course Long Title

Money and Magic: Anthropological Exploration of Contemporary Capitalism

Cross Listed Courses

Description

This course examines the more magical and relational aspects of contemporary economy, markets, and capitalism. First, students examine ideas often taken for granted about nature, humans, and nonhumans that shape cultural understandings of "economy" in American capitalism. Then they explore economic practices, ideal subjects, and the production of economic "others" in contemporary capitalism(s) around the world, past and present. Through readings and use of various media (film, TikTok, Twitter, etc.) students explore how economy is cultural, relational, and ultimately a bit "magical."

Modes of Inquiry

Analysis and Critique [AC], Historical and Social Inquiry [HS]

Writing Credit

No writing credit

Class Restriction

Exclude First Years

Offering Frequency

Normally offered every year