The Age of Capital: Freedom and Crisis
Course Description
What is capitalism? Has the development of capitalism marked an advance or crisis for humankind and the earth? When did capitalism emerge and is it still a relevant concept? The objective of this course is to introduce you to the idea and critique of capitalism. The course examines the historical rise, concepts, categories, and crisis of what is referred to as the age of capital or capitalism. It starts with Adam Smith and the case he details for a modern form of political economy based on commerce, international trade, and manufactures. The course will then move to consider the work of Karl Marx and the crisis wrought by the Industrial Revolution, which, he believed, transformed the significance of the categories of political economy, such as labor, the commodity, and value. Different theories on the origins of capitalism, advanced by Max Weber and Karl Polayni, will be introduced, and the course will conclude by paying attention to the transformations of capitalism in the twentieth century and the social and political consequences of those changes, as understood by Friedrich Hayek, Milton Friedman, and David Harvey. A supplemental feature of this course is that includes a series of workshops to introduce you to the norms and expectations of college-level writing.
Academic Interest
Economics, Examining Culture and Society, Social Sciences (e.g., history, sociology, business)
Application Materials
A complete application includes a transcript, two short essays, a letter of recommendation, writing sample, application fee, and a submitted parent confirmation. If you are seeking need-based financial aid, you must indicate that in your application before it is submitted. Please refer to the Application Instructions for complete details.
Instructor(s)
Sunit Singh
Cost
$8,900
Other Courses to Consider
These courses might also be of interest. Note: Students can apply for up to 4 courses and will be admitted to one.
The Theory and Politics of CapitalismIt is impossible to graduate from college without repeatedly encountering the term "capitalism." But what is it, actually? Where did it come from? What has changes since its inception? Is it primarily a political or an economic system? What is the difference and why does it matter? This course will equip students with the basic conceptual tools to think about these questions. We will try to understand the history and theory of capitalism by reading selections important theorists of modern economic life: Adam Smith, Karl Marx, and David Harvey.
Residential
Career Insight: Law and Social ImpactMake a difference in the courthouse, legislature, think tank, or NGO! Your journey begins here at UChicago, where fearless inquiry into new ways of understanding seemingly intractable problems is one of our core values.
In the morning, UChicago professors, lecturers, and researchers will introduce you to key concepts and practices in law, public policy studies, and the social sciences through lectures, discussions, readings, and hands-on activities designed to reveal a range of possible pursuits. In the afternoon, connect with practitioners through presentations, informational interviews, and career treks around the city, and with Career Advancement staff who will help you consider what various career paths you might follow and cultivate the skills you need to begin to pursue those opportunities. You will keep a response journal and complete other assignments that will become a part of a final portfolio that you will submit at the end of the program.
Residential
Legal Reasoning and InstitutionsThis course will introduce students to the basic principles of legal reasoning -- how to think like a lawyer -- and provide students with an overview of the legal system. Students will use rule-based and analytical reasoning to engage with hypotheticals mirroring the laws, guidelines, and standards one encounters daily, from mobile phone subscription plans to school dress codes. Students will then consider law within the framework of institutions, or the enduring set of rules and patterns that regulate behavior, such as constitutions, the criminal justice system, tort law, and the larger court system. Multiple national legal systems shall be explored in addition to the US, providing students with a global outlook and giving them the tools to evaluate why some systems work and others fail. In this highly interactive course, students will participate in simulations, actively propose and discuss hypotheticals, and work in groups to design alternative legal systems. They will also hear from guest speakers including practicing lawyers, academics from law schools, and leaders of civil society organizations, and attend court proceedings. This course is recommended for students who are interested in law as a career and for anyone who is curious about what makes our social and political world tick.
Residential