Description
This course investigates the origins of globalization, climate change, and environmental destruction, arguing that these global trends stem from commodification and humans’ desire for “stuff.” Because of the complex nature of those issues, this course offers a unique approach to the study of history, both in terms of content and pedagogy. Rather than focus on a particular country, nation, geographic region, etc., the course centers on the commodities that have long been at the center of human civilization. And rather than move methodically and uninterruptedly through history, the course instead utilizes a series of case-study stories to examine how desires for individual commodities have shaped societies
and altered the environment, both locally and globally. Meets General Education Distribution Areas III.A., III.D., or VI.