The Chemistry of Stuff: The Allureof Commodities in Global History (LNC 216)

Term: 2023-2024 Academic Year Fall

Faculty

	Hernan D BiavaShow MyInfo popup for Hernan D Biava
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	Jordan T. KuckShow MyInfo popup for Jordan T. Kuck
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Schedule

Tue-Fri, 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM (8/22/2023 - 12/15/2023) Location: MAIN MSX 223

Description

The production, transportation, and consumption of commodities are integral to globalization and capitalist economic growth. They are also primary causes of human-induced climate change and environmental destruction. Clearly, commodities are at the core of our civilization. But what are commodities, and why do we desire them so much? This course introduces students to the concept of commodification and explains, both scientifically and historically, why humans find commodities like gold, sugar, coffee, rubber, drugs, etc. to be useful and alluring.This course meets General Education Distribution Areas II.B. or III.A.