History

o Length: Each paper should be should be at least three (3) typed pages (standard 12-point font, 1” margins all around) of critical reflection that answers the question(s) posed in the prompt.

o What I’m looking for in the papers: Papers should not be like 5th graders’ book reports (summaries of the reading) but an adult’s reflection on the materials that answers the question(s) posed. You should note the author’s presumptions and their relation to historical context. You should also note the social justice implications embedded in the author’s conceptualization of the nature and purpose of the economy. Don’t just summarize (summaries earn low Cs at best). Proofread. No exceptions, no extensions w/o prior authorization. No paper = F for that assignment. If you get excited and want to write more, feel free.

Week 1 (May 20-26)

The Biological Old Regime and the World of Limited Good

• Biological Old Regime (PPT_1)

• A world of limited good

• Economic growth as non-existent or transient

• Empire as polity of limited good

• Ancient/Medieval/Early Modern Trade Circuits

Position Paper 1 prompt (due May 26): Based on the map of global trading circuits, where is the center of the global economy? What are the comparative advantages that defined these circuits? Where is Europe in all of this?