AMST 218
The History of American Capitalism Fall 2015
Division II
Cross-listed HIST 291 / LEAD 220
This is not the current course catalog

Class Details

This course surveys the history of American capitalism from the 17th century to the present. Organized around the twin themes of growth and inequality, it charts how a relatively minor group of colonies developed into a world economic superpower, and how this transformation has shaped how Americans have lived and worked. More than just a history of business titans, it looks in detail at how political and social contests have shaped the American economy. Among the topics we will discuss are: the differences between Native and colonial economies; the role of slavery in American economic development; the rise of wage labor and the gendering of economic activities; the effects of war, corporate consolidation, and new technologies; the shifting part played by America’s governments in promoting, shaping, and sometimes constraining economic growth; the “financialization” of the American economy; and the striking rise in economic inequality in the late 20th century. As students of Leadership Studies, we will pay particular attention to the roles individuals and organizations have played in reshaping the contours of the American economy. Students should note that this course employs primarily qualitative modes of analysis; course work in economics is not presumed.
The Class: Format: lecture
Expected: 25
Class#: 1568
Grading: yes pass/fail option, yes fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation: term paper (8-10 pages), midterm and final in-class exams
Prerequisites: none
Enrollment Preferences: leadership studies and american studies concentrators; history majors
Distributions: Division II
Notes: This course is cross-listed and the prefixes carry the following divisional credit:
HIST 291 Division II AMST 218 Division II LEAD 220 Division II
Attributes: HIST Group F Electives - U.S. + Canada

Class Grid

Course Catalog Archive Search

TERM/YEAR
TEACHING MODE
SUBJECT
DIVISION



DISTRIBUTION



ENROLLMENT LIMIT
COURSE TYPE
Start Time
End Time
Day(s)