syl-506-03-spr.html

Dr. Gonzalo F. Santos
Office: DDH-AA205 Phone: (661) 664-2191
Office Hours: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm, Tu & Th, or by appointment
Web Site: http://www.csub.edu/~gsantos/
Email: santos_class@csub.edu

This course is an advanced study on some of the theories about, and the historical life of, the modern world as a single, unitary social system. The nature of modern times is analyzed from the perspective of historical sociology, that is, from the perspective of long-term, large-scale social change and social structure. We first use the Denemark et al. book to think seriously about the plausible alternative structures of world history over the very long term (5000 years), uncovering possible structural patterns in the rich ancient past, perhaps "distant mirrors" foreshadowing our own contemporary global complexity. Focusing next on modern times and the apparent sequential and combined institutionalization of political, economic, and social relations over the last five centuries, we analyze the cyclical patterns and secular trends of governance in modern world-system at three key periods defined by the rise and demise of Dutch, British, and U.S. hegemonies. We use the latest book by world-system's theorist Giovanni Arrighi and his associates. We finally take a hard look at the current period of transition, inaugurated by the end of the Cold War and the attacks of September 11, and why world governance seems to be in such a state of chaos, as expressed by new wars and the demise of prior international bodies, economic volatility and polarization, and a greater social resistance to ungoing globalization and the reassertions of U.S. hegemony. We use the latest social scientist anthology on the causes, meaning, and effects of September 11, as well as two articles by Immanuel Wallerstein on the U.S./British war on Iraq.

Classes: The course will be run as a seminar. All students are expected to come fully prepared to discuss in depth the assigned readings for the day, but starting on the second week, two students will make class presentations (about 20 minutes in duration each) on the two assigned readings for each session. Class discussion will follow. Dr. Santos will contribute as a respondent and add his own knowledge and perspective to each presentation. Presenting students must distribute copies of their presentation outlines, which should be no more than two pages long and follow a format of headings and subheadings - not the text of the oral presentation itself (which can be done with cards). The outlines must also contain a couple of issues or questions raised for discussion. Student presentations will be evaluated for the organization of the outlines, as well as the analytical quality, accuracy, critical thinking, and clarity of the presentations. Analytical qualities consist of the abilities to frame the subject matter both theoretically and historically, pose the key issues, and summarize the main explicatory arguments or conclusions of the author. Critical thinking is the ability to engage, challenge, or support the consistency or logic of the author's central analysis or whatever evidence is presented, with further insights, evidence, and observations of your own. Examples of bad presentations are those that are disorganized, disconnected and scattered on too many topics, superficial and purely descriptive, too short or too long.

All students - presenters and discussants - are expected to share their prepared notes, questions, thoughts and insights on the substantive and methodological issues raised by the assigned readings. Attendance itself is mandatory but much more required is that they come prepared for class discussion. Unauthorized absences (especially when scheduled to present), tardiness, and/or early departures, as well as lack of preparation and lack of participation will be noted and seriously taken into account at the time of issuing final grades.

Papers: Students must write two research papers on topics related to the seminar. The first paper may be on any topic based on - take as its point of departure - the first textbook discussed in class (Denemark et al.). The second paper may be on any topic based on - take as its point of departure - the second or third textbooks discussed in class (Arrighi/Silver et al., or Calhoun et al.). The due dates for the respective papers are May 15 (in class) & June 12 (before 5:00 pm, at Dr. Santos' office). The graded first paper may be resubmitted as a re-write with the second paper. Early consultation with and approval by Dr. Santos is required for each paper topic. Each paper should be at least 15 pages long aside from title page, table of contents, bibliography and appendices, double spaced, font 12, one-inch margins. For guidelines on how to write a good research term paper, citations & bibliographic styles, etc., please go to the following URL: http://www.csub.edu/~gsantos/Guide-Paper.html.

Grading: Each paper is worth 30 points. Class presentations/participation is worth 40 points. The final letter grade will be assigned, on a scale of 0 to 100, as follows:

Office hours: All students are encouraged to visit the instructor regularly during his office hours posted above or by appointment, especially to make sure their class presentations are well organized and focused, the topics for their papers are approved, or to discuss the content of the readings.

Schedule of Reading Assignments

Tuesday

Thursday

April 1

INTRODUCTION
to the study of the Modern World-System
Overview & organization of the course

April 3

Denemark et al.:

Introduction & Article 1: 5000 Year World System

April 8

Denemark et al.:

Article 2: World System Evolution .
Presentor:___________________________________