The Modern World-System
Soc 506
Winter 2012
Class: DDH-101K,  Mo. & Wed., 5:20 pm - 7:25 pm

Instructor: Dr. Gonzalo F. Santos
Office: DDH-AA205    Phone: (661) 664-2191
Office Hours: 11:00 am - 12:30 am, MWF, or by appointment
Web Site: http://www.csub.edu/~gsantos/
Email: santos_class@csub.edu

  TEXTBOOKS  

• Giovanni Arrighi & Beverly J. Silver et al., 1999. Chaos and Governance in the Modern World System. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press. ISBN: 0-8166-3152-2.

• Immanuel Wallerstein, 2011. The Modern World-System IV. Centrist Liberalism Triumphant, 1789-1914. Berkeley: University of California Press. ISBN: 978-0-520-26761-9.

• Giovanni Arrighi, 2009. Adam Smith in Beijing. Lineages of the Twenty-First Century. London: Verso. ISBN: 978-1-84467-298-1.

This course is an advanced seminar on the theoretical nature and historical evolution of the modern world as a single, unitary social system. The nature of modern world is analyzed from the perspective of historical sociology, that is, from the perspective of long-term, large-scale social change and the origins, evolution, and transformation of structural patterns, cycles, and trends. We begin our understanding of the origins and punctuated evolution of modern world-system, from the XVI Century roughly to the end of the XX, using Arrighi & Silver et al.'s theoretically elegant analysis on the three "systemic cycles of capitalist accumulation," each corresponding to the rise, apogee, and demise of Dutch, British, and American hegemony. Next, we take a particular time-space-epistemological slice of this monumental historical social system, namely the rise and triumph of the system's liberal geoculture and social science, from the French Revolution to World War I. We chose for this "case study" the recently published Volume IV of the seminal work "The Modern World-System" by Immanuel Wallerstein. And finally, we take up the issue of the spectacular rise of East Asia in the last three decades, China in particular, in the economic and geopolitical epicenter of the world-system, and the world-historic implications of that portentous development for the immediate and long-term viability of the capitalist system itself. We use Arrighi's very particular perspective from the first book, taking up where he left off and expanded in depth in his last book before his death.

Students will be encouraged to explore any of the many other schools of thought found within the world-systems perspective, as well as gain a more in-depth understanding of the key historical issues, analytical topics, qualitative periods, and geographic regions of the modern world-system, through their individual research projects, as described below.

Classes: The course will be run as a graduate seminar. All students are expected to be punctual and come fully prepared to discuss in depth the assigned readings for the day. Each class session, two students will make class presentations (about 15 to 20 minutes each), each on a different assigned reading. Each student will make at least two such presentations during the quarter. Class discussion will follow each presentation, with a short break in between. Dr. Santos will contribute as a respondent and add his own knowledge and perspective to each presentation.

Presenting students must bring and distribute copies of their presentation outlines to all students, which should be no more than two pages long - preferably one. Please follow a format of headings (I, II, III) and subheadings (a, b, c) - not the text of the oral presentation itself (which can be done apart, with cards or a PowerPoint presentation). What those headings and subheadings are should be determined by the structure, topics covered, and main points made by the assigned reading. The outlines must always end with a couple of well-thought-out, reading-specific, relevant questions for class discussion. Please put your name and the title/author of your presentation outlines as well as the first slide of your PowerPoints. It is the responsibility of presenters to show up early to set up and test their presentations - avoiding delays. The two presenters each class should also meet and coordinate earlier on their "division of labor."

Student presentations will be evaluated for the organization, accuracy, relevance, and clarity of the outlines and the oral presentation itself, as well as the analytical quality and depth, and critical thinking demonstrated. Analytical qualities consist of the abilities to frame the subject matter both theoretically and historically, pose the key issues, and summarize the main explanatory arguments, substantive debates, or conclusions of the author. Critical thinking is the ability to engage, challenge, or support the consistency or logic of the author's central thesis, analysis and whatever evidence is marshaled, with further arguments, evidence, and observations of your own. Examples of bad presentations are those that are disorganized, disconnected, or scattered on too many topics, or maybe well-focused on only a very partial aspect, or too shallow, superficial and purely descriptive (not analytical enough), or actually focused on the wrong things, or way too short -- or way too long! (rambling). You are NOT being asked to cover everything; rather, you are being asked to use your judgment and identify and analyze what you think are the main points, those you think are the most salient or important. That involves academic & reading judgment: use it! Students are invited, of course, to discuss their approaches and outlines of their presentations with Dr. Santos during office hours prior to their delivering them - but not through email or phone.

Attendance and class preparation are mandatory for everyone, regardless of whether they present or not. Unauthorized absences (especially when students are scheduled to present!), tardiness, and/or early departures, as well as patent lack of preparation and persistent 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 due dates for the respective papers are Monday, February 22 in class & Tuesday, March 20 before noon at Dr. Santos's office . (We will not be using Blackboard). The first paper may be resubmitted as a re-write with the second paper. Prior consultation with, and approval by, Dr. Santos is required for each paper topic. Each paper should be 10-to-15 pages long aside from title page, table of contents, bibliography, and any appendices; text should be double spaced, font 12, with one-inch margins, and paginated. 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.

There are three general studies courses that students are strongly encouraged to take if they need or wish to develop further their research skills; and if they do so they will receive extra credit:

GST 126 - Researching the Electronic Library (2 units)
Introduces students to effective research techniques using Library electronic resources. Emphasis will be placed upon skills necessary for the identification, retrieval, and evaluation of information for general and specific topics. Students will acquire the competencies necessary to develop an effective search strategy and find research materials, including references to journal articles, full text articles in electronic format, government publications, books, and Internet resources.

 GST 153 - Research on the Internet (2 units)
Introduces students to the information resources available on the Internet for research purposes Students will develop general knowledge of the Internet, navigation skills, effective search strategy skills, familiarity with Internet finding tools, evaluation methodologies and other Internet research skills.

Humanities 407  is one unit, credit/no credit, online course that uses a web-based program, MyWritingLabPlus, to help students learn the writing process, along with grammar and usage, at their own pace. Typically, 407 is for Juniors/Seniors but it can help you. Students can brush up on their grammar or writing skills. They also have the opportunity to send in papers to an online tutor with a PhD or Master's in the area of the paper and receive feedback within 24 hours, 0r they can start a research paper with the help of MySearchLab. Students can also visit the MyWritingLabPlus Headquarters (located in CB 100) if you need assistance or just want to work on the program. Winter 2012 hours are Monday-Thursday 10 am - 5 pm.

Plagiarism: To prevent students from wittingly or unwittingly engaging in plagiarism, Dr. Santos strongly recommends students create a TurnItIn account to check for possible plagiarism prior to submitting their research papers, and to carefully read and abide by the document CSUB Classifications of Plagiarism found at: http://www.csub.edu/tlc/options/resources/turn_it_in_help_page.shtml

Anyone found guilty of engaging in plagiarism will automatically fail the course and be reported to the Office of Student Discipline and Judicial Affairs for further disciplinary action.

Grading: Each paper is worth up to 35 points. The two class presentations are worth up to 10 points each; consistent and robust class discussion participation will be assessed at the end of the course for another possible 10 points (anyone that volunteers for any third class presentation, may receive up to 5 extra points). Similarly, students may receive extra points for taking the suggested General Studies courses. The final letter grade will be assigned, on a scale of 0 to 100, as follows:

Office hours & Email Communications: All students are encouraged to visit Dr. Santos regularly during his office hours, posted above, or by appointment, to make sure their class presentations are well organized and focused, the topics for their papers are approved and well thought out, or to discuss the content of the readings, or anything else related to the course. Email communications must be brief and to the point - expect a one-line reply.

Schedule of Reading Assignments 

Monday	Wednesday
January 9 Introduction, Overview & Organization of the Course	January 11 Arrighi & Silver: Chaos & Governance Introduction Presenter:____________________ Presenter:____________________
January 16 HOLIDAY - NO CLASS	January 18 Arrighi & Silver: Chaos & Governance Chapter 1: Geopolitics & High Finance Presenter:________________ Presenter:________________
January 23 Arrighi & Silver: Chaos & Governance Chapter 2: The Transformation of Business Enterprise Presenter:__________________ Presenter:__________________	January 25 Arrighi & Silver: Chaos & Governance Chapter 3: The Social Origins of World Hegemonies Presenter:__________________ Presenter:__________________
January 30 Arrighi & Silver: Chaos & Governance Chapter 4: Western Hegemonies in World-Historical Perspectives & "Conclusion" Presenter:_____________________ Presenter:_____________________	Febrruary 1 Wallerstein: The Modern World-System IV Preface & Chapter 1: Centrist Liberalism as Ideology Presenter:_____________________ Presenter:_____________________
February 6 Wallerstein: The Modern World-System IV Chapter 2: Constructing the Liberal State: 1815-1830 Presenter:_____________________ Presenter:_____________________	February 8 Wallerstein: The Modern World-System IV Chapter 3: The Liberal State and Class Conflict: 1830-1875 Presenter:_____________________ Presenter:_____________________
February 13 Wallerstein: The Modern World-System IV Chapter 4: The Citizen in a Liberal State Presenter:_____________________ Presenter:_____________________	February 15 Wallerstein: The Modern World-System IV Chapter 5: Liberalism as Social Science; Chapter 6: The Argument Restated Presenter:_____________________ Presenter:_____________________
February 20 Arrighi: Adam Smith in Beijing Introduction & Chapter 1: Marx in Detroit, Smith in Beijing Presenter:____________________ Presenter:____________________	February 22 [first paper due in class] Arrighi: Adam Smith in Beijing Chapter 2: The Historical Sociology of Adam Smith Presenter:____________________ Presenter:____________________
February 27 Arrighi: Adam Smith in Beijing Chapter 3: Marx, Schumpeter, and the "Endless" Accumulation of Capital & Power Presenter:____________________ Presenter:____________________	February 29 Arrighi: Adam Smith in Beijing Chapters 4 & 5: The Economics & Social Dynamics of Global Turbulence Presenter:____________________ Presenter:____________________
March 5 Arrighi: Adam Smith in Beijing Chapter 6: A Crisis of Hegemony Presenter:____________________ Presenter:____________________	March 7 Arrighi: Adam Smith in Beijing Chapter 7: Domination without Hegemony Presenter:____________________ Presenter:____________________
March 12 Arrighi: Adam Smith in Beijing Chapter 8: The Territorial Logic of Historical Capitalism Presenter:____________________ Presenter:____________________	March 14 Arrighi: Adam Smith in Beijing Chapter 9 & 10: The World State that Never Was & The Challenge of "Peaceful Ascent" Presenter:____________________ Presenter:____________________
March 19 Arrighi: Adam Smith in Beijing Chapter 11 & 12: States, Markets, and Capitalism, East & West & Origins and Dynamic of the Chinese Ascent; Epilogue Presenter:____________________ Presenter:____________________	Second paper & first paper re-write both due before noon, Tuesday, March  20, at Dr. Santos Office