This module introduces students to historical and contemporary debates about capitalism. "Capitalism" is a term commonly heard in political conversations, current events, and social science literature. Many pertinent social justice issues, including those relating to inequality, feminism, racism, democracy, and climate governance are tied to questions about capitalism. Having a working knowledge of what capitalism is, what are its core ideas, and what are the major points of controversy surrounding it is thus an essential part of active and globally engaged citizenship, as well as a prerequisite for further study of politics, society, and social justice. Using the tools and methods of political theory, this module will, first, familiarize students with classic debates about capitalism, and, second, equip students with the means to develop their own informed views on such present-day issues as debt, labor rights, inequality, social reproduction, environmental justice, and basic income.

(1) Theories of Capitalism and Social Justice: What is capitalism, and why do so many people complain about it? The first half of the course will examine classic statements, defenses, and criticisms of capitalism by such figures as John Locke, Adam Smith, Karl Marx, and Friedrich Hayek, as well as major accounts of social justice by thinkers such as John Rawls and Olufemi O. Taiwo. (2) Contemporary Social Justice Issues: The second half of the course will look at a selection of contemporary social justice issues that will be (in part) selected by the students. These may include international debt, employment rights, private debt, wealth inequality, gender relations, basic income, or climate justice.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: • Identify the main ideas and social features associated with capitalism • Demonstrate an informed familiarity with major perspectives, defenses, and criticisms of capitalism, historical and contemporary • Apply relevant theories to present-day controversies concerning socioeconomic relations and social justice • Evaluate logical arguments of others in verbal and written forms • Construct original logical arguments in verbal and written forms

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: • Demonstrate an appreciation of how capitalism relates to an array of 21st-century social justice issues

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This module will be taught through a combination of seminars, self-directed learning, and written assessment with pedagogic strategies designed to support the UL graduate attributes. Methods of collaborative agenda-setting to organize class discussion and (where appropriate) select readings will help to foster graduate capacities to be agile and articulate. Challenging readings from current research will further develop students' capacities for curiosity. Capacities for curiosity will also be developed in written assessments, when students will be tasked with critically assessing theories. A final project, which will involve conducting independent research and constructing original arguments on issues of social, will further press students to develop capacities for being courageous and responsible.