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Do you think a banana can become a symbol of capitalist globalization? This course uncovers the pivotal histories of commodities that have shaped the modern global economy from the 17th century onward. Students will examine how the cultivation, extraction, processing, and trade of these goods catalyzed economic, social, and ecological transformations, fueling colonial and industrial economies, establishing global markets, and forging enduring dependencies. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, we will explore how commodities connected distant regions, forged global empires, and altered ecosystems. How did slavery change the palate of the Western world? Why did rubber become the backbone of industrial expansion? How have fossil fuels transformed global infrastructure? And why has the demand for "superfoods" redefined agricultural landscapes? By "following the thing," we will delve into the commodification of land, labor, and resources, unveiling the capitalist legacies that underpin today's economy. Through case studies and discussions, this course invites students to journey alongside commodities, uncovering the intricate web of humans, goods, and capitalism that have shaped our interconnected world.

This course addresses the timely topic of Jewish involvement in various political movements of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries across the world, from Argentina to Tunisia. Though Jews are sometimes pigeon-holed in the media being either predominantly of a liberal bent or staunch right-wingers supportive of Israel, this course aims at showing the richness of Jewish political options, ranging from anarchism to socialism, as well as specific national movements which defy an easy categorization (such as Zionism, Kemalism and Peronism). Attention will be drawn to the social factors which influenced political considerations, be they class, religion, or ethnic tensions, as well as to the overall political context in which one's identity was shaped. Combining a focus on the history of ideas with a biographical approach to representative figures (such as Leon Trotsky, Emma Goldman, Alberto Memmi, and Susan Sontag), the course will appeal primarily to students interested in modern and contemporary Jewish history as well as to students seeking an introduction to political doctrines and ideologies.

Following internship work, students complete a research report outlining work activity, problems investigated, key results and follow-up projects. Meets the requirements for curricular practical training for students on F-1 visas. Student is responsible for arranging own internship and faculty sponsorship.

Units by arrangement. May be repeated for credit.