This course explores familiar commodities in terms of natural origins, everyday cultures of use, and global significance. It analyses environmental conditions, socio-economic transactions, political, religious, and cultural contexts around their production, distribution, and consumption. Commodity case studies will be selected among tea, opium, chocolate, rice, bananas, cotton, rubber, coffee, and sugar.
Transnational Area
Prerequisite:
Any 4.0 credits, including 0.5 credit at the A- or B-level in HIS courses
Recommended Preparation:
Breadth Requirements:
History, Philosophy & Cultural Studies
Note:
Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Specialist and Major programs in History