This is a reading and discussion seminar that focuses on international development and social evolution. We will read several classics and some of the most recent contributions to the study of societies and intersocietal systems. Readings should be completed before the session in the which the works are discussed. All the required works are on reserve in the Reserve Room of the MSE Library. Grading will be based on a midterm (November 4), participation in discussion, and a paper that compares and critiques two of the readings. Books available in the book store are:

• Sandra Halperin, In the Mirror of the Third World
• Marvin Harris, Cannibals and Kings
• John Markoff, Waves of Democracy
• Chase-Dunn and T. D. Hall, Rise and Demise
• Leslie Sklair, Sociology of the Global System
• David Hackett Fischer, The Great Wave: Price Revolutions and the Rhythm of History

Here is the reading schedule:

September 9 discuss the course

September 16 Harris (Chapters 1-8)

September 23 Harris (Chapters 9-16)

September 30 Chase-Dunn and Hall (Chapters 1- 7)

October 7 Chase-Dunn and Hall (Chapters 8-14)

October 14 Fischer (First 3 Chapters)

October 21 Fischer (Last 2 Chapters and Conclusion)

October 28 Markoff (whole book)

November 4 Midterm

November 11 Halpern (Chapters 1-4)

November 18 Halpern (Chapters 5-8)

November 25 Sklair (Chapters 1-4)

December 2 Sklair (Chapters 5-8)

December 9 Paper is Due.