Essay Topics (choose 1 topic): 1. Provide in your own words the meaning of the concept “society”. Sociologists have identified several characteristics of traditional, modern and postmodern societies. Explain the differences among those three and provide for each type of society at least: a. two characteristics in the area of economics and demography; b. two characteristics in the area of social organization; c. two characteristics in the area of culture, attitudes, and beliefs. 2. Compare the commercialization thesis, the historical materialist thesis and the Protestant ethic thesis about on the origin of capitalism. Develop your answer by drawing upon their different understandings of feudalism, the enclosures, and markets. 3. Explain the main differences between mainstream economics and heterodox economics. This explanation must include at least a description of the meaning of “homo economicus” and a description of two heterodox perspectives among those presented during the lectures (Marxist, Institutionalist, and Anarchist). 4. Explain what makes corporations different from individual-owned businesses and provide a summary of the internal and external dimensions of corporate power. Please note: You must attach a completed Academic Integrity Checklist to the back of your essay. Treat this as a contract. By checking off each box, you acknowledge that you understand the principles of Academic Integrity. Make sure you print your name, sign and date the form. The assignment is not considered complete unless this document is attached. The standard late penalty of 2% a day applies until you submit it. The late penalty also applies if you fail to upload your essay to Turnitin. Plagiarized essays are subject to the standard departmental penalty of 0% on the assignment and no opportunity to re-write. Please consult the Senate Policy on Academic Honesty for more information.
