MALS 291 Capitalism, Labor, and the Law in the Global United States

Was the US born capitalist? If so when, how, and with what consequences in global political economy and the world? How have changes in production and labor processes across time relied upon and re-shaped US law and political struggles under it? Has there always been and will there always be an “inside” and an “outside” to economic gains and the American legal system? Where are we now and how are we related to past configurations of capitalism, labor, and the law? With attention to political economy and the law, this course takes a historical approach to development, state-formation, power, and labor and employment relations in the United States. In so doing, we trace the global origins and global present of American capitalism and follow the struggles waged by citizens, servants, slaves, unions, migrants, and workers laboring extra-territorially for US interests in American law. We will not only read secondary texts, but key legal decisions addressing the topics listed above.

Instructor

Gabrielle Clark