Welcome to “Becoming Modern: The Origins & Consequences of Modernity.”

My name is Manuel Vallée and it is my pleasure to be your instructor for this course. Over the course of the semester we will discuss the unique characteristics of the modern era, as well as discuss the era's political, economic and cultural foundations. In turn, this knowledge will help you better understand the origins of phenomenon like colonialism, capitalism, neo-liberalism, first and third-world poverty, democracy, secularism, individualism, consumerism, and the surveillance state. As well, it should give you a better sense of the social institutions and forces that impinge upon our daily lives.

You will find this course relies heavily on communication, and below you'll find preliminary information pertaining to the course's objectives. More information (such as required texts and assessment information) will be uploaded in the coming weeks. When that information becomes available, I will send you a CANVAS announcement.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

The following are our objectives for this term:

1) Identify the characteristics of modernity.

2) Understand how the modern period differs from previous periods.

3) Identify the cultural, economic and political foundations of the modern era.

4) Identify the major social events and forces that have contributed to the emergence of modernity's traits.

5) Develop a sociological understanding of our society: Who benefits from the current system? How? Who does not? Why? Etc..

6) Deepen our appreciation for the way sociological perspectives can enhance our understanding of the world.

7) Enhance your ability to critically analyze the world.

8) Have you reflect on your own experience within the ‘modern’ age, which includes reflecting on how the age has shaped you, and how the course’s knowledge can alter your life in the future.

9) Have you develop skills that will enable you to better understand and participate in contemporary debates about ‘Progress,’ ‘Reason,’ ‘Democracy,’ and ‘Freedom’.

10) Improve critical reading and critical writing skills (I will offer learning strategies for this).

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