PSDS 2560 COLLOQ: BARTER

What is our work worth to each other? This class focuses on the challenges and possibilities of non-monetary exchange. Through presentations, research, and live barter workshops, students will experience and discuss subjective value, trust, time, and ethics in relationship to a range of reciprocity practices. Students will gain direct experience with barter and the social practice of non-monetary exchange. This class raises awareness about the power of mutual respect and cooperation. Students will understand barter in the context of economic anthropology as well as contemporary “solidarity economy” initiatives worldwide. The class further investigates barter systems in our current global/local communities by revealing the potential for scaled resource sharing, sustainable communities, radical inclusivity, networked collaboration, and beyond.