Money as meaning

“In reality, money, like number and law, is a category of thought” (Spengler). We are entangled with money - money as information, prestige and status, desire, disgust, means, even an end-in-itself. Explore, in this class, what money really means.

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Key course information

Date
09/06/12

Day(s)
Sat

Duration
1 week

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £37
Senior fee: £23

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HP052

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

No concessionary fees are available as the limit has been reached.

Enrol now

Call enrolments: 020 7831 7831

Still got questions?

humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

Different ways of thinking about the nature of money.
Is money a means or an end? Do we live under the order of money, our lives constrained by the amount that we have? What is money, anyway? And do the forms that it takes - metal, paper, plastic, electronic - change the ways in which we understand and use it? Money carries a weight of psychological and social significance and is more than a simple token of economic exchange. What is the philosophical significance of money?

What topics will we cover?

1) The forms of money and its economic meaning.
2) The wider psychological and social uses and meaning of money.
3) Money as idea: Georg Simmel’s ‘Philosophy of Money’.
4) How thinking about money can have philosophical benefits.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Explain the main economic functions of money.
Explain the different forms of money and their effects.
Discuss some of the psychological and social meanings of money.
Evaluate your own ideas about money.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

No prior knowledge is assumed, and the level will tend to adjust to the overall level of participants. However, a rough guide would be that of BBC Radio 3 or 4 humanities programmes such as 'In Our Time', 'Reith Lectures' or 'The Essay'. A willingness to critically and creatively engage with ideas and some basic familiarity with discussion/debate, argument, and evaluation will be beneficial.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The sessions are ‘open learning’ format - i.e., questions and discussion are not only welcomed but are central to our thinking through the topics presented. However, given the limitations of time and the different wishes and interests of participants (some engage more by listening, some more by talking), discussions may sometimes be shortened. Course topics will be covered by short verbal presentations supported by slides, including any relevant video clips. Slides and other materials will be available online. There is no set work outside the class.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

None. Materials for your own note-taking, as you prefer.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.