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Week 9 Course Materials

Assignments due

 

Lithosphere L2: Diamonds I

This class considers the role of diamond mining in the colonization of South Africa, and the relationship between resources and colonialism more broadly.

Lithosphere L3 Diamonds I (ppt.) Download Lithosphere L3 Diamonds I (ppt.)

 

Lithosphere QS2: Crystals

The readings this week as you to think critically about the 'crystal economy'. Do you buy crystals, or know someone who does? Consider the commodity chain that connects the global production and consumption of crystals. How do those crystals form? When you go into a tarot shop or rock and gem seller, where are they sourcing those crystals? Who is mining them? What value do we give them, and how did they come to be so popular?

Read:

Optional:

  • Bartolini et al. 2013. “Psychics, crystals, candles and cauldrons: Alternative spiritualities and the question of their esoteric economies.” Social & Cultural Geography 14(4): 367-388. LINK Links to an external site.
  • Crockford 2021 “What do jade eggs tell us about the category ‘esotericism’? Spirituality, neoliberalism, secrecy, and commodities.” New Approaches to the Study of Esotericism: pp. 201-216. LINK Links to an external site. (PDF of book)
  • Teidearu 2023 “Crystal shops and shopping for crystals in Estonia: Materiality and Experience as Sources of Value”. Numen. LINK Links to an external site.

 

Lithosphere L4: Diamonds II

This class considers the history of diamond advertising, how the 'tradition' of the diamond engagement ring emerged, and how engagement ring traditions are produced alongside gender as social constructions.

Lithosphere L4 Diamonds II (ppt.) Download Lithosphere L4 Diamonds II (ppt.)