Overview
Please write an essay on one of the topics listed below. You will be marked on the degree to
which your essay and its argument/thesis is clearly, systematically and persuasively
developed and supported. You will also be expected to demonstrate your skill in using and
assessing the relevant course material and readings. Excessive quotation from readings is
strongly discouraged. APA style reference lists and parenthetical citations (including
references to page numbers) are required. Further instructions on paper structure and
references will be given in class.
Your essay should only be based on course materials, which means required readings,
lectures and recommended materials on the E-Class site. While you should place a priority
on using the specific readings directly mentioned in the topic formulations below, you may
also use other readings from the course where applicable. Be sure to provide an original
title for your essay. In addition, your essay should be paginated, and you are free to use
subheadings for sections.
Further guidance will be provided in lectures, tutorials and on the course E-Class site. A list
of first term required readings will be provided on the assignment page on the E-Class site.
Essay Question
2. Authors like Simoulidis and Birch as well as Davis have argued that recent corporate
transformations have introduced new dynamics of corporate power which include
phenomena like the rise of so-called “Big Tech” firms, increasing inequality and new
ways of externalizing costs. Write an essay discussing whether and how these
developments call upon us to adopt novel ways of thinking about – and responding
to – the “twenty-first century” forms of corporate power and industry concentration.
To what degree are policies that try to deconcentrate markets sufficient for
addressing the challenges associated with these new forms of corporate power?