Marxism: Concepts, Texts, Contexts

In this seminar we will study Marxism as a theoretical, cultural, and historical phenomenon. Whether or not one agrees with Marxist approaches to exploitation and inequity, they represent a philosophical and political tradition that has profoundly shaped ideas about society, politics, economics, religion, and art. We will examine Karl Marx’s life and times, analyze some of his writings, and also consider later Marxist theories in the cultural and political environments in which they evolved—including Soviet and post-Soviet Russia, Latin America, and the U.S. Finally, we will test the relevance of the Marxist tradition to current geopolitical realities. 3 hrs. sem.