Marx and Marxism: History and Social Change

This course examines the life and work of Karl Marx, his social and intellectual milieu, and the evolution of Marxism and historical materialism in theory and practice to the present. Basic concepts of Marxism will be discussed along with debates about orthodox or unorthodox extensions. Critiques of Marx and Marxism from the perspective of gender and race will be addressed. The learning outcomes anticipated include facility with Marxist terminology, a basic understanding of the biography of Marx, an overview of the historical development of Marxism and its role in shaping world history, and the development of critical tools for the evaluation and extension of Marxist concepts in contemporary settings.