Contemporary Radical Theory: Marxisms and Post-Marxisms' POLITIC4133

  • Academic Session: 2023-24
  • School: School of Social and Political Sciences
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes

Short Description

This course looks at different approaches to identifying, interpreting and applying Marxist principles and methods, and evaluates critical responses to Marxist theory and practice.

Timetable

This course may not be running this year. For further information please check the Politics Moodle page or contact the subject directly.

Requirements of Entry

Mandatory Entry Requirements

Entry to Honours Politics requires a grade point average of 12 (Grade C) over Politics 2A and Politics 2B as a first attempt 

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Assessment

An essay of 2,000-2,500 words (40%), and an unseen two-hour exam in which students must tackle two questions out of six (50%), and oral participation (10%)

Main Assessment In: April/May

Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? Not applicable

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Course Aims

This course looks at different approaches to identifying, interpreting and applying Marxist principles and methods, and evaluates critical responses to Marxist theory and practice. Marxist thought remains important for a number of reasons. Marx's insights into the workings of capitalism are still regarded by supporters and opponents alike to have relevance today. His works, and the criticisms they generated, have produced some of the most influential political theoretical developments as well as encouraging oppressive - and liberatory - political movements. The course covers: Orthodox Marxism; liberal critiques of Marxism (Popper and Berlin); Marx's Capital; ethics and anti-morality in Marx; Frankfurt School; Libertarian Marxisms; Autonomist Marxism; Post-Marxisms.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Identify and explain the key concepts of Marxism

■ Describe the similarities and differences between the various Marxist and post-Marxist political philosophies.

■ Compare the different theoretical approaches and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses

■ Relevantly apply at least one of these theories in a critique of contemporary political movements and events, with appropriate reference to key concepts and texts.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.