History 463, Fall 2016
Rebellion and Revolution: Topics in the Theory and Practice of Resistance
Specific Topic: Marx and Marxist Histories
Wednesdays, 9:30-1:30 with Mark Leier
Though he died in 1883,
Karl Marx remains very
much a contemporary
figure. When capitalism
is in trouble, analysts and
activists return to his
ideas to understand and
challenge the system.
Virtually every academic
discipline continues to
interpret and debate his
ideas, while his name is
still used as a bogeyman.
In this seminar, we’ll investigate what Marx and Marxists have actually said on topics
such as capitalism, the state, class, historical materialism, and alienation. We’ll examine
how historians have used Marx to interpret different societies and topics ranging from
political economy to popular culture.
Instead of a final research paper, students will develop a learning portfolio throughout the
course, based on reflection and analysis of the readings and seminar discussions. Students
will be encouraged to draw on their own experiences of work and university to interpret
the readings. Short presentations on the portfolio and on specific topics will be done in
the seminar. The course will emphasize Marx’s observation that “philosophers have
interpreted the world; the point, however, is to change it.”
Books:
 Marx, by Corinne Maier and Anne Simon. This is a graphic novel.
 Alienation: An Introduction to Marx’s Theory, by Dan Swain. It’s short and clear.
 The Communist Manifesto, Phil Gasper, ed. It has other material we’ll read, too.
 Capital, abridged edition, David McLellan, ed. It’s much shorter than the original.
 Other materials available on Canvas or courseware package.
Provisional Grading Scheme: (We’ll define and refine these as a group)
Attendance at seminar:
10%
Participation in seminar:
20%
Weekly portfolio work:
20%
Presentations of portfolio work: 15%
Other presentations:
15%
Final analysis of portfolio:
20%