POSC 374 - Marxism in Theory and Practice

Units: 3 ; Breadth Area: GE-UD-3
The writings of Marx and the characteristics of Marxism in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: GE-UD-3 - Upper Division Arts or Humanities
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Areas 1A, 1B, 1C and GE-2 with grade C- (CR) or better (GE Areas A1, A2, A3 and B4 for students on the 2024-25 or earlier catalogs).
Strongly Recommended Preparation: Upper division status (greater than 60 earned semester units) and completion of lower division Area 3 requirements (lower division Area C requirements for students on the 2024-25 or earlier catalogs).
Possible Instructional Methods: On-ground, or Hybrid, or Online-Asynchronous, or Online-Synchronous.
Grading: A-F or CR/NC (student choice).
Course Typically Offered: Spring ONLY

Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Students will become familiar with Karl Marx’s theory and how it was a response to a particular historical context and why it remains relevant for today.
Students will interpret original political theory texts through oral and written work. Students will use and illustrate defined political theory concepts in written and oral work.
Students will become familiar with a range of theoretical debates over Marxism. What is the relationship between the early and late Marx? How foundational is the economic structure? To what extent is Marx’s lasting impact a result of his method of analysis? What is distinct about Marx’s understanding of political revolution? How does the inclusion of race and gender alter Marx’s theory?
Students will work on a range of critical thinking skills that will help them achieve their career goals.
Students will demonstrate through a discussion-based class, the ability to apply knowledge of political theory concepts through collaborative learning with other students and with the professor.

GE-UD-3. Upper-division Arts or Humanities Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate an understanding of and ability to apply principles, methodologies, values systems, and thought processes employed in the arts and humanities.
Analyze cultural production as an expression of, or reflection upon, what it means to be human.
Demonstrate how the perspectives of the arts or humanities are used by informed, engaged, and reflective citizens to benefit local and global communities.