Time Schedule:
Kenneth C. Clatterbaugh
HONORS 212
Seattle Campus
Evolution of an idea or a discipline central to the humanities. Content varies from year to year. For University Honors Program students only. Offered: Sp.
Class description
This course surveys the introductory topics in the philosophy of Karl Marx. Special attention is given to Marx’s theory of human nature, alienation, the nature of exploitation, Marx’s materialist theory of history, his view on morality, and his thoughts about the nature of socialist society. Toward the end of the course, if time permits, we will look at later developments in Marxist thought.
Texts: Karl Marx, Selected Writings, David McClellan (ed) Protest Nation, Timothy McCarthy and John McMillian (eds) Why Read Marx Today, Jonathan Wolf
Students are graded on class participation—students will be expected to give a class presentation on their final project--and a final paper. The final paper is a fifteen-page book review. Each student must select a book that is critical of or a defense of capitalism and review it as if the student were Karl Marx. The review should display an understanding of Marx, present a fair description of the book, and offer a substantial criticism of it. Honors students will have an opportunity to discuss course material and do a presentation in a breakout session taught by the instructor.
Student learning goals
Careful reading of an historical text
Relating that text to current debates
Writing clearly and critically
General method of instruction
Lecture/Discussion
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
See course description
See course descriptionn
