CLS2250 - Post-Marxist critical theory

Leader(s): Dr Matthew Ryan

Offered

Clayton First semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit will introduce students to contemporary discussion and debate about Marxist and post-Marxist critical theory. It will examine:

1. Key concepts in Marxist analysis.
2. Western Marxism's founding moment in the work of Lukacs and Gramsci.
3. The early work of the Frankfurt School.
4. The debates over New Left Marxism in the 1960s and 1970s.
5. 'Post-Marxist' responses to the politics of cultural 'difference'. Each of these will be examined regarding their accounts of the relationships between art, culture and society.

Objectives

At the conclusion of the unit, students should be able:

1. To demonstrate some familiarity with recent debates in Marxist and post-Marxist critical theory.
2. To articulate the analytical skills, theoretical vocabularies and conceptual apparatuses studied in the unit.
3. To write clear, grammatically and syntactically appropriate, independent essays on the various topics provided or chosen for assessment.

Assessment

Essay (2500 words): 50%; Exam (1 hour): 30%; Seminar paper (1000 words): 20%

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week

Prohibitions

CLS3250