Fall 2016 - SA 351 D100

Classical Marxist Thought (S) (4)

Class Number: 3462

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2016: Tue, Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    SA 250.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A detailed study of classical Marxist social thought.

COURSE DETAILS:

The study of Volume One of Marx's Capital is the sole object of the course. Without question, it is one of the most influential and studied texts in modern times. It has been central to two of the world’s greatest social revolutions and to the continuously developing critique of modern life.  Since it was first published in 1867 the text has been maligned, dismissed or ignored by supporters of the status quo, but it has also inspired and guided the activities of numerous political parties, trade unions and social and revolutionary movements. It remains a constant and central reference point, as premise or object, for much that is written in the social sciences (economics included).  Further rationale is hardly required for this concentrated study of Capital.

Grading

  • Mid-term paper: 10-12 pages 30%
  • Weekly study notes 10%
  • Term essay: approx. 20 pages 60%

REQUIREMENTS:

Where a final exam is scheduled and you do not write the exam or withdraw from the course before the deadline date, you will be assigned an N grade. Unless otherwise specified on the course outline, all other graded assignments in this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned.

Academic Dishonesty and Misconduct Policy
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) and academic dishonesty and misconduct procedures (S10.01‐ S10.04).  Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style.  It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of SFU policies available on the SFU website: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student.html.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

The only required text is K. Marx, Capital,Volume One, Vintage or Penguin edition. The student should be aware, however, that there are many texts attempting to put into simpler language the contents of Capital; these may be used to assist our understanding but not replace the actual text.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Students may want to consult some of the following:  

  • Becker, J.F., Marxian Political Economy, (1977) Bottomore,T.,  A Dictionary of Marxist Thought (1983) 
  • Brewer,A., A Guide to Marx's Capital, Cambridge, (1984) 
  • Cleaver,H., Reading Capital Politically, Brighton (1979) 
  • Cutler,A., Marx's "Capital" and Capitalism Today, Vol. 1, London (1977); Vol. 2, (1978) 
  • Eaton,J., Political Economy, N.Y. (1949) 
  • Eatwell,J., et al, Marxian Economics (1990) 
  • Fine,B., and L. Harris, Re-reading Capital, London (1979) 
  • Foley,D.K., Understanding Capital: Marx's Economic Theory, Cambridge, Mass. (1986) 
  • Fox,J., Understanding 'Capital':  A Guide to Vol. 1/Vol. II, Toronto (1978) 
  • Gouverneur,J., Contemporary Capitalism and Marxist Economics, Oxford (1983) 
  • Leontiev,A., Political Economy Maarek,G., An Introduction to Karl Marx's Das Kapital, Oxford (1979) 
  • Mandel,E., Marxist Economic Theory, London (1962) 
  • Negi,A., Marx beyond Marx:  Lessons on the Grundrisse (1984) 
  • Onimode,B., An Introduction to Marxist Political Economy, London (1985) 
  • Pilling,G., Marx's Capital:  Philosophy and Political  Robinson,J., An Essay on Marxian Economics, N.Y. (1966) 
  • Roth,M., Guide to Marx's 'Capital', London (1978) 
  • Rosdolsky,R., The Making of Marx's 'Capital', London, (1977) 
  • Smith, D.N.,and P. Evans, Marx's Kapital for Beginners, London (1982) 
  • Sweezy,P., The Theory of Capitalist Development, N.Y., (1942) 
  • Wolff,R.P., Understanding Marx:  A Reconstruction and Critique of Capital, Princeton (1984)

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS