New Lectures in History (300-0-24)

Topic

History of Socialism

Instructors

Robin Duffin Bates
847/467-4839
Harris 242
I am a historian of Modern Europe, specializing in France and the francophone world, especially the cultural and social implications of the transformation of politics during and after the Revolution of 1789. In 2015, I received my PhD from the University of Chicago.

Meeting Info

University Hall 121: Mon, Wed 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

Topic: History of Socialism

In this course, we will investigate socialism from its origins during the Age of Revolutions in Europe to follow its development globally down to the present day. We will consider the interrelated aspects of socialism as an oppositional movement against the capitalist world economy, as a critical analysis of capitalist society, and as an attempt to establish a new kind of human community on the basis of that critique. Topics will include the dynamics of revolutionary social change; the building of international working-class and national liberation movements; socialism as an economic system; and socialist approaches to gender, race, and identity.

Learning Objectives

You'll learn to: 1) Identify and explain events, concepts and individuals crucial to the historical development of socialism; 2) Assess competing analyses of socialism, showing an awareness of how claims are supported by evidence and how analytic categories structure arguments; 3) Create original arguments based on your interpretation of sources, make a case for the validity and importance of your judgments, and contextualize your conclusions within larger debates.

Evaluation Method

Class Participation: 25% Source Evaluation Assignment: 20% Take-Home Midterm: 25% Essay Assignment: 30%

Class Materials (Required)

All the assigned readings will be uploaded on Canvas

Class Notes

History Area(s) of Concentration: European, GLOBAL

Class Attributes

Historical Studies Distro Area

Associated Classes

DIS - Locy Hall 314: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Locy Hall 314: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Locy Hall 314: Fri 12:00PM - 12:50PM