History of Socialism (354-0-20)
Instructors
Robin Duffin Bates
847/467-4839
Harris 242
Meeting Info
University Hall 101: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM
Overview of class
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 1. an oppositional movement against the capitalist world economy, 2. as a critical analysis of capitalist society, and 3. as an attempt to establish a new kind of human community on the basis of that critique. Topics to be studied 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 development of socialism; 2) Understand and contextualize primary sources created by socialist movements of the past, 3) Evaluate secondary sources that make arguments about the nature of these movements, showing special attention to how claims are supported by evidence; 4) Appreciate the extent to which socialist movements have actively contextualized their projects by creating historical narratives and critically interrogate such grand narratives in light of the full historical record; 5) Create original arguments based on your reasoned 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: 30% Essay Assignment: 20% Essay Revision: 20% Take-Home Final: 30%
Class Notes
Concentration: European, Global
Class Attributes
Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
Historical Studies Distro Area
Global Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area
Associated Classes
DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-343: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM
DIS - University Hall 418: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM
DIS - Harris Hall L05: Fri 2:00PM - 2:50PM