GV4G7 Half Unit
Marx and Marxism
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Dr Bruno Leipold
Availability
This course is available on the MA in Modern History and MSc in Political Theory. This course is freely available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. It does not require permission. This course uses controlled access as part of the course selection process.
How to apply: to apply for a place on this course, please write a short statement of 200 words (max) outlining the specific reasons for applying and how the course will benefit your academic/career goals. Priority will be given to students on the programmes listed in the ‘availability’ section of the course guide. You should check that you meet any pre-requisites in the course guide before applying (where applicable). Places on capped courses cannot be guaranteed.
Deadline for application: The deadline for applications is 12:00 noon on Friday 26 September 2025. You can expect to be informed of the outcome of your application by 12:00 noon on Monday 29 September 2025. Any places remaining after this date will be allocated based on priority and written statement - up until course selection closes.
For queries contact: gov.msc@lse.ac.uk
This course is capped at 2 groups. Priority will be given to students on the programmes listed.
Course content
Karl Marx believed that "the emancipation of the working classes must be conquered by the working classes themselves" and that "the emancipation of the working class is that of all human beings without distinction of sex or race". These commitments have motivated generations of Marxists across the globe in their struggle against capitalist domination. In this course we explore the nature and complexity of these commitments in the face of capitalism’s continued resilience and ongoing resistance struggles against domination in all its forms. The course is divided into two parts: (1) a close textual study of Marx (and Engels’s) central writings; and (2) an examination of key themes in subsequent Marxist thought. The former will examine Marx’s early writings (‘On the Jewish Question’; Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts), political writings (Communist Manifesto, 18th Brumaire) and economic writings (Capital, vol. 1). The latter examines foundational debates amongst Marxists and Marxist critics around historical materialism, the state, class, gender and race.
Teaching
10 hours of lectures and 15 hours of seminars in the Winter Term.
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Winter Term.
Formative assessment
Essay (1500 words)
One formative essay of around 1,500 words, due in the WT.
Indicative reading
Karl Marx, Selected Writings, 2nd ed. (2000); G. A. Cohen, Karl Marx’s Theory of History (1978); Ellen Meiksins Wood, Democracy Against Capitalism: Renewing Historical Materialism (1995); Ralph Miliband, The State in Capitalist Society (1969); Erik Olin Wright, Classes (1985); Selma James, Sex, Race and Class (2012); Heidi I. Hartmann, “The Unhappy Marriage of Marxism and Feminism: Towards a more Progressive Union” (1979); Cedric Robinson, Black Marxism (1983); Stuart Hall, “Race, Articulation and Societies Structured in Dominance” (1980).
Assessment
Essay (100%, 3000 words) in Spring Term Week 1
Key facts
Department: Government
Course Study Period: Winter Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 7
CEFR Level: Null
Keywords: Marxism, Political Theory, Marxist Thought
Total students 2024/25: 27
Average class size 2024/25: 14
Controlled access 2024/25: YesCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Problem solving
- Communication