Marxism and Literary Studies - Einzelansicht

For a while, it seemed fashionable in academia to declare Marxist theory dead or obsolete. In effect, the critics making such pronouncements joined in the new-right triumphalism that considered the end of the so-called Cold War and the collapse of the various ”actually existing socialisms” as heralding in the unrivalled dominance of capitalism. But more recently, in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, the sell-out of social-democratic parties across the Global North, the neoliberal reduction of the state to a heavily-armed capital generator, the resurgence of openly right-wing politics, and the increasingly inescapable destruction of ecosystems in the name of profit and growth, the cant of the ”end of history” rings as hollow as the hopelessly naïve diagnosis of our period as a ”post-ideological” one. Those developments have made it abundantly clear that exploitation and class struggle are here to stay. In turn, this state of affairs urges a renewed engagement with Marxist theory as that way of analyzing capitalism which seeks to contribute to its termination.

In this seminar, we will explore a number of classic Marxist concepts, such as ideology, class struggle, base/superstructure, capital, and the perennially provocative notion of economic determination. We will also clarify terms like neoliberalism and the contemporary guise of imperialism. But since this is a literary-studies class, we will also want to see for ourselves how those concepts help in reading literature. That is why we will read Thomas Ligotti’s My Work Is Not Yet Done. A connoisseur of the dark and disturbing, Ligotti is often hailed as one of the best living writers of horror fiction today. In that book, he focusses specifically on the horrors of employment — which should make for an interesting read in this seminar on Marxism.

Please be aware that this is a theory-heavy seminar. We will read a number of potentially difficult non-literary texts. In addition, discussions will often revolve around abstract concepts. Interpretations of the literary texts will likely take up less space in the class compared to interpretations of the theory. If that doesn’t scare you, jump aboard: you will learn a lot.

Please purchase:

Foley, Barbara. Marxist Literary Criticism Today. London: Pluto Press, 2019. ISBN: 978-0745338835

Ligotti, Thomas. My Work Is Not Yet Done: Three Tales of Corporate Horror. London: Virgin Books, 2009. ISBN: 978-0753516881

Theoretical texts will be provided via Moodle.

Over the course of the seminar, students will write a learning journal consisting of reading responses and reflections on class discussions (3 credits). To gain 6 credits, students will additionally submit a term paper.

Regular attendance and active participation are vital to creating a fruitful learning atmosphere. So, please sign up for this class only if you intend to actually come to our sessions.