SOCIOLOGY 474

COURSE DESCRIPTION

One of the most theoretically promising and sophisticated developments in Marxist theory has been the development of Critical Theory from the Frankfurt School. As a reaction to crude materialism, vulgar Marxism (social Democracy), Marxist-Leninism, and positivistic interpretations of Marx, this school of thought attempts to re- construct Marx's theory in light of changes in both philosophy and the structures of modern political/economic institutions. The strength of the Frankfurt School is its integration of philosophy and sociology in light of Marx's newly discovered and published early philosophical and economic writings, the European renaissance in Hegelian scholarship, the major advances in modern social theory, and the profound changes in the structures of advanced capitalist societies. The result is a radical new interpretation of the value and relevance of Marx to contemporary economic, social, and political theory. This school of thought re-works Marx's theories to include the new insights and developments in modern psychoanalysis, hermeneutics, aesthetics, and political philosophy. Issues to be discussed include the philosophy of the social sciences and critique of positivism, a critique of the Enlightenment concept of rationality (science and technology), Western rationality and the environment, Existentialism and Marxism, art and politics, and contemporary political economic critiques of American society. This seminar will draw its readings from Lukacs, Horkheimer, Adorno, Marcuse, Habermas, Jay, Held, Bowles, Gintis, Gordon, Castells, and Nove.

REQUIRED READINGS

D. Held, Introduction to Critical Theory
M. Horkheimer, Critical Theory
M. Horkheimer, Eclipse of Reason
M. Horkheimer, Critical Theory
H. Marcuse, One-Dimensional Man
H. Marcuse, Counterrevolution and Revolt
T. Adorno, ed., The Positivist Dispute in German Sociology

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

This is a seminar and will not be successful if everyone does not participate in the general class discussion. To encourage this summary statements will be due in the secretary's office in the Ward Street Building by eleven o'clock. They will be copied and ready to be picked up by noon. They will form the foundations for our Monday night seminar discussions. The final grade will be based on the following: 1/3 class discussion, 1/3 class presentation, and 1/3 research paper.

OVERVIEW OF SCHEDULE AND REQUIRED READINGS

 WEEK