Comparative Literature 692M - S- Marxism and Literature

Marxism has been one of the most influential, analytically powerful wellsprings of literary theory, yet it is important to understand that it is a complex tradition: there are many Marxisms. This seminar will explore classical and contemporary Marxist theorists, focusing on key questions, concepts, and thematics that they share while distinguishing differences among generations and schools of thought. We will read and discuss a variety of work from Marxist and "post-Marxist" traditions, cross-nationally and cross-culturally, as well as exemplars of textual analysis and interpretation.