Marxism, in its many varieties, has a long history in the United States and this course will study many dimensions of its presence and influence in the country. Marx himself wrote extensively about the U.S., and many in the 19th century avidly followed his writing and activism. We will then study the reception of Marxism in America in the 20th century in the socialist, communist and liberation movements. Marxism also influenced many intellectuals, artists, and writers. Activists in protest and revolutionary movements of many kinds, including the student movements of the 1960s, the Black power and other movements or minority and marginalized communities, international solidarity efforts, and the environmental and other contemporary movements. We will consider how Marxism has been understood, interpreted, used, and criticized through American history up through the 21st century.
5 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit
Marxism, in its many varieties, has a long history in the United States and this course will study many dimensions of its presence and influence in the country. Marx himself wrote extensively about the U.S., and many in the 19th century avidly followed his writing and activism. We will then study the reception of Marxism in America in the 20th century in the socialist, communist and liberation movements. Marxism also influenced many intellectuals, artists, and writers. Activists in protest and revolutionary movements of many kinds, including the student movements of the 1960s, the Black power and other movements or minority and marginalized communities, international solidarity efforts, and the environmental and other contemporary movements. We will consider how Marxism has been understood, interpreted, used, and criticized through American history up through the 21st century.
Offered in Spring 2026 at Stanford University.