Originally posted by theWCH
What type of class is it? I ask because there are at least three different types of Marxist scholars:
1. Sociologists: These are the most common. Social Conflict theory is inherently neo-Marxist. Much of Marx's work focused on analyzing the human condition within capitalism. In fact, this was the primary focus of the three great classical sociologists: Marx, Weber, and Durkheim.
2. Economists: These people are very rare these days, because Marx's Labor Theory of Value isn't very highly regarded; although some people are still doing some work in this field; particularly as it relates to market failure and marginal labor value. There is a small (but growing) group that believes that Marx was fundamentally correct in his observations of market inefficiencies, but that market forces, properly incentivized, offer a better solution than traditional Marxist solutions.
3. Political Scientists: These people study Marxist political ideology (which actually deals more with the work of Marx's followers than with the actual work of Marx).
If you're taking a Sociology class, then they'd be ripping you off by NOT spending a great deal of time focusing on Marx. If it's an Economics class then you might have reason for concern.
I did a Sociology Degree at university, never really helped me find a proper job , but was instrumental in waking me up from thinking the world was right!
An introduction to Marxist theories, will help you see how the game is rigged in favour of those who own the means of production. Why you feel alienated from your own work and why capitalism is unsustainable and wastefull.
I imagine it's more difficult for those in the USA to swallow as it goes against what your country stands for, but I'm sure your teacher doesn't have any plans to send your to an enforced labour camp in syberia if you disagree
