POLT 116 - The Theory and Practice of Contemporary Left Politics

FC SSCI

4 credits
This course examines the nature, causes, and consequences of the transformation of “left” politics in capitalist democracies over the last half-century. The course begins with the experience of postwar social democracy and eurocommunism in order to understand their achievements and limitations. It then analyzes the rise of more recent forms of left politics including new social movements (such as environmental and peace movements), the Third Way, contemporary anarchism (including Occupy and Antifa), radical anticapitalist parties (such as Syriza and Podemos), and identity politics.

This course is appropriate for new students.