This course offers a detailed examination of Marx's Capital through a series of lectures led by Professor David Harvey. Participants will engage with the text directly, enhancing their understanding of Marxist economics and critique. Key features include:
Join us to deepen your understanding of cultural and economic theories that have shaped modern society.
This module marks the beginning of our journey through Volume I of Marx's Capital. Professor David Harvey introduces the key themes and concepts that will be explored throughout the course. Participants will gain insight into the historical context of Marx's work and the foundational ideas that underpin his critique of political economy.
In this second class, Professor Harvey delves deeper into the concepts established in the first lecture. Participants will learn about the significance of commodity production and the labor theory of value, which are pivotal to understanding Marx's analysis of capitalism.
This third class continues the exploration of Marx's Capital, focusing on the relationship between labor and capital. Professor Harvey emphasizes the role of labor in generating value and how this relationship influences economic structures in society.
In the fourth class, Professor Harvey outlines the concept of surplus value and its implications for capital accumulation. Participants will understand how surplus value is extracted from labor and its effects on workers and society.
This module discusses the dynamics of capital and its movement within the economy. Professor Harvey emphasizes the importance of understanding capital's mobility and the factors that influence its flow in the capitalist system.
In this sixth module, the focus shifts to the concept of commodity fetishism. Professor Harvey explains how commodities take on social power, affecting human relationships and societal structures.
This module emphasizes the role of the capitalist class and its power dynamics. Professor Harvey discusses the implications of class struggle and the inherent conflicts within capitalism that shape economic and social relations.
In this eighth class, Professor Harvey explores the concept of alienation within capitalist societies. Participants will learn how capitalism creates a disconnect between workers and their labor, leading to broader societal implications.
This ninth module focuses on the historical context of Marx's theories. Professor Harvey provides insights into the socio-economic conditions that influenced Marx's writings and how these conditions remain relevant in contemporary discussions.
In this tenth class, Professor Harvey discusses the implications of Marx's critique of capitalism for modern economies. Participants will engage in discussions about the current relevance of Marx's analysis in light of contemporary economic challenges.
This module shifts focus to Volume II of Marx's Capital. Professor Harvey introduces key concepts and themes that will be examined in the subsequent classes, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of Marx's economic theories.
In the twelfth class, Professor Harvey delves into the complexities of capital reproduction. Participants will learn how capital is sustained and the implications this has for understanding capitalist economies.
This thirteenth module focuses on the role of finance in capitalism. Professor Harvey discusses how financial systems operate within the capitalist framework and their impact on economic structures and societal well-being.
In this fourteenth class, Professor Harvey discusses the contradictions inherent in capitalist economies. Participants will explore how these contradictions create crises and challenges that affect both economies and societies.
This module addresses the global implications of Marx's Capital. Professor Harvey discusses how Marx's theories can be applied to contemporary global economic issues, making connections to current geopolitical contexts.
In this sixteenth class, Professor Harvey reflects on Marx's legacy and the ongoing relevance of his theories in today's world. Participants will engage in discussions about the future of Marxist thought and its potential impact on modern socio-economic landscapes.
This final class serves as a conclusion to the course, summarizing the key insights gained from both volumes of Marx's Capital. Professor Harvey encourages participants to continue exploring and applying Marxist theories in their own contexts.