POLS 3080 - Eco-Socialist Political Thought 3 s.h.

Marx’s critique of capitalism has been seen historically as a powerful description of how human labor-power is exploited for profit. The last half-century, however, has seen the rise of theories that link the Marxist critique of capitalism with a radical environmentalist approach. This approach, broadly titled eco-socialism, combines Marxist approaches to capitalism, imperialism, and environmentalism. Eco-socialism posits that the environmental degradation witnessed under capitalism is as inevitable for the functioning of the system as its exploitation of the working class, and that solutions to the environmental crises of our era cannot be found within capitalism, but only in a future, sustainable, socialist society. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the normative critique of capitalism represented by these theories and appreciation for the larger and complex questions linking the environmental crises of this era with potential solutions. A-E Only. Offered annually.
LA
SUSF
Prerequisite(s): SoS or 3 s.h. POLS.