HS 233 - Communism: A Global History

(3.00 cr.)

Examines the history of communism from the conception of this political ideology in the mid-ninteenth century to the collapse of communist states in eastern Europe and the U.S.S.R. between 1989-1991. The course analyzes the economic and social consequences of the industrial revolution that inspired Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels to write The Communist Manifesto, then focuses on how communism took power and was experienced in different parts of the world, and how it inspired anti-imperialist movements in southeast Asia and Africa in the context of the global struggle between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. for supremacy during the cold war years (1945-1991). It concludes by juxtaposing the collapse of communism in eastern Europe and the U.S.S.R. with the economic reforms made by the communist party of China and with an assessment of how the term "Communist" is used in political speech in the U.S. today.

Prerequisite: HS 100 .
Restrictions: Open to students with catalogue year 2022-2023 or beyond.

Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Varies

Interdisciplinary Studies: GT