Though one of the most consequential doctrines of modern history, Marxism is now in grave crisis and has been written off by many. This course will explore the essentials of Marxism, evaluate its various interpretations, and assess its future in light of recent capitalist victories. Roughly half the sessions will be devoted to the basic writings of Marx and the remainder to key texts of other Marxist thinkers, for example, Lenin, Stalin, Mao, Gramsci and Marcuse, among others. Limited to 25 students. Open to first-year students.

The title of the course is that of a recently published volume by the instructor. The course tracks the main theme of this work, that spirituality is produced historically and plays complex political roles even as it relates people to what is beyond. We shall consider the ambivalent function of religion, the spiritual aspects of various forms of politics, such as fascism and communism, New Age spiritual movements, and the nature of visionary/utopian practice.