Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences

Ibn Zohr University

Department of English Studies

Module: Introduction into Cultural Studies

Semester IV

Prof. Monir BIROUK

 Why not doing it another way? To Understand
Marxism, Let’s Answer these Questions then!

Who is Marx?

For Marx, history should be explained by examining the material
conditions of existence in each period. Why does he mean?

According to Marx, each period in history was defined by a certain mode
of production. Could name three of them?

What are the basic features of capitalism? From a Marxist point of view,
what’s wrong with capitalism?

Why the workers are often not aware of their position as an oppressed
class? What expression does he use to describe this state?

Economy plays a determinant role in Marx’s analysis of the capitalist
system. Look at the base-superstructure model (slide) and write a few
statements to describe it.

For Marx, culture corresponds to the superstructure. What function does
culture play in the capitalist society?

What do you think about the Marxist theory?
Pyramid of Capitalist System
 It is not the consciousness of men that
determines their existence but their social
existence that determines their consciousness"?'

Marx. A Contribution to the Critique of Political Economy (1859)

God has not created man, but man has created god.

Religion is the opium of the masses.

The changes in the economic foundation lead, sooner
or later, to the transformation of the whole, immense,
superstructure.

Marx from the preface to A Contribution to the Critique of Political

Economy (1859)
Task 1: capitalism

Which of these ideas are more likely to support a capitalist system/ideology?


Sharing is important

Being competitive is important

Saving my money and spending it on myself is good and right

Some people have less that others, that is just the way things are

The state should help the poor

I want to own my own house and car

I feel exploited in my work, and removed from it (alienated)

I want to speak to other people who feel oppressed and exploited and join
together to create a revolution to overthrow the current system

Religion helps me to feel better about my position in society and explains
why I am poor.
 Task 2 : Marxist concepts

Match the following statements to the appropriate concept (in the next
slide).


When a communistic or socialist society would take over from capitalism.

The wage slaves that have to work for the bourgeoisie in order to survive.
They own nothing.

Land, Labour and Capital.

Communal ownership, equitable distribution and ultimately the end of class
division.

The economic system, which produces goods, and services, which satisfy
the wants and needs.

The situation in which workers become aware of their exploited position.

We see our exploitation as just, natural, and proper.

The ruling class who own the factors of production and employ the workers.
Task 2 : Marxist concepts

Match the following statements to the appropriate concept


Capitalism

Bourgeoisie

Factors or Means of Production.

Class Consciousness

The Final Epoch

Proletariat

False Consciousness

Socialism