In order to understand these contemporary developments and their origins more fully some time will be spent studying the legacies of the Soviet system and its impact on both Soviet and post-Soviet society and culture. The course seeks to explain the economic and social development of Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Bulgaria and the German Democratic Republic. There is considerable emphasis on comparative analysis and there are several distinct themes in the course. Though there is a nominal chronological outline this will be secondary to the development of these main themes and comparative analyses. The course aims to provide an introduction to the origins and development of modern Marxist, Communist and Stalinist movements.
Social democracy is discussed in so far as it relates to Marxist or Communist movements.
This course concentrates on political ideas and movements rather than economic or philosophical questions, as these are treated separately in other courses. In order to deal with the material in more depth, the course normally stresses either, thinkers and ideas or movements, depending on the preferences of students. Other divisions are also possible. The development of Marxist thought is traced from its emergence in Germany, through its adoption in Russia, Eastern Europe and China. Its evolution and transformation in these areas is examined in relation to the local intellectual, political, economic and social factors.