POL. 2204: FOUNDATION OF POLITICAL ECONOMY

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCEFACULTY OF SOCIAL AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCESBAYERO UNIVERSITY, KANO

POL. 2204: FOUNDATION OF POLITICAL ECONOMY

COURSE LECTURER: M.M. YUSUF
VENUE:TIME:SESSION: 2006/2007

INTRODUCTION:
The science of Political Economy is in crisis. In a motion of one step forward and two steps backward. While it had made great progress in developing concepts, methods, theories and approaches to capture the changes and transformation of human society, now it is dominated by an aged approach in analysis and understanding the current globalization.

The old approach is based on the principles of classical and neo-classical political economy and of politics of Liberalism. This is given a name as interdisciplinary political economy. To distinguish this Political Economy from “old” it is often called “The New Political Economy”.

Accordingly, important methods, very influential in the science are generally being relegated. This is the case of Marxist Political Economy. The development of Marxian Political Economy arose out of the controversy with Bourgeoisie perspectives on the science. This implies that with shift backward to classical and, neo-classical approaches, the science is carried back to the “Old” and the dead tradition.

My intention is to bring back Marxian Political Economy as a light to understanding and analysis of the contemporary globalization. Marxist Political Economy is defined here as an integration of Political Economic methods and analysis informed by theory and practice of working-class self- emancipation, as well as Marxist labour theory of value.

Consequently, we are going to ask many questions neglected by Nigerian students of today. Such as is Marx relevant to our world of the twenty-first century. What does revolutionary politics mean in the era of globalization; Is there imperialism? Do Marxian theories of imperialism help to understand the relationship between developed and developing world? What of classes and class struggle in the contemporary era of globalization? Etc.

In Nigeria, to be more specific, Marxist theory was the subject of increasing interest and of fervent discussions and debates in our universities. Students and Lecturers developed many theories and creative ways of practicalising them. Today, in many academic circles it meets only with indifference and or contempt. At best it is no longer recognized. Most students and lecturers do not know about it. Those who knew it have set it aside. Others would say socialism has collapsed. So there is no need of Marxist theory.

If socialism as a political practice has collapsed socialist ideas and Marxist theory are still alive. Indeed, Marxist theory is daily being enriched with new ideas to be used to understand changes in world today. That is what we intend to do in “Foundation of Political Economy”.

Therefore, the central focus of the course in this academic session is Marxist theory in the age of globalization. The course has identified six areas for treatment. Firstly, is the concept, the history and the subject matter of Political Economy. Secondly, the “Old” and the “New” perspectives on Political Economy. Thirdly, is the methodological and theoretical foundation of Marxian Political Economy as well as the main elements in the theory. Fourth, is Revolutionary Politics in the twenty-first century; including anti-globalisation and socialist revolution. Fifth, is on Marxist Politics and Ideology in Nigeria. Finally, there will be a survey of literature by students on Marxist Politics in Nigeria.

Finally, by way of advice of a “teacher” to his students let me speak in the thinking and words of Marx, that in any work one is doing there is no opportunism and sycophancy and “there is only one royal road to science”. These mean that you must work hard. I like to see my students working hard that is the reason why I appreciated the present Level III students in their level II class of Political Economy. That I even call them my “Flowers”.

Conclusively, I want say that there is simply no way to understand Marxian Political Economy without hard work and serious intellectual effort. Indeed, the course will introduce central themes in the thought of Karl Marx, therefore, we would be reading excerpts from some of Marx’s most important works and of course of secondary interpretations of these works.

TOPICS AND READINGS

1. General Introduction

Introducing the course; the topics to be treated; the readings; course Requirements; Assessment of the programme by students; other issues;

2. The Subject matter of Political Economy

History of Political Economy; Unity of Political Science and Economics; a multidisciplinary course; in search of definitions; central concepts in Political Economy; What issues does it deal with? What method of investigation?
Required Readings

1. Bruno S. Frey, Modern Political Economy 1-33
2. Caparaso and Levine, Theories of Political Economy. Chapter 1
3. Beckman B. “Political Science and Political Economy”. In Barongo Y. R. (ed.), Political Science in Africa: A Critical Review
4. Eskor Toyo, “Primary Requirements for the Unity of Political Science and Economics”. In Borongo Y. R. (ed.) op. cit.
5. Eskor Toyo, “The mode of Production Nucleous as integrator of Economic and Political Sciences. In NJPS Vol. 2 No. 2
6. Henry Sidgwick, The priciples of Politial Economy. Chapter 11
7. Henry Sidgwick, The Art of Political Economy. Chapter 1
8. Wikipedia, “Political Economy” Website
9. Claus Offe, “Politilcal Economy: Sociological perspectives”. In Robert E.G. and Klingman (ed). A New Hanbook of Political Science.
10. Eaton J. Political Economy Pgs. 1-17
11. Meskeren, The Marxist. Leninist Concept of Political Economy.”. in Meskeren: A Quarterly Ideological Journal of the Central Committee of COPWE.
12. Jan-Eric Lane and Suante Erson, Conparative Political Economy: A Developmental Approach.
13. Robert Gilpin, The Political Economy of International Relations. Chapter 1
14. Sergeillym and Motylev, What is Political Economy
15. G.A. Kozlov, Political Economy: Capitalism. Chapter 1
16. Henry George, Science of Political Economy Chapters 8, 9, and 12
17. Pablo Levin, “Political Economy at the Close of its Subject-matter”. The Journal of Management and Economics
18. J.K. Ingram, A History of Political Economy
19. Sismonde de Sismonde, Political Economy. Chapter 1
20. Otwin Marenin, “Essence and Empiricism in African politics”. In Borongo Y. (ed.) op. cit.

3. Perspectives on the Science of Political Economy

Required Readings

1. James Petras and Kent Traclte (eds). “Liberal, Structural and Radical Approaches to Political Economy: An Assessment and an Alternative. In James Petras, Critical Perspectives on Imperialism and Social Classes in the Third World.
2. Robert Golpin. Op.Cit Chapter 2
3. A. B. Atkinson, “Political Economy: Old and New”. In Robert E. G. and Klingermann (ed). Op. cit.
4. James E.A. and Alberto A. “Political Economy: An Overview”. In Robert E.G and Klingermann (ed). Op. Cit.
5. Ernest Mandel, Marxist Economic Theory. Chater 18
6. G.A. Kozlov. Op. Cit. Pgs. 12-17
7. Caporaso and Lavine Op. Cit.
8. Bruno S. Frey Op. Cit.
9. Progress Publisher, Present-Day Non-Marxist Political Economy: a Critical Analysis.

4. Continuous Relevance of Marxist Theory Today

Required Readings

1. Allen Woods and Bob Sawelll, “What is Marxism” Website
2. John Gledhill, “What’s New, What’s global and What’s Marxism at the end of the 20th Century? Website
3. Adam Barnhant, “Postmodern Theory and Karl Marx”. Website
4. Callinicos, “An Anti-Capitalist Manifesto”. Website
5. Schmitt, Introduction to Marx and Engels Pgs. 1-11
6. Karl Marx and Frederick Engel. “Manifesto of the Communist Party”. In their Selected Works. Vol. 1

5. Marxian Political Economy: methodological and Theoretical Foundations. Historical Materialism; Elements of Marx’s Critique of Capitalism;

Required Readings
Bade Onimode, An Introduction to Marxist Political Economy. Chapters 1, 2, and 3.
T. B. Bottomore, Karl Marx: Selected Writing in Sociology and Social Philosophy Pgs. 1-67 and 178-202.
Caporaso and Levine, Op. it. Chapter 3
Karl Marx, The German Ideology, Chapter !; 178-208
Karl Marx, “Preface to a Contribution to the critique of Political Economy”. In Selected Works, Vol. 1
Karl Marx, Theses on Feuerback” in Selected Works.
Karl Marx, “Alienated Labor”. Selected Works
Karl Marx, “Commodities” and “Fetishism of Commodities”.
M. Rupert and H. Smith (eds).Historical Materialism and Globalisation.


6. Marx’s Theory of Capitalist Development: Surplus-Value and Capitalism; the Falling Tendency of the Rate of Profit; Values and Prices; Capitalist Crisis.

Required Readings

1. Bade Onimode, Op. cit. Chapters 4, 5 and 9
2. G. A. Kozlov, Op. Cit. chapters 4 and 9
3. Ernest Mandel, Op. Cit. Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
4. Robert Golpin, Op. Cit. Chapter 7
5. Paul M. Sweezy, The Theory of Capitalist Development. Chapters 1, 4, 6 and 12.
6. Hymer S. “The Multinational Corporation and the Law of Uneven Development”. In Hugo Radice (ed.). International Firms and Modern Imperialism.
7. Geofrey Kay, Development and Underdevelopment: A Marxist Analysis. Chapters 2, 4, and 5.

7. Marxist Theory: Globalisation, Classes and Class Divisions

Required Readings

David Yatle, “The Political and Economics of Globalisation. Website
Leslie Sklair, “The Transnational Capitalist class and the Discourse of Globalisation”. Website.
William I. Robinson and Jerry Harris”, Towards a Global Ruling-Class: Globalisation and Transnational Capitalist Class”. Website
Style, “A Theory of Global Capitalism-Production, Class and State in a Transnational World. Website
Chris Spannos, “The Third Wave and the Third Class”. Website
Alejandro Colas. The Class Politics of Globalisation”. Website.
Harry Cleaver, “ The Inversion of Class Perspective in Marxian Theory: From Valorisation to Self-valorisation

8. Marxist Theory, Globalisation and State

Required Readings

1- Bade Onimode Op. Cit. Chapter 11
2- Poul M. Sweezy Op. Cit. Chapter 13
3- Lenin, State and Revolution: Popular Outline
4- Nicos Poulentzas, Classes in Contemporary Capitalism
5- Nicos Poulantzas, State, Power and Socialism
6- Holloway J. and Picciot S. (eds.) State and Capital: A Marxist
Debate
7- Robin Murray, “International of Capital and the Nation State”, In Hugo Reduce Op. Cit.
8- Williams I. Robinson, “Capitalist Globalisation and Transnationalisation of State. Website
9- Colin Barker, “A note on the Theory of Capitalist State”. Website
10- Ernest Mandel. “ Marxist Theory of the State. Website
11- Rai Tabor, “The Marxist Theory of the State”. Website
12- Bob Jessop, “Globalisation and the National-State”. Website
13- Joo Hyoung J1, “Globalisation and the Nation-State”. Website
14- Lisa Watanabe. “Legacies of Miliband and Poulantzas”. Website
15- Gary Dean, “Globalisation and the Nation-State”. Website
16- Chris Harman, “The State and Capitalism Today”. Website

9. Marxist Theory: Globalisation and Imperialism

Required Readings

1- Karl Marx, Manifesto of Communist Party
2- Lenin, Imperialism: The Highest Stage of Capitalism
3- Ellen Wood, Empire of Capital
4- Hardt and Negri, Empire
5- Anthony Brewer, Theories of Imperialism. A Critical Review
6- Eskor Toyo, Background to globalization
7- D.W. Nabudere, The Political Economy of Imperialism
8- Yash Tandon, Globalisation and the South: The Logic of Exploitation
9- James Petras and Henry Veltoneyer, Globalisation Unmasked: Imperialism in the 21st Century
10- Lorimer Doug, Imperialism in the 21st Century: War, Neo-liberalism and Globalisation
11- Chris Harman, “Analysing Imperialism”. In International Socialism
12- Immanuel Wallerstein, “Us weakness and the Struggle for Hegemony”. Monthly Review July-August, 2003
13- Peter Gowan, “Us Hegemony Today. Monthly Review Op. Cit
14- John Bellary Fonster, ”The New Age of Imperialism”. Monthly Review Op. Cit
15- Ray Kiely, “Capitalist Expansion and the Imperialism-Globalisation Debate”. Contemporary Marxist Explanations
16- Nick Beans, “The Significance and Impliations of Globalisation: A Marxist Assessment”.
17- Jan Otto Anderson, “Imperialism: Marxist Analysis”. Website
18- Chu Van Cap, “Marx and Engels on Economic Globalisation”. Website.
19- Dave Renton (ed). Introduction to Marx on Globalisation
20- Ernest Mandel, Op. Cit. Chapter 13
21- G. a. Kozlov, Op. Cit Chapters 10, 11, and 12

10. Marxist Theory: Imperialism, Dependency and World Economy

Required Readings

1- Anthony Brewer, Op. Cit
2- Robert Gilpin, Op. Cit. Chapter 7
3- Bill Warren, Imperialism: Pioneers of Capitalism
4- Vicky Randal and Robin Theobald, Political Change and Underdevelopment
5- Paul M. Sweezy, Op. Cit. Chapter 16
6- Bade Onimode Op. Cit. Chapter 12
7- Robert Brenner, The Boom and the Bubble




11. Revolutionary Politics for the 21st Century: Anti-Globalisation Struggle

Required Readings

1. John Holloway, Change the World Without Taking Power.
2. M. Rupert, “ Re-reading Gramsci in an era of Globalising Capitalism: Reflections on the possibility of a Transnational War of Position”
3. Walden Bello, “The Struggle for a Deglobalised World”. Website
4. Website, Globalisation and International Working Class: A Marxist Assessment of the International Committee of the Fourth International
5. Hardt and Negro, Op. Cit
6. Website, “Marxism, Globalisation and Politics in Hardt and Negri’s Empire
7. In Defence of Marxism, “Anti-globalisation and Marxism”. Website
8. New Formulation, “Theory of the “Anti-globalisation movement”. Website
9. David Barber, “The Anti-globalisation Movement”. Website
10. Wage Slave, “A Marxist Critique of Anti-globalisation Movement”. Website
11. The Beirut Declaration and Action Plan, “Where Next for the Global Anti-War and Anti-Globalisation Movement”? Website
12. Wikipedia, “Anti Globalisation”.
13. Christine B.N. et al, “Conceptualising Resistance to Globalisation”. In B. K Gills (ed). Globalisation and Politics of Resistance
14. Gregory Albo, “The Unexpected Revolution. Venezuela Confronts Neo-Liberalism
15. Steve Ellner, “Left Goals and the Debate Over Anti-Neo_Liberal Strategy in Latin America”. Science and Society.
16. Alex Callinicos, “State of Discotent”. Socialist Review
17. Neo Simutany, “Neo-Liberalism and the Relevance of Marxism to Africa: The case of Zambia”. Conference Paper
18. Karl Marx, “Critique of the Gotha Programme”. In Selected Works
19. Karl Marx, “The Civil War in France”. In Selected Works
20. Karl Marx, “The Communist Manifesto”. In Selected Works

12. Marxist Theory: Globalisation, Socialist Revolution and Socialism

Required Readings

1. Bade Onimode Op. Cit Pgs. 244-250
2. Ernest Mandel, Op. Cit. Chapters 16 and 17
3. G. A. Kozlov, Political Economy: Socialism
4. Leslie Sklair, Globalisation, Capitalism and its Alternatives. Chapters 10, 11, and 12
5. Poul M. Sweezy, Op. Cit. Chapter 19
6. james Petras, “The Struggle for Socialism Today”.
7. James Petras, “Globalisation: A Socialist Perspective”.


13. Marxist Politics and Ideology in Nigeria. This will cover three different areas

i. A Survey of Literature on Marxist Political Economy in Nigeria
ii. Globalization and Working-Class Struggles in Nigeria
iii. The Rise and Decline of Marxist Politics and Ideology in Nigeria

Required Readings

1. Yusuf Bala Usman and Yusuf Bangura: Debate on the Nigerian Economic Crisis
2. Yusufu Bala Usman, For the Liberation of Nigeria
3. Ebenezer Babatope, Nigeria: The Socialist Alternative
4. Eddie Manunagu, Problems of Socialism” The Nigerian Challenge
5. M.A. Rimi, Marxism and African Reality: Solidarity Message to the Seminar on Marx and Africa.
6. M.A. Rimi, Ideology of Nigerian Progressive
7. Eno Edet Traore, Realists, Trotskyites and Anarchists: An Open Letter to Balarabe Musa.
8. Ola Oni, Towards A Socialist Political system for Nigeria: The Programme for the Working People
9. Eskor Toyo, The Third Republic and the Working-Class
10. Abubakar Mohammad, Left formations in Nigeria
11. M.M. Yusuf, Human Rights Movement in Nigeria: Old and New. Conference Paper
12. Ellen Wood, “Marxism Without Class Struggle”. Socialist Register
13. Ellen Wood, Retreat from Class

14. Report on semester Group Projects. The reports will be exchanged among the seminars to write small research project response paper. Both the reports and the response papers are to be presented during this period.

15. Conclusion:

Concluding remarks by the course instructor on the course and performance of the students during the course work; critical comments by students on their classroom experience and view on the subject-matter of the course; and assessment of the education received; then any other things.

Joint Readings

1. Karl Marx, “The British Rule in India”. Selected Works Vol. 1
2. Karl Marx, “The Future Results of British Rule in India”. Selected Works Vol. 1
3. Karl Marx, Grundrisse
4. Karl Marx, Wage Labour and Capital”. Selected Works Vol. 1
5. Ernest Mondel, Late Capitalism
6. Claude Ake, A political Economy of Africa
7. Ralph Pattman, Understanding International Political Economy
8. J. A Williams, “Globalisation and Inequality: Past and Present”. In J. A. Jeffrey and D. A. Laxe, International Political Economy
9. Richard W. M. Global Puzzle: Issues and Actions In World Politics
10. Martin Khor. Globalisation and the South: some Critical Issues
11. Dani R. “Sense and Nonsense in the Globalisation Debate”. In Jeffrey and Lake Op. Cit.
12. Phillip G. C. “Globalisation and the Changing Logic of Collective Action”. In Jeffrey and Lake Op. Cit
13. Robert Gilpin, Global Political Economy: Understanding the International Economic Order.
14. Lyubisa mittrovie, “Globalisation and the New World Order”. In Review of International Affairs Vol. 1 No. 1082.
15. Robert H. B. and Anne O. K. Political and Economic Interactions in Economic Policy Reform.
16. Cloude Ake, The Political Economy: Explanatory Notes on Marxian Legacy in Africa
17. Howardstarley, “Globalisation or Colonisation” Website
18. Manfred Bienefeld, “ Dependency Theory and Political Economy of Africa’s Crisis”.
19. Ernest Mandel, Late Capitalism
20. Berijamin Barber, Jihad Vs. Mcworld: How Globalisation and Tribalism are reshaping the world
21. Irving M. Zeitlin, Marxism: A Re-examination.

Course Requirements
The teaching of the course is by giving lectures on the topics outline above. Each topic is expected to be covered in one lecture period. When the duration of the semester is against my plan some topics may be combined and treated in one lecture period. However, the last thirty minutes of each period will be for presentation and discussion on chosen text or question for weekly assignment.

Assessment of students is based on end of the semester Examination (70%) and continues Assessment (30%). The C.A will be determined in the following ways:

Weekly Assignment/Participation in Class Discussion/Attendance
There will be weekly readings and presentation of the work for discussion. You will be divided into seminars and in the last 30 minutes of each period, a seminar will be called upon. Class participation is very important if every one is to learn from other people’s points of view. Therefore, when a seminar is called some will submit their reports while others will respond.

The report is not going to be simple summaries. They should bring out three things. First, is to briefly identify the issues raised in the text. Secondly, bring out one of the major issues and analyse the argument by giving a critique of it. Thirdly, in making the critique brings some empirical evidence to support your observation on the author’s argument.

My usual rule applies here too. That is that any student who missed one weekly assignment will not be awarded any mark for the weekly assignments (10%).

SMALL RESEARCH PROJECT
Each seminar will be involved in a small research project. The research paper will reflect the course coverage on “Marxist Theory and the current globalisation”. The paper is expected to be presented according to a standard of original contribution, with theoretical insights on the area of the research. A paper which has not followed the standard and or contains many typographical errors will not be graded (5%).

RESEARCH PROJECT RESPONSE PAPER
The small research project of each seminar will be given to another seminar to respond and present while the original authors will be by the side to defend their work.

ICT USAGE
We will source many of the teaching materials via the internet. I have hereby attached a paper for you on how to use internet. You are expected to develop the skills on how to use the New Communication System for learning and research. Every week you will go on internet. On any paper you write I want see a lot of internet input. As of students of POL.4301of 2005/2006 session, you too are hereby advised to form “internet partnership” and “cyber club”.

Then, each member of the class must have an e-mail account. The posting of relevant messages on the course is encouraged. Before the end of the semester, each seminar will e-mail me one work and anyone of you who wishes can e-mail me. If we succeed in making good use of ICT I will personally open e-mail account specifically for “foundation of Political Economy” (5%).

SUPERVISED TEST
There will be a test based on the paper “study guidelines for effective performance by my students”.

ATTENDANCE
Class attendance is very important. If you are going to miss my class, please notify me at least 24 hours in advance. When a seminar is called, anybody present will be awarded 5%. Anybody absent or for whatever reason is called and not present will get -5% from his/her total CA.

A SURVEY OF LITERATURE ON MARXIST POLITICAL ECONOMY IN NIGERIA
Before the end of the semester each seminar will make a survey of the literature and compile not less than 20 different texts on Marxist Political Economy in Nigeria. The survey is to be informed by the coverage and the subject-matter of this course (5%).

CRITICAL COMMENTS BY STUDENTS ON THEIR CLASSROOM EXPERIENCE
At the end of the semester each seminar will make a presentation on the classroom experience as specified on the teaching programme circulated.

ON BEING AGAINST PLAGIARISM
In order to purify the system of learning and research I have to take strict disciplinary action against any student who is found on plagiarism.

What is Plagiarism? In Oxford Mini reference Dictionary you find the following entries on the word plagiarism… “take and use (another’s writings, etc) as one’s own”.

To be precise, plagiarism is academic dishonesty. This includes dishonesty in assignments, tests or in short claiming credit for any work not done or done by others.

To avoid plagiarism you must not paraphrase someone else’s work and present it as your own. Again, all sources consulted should be properly acknowledged. While reviewing your colleagues work it must be strictly on what the authors wrote about.

The penalty is that any assignment found to be plagiarised will receive a zero. Also, any student found plagiarising in a test/examination will get a zero. Any student found in two instances of plagiarism will result in being assessed “00” in the overall continuous assessment on the course.

Learning Needs Skills
Learning, even in tertiary institutions is a complex relationships of so many skills. It requires communication skills, team work, study devices, use of modern Information and Communication Technology, etc.

The following learning guides which I have developed for my students in the last three years are also recommended for you. They are compulsory readings for all my students in the level 200. They can be found in my e-mail address: polbuk@yahoo.com

They are hereby listed below:
1. Assessing students examination papers: Marking Scheme
2. Enhancing students capacity in learning through the use of computers, internet and e-mail
3. Introducing Team/Group works in large classes
4. How to use internet to source reading materials
5. Study guidelines for effective performance by my students
6. How to make patterned notes from texts.
7. Writing Examination: A Communicative Approach
8. How to write group semester paper in large classes
9. How to write Book Review
10. Communicative writing: Exploring the concept
11. Taking Note in class lecture or from a Textbook
12. Using E-mail for Teaching, Learning and Research
13. Using E-Journals and E-Books for Teaching, Learning and Research.