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: 2007/2008
INTRODUCTION:
Political Economy is a Science as well as an Art. But there has been much dispute among scholars as to what has made Political Economy a Science or as an Art. The answer to this question cannot be found or stated except in theory.
As a Science it is easier to say because Political Economy, since it becomes an independent science, has made great advance in developing concepts, methods, theories and approaches to capture and explain the changes and transformation of human society.
As an Art it is more controversial. Yet this can be understood if one sees Political Economy as a class partisan science whose origin were made up of theories to promote the interest of the capitalist class but later developed other perspectives with working-class orientation.
Therefore, it is both a Science and an Art. It is a most living discipline with methodologies which searches for analysis of the changes that occur in human society. In order to make analysis contradictory theories and ideas battle with each other.
Grant Theories i.e. classical, Neo-Classical and Marxian theories are in contest with each other. One more dominant than the other at any historical moment as the relations of class forces defines the situation.
Needless to stress the understanding of the current globalization is overwhelmingly within the framework of classical and Neo-Classical Political Economy. Accordingly, the other grand method, very influential in the science is generally being relegated. This is the Marxian Political Economy. The development of Marxian Political Economy arose hundreds of years ago out of the controversy with Bourgeoisie perspectives on the Science. To allow those old theories and methods predominance implies that 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 Economy methods 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 today? Can Marxian theories of imperialism help to understand the relationship between the developed and the developing world today? 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. In many academic circles it meets only with indifference and or contempt. At best it is no longer recognized as body of ideas to study. Most students 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.
However, 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".
The Central focus of the course in this academic session is Marxist theory in the age of globalization. The course has identified seven areas for treatment. Firstly, Political Economy as Science and Art, the concept, the history and the subject-matter; Secondly, Theoretical Perspectives; Thirdly, is the methodological and theoretical foundation of Marxian Political Economy as well as the main elements of the theory; fourth, is Revolutionary Politics in the twenty-first century including anti-globalisation and socialist revolution; Fifth, is the New faces of Marxism in the twenty-first century; Sixth is on Marxist Politics and ideology in Nigeria; finally, there will be a survey of literature by students on Marxist politics in Nigeria.
In order to understand these issues, we would study many works on the thought of Marx. Many of these works by Marx and some analyses of these works. Therefore, we would not be saying that everything about Marx is the only truth. This will defeat the essence of learning by inhibiting the dialogue necessary for teaching and learning.
Finally, by way of an advice of a teacher to his students, let me speak in the thinking and words of Marx that "there is only one royal road to science". This road is that you must work hard, you may find it very difficult but just try your best. You have come here to learn, try to learn something. A process of learning brings self-transformation. So, be it.


TOPICS AND READINGS
1. General Introduction
Introducing the course; the topics to be treated; the readings; Course Requirements; Assessment of the teaching 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? A Science and an Art; Political Economy in Crisis:
Required Readings
Bruno S. Frey, Modern Political Economy 1-33
Caparaso and Levine, Theories of Political Economy. Chapter 1
Beckman B. "Political Science and Political Economy". In Barongo Y. R. (ed.), Political Science in Africa: A Critical Review
Eskor Toyo, "Primary Requirements for the Unity of Political Science and Economics". In Borongo Y. R. (ed.) op. cit.
Eskor Toyo, "The mode of Production Nucleous as integrator of Economic and Political Sciences. In NJPS Vol. 2 No. 2
Henry Sidgwick, The priciples of Politial Economy. Chapter 11
Henry Sidgwick, The Art of Political Economy. Chapter 1
Wikipedia, "Political Economy" Website
Claus Offe, "Politilcal Economy: Sociological perspectives". In Robert E.G. and Klingman (ed). A New Hanbook of Political Science.
Eaton J. Political Economy Pgs. 1-17
Meskeren, The Marxist. Leninist Concept of Political Economy.". in Meskeren: A Quarterly Ideological Journal of the Central Committee of COPWE.
Jan-Eric Lane and Suante Erson, Conparative Political Economy: A Developmental Approach.
Robert Gilpin, The Political Economy of International Relations. Chapter 1
Sergeillym and Motylev, What is Political Economy
G.A. Kozlov, Political Economy: Capitalism. Chapter 1
Henry George, Science of Political Economy Chapters 8, 9, and 12
Pablo Levin, "Political Economy at the Close of its Subject-matter". The Journal of Management and Economics
J.K. Ingram, A History of Political Economy
Sismonde de Sismonde, Political Economy. Chapter 1
Otwin Marenin, "Essence and Empiricism in African politics". In Borongo Y. (ed.) op. cit.
3. Theoretical Perspectives on the Science of Political Economy
Required Readings
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.
Robert Golpin. Op.Cit Chapter 2
A. B. Atkinson, "Political Economy: Old and New". In Robert E. G. and Klingermann (ed). Op. cit.
James E.A. and Alberto A. "Political Economy: An Overview". In Robert E.G and Klingermann (ed). Op. Cit.
Ernest Mandel, Marxist Economic Theory. Chater 18
G.A. Kozlov. Op. Cit. Pgs. 12-17
Caporaso and Lavine Op. Cit.
Bruno S. Frey Op. Cit.
Progress Publisher, Present-Day Non-Marxist Political Economy: a Critical Analysis.
4. 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.
5. 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
Bade Onimode, Op. cit. Chapters 4, 5 and 9
G. A. Kozlov, Op. Cit. chapters 4 and 9
Ernest Mandel, Op. Cit. Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
Robert Gilpin, Op. Cit. Chapter 7
Paul M. Sweezy, The Theory of Capitalist Development. Chapters 1, 4, 6 and 12.
Hymer S. "The Multinational Corporation and the Law of Uneven Development". In Hugo Radice (ed.). International Firms and Modern Imperialism.
Geofrey Kay, Development and Underdevelopment: A Marxist Analysis. Chapters 2, 4, and 5.
6. Continuous Relevance of Marxist Theory in the current era of globalisation
Required Readings
Allen Woods and Bob Sawell, "What is Marxism" Website.
John Gledhill, "What’s New What’s global and What’s Marxism at the end of the 20th century? Website
Adam Barnhant, "Postmodern theory and Karl Marx". Website
Alex Callinicos, "An anti-capitalist Manifesto". Website
Schimitt R. Introduction to Marx and Engels. Pgs 1-11
Karl Marx and Frederick Engels, Manifesto of the Communist Party. Selected works Vol. I
Nancy Fraser, "A future for Marxism" Website
John Kilcullen, Marx on capitalism. Website
Chu Van Cap, Marx and Engels on Economic globalization
Douglas Kellner, Globalisation and the Postmodern Turn.
Douglas Kellner, Theorising Globalisation. Website
Giovanni Reyes, Theory of globalization; Fundamental Basis
Gail Omvedt, Marx on globalisation
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
Bade Onimode Op. Cit. Chapter 11
Poul M. Sweezy Op. Cit. Chapter 13
Lenin, State and Revolution: Popular Outline
Nicos Poulantzas, Classes in Contemporary Capitalism
Nicos Poulantzas, State, Power and Socialism
Holloway J. and Picciot S. (eds.) State and Capital: A Marxist
Debate
Robin Murray, "Internationalisation of Capital and the Nation State", In Hugo Reduce Op. Cit.
Williams I. Robinson, "Capitalist Globalisation and Transnationalisation of State. Website
Colin Barker, "A note on the Theory of Capitalist State". Website
Ernest Mandel. " Marxist Theory of the State. Website
Rai Tabor, "The Marxist Theory of the State". Website
Bob Jessop, "Globalisation and the National-State". Website
Joo Hyoung J1, "Globalisation and the Nation-State". Website
Lisa Watanabe. "Legacies of Miliband and Poulantzas". Website
Gary Dean, "Globalisation and the Nation-State". Website
Chris Harman, "The State and Capitalism Today". Website
9. Marxist Theory: Globalisation and Imperialism
Required Readings
Karl Marx, Manifesto of Communist Party
Lenin, Imperialism: The Highest Stage of Capitalism
Ellen Wood, Empire of Capital
Hardt and Negri, Empire
Anthony Brewer, Theories of Imperialism. A Critical Review
Eskor Toyo, Background to globalization
D.W. Nabudere, The Political Economy of Imperialism
Yash Tandon, Globalisation and the South: The Logic of Exploitation
James Petras and Henry Veltoneyer, Globalisation Unmasked: Imperialism in the 21st Century
Lorimer Doug, Imperialism in the 21st Century: War, Neo-liberalism and Globalisation
Chris Harman, "Analysing Imperialism". In International Socialism
Immanuel Wallerstein, "Us weakness and the Struggle for Hegemony". Monthly Review July-August, 2003
Peter Gowan, "Us Hegemony Today. Monthly Review Op. Cit
John Bellary Fonster, "The New Age of Imperialism". Monthly Review Op. Cit
Ray Kiely, "Capitalist Expansion and the Imperialism-Globalisation Debate". Contemporary Marxist Explanations
Nick Beans, "The Significance and Impliations of Globalisation: A Marxist Assessment".
Jan Otto Anderson, "Imperialism: Marxist Analysis". Website
Chu Van Cap, "Marx and Engels on Economic Globalisation". Website.
Dave Renton (ed). Introduction to Marx on Globalisation
Ernest Mandel, Op. Cit. Chapter 13
G. a. Kozlov, Op. Cit Chapters 10, 11, and 12
10. Marxist Theory: Imperialism, Dependency and World Economy
Required Readings
Anthony Brewer, Op. Cit
Robert Gilpin, Op. Cit. Chapter 7
Bill Warren, Imperialism: Pioneers of Capitalism
Vicky Randal and Robin Theobald, Political Change and Underdevelopment
Paul M. Sweezy, Op. Cit. Chapter 16
Bade Onimode Op. Cit. Chapter 12
Robert Brenner, The Boom and the Bubble
11. Revolutionary Politics for the 21st Century: Anti-Globalisation Struggle
Required Readings
John Holloway, Change the World Without Taking Power.
M. Rupert, " Re-reading Gramsci in an era of Globalising Capitalism: Reflections on the possibility of a Transnational War of Position"
Walden Bello, "The Struggle for a Deglobalised World". Website
Website, Globalisation and International Working Class: A Marxist Assessment of the International Committee of the Fourth International
Hardt and Negro, Op. Cit
Website, "Marxism, Globalisation and Politics in Hardt and Negri’s Empire
In Defence of Marxism, "Anti-globalisation and Marxism". Website
New Formulation, "Theory of the "Anti-globalisation movement". Website
David Barber, "The Anti-globalisation Movement". Website
Wage Slave, "A Marxist Critique of Anti-globalisation Movement". Website
The Beirut Declaration and Action Plan, "Where Next for the Global Anti-War and Anti-Globalisation Movement"? Website
Wikipedia, "Anti Globalisation".
Christine B.N. et al, "Conceptualising Resistance to Globalisation". In B. K Gills (ed). Globalisation and Politics of Resistance
Gregory Albo, "The Unexpected Revolution. Venezuela Confronts Neo-Liberalism
Steve Ellner, "Left Goals and the Debate Over Anti-Neo_Liberal Strategy in Latin America". Science and Society.
Alex Callinicos, "State of Discotent". Socialist Review
Neo Simutany, "Neo-Liberalism and the Relevance of Marxism to Africa: The case of Zambia". Conference Paper
Ronald H. Chilcote, Post-Marxism: The retreat from Class in Latin America. Latin American Perspectives Vol. 72 No.2
John Holloway and Eloina Palaez, Zapatista: Reinventing the Revolution in Mexico.
Albo G. The Unexpected Revolution: Venezuela Confronts Neo-Liberalism
Karl Marx, "Critique of the Gotha Programme". In Selected Works
Karl Marx, "The Civil War in France". In Selected Works
Karl Marx, "The Communist Manifesto". In Selected Works.
James Petras, A Marxist Critique of Post-Marxists.
12. Marxist Theory: Globalisation, Socialist Revolution and Socialism
Required Readings
Bade Onimode Op. Cit Pgs. 244-250
Ernest Mandel, Op. Cit. Chapters 16 and 17
G. A. Kozlov, Political Economy: Socialism
Leslie Sklair, Globalisation, Capitalism and its Alternatives. Chapters 10, 11, and 12
Poul M. Sweezy, Op. Cit. Chapter 19
james Petras, "The Struggle for Socialism Today".
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
Yusuf Bala Usman and Yusuf Bangura: Debate on the Nigerian Economic Crisis
Yusufu Bala Usman, For the Liberation of Nigeria
Ebenezer Babatope, Nigeria: The Socialist Alternative
Eddie Manunagu, Problems of Socialism" The Nigerian Challenge
M.A. Rimi, Marxism and African Reality: Solidarity Message to the Seminar on Marx and Africa.
M.A. Rimi, Ideology of Nigerian Progressive
Eno Edet Traore, Realists, Trotskyites and Anarchists: An Open Letter to Balarabe Musa.
Ola Oni, Towards A Socialist Political system for Nigeria: The Programme for the Working People
Eskor Toyo, The Third Republic and the Working-Class
Abubakar Mohammad, Left formations in Nigeria
M.M. Yusuf, Human Rights Movement in Nigeria: Old and New. Conference Paper
Ellen Wood, "Marxism without Class Struggle". Socialist Register
Ellen Wood, Retreat from Class
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
Karl Marx, "The British Rule in India". Selected Works Vol. 1
Karl Marx, "The Future Results of British Rule in India". Selected Works Vol. 1
Karl Marx, Grundrisse
Karl Marx, Wage Labour and Capital". Selected Works Vol. 1
Ernest Mondel, Late Capitalism
Claude Ake, A political Economy of Africa
Ralph Pattman, Understanding International Political Economy
J. A Williams, "Globalisation and Inequality: Past and Present". In J. A. Jeffrey and D. A. Laxe, International Political Economy
Richard W. M. Global Puzzle: Issues and Actions In World Politics
Martin Khor. Globalisation and the South: some Critical Issues
Dani R. "Sense and Nonsense in the Globalisation Debate". In Jeffrey and Lake Op. Cit.
Phillip G. C. "Globalisation and the Changing Logic of Collective Action". In Jeffrey and Lake Op. Cit
Robert Gilpin, Global Political Economy: Understanding the International Economic Order.
Lyubisa mittrovie, "Globalisation and the New World Order". In Review of International Affairs Vol. 1 No. 1082.
Robert H. B. and Anne O. K. Political and Economic Interactions in Economic Policy Reform.
Cloude Ake, The Political Economy: Explanatory Notes on Marxian Legacy in Africa
Howardstarley, "Globalisation or Colonisation" Website
Manfred Bienefeld, " Dependency Theory and Political Economy of Africa’s Crisis".
Ernest Mandel, Late Capitalism
Berijamin Barber, Jihad and Mcworld: How Globalisation and Tribalism are reshaping the world
Irving M. Zeitlin, Marxism: A Re-examination.
Mika C. Capitalism Chapter 1
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.
14. Code of ethics in the class of M. M. Yusif
15. ICT for learning and Education: beyond information
16. Criticism-self-criticism session
17. Guidelines for small-research project
18. Progress Report on ICTs for learning and research
19. The underlying guides and principles of teaching in my class
20. Reflecting on Teaching Military and Politics
21. How to do research: What are the Problems
22. Information Age: Moving with ICTs to understand the World around us
23. Progress Report on the teaching of Peace and Conflict Studies