BAYERO UNIVERSITY, KANO
FACULTY OF SOCIAL AND MANAGEMENT
SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
POL 2204: FOUNDATION OF POLITICAL
ECONOMY
SUB-TITLE: Capitalist State in
Marxian Political Economy
Instructor: M. M. Yusif
Academic Year: 2014/2015
Introduction
There is increasing development of ideas on the
importance of politics in shaping social change in modern society. This has raised further controversy in
Marxist theory on the relationship between the economic base and the political
and ideological superstructures.
The debate goes on that the problem of human society
today, is no longer the adequacy of resources or their allocation, but they way
that they are produced and who decides and for what. As it is observed by a famous political theorist,
“these problems are settled as much in the political arena as in production”.
This has promoted growing importance of state and
its agents and institutions in every society- - from advance industrial to
third World.
Description of
the Course
Our experience of the repressive nature of the state
dismisses the argument of those who think we can use state power to our
advantage
A very simplistic view of the state which project it
as something that we can rely for all we need is not enough. It is necessary that we understand both what
the state is and how its function in the society changes.
We have seen the state as a welfare institution but
now confronted with privatization of state services. This is not accidental.
So without a clear understanding of what the state
is and how its role and function is changing, it will all be too easy to be led
into a simplistic position that the state is an instrument of conspiracy of
capital or else to move into liberal campaign that seek to lobby the state for
all we need or to solve our problem.
Another dangerous expression about state is that it
is seen as the Government, therefore it is used interchangeably with Government
or just with public sector. While the
state has many connections with the government, but it can exist even if there
is no Government.
The objective of this course is to introduce
students to the debates and controversy around the social form of capitalist
state in Marxian Political Economy.
Beginning with traditional Marxist state theory which
periscope the state as an instrument, we would move to other perspectives of
state as class struggle and the structuralist determination of the state in
capitalist mode of production.
These would raise complex questions like the
relationship between state and capital, state and classes as well as the
political orientation of the state. Such
questions are going to be examined, including on the nature and character of
state in peripheral society.
The course is divided into seven parts of a single
process of an analysis of state from a Marxian Political Economy.
One is the varied perspectives on what is Political
Economy. What is the subject-matter and
its concern in making analysis in order to understand human society
Second is the method of Marxian Political
Economy. There are many strands of
theories in the science of Political Economy, but the rise of Marxism makes it
an independent science, which further development of ideas both within Marxian
theory and outside set in motion a decline of the original character of the
science.
Third is the methodological problem in the study of
state theory in Marxist Theory.
Fourth is examination of forms and functions of
state
Fifth is the state theory from Marxian
perspectives. The traditional Marxist
theory from Marx to Lenin Springs up questions and debate on nature of
capitalist state. These would be
examined.
Sixth is the character of state in peripheral
society. Diverse theories and their
implication for capitalist development would also be treated.
Lastly is going to be a theoretical conclusion and
reflections on political implication of the class perspectives on state.
Topics and
Reading
1. General Introduction: Introducing the
course; topics and recommended reading; course requirements; aid for learning
and research; assessment of teaching programme by students; socialization;
division of students into seminars, etc.
Reading
a.
CITAD, How to
use internet
b.
M. M. Yusif, How
to write small research project
c.
David Garson,
Handbook of Political Science Methods. Chapter 7
d.
M. M. Yusif, How
to make pattern notes
For Discussion
-
Take any term in
political science and conceptualise it
-
Go online,
source any relevant text on the subject matter of this course and make a
pattern note of it. Don’t forget to
mention the author, the title and from which site you got it
2. Political
Economy: What is it and what is it not?
Reading
a.
Esko Toyo;
Primary Requirements for the Unity of Political Science and Economics”. In
Barongo (ed.) Political Science in Africa: A Critical Review
b.
______________,
“The mode of production nucleus as integrator of economic and political
sciences”, NJPS Vol. 2 No.2
c.
______________,
“Political Economy is a multidisciplinary science”. NJPE
d.
______________,
“The Return of political economy”. JPE Vol. 1 No. 1
e.
______________,
“The Gulbemkian Commission Report on the restructuring of the Social Sciences:
A Rejoinder
f.
Izugbara C. O.
The Gulbenkian Report and Esko Toyos Fury: A Rejoinder
g.
Beckman, B.
“Political Science and Political Economy”. In Barongo (ed.) o.p cit
h.
Ernest Mandel,
Marxist Economic Theory. Chapter 18
i.
Kozlaw G. A. A
Political Economy: Capitalism. Chapter 1
j.
James Petras”,
Liberal, Structural and Radical Approaches to Political Economy: An assessment
and an alternative”. In James Petras (ed.) Class and Conflict in Latin America
k.
Antonia Merlo,
“Whither political economy? Theories, facts and issues
l.
Caparaso and
Levine, Theories of Political Economy. Chapter I
m.
Bruno S. Frey,
Modern Political Economy Chapters 10, 11 and 12
For Discussion
-
How do you
distinguish political economy analysis from non-political economy analysis
3. Marx,
Marxism and the Question of Method
Reading
a.
David Garson,
op. cit chapter 1
b.
Caparaso and
Levine op. cit chapter 4
c.
Paul M. S. The
theory of capitalist development. Chapter 1
d.
Bade Onimode, An
introduction to Marxist Political Economy. Chapter 1 and 2
e.
Alex Callinicos,
“David Harvey and Marxism”. In David Haevey (ed.) A Critical Reader.
f.
David Harvey, A
companion to Marxs capital pgs 1-14
For Discussion
-
The significance
of Marxist theory is that it shows the way of how everything related to
everything, so as to contextualize a social problem adequately
-
Marxism is a
theory and a method. How? Demonstrate
4. Methodology
and the state study: towards a theory of state
Reading
a.
Barrow C. W.
Critical Theories of the State: Marxist, Neo-Marxist, Post-Marxist. Pgs 3-12
b.
Bob J. The
capitalist state pgs 211-260
c.
Robert L. A. and
Roger F. Powers of Theory: Capitalism, the state and Democracy. Introduction
and chapter
d.
John H. and Sol
P. State and Capita;: A Marxist Debate pgs 1-31
e.
Marcin Carnoy,
the state and political theory pgs 3-9
For Discussion
-
There is no
particular explanation of the state is definitively proven by any empirical
evidence used to illustrate the competing claims of different approaches. The power of theories here is their ability
to reduce the complexity of the empirical evidence to a very few orderly
constructs which appears as theories.
-
In Marxian
Tradition there is no general thinking that came out as a single and general
theory of state. Do you agree?
5. Capitalist
State: What types of state
Reading
a.
Bob J. The
future of the capitalist state. Various especially chapters 1 and 5
b.
Lenin, The
renegade Kautsky
c.
Lucio Colletti,
Lenin’s state and revolution
d.
Norman Geras,
“Luxembourg and Trotsky on the contradictions of Bourgeoisie Democracy
For Discussion
-
Bourgeoisie
crafted democracy to govern, but can also govern without democracy.
-
Bourgeoisie democracy
is an art of the Bourgeoisie as even where majority of citizens are workers
that does not stop the state being a capitalist state. Discuss
-
Read and
summarise by pattern note style chapter 5 of Bob Jessop above and ask some
questions
6. Functions
of the capitalist state
Reading
a.
Bob J.
Capitalist State: Marxist Theories and Methods pgs 78-141
b.
Bernhard Blank
and Others”. On the current Marxist Discussion on the analysis of form and
function of the Bourgeoisie state. In
John H. and Sol P. (ed.) op. cit
c.
Heide G. “Class
conflict, competition and state functions”. In John H. and Sol P. (ed.) op. cit
For Discussion
-
Examine both at
empirical level and by higher theoretical discourse the functions of capitalist
state
-
Read (b) above
and make a summary by pattern note style.
7. Traditional
Marxist Theory of State: from Marx to Lenin
Reading
a.
Marcin Carnoy
op. cit Chapter 2
b.
Draper, H. Karl
Marx’s Theory of Revolution Vol. 1 State and Bureaucracy
c.
Engels F. The
Origin of the Family Property, and the State
d.
Lenin V.1 State
and Revolution
e.
Rosa Luxembourg,
Selected Political Writings Chapter 2
f.
Bob J. op. cit
Chapters 1 and 2
For Discussion
-
Assess classical
Marxist view of state as an instrument of the ruling-class
8. Gramsci
on state power: Hegemony, force and state
Reading
a.
Bob J. op. cit
pgs 142-208
b.
Marcin and
Carnoy op. cit Chapter 3
c.
Antonio G.
Selections from prison notebooks
For Discussion
-
Illustrate the
Gromscian concept of Hegemony and counter hegemony in control by state power
9. State
and Capital: The Derivation School
Reading
a.
Marcin and
Carnoy op. cit
b.
John H. and Sol
P. op. cit Chapters 4, 5,6 and the Introduction
For Discussion
-
State is
politics and so it could be determined by manifestations of capital i.e. class
struggle. Comments
10. Structuralist
approach to state theory: Miliband and poulantzas
Reading
a.
Nicos Poulantzas,
State Power Socialism
b.
______________,
Political Power and Social Classes
c.
______________,
Classes in Contemporary Capitalism
d.
RAlph Miliband,
The State in Capitalist Society
e.
Nicos Poulantzas
and Ralph Miliband, “The Problem of the capitalist state”. In Robin Blackburn
(ed.) Ideology in Social Sciences: Reading in Critical Theory
f.
Marcin Carnoy,
ot. cit. chapter 3
g.
Barrow C. W.
opt. C .chapter 2
For Discussion
-
What are the
differences and similarities between Miliband and poulantzas on the concept of
state, form of state and state and revolution
11. State
in peripheral society
Reading
a.
Hamza Alavi,
“state in post colonial society: Pakistan and Bangladash”. In Goulbourne H.
(ed). Politics in the world.
b.
John Soul, “the
state in post-colonial societies” in Tanzania” in Goulborne H. opt.
c.
Wolfgang and
Kanrad S. “capitalist state and underdevelopment in Venezuela”. In Goulbourne
H. opt. C. T.
d.
John Soul, “the
unsteady state: Uganda, Obote and General Amin”. ROAPE NO. 5
e.
Yash Tandon,
“whose capital and whose state”. In Y. Tandon (ed.) debate on class, state and
imperialism. University of Dares Salaam.
f.
Clark S.
“capital, fraction of capital and the state: Neo Marxist Ananlysis of south
African state” capital and class No. 5
g.
Davies R, “class
struggle and the periodisatuon of the state in south Africa”. ROAPE No. 7
h.
Innes D. and
Plaud M. “class struggle and the state”. ROAPE No. 11
i.
Kaplan D.
“relations of productions, class struggle and
the state in south Africa in the interwar perod” ROAPE No. 15/16
j.
Othman S.
“classes, crises and coup, the demise of shagari’s regime African affairs Vol.
23 No. 333
k.
Terisa T. and
Badru P. “oil and instability: class contradiction and the 1983 coup in Nigeria
JAM Issue No. 7
l.
Beckman, B.
“whose state, state and capitalist development in Nigeria”. ROAPE No. 23
m.
_______________________
“imperialism and capitalist transformation: critique of Kenyan debate”. ROAPE
No. 19
n.
Evans P,
Dependent Development: The alliance of multinational state local capital.
For Discussion
-
Elaborate the
concepts – “fractionist” and “over-developed” state from the literature here
recommended.
12. Globalization and state theory.
Reading
a.
William I. Robinson, “capitalist globalization
and transnationalisation of the state”.
b.
William I.
Robinson and Jerry Harris, “towards global ruling class globalization and
transnational capital state”.
c.
Jan Aant
Scholte, “global capitalism and the state”.
d.
Martin S. “the
state and globalization”.
For Discussion
-
National based
production gives rise to national state power. Global based production gives
rise to transnational state power.
-
Operationalise
the concept of transnational state to explain the formation of global ruling
class.
13.
Post Marxist State
Theory
Reading
a.
Barrow C.W opt.
C.T chapter 4 and 5
b.
Erik O.W, class,
crisis and the state
c.
Ernest Mandd,
late capitalism chapter 15
d.
John Holloway,
change the world without taking power: the meaning of revolution today.
For Discussion
-
Read and summarise
by pattern note style. Chapters 4 and 5 of Barrow C.W and raise some questions
14.
Theoretical
conclusion including presentation and discussion of seminar projects and response papers.
Reading
a.
Bob J. “putting
states in their places: once more on capitalist states and societies”.
b.
Allesandro B.
and others, “global post-fordism and concept of the state”.
c.
Andreas B. and
Adam D.M, “globalization, the state and class struggle: A critical Economy
Engagement with open Marxism
d.
Werner Bonefold,
“the capitalist state: Illusion and Critique
e.
Marcin Carnoy,
“whether theories of the state”.
f.
Barrow C.W “ the
Autonomies of Marxist political theory
g.
Robert R.A and
Roger F. op. cit. chapter 17, 18 and 19
15.
Conclusion II:
Discussion of classroom experience; eating and chatting.
Additional Reading
1.
Joseph S.
“Redefinition the role of the state: What should it do? How should it do it?
2.
Sonni G. T.
“State, Class and Capital Accumulation in the Periphery
3.
Paul N. B.
“Class Formation and Post Colonial State Theory in Africa”. Africa Quartaly Vol. XX No. 3
4.
Lucio Colletti,
“Marxism, Science or Revolution”. In Robin Blackburn op. cit
5.
Fred Block,
“Beyond Relative Autonomy: State Managers as Historical Subject”. In the
Socialist Register 1980
6.
Copwe, The
Marxist Leninist concept of political economy in Meskerem Vol. 1 No. 3
7.
Bade Onimode op.
cit chapter II
8.
Karl Morx, “The
Relationship between the economic base and the political and ideological
superstructures”, In Goulbourne H. (ed.) op. cit.
9.
F. Engels, “Some
problem of the relationship between base and superstructure”. In Goulbourne H.
(ed.) op. cit.
10. Goulbourne H., “The problem of analysis of the
political in backward social formations”. In Goulbourne H. (ed.) op. cit.
11. Paul W. and Others (ed.) Class, Power and the State
in Capitalist Society – various
Course
Requirement
Þ
The teaching of
the course is by giving lectures. 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 for treatment. However, the last 30 minutes of each period
will be for presentation and discussion on chosen text or question.
Þ
Assessment of
students is based on end of semester examination (70%) and continuous assessment
(30%). The C.A will be determined by
obligatory weekly assignment; active participation in discussing the
assignment; a group small research project; research project response paper; a
supervised test; ICT usage; attendance;
Þ
At the end of
the semester each seminar will submit a report on classroom experience
Þ
There are many
teaching aids on my website which are recommended to enhance the capacity of
students in ICT, communicative writing, etc.
Þ
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. To avoid plagiarism you must not copy or
paraphrase someone else work and present it as your own. Again, all texts consulted should be properly
acknowledged. The penalty is that any
work found to be plagiarism will result in being assessed “00”. If you are found more than one time the
overall CA on the course will be “00”.
Learning Needs
Skill
Learning even in tertiary institutions is a complex
relationship 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 six years are also recommended for you. They are compulsory readings for all my
students in the level 200. They can be found on my blogspot: http://www.yusuf.blogspot.com
They are hereby listed below:
1.
Assessing
student 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 student
6.
How to make patterned
notes form 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: Exploiting the concept
11. Taking Note in class lecture on form a Textbook
12. Using e-mail for Teaching, Learning and Research
13. Code 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 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 Students.
My watch word in this year’s teaching is whatever
ideas received from me or from text books given to read are not correct and
final. You must challenge and criticize
them in order to keep learning. In this
academic session endeavor to make learning as “Education for
transformation”. Get ready, each of you
is going to show and tell us that he/she has changed, from the time we have
started to the end of the course and beyond.
M. M. Yusif
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