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Primary Features of Marxism and its Impact on Mainstream Political Thought

Marxism is a revolutionary political ideology of the 19 century.

Discuss its primary features and the impact it has had on mainstream political thought.

Essay Guide

Introduction:

  • Provide a thesis statement that outlines the primary features of Marxism and its impact on mainstream political thought.
  • Provide a brief overview of Marxism as a revolutionary political ideology that emerged in the 19th century.

Short Biography

  • Discuss the background and biography of Karl Marx, the influential philosopher, economist, and political theorist who developed Marxism.
  • Provide information about Marx’s early life, education, and the socio-political context of his time.
  • Discuss Marx’s influences and key works, such as “The Communist Manifesto” and “Das Kapital,” which laid the foundation for Marxism as a political ideology.

Body

  • Explain ANY 3 key features of Marxism, including his views on class struggle, historical materialism, and his critique of capitalism.
  • Discuss how Marxism advocates for the abolition of private ownership of the means of production, the establishment of a classless society, and the redistribution of wealth and resources.
  • Explore Marx’s concept of alienation, which refers to the estrangement of individuals from the products of their own labor under capitalism, and its significance in Marxist thought.
  • Discuss the idea of the dictatorship of the proletariat, where the working class rises to power and controls the means of production, as a means of achieving a communist society.
  • Analyze the role of revolution in Marxism, as Marx believed that revolution was necessary to overthrow the capitalist system and establish a socialist society.
  • Discuss the international aspect of Marxism, including the idea of proletarian internationalism and the call for workers of the world to unite against capitalist exploitation.

Impact on Mainstream Political Thought

  • Discuss the impact of Marxism on mainstream political thought, both historically and in contemporary times.
  • Explore how Marxism has influenced political movements and revolutions around the world, such as the Russian Revolution, the Chinese Revolution, and anti-colonial movements in the Global South.
  • Discuss the ways in which Marxist ideas have been integrated into mainstream political discourse and policy, including debates on economic inequality, social justice, and labor rights.
  • Analyze criticisms of Marxism, including concerns about its feasibility in practice, critiques of its historical implementations, and challenges to its core principles.
  • Discuss the continued relevance of Marxism in modern political thought, including its impact on debates about capitalism, socialism, and the role of the state in society.

Conclusion

  • Summarize the key features of Marxism as a revolutionary political ideology of the 19th century.
  • Highlight its impact on mainstream political thought, both historically and in contemporary times.
  • Restate the thesis statement and provide a brief concluding statement that emphasizes the ongoing significance of Marxism in shaping political discourse and movements.

Rubric for Essay Grading: Total 70 points.

Introduction (5 points):

4-5 points – The introduction presents a clear and concise thesis statement that establishes the essay’s focus and provides a brief overview of the main points to be discussed. The introduction also engages the reader and provides context for the topic.

2-3 points – The introduction presents a thesis statement that is somewhat clear but may lack precision or conciseness and provides some overview of the main points to be discussed. The introduction may engage the reader and provide some context for the topic.

0-1 point – The introduction is missing or presents a thesis statement that is unclear or poorly defined and may not provide a clear sense of the main points to be discussed. The introduction does not engage the reader or provide adequate context for the topic.

Biography (15 points)

13-15 points: Outstanding, Depth and scope of the bibliography is comprehensive, covering various aspects of Karl Marx’s life, work, and contributions.

9-12 points: Good, Depth and scope of the bibliography are decent, covering key aspects of Karl Marx’s biography.

5-8 points: Fair, Depth and scope of the bibliography may be limited, covering only a few aspects of Karl Marx’s biography.

0-4 points: Poor, Depth and scope of the bibliography are inadequate, lacking coverage of key aspects of Karl Marx’s biography.

Content and Analysis (30 points):

20-25 points – The essay demonstrates a clear understanding of the topic and provides detailed and well-supported arguments that effectively address the thesis statement. The analysis shows originality and depth of thought and is supported by strong evidence and examples. The essay also demonstrates an understanding of relevant counterarguments and responds to them effectively.

13-19 points – The essay demonstrates some understanding of the topic and provides some arguments that address the thesis statement but may lack depth or originality. The analysis is supported by some evidence and examples but may be somewhat inconsistent or incomplete. The essay may not demonstrate an understanding of relevant counterarguments or respond to them effectively.

6-12 points – The essay demonstrates a limited understanding of the topic and provides weak arguments that do not effectively address the thesis statement. The analysis may be poorly supported by evidence and examples and may lack originality or depth. The essay may not demonstrate an understanding of relevant counterarguments or respond to them effectively.

0-5 points – The essay demonstrates little or no understanding of the topic and provides no or very weak arguments that do not address the thesis statement. The analysis is unsupported and lacks originality or depth. The essay does not demonstrate an understanding of relevant counterarguments or respond to them effectively.

Conclusion (5 points):

4-5 points – The conclusion effectively summarizes the essay’s main points and restates the thesis statement in a clear and concise manner. The conclusion also provides insights or recommendations based on the arguments presented in the essay.

2-3 points – The conclusion summarizes the essay’s main points and restates the thesis statement but may lack clarity or concision. The conclusion may not provide insights or recommendations based on the arguments presented in the essay.

0-1 point – The conclusion is missing or does not effectively summarize the essay’s main points, restates the thesis statement poorly or incompletely, and does not provide insights or recommendations based on the arguments presented in the essay.

Organization (5 points):

4-5 points – The essay is well-organized and clearly structured, with appropriate use of headings and subheadings. The essay flows logically from one section to another, and the transitions are smooth and coherent.

2-3 points – The essay is somewhat organized and structured, but may contain some sections that are unclear or poorly defined. The essay may lack coherence in some areas or have transitions that are not always smooth.

0-1 point – The essay is poorly organized and structured, with frequent grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors that significantly impact the clarity or coherence of the essay.

Use of English (5 points):

4-5 points – The essay demonstrates a high level of fluency and sophistication in the use of English, with an appropriate level of formality and academic style. The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary and demonstrates excellent sentence structure and coherence.

2-3 points – The essay demonstrates a basic level of fluency and sophistication in the use of English, with occasional errors or awkward phrasing that may detract from the clarity or coherence of the essay.

0 -1 point – The essay demonstrates a poor level of fluency and sophistication in the use of English, with frequent errors or awkward phrasing that significantly impact the clarity or coherence of the essay.

APA Format and Referencing (5 points):

4-5 points – The essay follows APA format and referencing guidelines, including proper citation of sources in-text and in the reference list, and demonstrates a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

2-3 points – The essay follows some APA format and referencing guidelines, but may contain some errors or inconsistencies in citation or formatting.

0-1 point – The essay does not follow APA format and referencing guidelines, and contains significant errors or inconsistencies in citation or formatting.

Last Updated on April 25, 2023

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