Marxist Literary Criticism: Literature and Bourgeoisie

Wednesday, 25 February 2026 17:05:45

International applicants and their qualifications are accepted

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Overview

Overview

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Marxist Literary Criticism examines literature through a class-based lens. It analyzes how texts reflect and shape societal power structures.


This approach, crucial for understanding bourgeoisie ideology, explores the relationship between literature and the economic base. It investigates themes of class struggle, alienation, and commodification.


Marxist Literary Criticism helps readers uncover hidden meanings in texts. It reveals how literature reinforces or challenges the dominant ideology.


Ideal for students of literature, sociology, and history, this critical lens offers a powerful tool for understanding both classic and contemporary works. Dive deeper and explore the fascinating world of Marxist literary theory!

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Marxist Literary Criticism: delve into the power dynamics between literature and the bourgeoisie. This course uncovers hidden ideologies in canonical texts, analyzing how class struggle, socioeconomic structures, and historical materialism shape narrative and character. Gain critical thinking skills applicable to various fields, from academia to journalism. Explore the unique lens of Marxist theory to interpret literature. Develop expertise in literary analysis and enhance your career prospects in academia, publishing, and cultural criticism. Marxist perspectives offer invaluable insights into the interplay between power, literature, and society. Understand how Marxist Literary Criticism informs our interpretation of both classic and contemporary works.

Entry requirements

The program operates on an open enrollment basis, and there are no specific entry requirements. Individuals with a genuine interest in the subject matter are welcome to participate.

International applicants and their qualifications are accepted.

Step into a transformative journey at LSIB, where you'll become part of a vibrant community of students from over 157 nationalities.

At LSIB, we are a global family. When you join us, your qualifications are recognized and accepted, making you a valued member of our diverse, internationally connected community.

Course Content

• Base and Superstructure: Analyzing how the economic base (means and relations of production) shapes the superstructure (culture, including literature) in a capitalist society.
• Ideology and Hegemony: Examining how literature reinforces or challenges dominant bourgeois ideologies and the mechanisms of hegemony that maintain class power.
• Class Struggle and Representation: Investigating how class conflict is depicted (or suppressed) in literature and analyzing the class position of both characters and authors.
• Alienation and Commodification: Exploring how literature reflects and critiques the alienating effects of capitalist production and the commodification of human experience.
• The Bourgeoisie as a Subject and Object: Analyzing the portrayal of the bourgeoisie in literature – both their power and their internal contradictions – as both the creators and subject of literary works.
• Historical Materialism: Applying a historical materialist approach to understand the social and economic contexts shaping literary production and reception.
• Literature and the Proletariat: Examining how literature represents the proletariat, their struggles, and their potential for revolutionary action.
• False Consciousness: Analyzing how literature contributes to or challenges the false consciousness of the proletariat, obscuring the realities of class exploitation.

Assessment

The evaluation process is conducted through the submission of assignments, and there are no written examinations involved.

Fee and Payment Plans

30 to 40% Cheaper than most Universities and Colleges

Duration & course fee

The programme is available in two duration modes:

1 month (Fast-track mode): 140
2 months (Standard mode): 90

Our course fee is up to 40% cheaper than most universities and colleges.

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Awarding body

The programme is awarded by London School of International Business. This program is not intended to replace or serve as an equivalent to obtaining a formal degree or diploma. It should be noted that this course is not accredited by a recognised awarding body or regulated by an authorised institution/ body.

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  • Start this course anytime from anywhere.
  • 1. Simply select a payment plan and pay the course fee using credit/ debit card.
  • 2. Course starts
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Got questions? Get in touch

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+44 75 2064 7455

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+44 (0) 20 3608 0144



Career path

Career Role (Primary Keyword: Finance, Secondary Keyword: Management) Description
Investment Banker (Primary: Finance, Secondary: Banking) High-pressure, lucrative role managing investments and advising clients, demonstrating the power structures within the financial bourgeoisie.
Financial Analyst (Primary: Finance, Secondary: Analysis) Analyzing market trends and advising on investment strategies, a role illustrating the bourgeoisie's control over capital.
Career Role (Primary Keyword: Technology, Secondary Keyword: Development) Description
Software Engineer (Primary: Technology, Secondary: Engineering) Developing software solutions, a role reflecting the increasing importance of technological control within capitalist production.
Data Scientist (Primary: Technology, Secondary: Science) Analyzing large datasets to inform business decisions, demonstrating how data drives capitalist accumulation.
Career Role (Primary Keyword: Law, Secondary Keyword: Corporate) Description
Corporate Lawyer (Primary: Law, Secondary: Corporate) Advising corporations on legal matters, showcasing the role of law in maintaining bourgeois dominance.
Solicitor (Primary: Law, Secondary: Practice) Providing legal services, reflecting the legal framework that supports capitalist relations.

Key facts about Marxist Literary Criticism: Literature and Bourgeoisie

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This course on Marxist Literary Criticism: Literature and the Bourgeoisie offers a critical engagement with literary texts through a Marxist lens. Students will learn to analyze how power dynamics, class struggle, and socioeconomic structures shape literary production and reception. The course emphasizes the role of ideology and the ways in which literature both reflects and reinforces societal inequalities.


Learning outcomes include developing a strong understanding of key Marxist concepts, such as base and superstructure, alienation, and commodification. Students will hone their analytical skills by applying Marxist theories to diverse literary works, interpreting texts in relation to historical context and socio-economic forces. They will also be able to articulate their interpretations in clear and persuasive written and oral forms. Furthermore, students will explore the concept of ideology critique and its implications for literary interpretation.


The course typically spans one semester (15 weeks), with a mix of lectures, seminars, and individual/group assignments. Assessment usually includes essays, presentations, and potentially a final exam, all focused on applying Marxist literary criticism to selected texts.


Marxist literary criticism holds significant industry relevance for those pursuing careers in academia (literary studies, cultural studies), journalism, media analysis, and even some aspects of marketing and advertising. The analytical skills developed in understanding power dynamics and ideological representation are transferable and highly valued across diverse professional fields. This course provides a framework for critical analysis, fostering advanced reading comprehension, argumentation, and communication – skills sought after in a broad range of occupations. The study of the bourgeoisie and its portrayal in literature offers insight into power structures and social inequalities in the modern world, providing a solid foundation for those pursuing further studies in social sciences and humanities.


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Why this course?

Marxist Literary Criticism remains significant in analyzing the interplay between literature and the bourgeoisie in today's market. Understanding how literature reflects and reinforces capitalist structures is crucial. In the UK, the concentration of wealth continues to grow. For instance, the top 1% own over 20% of the national wealth, according to recent reports. This stark inequality directly influences the kind of narratives produced and consumed, often perpetuating the status quo.

Wealth Segment Percentage (Illustrative)
Top 1% 22%
Next 9% 20%
Bottom 90% 58%

Bourgeoisie ideologies, often subtly embedded in popular narratives, shape consumer behavior and maintain existing power structures. Analyzing how literature reinforces or challenges these structures provides valuable insights into the current socio-economic climate and helps us critically assess the role of media in shaping perceptions. This critical perspective remains essential for both students and professionals navigating the complexities of the modern publishing industry and the wider media landscape.

Who should enrol in Marxist Literary Criticism: Literature and Bourgeoisie?

Ideal Audience for Marxist Literary Criticism Characteristics
Students of Literature Passionate about exploring power dynamics and social inequalities in literature; interested in uncovering hidden meanings and critiques of capitalism within texts. Many UK students (approx. 40% according to recent HESA data, though specific to subject area is unavailable) opt for humanities degrees, making them a potential audience.
Social Justice Advocates Individuals actively engaged in social justice movements and critical of societal structures; seeking to understand the historical and ongoing impact of class conflict on cultural production. The UK has a vibrant activist culture; this audience's interest lies in applying Marxist theory to understand contemporary issues.
Researchers and Academics Scholars focusing on literary theory, cultural studies, or related disciplines; looking to enhance their understanding of Marxist approaches to literary analysis and its application to diverse literary works. Many UK universities offer relevant postgraduate courses, attracting a cohort of researchers.
General Readers Individuals interested in expanding their critical reading skills and understanding the role of ideology in shaping literature; curious about how economic factors influence narrative and character development. A large number of UK citizens engage in leisure reading, forming a diverse base for engagement with this approach.