modern theories of work and leisure

modern theories of work and leisure

Readings

Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer, “The culture industry” (1944), marxists.org

https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/adorno/1944/culture-industry.htm

Hannah Arendt, “Labor” and “Work”, The Human Condition (1958) (PDF on D2L)

Herbert Marcuse, “Subverting forces – in transition,” An Essay on Liberation (1969)

https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/marcuse/works/1969/essay-liberation.htm#s3

Richard Sennett, “Prologue” and “Conclusion,” The Craftsman (2008) (PDF on D2L)

Write a 6-8 page essay in response to the following prompt:

What is Arendt’s critique of Marx’s theory of labor? To what extent do the other prescribed readings support or contest Arendt’s position?

You should demonstrate detailed knowledge of AT LEAST FOUR prescribed readings from modules 1 and 2 (Marx, Arendt, and two others).

Expectations and Grading:

You are not expected to use secondary literature but may do so. This paper will be graded on the following: a) accurate analysis of the relevant class texts from weeks 3-5 (10pts); b) ability to differentiate positions and to set out competing evidence for them in a balanced manner (10pts); c) making connections beyond points explicitly made by the texts studied (5pts).