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Date: Fri, 9 May 1997 17:45:29 -0600 (MDT)
From: Jackie Carrigan <carrigan@rastro.Colorado.EDU>
To: Sociology Graduate Students -- International <socgrad@csf.colorado.edu>
Subject: Re: questions
In-Reply-To: <199705092008.OAA23671@csf.Colorado.EDU>
Message-ID: <Pine.A32.3.95.970509173455.60211B-100000@rastro.Colorado.EDU>
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One problem I have had when trying to teach Marxist theory is that the
students have many preconceived notions about Marxism (many of which
are questionable) which the average undergraduate does not have about any
other sociological theory.  Sometimes students engage in arguments against
these preconceived notions rather than with the material covered in class,
which could hurt their grade if done during an exam.  An argument that
addressed the Marxist theory as presented in class would be no problem.
It is very hard to overcome the ingrained bias against Marxism or the
oversimplification of Marxism that is common among students.
Jackie Carrigan
University of Colorado-Boulder 

On Fri, 9 May 1997, M.HOOVER wrote:

> And finally, a question about sociology.  Here at CSU we have two
> or three professors who are heavily into the "Marxist/conflict"
> tradition of sociology.  I don't have a problem with that, but there
> is a feeling among some of the students here that it might hurt your
> grades if you disagree with this way of thinking.  We have one
> professor who believes that any criticism of Marx is a product of
> "ideology".  Does anyone else out there feel this pressure to
> conform to a particular way of thinking?
> 
> To Danielle and Liz:
> 
> I haven't read that book, and it is checked out of our library.  I
> have ordered it through ILL and will read it when it comes in.
> 
> P.S. Lisa D., would you post something already!
> 
> Thanks,
> Matthew Hoover
> m.hoover@csuohio.edu
>