Discover Classes. Earn Rewards.

Capitalism and Desire is unfortunately unavailable

Thankfully we have 8 other History Classes for you to choose from. Check our top choices below or see all classes for more options.

U for You: Joyce's Ulysses for New Readers (and Re-Readers)

Irish Arts Center @ Virtual Classroom

Dive into Joyce's Ulysses with renowned scholar Jonathan Goldman, unraveling its complexities and discovering its humor and humanity. Whether you're a seasoned reader or new to Joyce's work, this immersive experience promises to enhance your understanding and appreciation of this literary masterpiece.

(51) All levels 18 and older
$456

10 sessions

Gift it!

Bioengineering: from Terraforming to Designer Babies

Brooklyn Institute for Social Research @ Online Classroom

In this thought-provoking course from the Brooklyn Institute for Social Research, you'll explore the core principles of biotechnology and the ethical, political, and economic implications of manipulating biological matter. Uncover the exciting possibilities and real constraints that shape the future of bioengineering today!

(29) All levels 21 and older
$335

4 sessions

Gift it!

What is a Social Movement?

Brooklyn Institute for Social Research @ Online Classroom

Explore the intricate relationship between class, community, and politics in social movements. Uncover the complexities of modern capitalism and the impact of cultural realms on political life. Join us in an in-depth analysis of historical case studies to understand the strategic vacuum between economic and cultural accounts.

(29) All levels 21 and older
$335

4 sessions

Gift it!

Numbers: History, Mathematics, Philosophy

Brooklyn Institute for Social Research @ Online Classroom

Uncover the profound roots and enigmatic nature of numbers as you explore their historical, mathematical, and philosophical dimensions. Join us in a captivating exploration of the concept of number, examining its evolution, cultural significance, and the fundamental questions it poses about the nature of reality.

(29) All levels 21 and older
$335

4 sessions

Gift it!

Theories of the State: Politics, Institutions, & Power

Brooklyn Institute for Social Research @ Online Classroom

Uncover the enigmatic nature of the state as you delve into the intricate web of politics and power. Explore the origins, functions, and impact of this elusive entity that permeates every aspect of society. Join us as we navigate the theories of the state and shed light on its influence in shaping our modern world.

(29) All levels 21 and older
$335

4 sessions

Gift it!
See all History classes Online

Capitalism and Desire

  • All levels
  • 21 and older
  • $315
  • 75 Broad St, New York, NY
  • 12 hours over 4 sessions

Start Dates (0)

  • $315
  • Artbook/DAP @ 75 Broad St, New York, NY 10004
  • 12 hours over 4 sessions
  • No class on 05/01/2019
Showing 10 of 0

Class Description

Description

What you'll learn in this history lesson:

Why do we want what we want? The critique of capitalism is very often associated – by both proponents and antagonists – with a critique of consumerism which, in turn, is treated as a pathology of individual desire. People should stop shopping; people should eschew goods; people should want less; people should police their own desires (or, if they fail, have them policed by others.) The problem, in a word, is desire. But there is a long tradition stretching back to the radical enlightenment philosophies of Spinoza and, indeed, Marx’s critique of political economy, that suggest something quite different: it is how desires are fulfilled, produced, managed, and thwarted that is the issue, not desires themselves. What is the relationship between capitalism and desire?


In this class, students will explore these questions by reading selections from a number of seminal thinkers alongside contemporary studies taken from fields including economics, mental health, and ecology. Alongside Spinoza and Marx, we will consider Adorno and Horkheimer’s famous argument that capitalism does not give us a drip feed of endless pleasures, but rather endlessly defers them—promising us fulfillment that is always just round the corner, or in contemporary terms, one click away.

We will examine the work of Deleuze and Guattari in which they—drawing on both Spinoza and Marx—argued that capitalism produces desires it is unable to fulfill, desires that might themselves have radical potential. Stretching into the present moment, we will examine thinkers such as Wendy Brown, Mark Fisher, and Lauren Berlant, all of whom trace how this peculiarly systemic capitalist pathology is shifted back to individuals at ever increasing pressures with ever more catastrophic costs. How can we understand this entwinement of production, consumption, and desire? What does it mean to push past the question so often put in such good Protestant terms of separating “need” from “desire,” instead into asking how, if, and why some desires are fulfilled and others are not? Who’s desires matter and who’s are relegated immaterial?

Remote Learning

This course is available for "remote" learning and will be available to anyone with access to an internet device with a microphone (this includes most models of computers, tablets). Classes will take place with a "Live" instructor at the date/times listed below.

Upon registration, the instructor will send along additional information about how to log-on and participate in the class.

Refund Policy

  • Upon request, we will refund less 5% cancellation fee of a course up until 6 business days before its start date.
  • Students who withdraw after that point but before the first class are entitled to 75% refund or full course credit.
  • After the first class: 50% refund or 75% course credit.
  • No refunds or credits will be given after the second class.

In any event where a customer wants to cancel their enrollment and is eligible for a full refund, a 5% processing fee will be deducted from the refund amount.

Reviews of Classes at Brooklyn Institute for Social Research (29)

Similar Classes

Benefits of Booking Through CourseHorse

  • Booking is safe. When you book with us your details are protected by a secure connection.
  • Lowest price guaranteed. Classes on CourseHorse are never marked up.
  • This class will earn you 3150 points. Points give you money off your next class!

Questions & Answers (0)

Get quick answers from CourseHorse and past students.

Brooklyn Institute for Social Research

The Brooklyn Institute for Social Research was established in 2011 in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. Its mission is to extend liberal arts education and research far beyond the borders of the traditional university, supporting community education needs and opening up new possibilities for scholarship in the...

Read more about Brooklyn Institute for Social Research

CourseHorse Approved

This school has been carefully vetted by CourseHorse and is a verified Online educator.

Brooklyn Institute for Social Research

Give This Course as a Gift Card

  • Thousands of classes
  • No expiration
  • Unique and memorable gifts for any occasion
  • Personalized
  • Explore a passion, gain a new skill, discover a new hobby, engage in a memorable experience
  • Instant delivery
  • Lock in a price with the Inflation Buster Gift Card Price Adjuster™

Buy a Gift Card

Book this Class as a Group Event

Booking this class for a group? Find great private group events

CourseHorse Gift Cards

  • Creative & unique gift for any occasion
  • Thousands of classes & experiences
  • No expiration date
  • Instant e-delivery (or choose a date)
  • Add a personalized message
  • Lock in a price with the Inflation Buster Gift Card Price Adjuster™
Buy a Gift Card
gift card with the CourseHorse logo gift card with the CourseHorse logo
Loading...