General Studies I · Subtopic
Communism capitalism and socialism
Official syllabus
History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.
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What this covers
Study capitalism, socialism and communism as families of ideas and institutional arrangements rather than fixed labels. Compare their views of property, markets, class, labour, liberty, equality, the state and the distribution of economic power. Distinguish normative arguments from historical regimes that claimed a label, and distinguish reformist from revolutionary socialist traditions. Their development should be related to industrialization, social conflict, imperial expansion, economic crisis, revolution and welfare-state responses. Evaluation requires attention to both intended aims and observed institutional consequences.
Key ideas
- Property markets and capital
- Class and labour
- Liberty equality and justice
- Role of the state
- Reform and revolution
- Liberal capitalist variants
- Socialist and communist traditions
- Historical regimes and social effects