Though Marxism has been declared dead many times, it remains vital as a theory of social and political change as we move into the twenty-first century. Concise and accessible, this book will introduce undergraduates in various disciplines and others unfamiliar with Marxism to the basic vocabulary of Marx's thought.Using engaging examples, Markar Melkonian emphasizes Marxism as a materialist approach to understanding society and human history. Drawing on the work of V. I. Lenin, Rosa Luxemburg, Antonio Gramsci, and more recent figures, Melkonian introduces such concepts as social practice, mode of production, class, state power, ideological hegemony, and imperialism. A glossary and end-of-chapter reading lists provide beginning students with additional guidance.For more advanced students looking for a lean but sophisticated overview, this book constitutes a trenchant and engaging reevaluation of Marx's intellectual legacy.