Marxist Theory and Practice

An Advanced Study of Marxism

- Compiled by M.V. Rodden –

Subject Overview:

Levels:

· Easy - Marked with "E", these studies are understandable to people completely new to politics

· Beginner - Marked with "B", these studies are understandable to people new to Marxism, but some understanding of politics is preferable (but not needed).

· Intermediate - Marked with "I", these studies are optimal for people with an understanding of politics, but they do not have to be advanced. These studies will further explore the ideas and philosophies discussed in the Easy and Beginner courses.

· Advanced - Marked with an "A", these studies are better for those who have a bit more background on politics, philosophy, and/or Marxism. People with little experience may want to try these studies, but it would require attention. Some of these may include "classic" Marxist writings.

· Expert - Marked with an "X", these studies are usually made up of "classic" Marxist writings, such as those written by Marx, Engels, Lenin, Stalin, Mao, Trotsky, Gramsci, Hoxha, and others. These writings can usually be quite long, and incorporate the use of "heavy" rhetoric and languages. These require a lot of attention to study, and it requires a lot of "getting used to" to study these writings in-depth. We encourage students to try, and just relax if you get frustrated, and never hesitate to ask a fellow Comrade for help!

A General level is given for each course, and levels are also indicated beside each reading. This is to help each student decide which readings would be best for them to study.

Readings:

· Main - These are the readings that will be mainly focused on in the group. You should try to read these before the others.

· Extra - These readings are not necessary, but will be very helpful. You should read them if you have time.

· Reference - These are to help you along with the main and/or extra readings. They will usually be short descriptions of political terms, places, and/or people.

· Follow-up - These readings are recommended for you to read at some point after the study. when you have time, if you are interested in studying the subject in more depth.

· Video - If available these will be shown during the study session.

Any key (essential) writings will be marked with an asterisk (*) if applicable.

It is recommended that each student pick as many readings as possible to read for each subject. Remember, even if you only get to read some of the writings, it is still a good idea to attend the study group - that way you can learn from the discussion and ask questions. Of course, it is better if you have enough time to take notes, and bring your opinion and debate with other Comrades. Regardless, the most important part is to take part.

Class 1

Dialectical Materialism (I)

· Understanding Dialectics

· Dialectical Process of Analysis and debate

· Dialectical Materialism

· Materialist Vs. Idealist outlook

· Critique of Metaphysics

Readings:

Main:

1) Philosophy of Marxism: Dialectical Materialism - http://www.geocities.com/youth4sa/marxism1.html (I)

2) Dialectics - http://www.geocities.com/mnsocialist/dialectics.html (I)

3) Summary of Dialectics, Lenin - http://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1914/cons-logic/summary.htm (I)

Extra:

1) On the Question of Dialectics - http://www.marx2mao.org/Lenin/QD15.html (X)

2) On Practice - http://www.marx2mao.org/Mao/OP37.html (A)

3) On Contradiction - http://www.marx2mao.org/Mao/OC37.html (A)

Reference:

1) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Dialectics - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/d/i.htm#dialectics (B)

2) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Dialectical Materialism - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/d/i.htm#dialectical-materialism (B)

3) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Historical Materialism - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/h/i.htm#historical-materialism (B)

4) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Materialism - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/m/a.htm#materialism (B)

5) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Idealism - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/i/d.htm#idealism (B)

6) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Metaphysics - http://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/hegel/help/glossary.htm#metaphysics (B)

Class 2

Historical Materialism (A)

· The Materialist understanding of History;

· Vs. the Idealist understanding of History

· Historical background

Readings:

Main:

1) DIALECTICAL AND HISTORICAL MATERIALISM - http://www.marx2mao.org/Stalin/DHM38.html (A)

2) Marxism Made Simple: History - http://www.marxismmadesimple.esmartweb.com/mainpage.htm (Click on "History") (B)

Extra:

1) The Communist Manifesto - http://www.marx2mao.org/M&E/CM47.html (A)

2) MAO ZEDONG: THE BANKRUPTCY OF THE IDEALIST CONCEPTION OF HISTORY - http://www.marx2mao.com/Mao/ICH49.html

3) Theory and Practice From The Standpoint of Dialectical Materialism, Nikolai Bukharin - http://marxists.org/archive/bukharin/works/1931/diamat/index.htm (A)

Reference:

1) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Dialectics - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/d/i.htm#dialectics (B)

2) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Dialectical Materialism - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/d/i.htm#dialectical-materialism (B)

3) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Historical Materialism - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/h/i.htm#historical-materialism (B)

4) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Materialism - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/m/a.htm#materialism (B)

5) Encyclopedia of Marxism: Idealism - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/i/d.htm#idealism (B)

Class 3:

The State and Revolution

• Study Guide for ‘State and Revolution’ - http://www.geocities.com/youth4sa/state-revolution.html
• Lenin: State and Revolution - http://marx2mao.com/Lenin/SR17.html

Class 4:

Reform or Revolution?

• Can the system be reformed?
• Without Revolution, can the working class take power?
• Should we fight for reforms and work within the system?
• Is Revolution possible?

• Luxemburg: Reform or Revolution - http://www.marxists.org/archive/luxemburg/1900/reform-revolution/index.htm

Class 5:

Insurrection or People’s War: Which way to revolution?

• Is Revolution Possible if we create enough protests, strikes, etc. for a Insurrection?
• Is people’s war the only way to revolution?
• How do we build a people’s army?
• Is guerrilla war posssble in North America?
• Urban or countryside warfare?

• Protracted people’s war is the only way to make revolution - http://www.pcr-rcpcanada.org/en/publications/pwd/pwd1e.php
• Lenin: Marxism and Insurrection - http://marx2mao.com/Lenin/MI17.html
• Stalin: Marx and Engels on Insurrection - http://marx2mao.com/Stalin/OI06.html
• Mao: On Protracted War - http://marx2mao.com/Mao/PW38.html

Class 6:

Dictatorship of the Proletariat

This study will examine the debates between Karl Kautsky, Rosa Luxemburg, and other socialists and the Bolsheviks – Lenin and Trotsky.

The main readings are Kautsky’s attacks against the idea of Proletarian dictatorship in his The Dictatorship of the Proletariat and Lenin’s response, The Proletarian Revolution and the Renegade Kautsky. Extra readings examine Kautsky’s further polemics in Terrorism and Communism and Leon Trotsky’s response in his article of the same name.

• After the Revolution, is it necessary to have a dictatorship?
• Under what circumstances?
• Who will rule this dictatorship?
• Will the people have any control?
• Without dictatorship, is it possible to maintain socialism?
• Is terror necessary?
• Why did Kautsky and Luxemburg Criticize Lenin?
• Why did Lenin say that Kautsky turned Marx into a “Common Liberal” and what did he mean?
• Is the question of dictatorship in terms of modern revolution able to be contextualized by examining the Russia experience?

Main:

1. Karl Kautsky: The Dictatorship of the Proletariat - http://marxists.org/archive/kautsky/1918/dictprole/index.htm

2. Vladimir Lenin: The Proletarian Revolution and the Renegade Kautsky - http://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1918/prrk/index.htm

Extra:

1. Karl Kautsky: Terrorism and Communism: A Contribution to the Natural History of Revolution, VIII. The Communists at Work - http://www.marxists.org/archive/kautsky/1919/terrcomm/ch08.htm (note: Chapter 8 is of main relevance)

2. Leon Trotsky: Terrorism and Communism [Dictatorship versus Democracy] - -A Reply to Karl Kautsky - http://www.marxists.org/archive/trotsky/works/1920/dictatorvs/

Other:

1. V. I. Lenin: A CONTRIBUTION TO THE HISTORY OF THE QUESTION OF THE DICTATORSHIP - http://ptb.lashout.net/marx2mao/Lenin/QDP20.html
2. Lenin: “Democracy” and Dictatorship -http://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1918/dec/23.htm
3. Luxemburg: The Russian Revolution, The Problem of Dictatorship - http://www.marxists.org/archive/luxemburg/1918/russian-revolution/ch06.htm
4. Luxemburg: The Russian Revolution, Democracy and Dictatorship - http://www.marxists.org/archive/luxemburg/1918/russian-revolution/ch08.htm
5. Karl Kautsky: Marxism and Bolshevism: Democracy and Dictatorship, IV. Democracy and Dictatorship - http://www.marxists.org/archive/kautsky/1934/bolshevism/ch04.htm

Reference:

1. Democracy - http://www.marxists.org/glossary/terms/d/e.htm#democracy

2. Freedom - http://www.marxists.org/glossary/terms/f/r.htm#freedom

3. Dictatorship of the Proletariat - http://www.marxists.org/glossary/terms/d/i.htm#dictatorship-proletariat

4. Proletarian Democracy - http://www.marxists.org/glossary/terms/p/r.htm#proletarian-democracy

5. Dictatorship of the Bourgeoisie - http://www.marxists.org/glossary/terms/d/i.htm#dictatorship-bourgeois

6. Bourgeois Democracy - http://www.marxists.org/glossary/terms/b/o.htm#bourgeois-democracy