INTRODUCTION TO MARXISM
- Compiled by: A. Tambureno, M.V. Rodden & P. Vivanco -
v-2.9b
What is communism? Is socialism about dictatorship, or freedom? Why are Western countries so rich, while most people in the world are poor and starving? Why is the US at a constant state of war with poor countries? What is revolution? Isn't it violent? Why is racism and sexism so prevalent? Is Canada a class society? Aren't we all middle class? Is Canada really democratic?
If you struggle with any of theses questions, then you are going to want to participate in this course on Introduction to Marxist Theory. The course is aimed at both those new to Leftist politics, and those who are more experienced.
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.
Index:
Class 1: What is Marxism? - A brief Introduction to Marx, Engels, and Communism
Class 2: What is Capitalism? - What are the main social classes in Canada and why is there so much inequality?
Class 3: Capitalist Economics 101 - How are working people exploited, and how do the wealthy become rich?
Class 4: Capitalism: Sexism and Racism - Why racism is the cornerstone of capitalism, How gender inequality is built in to class society, and how socialism will end it.
Class 5: Women in the Struggle - Women's role in the struggle and the battle against Sexism within the movement
Class 6: Colonialism and Imperialism - Military violence and corporate plunder of the 3rd World' by the West
Class 7: Workers of Colour and the Fight Against Racism and Imperialism - How workers of colour both in the 3rd world and within the "belly of the beast" fight back
Class 8: The State, Revolution and the road to Socialism - Which classes does the government serve? Why revolution is needed
Class 9: Political Party's - Do they all Serve the Rich?
Class 10: Nationalism and patriotism? - What are these and who do these serve?
Class 11: Communists and War - Are Marxists Pacifists?
Class 12: How Socialism Works - Will there be elections? Will everyone get paid the same? What about individual freedom?
Class 13: Life Under Socialism - Further (but brief) Exploration of what Culture, Arts, Education, Relationships, Science, Morality, Politics, Philosophy, etc. under Socialism will be like.
Class 1
What is Marxism? (Introduction) (E)
· What is Marxism?
· Who were Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels?
· What is Socialism?
· What is Communism?
· What is a revolutionary?
· Brief outline of types of Marxism
· Basic socialist political terms
Readings:
Main:
1. An ABC of Communism - http://www.oneparty.co.uk/html/abc.html (E)
Reference:
1. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Communism - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/c/o.htm#communism (B)
2. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Marxism - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/m/a.htm#marxist (B)
3. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Marxism-Leninism - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/m/a.htm#marxism-leninism (B)
4. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Karl Marx - http://marxists.org/glossary/people/m/a.htm#marx-karl (B)
5. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Friedrich Engels - http://marxists.org/glossary/people/e/n.htm#engels (B)
6. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Politics - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/p/o.htm#politics (B)
7. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Revolutionary - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/r/e.htm#revolutionaries (B)
Follow up:
1. The Communist Manifesto - http://marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1848/communist-manifesto/index.htm (A)
CLASS 2
WHAT IS CAPITALISM? (E)
· What are social classes?
· What are 'modes of production'?
· What is exploitation?
· Capitalist class structure
· How class societies develop? The development of capitalism
· What is the state?
· Basic socialist political terms
Readings:
Main:
1. What is Capitalism? - http://www.angelfire.com/co2/socialism/whatcapitalismis.html (E)
2. *RCP Draft # 5: Classes in US - http://rwor.org/margorp/a-uf2.htm (E)
3. Marxism Made Simple: Class - http://www.marxismmadesimple.esmartweb.com/mainpage.htm (click on "Class") (B)
4. Marxism Made Simple: The State - http://www.marxismmadesimple.esmartweb.com/mainpage.htm (click on "The State") (B)
Reference:
1. THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIETY - http://www.oneparty.co.uk/html/marxism/Cl1.html (E)
2. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Politics - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/p/o.htm#politics (B)
3. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Capitalism - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/c/a.htm#capitalism (B)
4. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Class - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/c/l.htm#class (B)
5. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Proletariat - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/p/r.htm#proletariat
6. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Petty-Bourgeois - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/p/e.htm#petty-bourgeois
7. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Bourgeoisie/Bourgeois Society - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/b/o.htm#bourgeoisie
8. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Mode of Production - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/m/o.htm#mode-production (B)
9. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Means of Production - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/m/e.htm#means-production (B)
10. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Division of Labour - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/d/i.htm#division-labour (I)
11. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Property - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/p/r.htm#property (I)
12. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Private Property - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/p/r.htm#private-property (B)
Follow-up:
1. The Part played by Labour in the Transition from Ape to Man - http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1876/part-played-labour/index.htm (X)
2. The Condition of the Working Class in England - http://marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1845/condition-working-class/index.htm (A)
CLASS 3
Capitalist Economics 101 (E)
· HOW DOES CAPITALIST ECONOMICS WORK?
· What are commodities?
· What are markets?
· How are the prices\value of commodities determined?
· Why is money so important in capitalism?
· What is labour power?
· How is the cost of wages determined?
· What is surplus value?
· What is capital?
· How are profits made
· What is Class Struggle?
· Why are there economic slumps\depressions
· What is monopoly capitalism?
· Finance capitalism
Readings:
Main:
1. *PRINCIPLES OF MARXISM-LENINISM: How Capitalism Works Part One - http://www.oneparty.co.uk/html/marxism/Cl2.html (E)
2. *PRINCIPLES OF MARXISM-LENINISM: How Capitalism Works Part Two - http://www.oneparty.co.uk/html/marxism/Cl3.html (E)
3. Marxism Made Simple: Marxist Economics - http://www.marxismmadesimple.esmartweb.com/mainpage.htm (click on "Economics") (B)
Reference:
1. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Economics - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/e/c.htm#economics (B)
2. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Labour - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/l/a.htm#labour (B)
3. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Commodity - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/c/o.htm#commodity (B)
4. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Capital - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/c/a.htm#capital (B)
5. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Rent - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/r/e.htm#rent (B)
Follow-up:
1. Value, Price and Profit -
2. http://marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1865/value-price-profit/index.htm (X)
3. Karl Marx: Wage Labour and Capital - http://marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1847/wage-labour/index.htm (X)
4. Contribution to the Critique of Political Economy - http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1859/critique-pol-economy/index.htm (X)
Video: HB Birth of capitalism
Class 4
Capitalism: Sexism and Racism (B)
· How did racism and sexism originate?
· What is the scientific truth about race?
· How is class a factor?
· Why is sexism and racism part of the very essence of capitalism?
· How will Socialism end racism and sexism?
Readings:
Main:
1. *Capitalism & Racism - http://www.bolshevik.org/1917/no12/no12capitalismandracism.html
2. Why Does Capitalism Create Racism and Sexism? - http://www.angelfire.com/co2/socialism/racismandsexism.html (E)
3. Marxism made Simple: Gender - http://www.marxismmadesimple.esmartweb.com/mainpage.htm (B) (click on "Gender")
Extra:
1. Capitalism's dependence on racism - http://www.peak.sfu.ca/the-peak/2001-3/issue5/fe-caprace.html (B)
2. The roots of racism - http://www.socialistworker.org/2002-2/431/431_08_Racism.shtml (B)
3. Racism Still Achilles Heel of U.S. Capitalism - http://www.plp.org/comm03/7racism.html (E)
Reference:
1. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Racism - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/r/a.htm#racism (B)
Class 5
Women in the Struggle (A)
· Is sexism embedded in capitalism?
· Should feminism be revolutionary or reformist?
· How does sexual liberation fit in to women's liberation?
· Is there sexism within the resistance movement?
Readings:
Main:
1. Alexandra Kollontai, 'Women's Day' February 1913, http://www.marxists.org/archive/kollonta/works/womday.htm (A)
2. Safiya Bukhari-Alston, ON THE QUESTION OF SEXISM WITHIN THE BLACK PANTHER PARTY, http://www.anarco-nyc.net/anarchistpanther/otherwriting6.html (A)
3. Rosa Luxemburg, Women's Suffrage and Class Struggle, http://www.marxists.org/archive/luxemburg/1912/05/12.htm (A)
4. Sheila Jeffreys, How Orgasm Politics Has Hijacked the Women's Movement, http://www.ontheissuesmagazine.com/s96orgasm.html (A)
Reference:
1. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Women's Liberation Movement - http://marxists.org/glossary/events/w/o.htm#womens-movement (B)
2. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Feminism http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/f/e.htm#feminism (B)
CLASS 6
COLONIALSM & IMPERIALISM (B)
· What is imperialism?
· What is Colonialism?
· Why does capitalism create colonies?
· What are superprofits?
· Which Countries are Imperialist? Is Canada Imperialist?
· Does Colonialism still exist? Is Canada Colonialist?
· Do Imperialist country workers benefit from imperialism (is there a labour aristocracy)?
· How do Imperialist nation capitalists respond to 3rd world liberation struggles?
Readings:
Main:
1. WHAT THE MASSES FACE--ALL OVER THE WORLD--AND WHAT THE MASSES NEED, By Bob Avakian, Chairman of the RCP,USA - http://rwor.org/a/v22/1080-89/1081/baface.htm (E)
2. RCP Draft Programme Part I: The World Is Intolerable and Cries Out for Justice! - http://rwor.org/margorp/progpart1-e.htm (read until: 'Communism: The Goal of the Proletarian Revolution') (B)
3. *Marxism Made Simple: Imperialism - http://www.marxismmadesimple.esmartweb.com/mainpage.htm (click on "Imperialism") (B)
Extra:
1. Imperialism 101 by Michael Parenti - http://www.michaelparenti.org/Imperialism101.html (I)
2. AMILCAR CABRAL: National Liberation and Culture - http://www.cwo.com/~lucumi/cabral.html (A)
3. Amilcar Cabral, The Weapon of Theory, October 1966 - http://www.marxists.org/subject/africa/cabral/1966/weapon-theory.htm (A)
4. ON GROWTH AND IMPERIALISM by Ernesto Che Guevara - http://www.marxists.org/archive/guevara/1961/08/08.htm (A)
5. Che Guevara, Message to the Tricontinental - http://www.marxists.org/archive/guevara/1967/04/16.htm (A)
Reference:
1. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Imperialism - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/i/m.htm#imperialism (B)
2. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Neo-colonialism - http://www.marxists.org/glossary/terms/n/e.htm#neocolonialism (B)
3. Encyclopedia of Marxism: National Liberation - http://marxists.org/glossary/events/n/a.htm#national-liberation (B)
4. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Mode of Production - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/m/o.htm#mode-production (B)
5. Encyclopedia of Marxism: World Trade Organization (WTO) - http://marxists.org/glossary/orgs/w/o.htm#world-trade-organization
6. History of Chile under Salvador Allende and the Popular Unity - http://www.geocities.com/educhile_1970s/ (B)
Follow-up:
1. Imperialism: The Highest Stage of Capitalism - http://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/index.htm (X)
CLASS 7
Workers of Colour and the fight against Racism and Imperialism (A)
· What are the connections between racism and capitalism?
· Can imperialism be challenged without fighting capitalism?
· What are the perspectives of revolution from the maldelveloped World?
· Is nationalism the answer?
Readings:
Main:
1. Malcolm X And The Fight Against Imperialism, http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/45a/070.html (A)
2. C L R James,The Historical Development of the Negro in the United States, http://www.marxists.org/archive/james-clr/works/articles/negro43.htm (A)
3. Angela Davis , Political Prisoners, Prisons, and Black Liberation, http://www.anarco-nyc.net/anarchistpanther/otherwriting5.html (A)
4. W. E. B. DuBois: The Trumpet of Confrontation, http://www.rit.edu/~nrcgsh/bx/bx08c.html (A)
Reference:
1. Encyclopedia of Marxism: National Liberation - http://marxists.org/glossary/events/n/a.htm#national-liberation (B)
2. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Imperialism - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/i/m.htm#imperialism (B)
3. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Neo-colonialism - http://www.marxists.org/glossary/terms/n/e.htm#neocolonialism (B)
4. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Peasantry - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/p/e.htm#peasantry
CLASS 8
THE STATE AND THE ROAD TO SOCIALISM (B)
· How is capitalist 'democracy' a sham?
· Why socialism can not come about through capitalist elections
· What is the welfare state?
· State control of industry: Is Canada, Sweden etc 1\2 socialist?
· What is Fascism?
· How can socialism come about?
Readings:
Main:
1. *The State and the Road to socialism - http://www.oneparty.co.uk/html/marxism/Cl4.html (E)
2. RCP Draft Program: Proletarian Dictatorship, Democracy and the Rights of the People - http://rwor.org/margorp/a-proldic.htm (B)
3. The Marxist-Leninist Theory of Fascism by David Lethbridge - http://bethuneinstitute.org/documents/mltheory.html (I)
4. Rational Fascism by Michael Parenti - http://www.michaelparenti.org/RationalFascism.html (I)
Reference:
1 Encyclopedia of Marxism: Fascism - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/f/a.htm#fascism
2 Encyclopedia of Marxism: Bourgeois -Dictatorship - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/d/i.htm#dictatorship-bourgeois
3 Encyclopedia of Marxism: Bourgeois-Democracy - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/b/o.htm#bourgeois-democracy
4 Encyclopedia of Marxism: Democracy - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/d/e.htm#democracy
5 Benito Mussolini: Abstract from What is Fascism? http://marxists.org/reference/archive/mussolini/works/fascism.htm
CLASS 9
POLITICAL PARTIES: WHICH CLASSES DO THEY SERVE? (E)
· Reformism: Can society be reformed within the 'system'?
· Social Democracy (NDP)
· Conservatives & Liberals
· Communist parties, Trotskyism, 'New socialists' etc.
· Is a Marxist Leninist Party necessary for Socialism?
· Marxism and the union movement
Readings:
Main:
1. *The Party of the Working Class - http://www.oneparty.co.uk/html/marxism/Cl5.html (E)
2. Party and the Masses - http://rwor.org/margorp/a-party-e.htm (B)
3. *BUSINESS UNIONISM VS. REVOLUTIONARY UNIONISM - http://www.cat.org.au/a4a/union.html (B)
Reference:
1. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Trotskyism - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/t/r.htm#trotskyism (B)
2. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Social-Democracy - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/s/o.htm#social-democracy (B)
3. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Union - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/u/n.htm#union (B)
CLASS 10
Nationalism and Patriotism
· WHAT IS NATIONALISM?
· CAN SOCIALISTS BE NATIONALISTS?
· What are nations? How do they develop?
· What are colonial nations, aka 3rd World'?
· What is nationalism?
· Is nationalism racist?
· What are the 2 stages of revolution in colonial countries?
· The capitalist class in colonized nations: Friend or foe of socialism?
· Which classes support revolution in colonized countries?
· What is Maoism?
· Worker internationalism
· What is Alienation?
· What is the Marxist-Leninist view of the Right of Nations to Self Determination?
Readings:
Main:
1. *The National Question - http://www.oneparty.co.uk/html/marxism/Cl6.html (E)
2. Ending Discrimination Against Immigrants - http://rwor.org/margorp/a-immigr.htm (B)
3. CPC Program Ch. 4: The Canadian State; The nations and peoples of Canada and the crisis of democracy - http://www.communist-party.ca/program/program_00.html#four (I)
4. Origins of the Concept of Alienation by Istvan Meszaros - http://www.marxists.org/archive/meszaros/works/alien/meszaro1.htm
Reference:
1. Encyclopedia of Marxism: National Liberation - http://marxists.org/glossary/events/n/a.htm#national-liberation (B)
2. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Maoism - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/m/a.htm#maoism (B)
3. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Alienation - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/a/l.htm#alienation (B)
CLASS 11
COMMUNISTS AND WAR (B)
· WHY ARE THERE SO WANY WARS?
· What kinds of war are there?
· Are Marxists pacifists?
· Just and unjust wars
· Why did World War 2 really happen?
· Guerrilla war
· "Terrorism"
Readings:
Main:
1. *War - http://www.oneparty.co.uk/html/marxism/Cl7.html (E)
2. Capitalism and War - http://www.angelfire.com/co2/socialism/warundercapitalism.html (B)
3. Revolution Means Waging People's War - http://www.rwor.org/margorp/a-pw.htm (B)
4. Marxism and War By Joel Geier - http://www.isreview.org/issues/08/marxism_and_war.shtml (I)
Reference:
1. Encyclopedia of Marxism: "Guerrilla Warfare" - http://www.marxists.org/glossary/terms/g/u.htm#guerrilla-warfare (B)
CLASS 12
HOW SOCIALISM WORKS (B)
· What is Socialism?
· What is socialization, nationalization, and collectivization?
· How is production organized under socialism?
· Is the distribution of wealth fair under socialism?
· How does socialism lead to communism?
· What is the state like under socialism?
· How is socialism democratic?
· Will the state wither away?
· Can socialism be overthrown once it is established?
· Conservatism (revisionism) in the communist movement
Readings:
Main:
1. *How Socialism Works - http://www.oneparty.co.uk/html/marxism/Cl8.html (E)
2. RCP Draft: 'New Socialist Economy P. I'- http://www.rwor.org/margorp/a-socec1-e.htm (E)
3. RCP Draft: 'New Socialist Economy P. II' - http://www.rwor.org/margorp/a-socec2-e.htm (E)
4. RCP Draft: 'Consolidating new power' - http://www.rwor.org/margorp/a-consol-e.htm (B)
Extra:
1. The Principles of Communism - http://marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1847/11/prin-com.htm (A)
Reference:
1. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Socialization - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/s/o.htm#socialisation (B)
2. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Privatization and Nationalization - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/p/r.htm#privatisation (B)
Class 13
Life Under Socialism: A Brief Introduction (E)
· Dictatorship or Freedom?
· Who will rule?
· How will Society Change?
· and other questions
Readings:
Main:
1. *When America Goes Socialist - http://www.geocities.com/youth4sa/whenamerica.html (E)
2. Strong Medicine: Toxic Capitalism and the Socialist Cure - http://www.socialism.com/whatsocialism.html (B)
Extra:
1. The Principles of Communism - http://marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1847/11/prin-com.htm (A)
2. The Socialisation of Society - http://marxists.org/archive/luxemburg/1918/12/20.htm (A)
3. Why Socialism? by Albert Einstein - http://www.monthlyreview.org/598einst.htm (A)
Reference:
1. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Socialization - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/s/o.htm#socialisation (B)
2. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Privatization and Nationalization - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/p/r.htm#privatisation (B)
3. Encyclopedia of Marxism: Proletarian Democracy - http://marxists.org/glossary/terms/p/r.htm#proletarian-democracy