module-2-socialism-101.md 2.7KB
title: ‘Socialism 101 :: ProvDSA PoliEd’ …
Socialism 101
Objective: To define the parameters of socialism--what is socialism, and what is not socialism?--and define some commonly-heard and commonly-misused terms new socialists will encounter. To distinguish between neoliberal progressivism, social democracy, “compassionate capitalism” and socialism.
Please complete / read / listen to the following before this class:
Group A: Last Week Tonight: Evictions (19 min)
Group B: Last Week Tonight: Meatpacking (19 min)
“Democratic Socialism Isn’t Social Democracy” by Michael A. McCarthy, Jacobin (7 min)
“How Capitalism Exploits You” by Richard Wolff, Gravel Institute (5 min)
“The Difference Between Socialism, Communism, and Marxism Explained by a Marxist” by AzureScapegoat (12 min)
“Workshop Talks” by James Connolly (29 min)
Agenda:
Intros and icebreaker
Breakout Groups:
Surprises from the terms/definitions
Last Week Tonight discussion
Share the Last Week Tonight takeaways
Discussion on questions related to specific readings
Study Materials
“Democratic Socialism Isn’t Social Democracy” by Michael A. McCarthy, Jacobin
“How Capitalism Exploits You” by Richard Wolff, Gravel Institute
“The Difference Between Socialism, Communism, and Marxism Explained by a Marxist” by AzureScapegoat
“Workshop Talks” by James Connolly
Breakouts
Discuss how the issue presented in your group’s LWT video could look different in a Socialist society and where this progressive liberal analysis falls short.
Questions
How do we make the transition from capitalism to socialism? What would it require? Are there pit stops along the way?
What are the dangers of capitalism to a socialist society, both externally and internally? Can socialism be maintained when Capitalism still exists elsewhere?
Can you think of an example of material conditions bringing about change, from history or modern times?
In what ways does John Oliver correctly depict the issue in the video and potential causes and solutions? In what ways does he (and progressivism) fall short?