Introduction<\/em>: \u00a0Dreaming of Communism<\/p>\n In this session, I will introduce you to\u00a0the topics, pathways, and pitfalls of our exploration. \u00a0I will also bring up the three central concepts of the study of political science: \u00a0ideas, institutions, and incentives.<\/p>\n Discussion<\/em>: \u00a0Who are the dreamers, what do they want, and how do they propose to get it?<\/p>\n What were the foundations laid of the vast, complex, and vibrant organization known as the Christian church? \u00a0Somehow the Apostle Paul began the movement. When you read these segments of the\u00a0Bible, read them\u00a0deeply<\/em>.\u00a0 Try to envision them as components of a bold project in which everything is up for\u00a0grabs.\u00a0 Paul is a leader. \u00a0Two thousand years ago, you might have\u00a0been a follower.\u00a0\u00a0In short, I\u00a0am asking you to\u00a0insert yourselves into a situation rather than just relying\u00a0on the words alone. Selections from Paul the Apostle<\/p>\n Discussion<\/em>: \u00a0Imagining a Better World in 19th Century England The challenge for this discussion is to: 1) put yourself into the streets of London (Engels\u2019 description), and 2) unravel Engels\u2019 agenda.<\/p>\n Engels’ world in the US?<\/p>\n Engels’ world everywhere?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 4. \u00a0Monday, September 8<\/strong><\/p>\n The Origins of Marxism: \u00a0Part 1<\/strong><\/p>\n Discussion<\/em>: \u00a0Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels,\u00a0Communist Manifesto\u00a0<\/em>(1)<\/p>\n What is\u00a0Marx and Engels\u2019 argument? \u00a0On what grounds do they justify their claims? \u00a0To what extent does the argument make sense (even today)?<\/p>\n The Comm<\/em>unist Manifesto\u00a0<\/em>was written by educated Europeans in a rapidly industrializing society. \u00a0It came out of the same meld of western European cultures and ways of thinking that produced liberal democracy and capitalism. Ultimately, communism as we understand it today acquired new characteristics as it moved from one part of the world to another. \u00a0Hence, the origins of the communist movement are not a matter of \u201cus versus them,\u201d but instead \u201cus, them, and some other guys.\u201d \u00a0Our challenge in the coming weeks is to dissect this phenomenon.<\/p>\n
\n2. \u00a0Monday, September 1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\n3. \u00a0Wednesday, September 3<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
![\"child-labour\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.nd.edu\/communist-dream-2014\/files\/2014\/07\/child-labour.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
![\"crystalpalace1\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.nd.edu\/communist-dream-2014\/files\/2014\/07\/crystalpalace1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n