Rochester Socialism Day School

Session 1: What is the Real Marxist Tradition?

According to a recent Rasmussen poll, 37% of Americans under 30 years old would prefer socialism to capitalism. This begs the question, what exactly do we mean by "socialism". With the legacies of both Stalinism and McCarthyism, and before the fall of the Soviet Union, most people have associated "socialism" with one-party state rule. Others think of capitalist countries with substantial welfare states such as France or Sweeden when they define socialism. Marx defined socialism as something totally different--as workers direct control of society at the point of production.

Readings:
"What is the Real Marxist Tradition?" by John Molyneux


Session 2: The Marxist Strategy to Liberate the Oppressed

With activists across the country celebrating the victories in Vermont and Iowa--two of the latest states to grant same-sex couples the right to marry, big questions are coming to the table regarding how to fight oppression within capitalism. Socialists see the fight against oppression within capitalism as a necessary part of the struggle against the whole system. The way that Marxists understand oppression as a central part of the functioning of the capitalist system itself informs the way in which socialists fight against all forms of oppression today.

Readings:
"The Meaning of Marxism", Chapter 10 by Paul D'Amato

"Black Liberation and Socialism", Conclusion by Ahmed Shawki

"Women and Socialism", Chapter 5 by Sharon Smith


Session 3: The Case for Building a Revolutionary Socialist Party

The legacy of Leninism and the Bolshevik Party is perhaps the most hotly disputed issue within the Left today. Most on the Left argue that building a revolutionary socialist party is elitist, authoritarian, and out-dated. This session will not only put forward a defense of Leninism, but argue that building revolutionary organization is necessary today for revolutions to succeed tomorrow.

Readings:
"Lenin's Theory of the Party" by Todd Chretien

"Party and Class" by Chris Harman

"Toward a Revolutionary Socialist Party" by Duncan Hallas

"In Defense of Leninism" by Sharon Smith


Sunday, May 3rd, 2pm-5:30pm
Rochester Institute of Technology
Building 55, Room 1300