Socialist Syllabus

The LDSA Socialist Syllabus is a series of readings and discussions brought to you by our Political Education Committee. This syllabus is designed as an introduction to democratic socialist thought, exploring the key ideas and strategies that shape our movement. Each week, we dive into a different aspect of democratic socialism, from the basics of what democratic socialism is, to the role of class struggle, organizing strategies, and the intersections of gender, race, and class within socialist analysis.

The meetings are open to all who are interested, whether or not they are DSA members, and aim to foster engaging and accessible discussions for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of socialism. The 2024-2025 syllabus series will continue with Week VI: Race and Class on Sunday, April 20th at 12 p.m. All sessions will meet at the Smoketown Collective (900 S. Shelby St). Readings are subject to change. 

Week I: What is Democratic Socialism? 

• "But at Least Capitalism Is Free and Democratic, Right?" by Erik Olin Wright

• "What Is Democratic Socialism" by Neal Meyer

Week II: Centrality of Class

• "Why Class Struggle Is Central" by Ellen Meiksins Wood

• “Wage Labour and Capital” (Selections) by Karl Marx

Week III: What is Socialist Organizing?

• "Liberalism, ultraleftism or mass action" by Peter Camejo

• Democracy is Power, “Chapter 1” by Mike Parker and Martha Gruelle

• "A Hierarchy of Socialist Political Objectives" by Robert Bell and Greta Smith

Week IV: Electoral Organizing

• "Democratic Socialism and Electoral Politics" by LDSA Political Education Committee

• "It's Their Party" by Paul Heideman

• DSA Needs to Take Steps to Start Building a Real Party

• Stay Dirty by David Duhalde
  
  

Week V: Labor Organizing

• Class Struggle Unionism, “Chapter 1” by Joe Burns

• "What is the Rank-and-File Strategy, and Why Does It Matter?" by Barry Eidlin

Week VI: Race and Class

• "What Materialist Black Political History Actually Looks Like" by Adolph Reed Jr.

• Racecraft, "Chapter 4" by Karen E. Fields and Barbara J. Fields

• "Picking Up The Threads of Struggle," an interview with Keeanga-Yamattah Taylor by Daniel Denvir

• "Caste Does Not Explain Race" by Charisse Burden-Stelly