Organizing real-life study groups

[RedJacobin]

I'd like to get some suggestions on organizing real-life study groups.

If you're putting together a Marxist reading group with a mix of knowledgable people and beginners:

What works would you start with?

What format would you use?

Would you integrate current events into the discussions? How?

Thanks a lot! :)

[Janus]

This may get a better response in Practice.

[RedJacobin]

Originally posted by [email protected] 9 2006, 12:45 AM
What works would you start with?
Elaborating on this q...do you think it's best to start with something like the Manifesto?

Or a contemporary work?--if so, which one(s)?

[Janus]

do you think it's best to start with something like the Manifesto?
Depends on the members. If there are a lot of novices, then that may be a good idea.


What format would you use?
Probably try to engage the whole group rather than just have it be a course or something.


Would you integrate current events into the discussions? How?
Discuss how the issues in the book are still pertinent today. For example, if you were to read Imperialism by Lenin, discuss how monopolies are still forming and functioning today,etc.

[anonymous red]

i was involved with something like this at college. i think the most important thing is to relate to current events. these are living, breathing ideas that can be used to analyze modern society...i think it's imperative to get that point across.

[rouchambeau]

I would check out some of the Manifesto, Wage Labor and Capital, and the last few chapters of Das Kapital (no point in reading the whole damned thing).

In case you didn't know, you can find all of this on www.marxists.org