Category: Syllabus

While the outline of this posting was explicitly intended for independent self-study, it nonetheless provides a sequence of readings (i.e. a syllabus) for the study of Marxism recommended by someone who sees himself squarely in the orthodox Marxian tradition in 1918.  It is interesting to note that the outline is essentially cast as a preparation to read Capital seen as “an important and tedious[!] task”. Personally, I would be surprised if any university syllabus had actually been based on this outline, but one does get the sense that Karl Dannenberg thought long and hard about his choices and the optimal ordering of the readings which is what a course syllabus should be all about, so it could be a useful benchmark for comparing the actual course syllabi that we find. Besides correcting a few minor misspellings, I have added boldface to highlight the recommended readings.

For a briefing on the author and the periodical in which the outline first appeared, see the introduction to the reprint edition of seven issues of the American socialist periodical, The Radical Review by Joseph R. Conlin (1968). 

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[p. 85]

AN OUTLINE FOR THE STUDY OF MARXISM

[Karl Dannenberg,  originally published in The Radical Review, April 1918.  Pagination taken from the separate publication of his articles.]

AS a fitting supplement to the lectures published under this title in the first three numbers of this magazine, I will now endeavor to furnish the reader with a compilation of works which I deem absolutely essential for a serious and comprehensive study of Socialism. In the humble opinion of the writer, such a study must inevitably lead to a scientific understanding of Marxism — an understanding quite imperative to an intelligent and sound appreciation of Capitalism.

There is probably no social theory outside of the various religious conceptions, and no book except the Bible that can boast of more adherents and advocates the world over than Socialism and “Capital.” Socialism is to-day a factor in the social and political life of every nation, and the theoretical propositions and basic principles of Marxism are at this turbulent period the revolutionary force and intellectual standard around which the workers and all truly disinterested students of Sociology and Political Economy rally in their struggle against the debasing influences of the mercenary Social Sciences. Marxism can, therefore, and without indulging in exaggeration, lay claim to the legacy of Classical Political Economy, and consider itself the only legitimate heir to the scientific values of this science. And acting in accord with this dictate of social development, Marx has raised upon the solid foundation laid by a Petty, Smith, Ricardo and Mill a structure truly massive, colossal and inspiring in its mighty grandeur, and overpoweringly convincing, yes unassailable and irrefutable in the scientific profundity of its construction.

As has been amply elucidated and sufficiently explained, the two propositions upon which the theoretical system of Marx rests and whose proper appreciation is absolutely necessary for a [p. 86] thorough and rational understanding of Marxism are the Materialist Conception of History and the Socialist critique and analysis of capitalist production, or Capitalism. I have dwelt at length upon these two fundamental phases of Socialist letters in my lectures, and, therefore, do not consider it essential to enter upon a discussion of them here, or to even emphasize the importance of their proper study and assimilation.

Every scientist will concede that the basis for a competent understanding of or mastery over any branch of learning rests solely in systematic study and the well organized classification and application of the knowledge or subject matter absorbed. Socialism is no exception to the rule. For a thorough knowledge of the elements of Socialist Philosophy and Economics a well planned and systematically executed course of critical reading and diligent study is absolutely essential. Such a course of reading and study is, however, taking the present conditions in the field of Socialist literature as a criterion, not so easily compiled; especially, if the prospective student attempts to perform this task himself, i. e., without procuring the advice or counsel of a competent authority. In no field of intellectual endeavor or pursuit, in no science are there more snares, snags and traps awaiting the unwary and trusting student than in the field of theoretical Socialism. And when we view the innumerable collections of irresponsible, defective, yes in many cases fundamentally erroneous works which are daily offered to the public as “recognized textbooks” on Socialism, then we can easily account for this ungratifying situation and also readily explain the Babylonian confusion and criminal inconsistency at times rampant in the Socialist movement. Furthermore, when perceiving that such “textbooks,” which in the most cases are at best only unquestionable testimonials of their author’s ignorance of Socialism, are circulated by responsible agencies in the Socialist Party, then the unbiased Socialist, to whom clarity in Socialist letters is more than a cherished aspiration, must confess [p. 87] that it certainly is not such a simple task after all for the uninitiated seeker to arrive at a clear and scientific conception of Marxism.

I believe I am not exaggerating when I state that no movement has placed its founder upon a higher pedestal, or paid a greater tribute to its master than the Socialist movement. If anyone desires to view an example of deep gratitude and noble affection let him study the whole-hearted idolization of Karl Marx indulged in by the proletariat the world over. There is no civilized country upon the globe in which there are not hundreds of thousands of workingmen who proclaim themselves adherents to Marx’s teachings. The picture of this great thinker adorns the parlor of every Socialist home, and can be found in every Socialist or trades-union hall. His masterpiece and textbook of scientific Socialism, “Capital,” enjoys the undivided admiration of all Socialists. Be they orthodox revolutionists or plastic opportunists matters not, in the laudation of Marx and his works they are one and claim to be — Marxists. Another peculiarity, which has its origin in the object to exploit the international reputation of Marx for political purposes, is the persistency of Socialist organizations or factions with the most conflicting principles to proclaim their position to be in conformity with Marxian precepts, or to be the only “true” Marxian position. Consequently, since the death of Marx, the most farcical and disgusting political campaigns and pillaging expeditions have been labelled or masqueraded in the guise of Marxism, and are even at this late day usurping the name of the great master for the purpose of political capital. These unsavory tactics and ungratifying conditions are made possible and tolerated in the Socialist movement, because the reverence entertained for and unbounded confidence placed in Marx are not predicated upon a sound knowledge of or an even superficial familiarity with the actual works of this celebrated economist. There is probably no book in the scientific literature of the world that enjoys greater popularity, is more appealed to, [p. 88] oftener recommended and less read than “Capital.” In consequence, it will be difficult to find another science, enjoying the same popularity as Marxism, in whose name are propagated so many conflicting and erroneous views. As already insinuated, the cause for these ungratifying conditions can be traced to the colossal ignorance prevalent amongst so-called “Marxian” Socialists on matters Marxian. Therefore, the only force able to curb and eventually obliterate “these evil powers of darkness” is familiarity with the works of their idol, and an acquaintance with the lucid teachings of their much heralded leader, through a systematic study of Socialist classics. The organization of classes or circles for the study of Socialist classics should, consequently, be seriously taken in hand by all Socialists who have the healthy development of Marxism at heart. A vigorous, revolutionary political and industrial movement of Socialism can only flow from a sound theoretical conception of Marxism; no conscious, effective and revolutionary policy can be expected from the vast majority of the political and economic forces now operating under the banner of Socialism.

* * *

When a student enters upon the study of Socialism, the first truism he should remember is that Socialism as a science does not occupy itself nearly so extensively with the contemplation and elucidation of future society, as with the examination and economic analysis of the present one. Scientific Socialism is, therefore, not as it is generally and mistakenly assumed, a theoretical system dealing solely with the multifarious phases of the Cooperative Commonwealth, but one which constitutes primarily an inquiry into the origin, foundation, laws and tendencies noticeable in the development of capitalist production. In consequence, a knowledge of Socialism does not consist of an individual’s competence to memorize a definition formulating the economic and social basis of Socialist production, i. e., setting forth the economic groundwork of the Industrial Republic and the [p. 89] social consequences resulting therefrom, but rather of his ability to file a brief for Socialism, by convincingly pointing out the necessity for and inevitability of the Cooperative Commonwealth germinating in the womb of capitalist society. A knowledge of Socialism demands, therefore, in the first place not so much a study of future society as it does a thorough investigation of present social and economic life. In consequence, Socialism represents more an investigation of capitalist production and an exposition of the social and economic laws underlying the same than an abstract theory or speculation of Industrial Democracy. However, it must be also emphasized that in order to have a normal, that is scientifically sound conception of future society, and an understanding of the forces and social elements making for it, a deep and scientific appreciation of Capitalism is absolutely indispensable.

As an excellent introduction into the so-called mysteries of Economics and the peculiarities of the Socialist nomenclature, also as a textbook of Socialism unparalleled for lucidness, pithiness and accuracy I recommend a close study of “Das Erfurter Programm,” by Karl Kautsky, published in English complete under the name of “The Class Struggle” and translated by Wm. E. Bohn, or chapters of which are issued in pamphlet form under the titles of “The Working Class,” “The Capitalist Class,” “The Class Struggle” and “The Socialist Republic,” translated and adapted to American conditions by Daniel De Leon. There is probably no book in the by no means limited assortment of Socialist literature that equals this work in its scrupulous accuracy of exposition; an accuracy made doubly effective because it is coupled with a remarkable and rare simplicity in the presentation of Marxian fundamentals. Here we have a compendium of Socialism, written by a Marxian scholar of international repute, classical in its treatment of the subject matter, and truly deserving the widest possible circulation in the Socialist and labor movement. “Das Erfurter Programm,” as the German [p. 90] title of “The Class Struggle” suggests, was originally written to furnish a theoretical explanation and scientific elucidation of the programme of the German Social Democracy, adopted at Erfurt, 1891, to the workers. The very purpose and nature of such a work makes out of it a rich source of information for particularly the serious student ; because here the penetrating rays of Marxism are thrown upon the programmatic demands and principles of a political party of Socialism, and employed or utilized to verify the same before the bar of science. “Das Erfurter Programm” (”The Class Struggle”) succeeds admirably in presenting and explaining Socialist fundamentals to the novice or uninitiated. However, in doing this, it claims to be, as already stated, substantiating the demands and theoretical propositions laid down in the Erfurt programme of the Social Democratic Party. In the opinion of the writer, the object of this splendid work has been only partially fulfilled, at least the object of its publishers, because as an advocate of sound, scientific fundamentals it has no rival in Socialist literature, in consequence, neither can it find its equal as a repudiator of palliatives and so-called immediate demands, so popular in the German Social Democracy and with which the Erfurt programme is overloaded.

Possessing a working knowledge of the genesis and character of capitalist production, also of the economic and social status of the various classes in present society, the student should now seek to familiarize himself more thoroughly with the Socialist conception of social evolution, i. e., with the philosophical foundation of scientific Socialism. Familiarity with the elements and propositions of Historical Materialism will also lead to a better understanding and more competent appreciation of social phenomena, and simultaneously equips the reader with the knowledge that will henceforth enable him to differentiate intelligently between Utopian and Scientific Socialism. An intensive study of Frederick Engels’ masterpiece “Development of Socialism from Utopia to a Science” is now recommended. In conjunction with these philo-[p. 91]sophical studies, the student ought to read the “Preliminary Remarks” to “Principles of Political Economy,” by John Stuart Mill. In this introduction the great English Economist gives in a lucid and brilliant form a short resume of the principal stages in the evolution of the human race. If this work is not procurable, then the student can commence immediately with the “Evolution of Property,” by Paul Lafargue. However, a diligent perusal of Mill’s “Preliminary Remarks” can not be too strongly recommended.

In order to develop and broaden the student’s knowledge of Political Economy, the study of the following works is now opportune and must be carried out in the order they are listed: “Wage, Labor and Capital,” by Karl Marx; “High Cost of Living,” by Arnold Petersen; “Value, Price and Profit,” by Karl Marx.

Knowing the economic and social forces underlying social development, also possessing a scientific conception of social phenomena and historical manifestations; furthermore, being somewhat familiar with the general phases of social evolution, it is now desirable and quite essential that the student begin a somewhat systematic study in Ethnology, Sociology and History. As an introduction to this interesting course of reading, the student should slowly and patiently explore that treasure island of facts, that monumental work in Ethnology, “Ancient Society,” by Lewis H. Morgan. A thorough and diligent study of this classic is absolutely imperative and will greatly assist in the proper understanding of the subsequent periods in historical development. A study of the following works is now recommended : “The Ancient Lowly,” by C. Osborne Ward; “Two Pages from Roman History,” by Daniel De Leon; “Crises in European History,” by Gustav Bang; “An Introduction to the Study of the Middle Ages” and “Medieval Europe,” by Ephraim Emerton; “The Middle Ages,” by Henry Hallam; “History of European Morals,” by William Edward Hartpole Lecky; “General History [p. 92] of Civilization in Europe,” by Francois Pierre Guillaume Guizot; “History of Civilization in England,” by Henry Thomas Buckle; and as supplementary reading “The Mysteries of the People, or History of a Proletarian Family Across the Ages,” by Eugene Sue, translated from the original French by Daniel De Leon. The last work by Sue in this series consists of 21 volumes, and is really a universal history in itself, depicting the class struggle as it has raged through the ages and under the different social systems. For a study of social development in America the works listed below will be found suitable ; these works are written by scholars well ground in the theories of Historical Materialism, and, consequently lay bare the actual driving forces responsible for and behind social change in this country: “American Industrial Evolution from Frontier to Factory,” by Justus Ebert; “Social Forces in American History,” by A. M. Simons; and “The Workers in American History,” by James Oneal.

It is now also necessary that the student acquaint himself with the inception and growth of the Socialist movement, a growth, however, that has not always kept abreast with the development of theoretical Socialism. The following classics of Socialist literature and historic documents should now be critically read: “The Communist Manifesto,” by Karl Marx and Frederick Engels; “Revolution and Counter-Revolution, or Germany in 1848,” erroneously credited to and published under the name of (Karl Marx, but actually written by Frederick Engels; “The Class Struggle in France 1848-1850,” by Karl Marx; “The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Napoleon,” by Karl Marx; and “The Civil War in France” (“The Paris Commune”), by Karl Marx. In conjunction with the foregoing the following works, dealing in the main with American conditions and problems, may be profitably read: “History of Socialism in the United States,” by Morris Hillquit; “Proceedings of the Ninth Convention of the S. L. P.”; “Proceedings of the Tenth National Convention of the S. L. P., 1900”; “New Jersey Socialist Unity Conference”; [p. 93] “Flashlights of the Amsterdam Congress,” by Daniel De Leon; “Launching of the I. W. W.,” by Paul F. Brissenden; and “Proceedings of the First Convention of the Industrial Workers of the World, Chicago, 1905.”

Fully equipped with the various subjects and phases constituting the theoretical system of Marxism, and being also somewhat familiar with the various stages and periods of social development, the student is now amply prepared to take up the study of works usually considered too ponderous or “academic” for the unprepared worker. These works form the basis of the theoretical structure of Marxism, and their study is, therefore, synonymous with imbibing the Socialist philosophy at its “original sources.” The first of this class of works to be assiduously studied is Frederick Engels’ “Landmarks of Scientific Socialism” (Anti-Duehring). In conjunction with this invaluable gem of Socialist literature “Feuerbach, Roots of Socialist Philosophy,” by the same author; and “A Critique to Political Economy” and “Poverty of Philosophy,” by Karl Marx should be read; special attention being given to the Preface of the “Critique.” In this connection “The Theoretical System of Karl Marx,” by Louis B. Boudin, will also serve as very effective and profitable supplementary reading.

The next and final work to be taken up in this course of reading will be the study of “Capital,” the so-called foundation or basic work of Socialist Political Economy. Before, however, commencing this important and tedious task, the student should do some additional preliminary reading and rehearse his studies in Economics. He should, for example, reread “Wage, Labor and Capital,” “Value, Price and Profit,” etc., and particularly seek to master the contents of Marx’s “A Critique to Political Economy,” already referred to above. Furthermore, a perusal of works of a critical and more or less controversial nature, occupying themselves with the various phases of Marxism as formulated and substantiated in “Capital,” will be of great assistance [p. 94] to a proper understanding of this masterpiece. For this purpose, the following brochures are recommended as collateral reading: “Vulgar Economy,” by Daniel De Leon; “Marx on Mallock, or Facts versus Fiction,” by the same author; “Was Marx Wrong?”, by I. M. Rubinow; and “Karl Marx and Boehm-Bawerk, Vulgar Economy Illustrated,” by W. H. Emmett.

The study of “Capital” can now be taken up, and in this connection the following suggestions should be observed. The social and historical significance of this work has been, I believe, sufficiently emphasized and dealt with in the lectures proper and, therefore, requires no further elucidation. What is now of prime importance to the prospective reader or student of “Capital” is a plan or course of procedure netting the best possible results with the smallest expenditure of energies. It can not be denied, all popular assertions notwithstanding, that “Capital” is to the average workingman, unaccustomed to scientific works, quite a tedious and ponderous volume; furthermore, that an indiscriminate and unsystematic reading of this book is not very conducive to either the spirit and future efforts of the reader, or to an intelligent appreciation of the work itself. As underscored in this article before, in the humble opinion of the writer, an EXHAUSTIVE course of preliminary reading and study is absolutely essential, yes, a prerequisite, for a proper understanding of “Capital.” Hence if classes or individuals, not equipped with the aforementioned knowledge so necessary for a proper perception or understanding, i. e., unprepared and untrained to assimilate or digest the intellectual food offered in this monumental work, give up their studies in despair, then the reason should not be ascribed to the “ponderous form of presentation in ‘Capital’,” but to the insufficient preparation and inability of these students to understand the nature and mode of Marx’s investigations and deductions. However, those who have diligently followed the lecturer through his discourses and studied the books recommended in this Outline need have no fears on this [p. 95] score, and will experience no difficulties in understanding “Capital.”

To the student desirous of conserving energy, also to the teachers of “Capital” I would suggest and warmly recommend that they begin the study of the book not in the customary way, but commence with Part VIII, The So-Called Primitive Accumulation. This section deals with and graphically depicts the social and economic origin of capital and capitalist production, and shatters once and for all time that well-known myth of capital being the result or fruit of abstinence. In a powerful and highly fascinating style, Marx unrolls before the eyes of the reader a picture vividly showing the birth, development and culmination of Capitalism. Here we have a history of the capitalistic stage in the endless chain of social development, a history written by the formulator of Historical Materialism, and it is truly a presentation throbbing with the creative vitality only inherent in convincing and irrefutable arguments : arguments taken from and corresponding with the indisputable facts of historic data and events. In this section of the book the secret of primitive accumulation, the expropriation of the peasants and their dispossession from the soil, the bloody and barbarous legislation against the expropriated in the 15th, 16th and 17th Centuries, the genesis of agrarian and industrial capital, and the historical tendencies of capitalist accumulation are exposed and dispassionately analyzed ; including a scientific dissection of our modern theory of colonization — an examination that will prove to be particularly Interesting when read in the light of the present war.

From this part of the book turn to Part III, Chapter X, on The Working Day, and read Section 1, The Limits of the Working Day, Section 2, The Greed for Surplus Labor. — Manufacturer and Boyard, Section 3, Branches of English Industries without Legal Limits to Exploitation, Section 4, Day and Night Work. — The Relay System, Section 5, The Struggle for a Normal Working Day, — Compulsory Laws for the Extension of the Working [p. 96] Day from the Middle of the 14th to v the End of the 17th Century, Section 6, The Struggle for the Normal Working Day — Compulsory Limitation by Law of the Working Time.— The English Factory Acts, 1833 to 1864, Section 7, The Struggle for a Normal Working Day.— Reaction of the English Factory Acts on Other Countries. As the sub-headings sufficiently indicate, this chapter deals solely with the historical growth of and tendencies developed by capitalist exploitation, and thus furnishes an indictment of fact fearlessly laying bare the revolting, barbarous and anti-social character of the capitalist system of production.

In order to refresh the student’s memory along the lines of the Materialist Conception of History, and for the purpose of familiarizing him with a brilliant piece of applied Historical Materialism, he should turn to Part IV, and assiduously peruse Chapter XV, dealing with Machinery and Modern Industry. In this chapter the following interesting problems are taken up: The Development of Machinery, The Value transferred by Machinery to the Product, The Proximate Effects of Machinery on the Workman (Appropriation of Supplementary Labor- Power by Capital, The Employment of Women and Children, Prolongation of the Working Day, Intensification of Labor), The Factory, The Strife between Workman and Machinery, The Theory of Compensation as regards Workpeople displaced by Machinery, Repulsion and Attraction of Workpeople by the Factory System, Revolution effected in Manufacture, Handicrafts, and Domestic Industry by Modern Industry, The Factory Acts, etc., and Modern Industry and Agriculture.

Being fully acquainted with the origin, development and tendencies of Capitalism, also quite familiar with the historical role assumed by it in the process of social evolution, the student is now sufficiently equipped to study the economic structure and laws of the capitalist system of production. And to this phase of investigation the remaining and largest part of “Capital” is devoted. Having digested such works as “Value, Price and [p. 97] Profit,” “The Class Struggle,” “A Critique to Political Economy,” etc., the student is well ground and at home in the Socialist and scientific terminology, also in the elements of Marxian Economics, and should, therefore, experience no difficulties in the study of such portions of the work dealing primarily with the investigation and analysis of capitalist production in its pure economic form. The first Chapter of Part I can be defined as the bedrock of Socialist Economics. In the four sections composing this masterly treatise on Commodities, the basic principles and substance of Marxian Economics are laid down. In this chapter such highly important subjects as The two Factors of a Commodity, Use Value and Value (the Substance of Value and the Magnitude of Value), The Twofold Character of the Labor embodied in Commodities, The Form of Value or Exchange Value and The Fetishism of Commodities are subjected to an examination, the findings resulting therefrom elucidated and formulated in concise statements and accurate deductions. A mastery of the first ninety-six pages of “Capital” is, consequently, essential for an intelligent understanding of the remaining chapters in the book; because such a mastery equips the student with a faculty of scientific conception and differentiation quite conducive and necessary to further progress; again, the fact of being at home in the labyrinth of theoretical definitions and economic complexities constituting the groundwork of Marxian Economics is in itself an invaluable asset to the future intellectual labors of the student, and implies, without exaggeration, a knowledge of the quintessential principles of Marxism. Once the student has a correct conception of such familiar terms as Wealth, Value, Use Value, Exchange Value, Commodity, Labor Power, Surplus Value, Capital, etc., the hardest or most irksome part of the task can be considered accomplished. The remaining chapters in the work can now be taken up and studied in their regular order, including a re-reading of those previously studied, and the student should, relatively considered, experience no exceptional difficulties in his work.

[p. 98] To not a few readers this course of study will no doubt seem ponderous and unnecessarily voluminous. It will probably strike many as being too “academic,” “theoretical” and “impractical.” The absence of the current and popular works and tracts on Socialism may also seem inexplicable to some and earn for this course the reputation of being too “scientific” or “orthodox.” To all these antiquated and well known but superficial criticisms and stereotype platitudes the author has only one reply to make, namely: that the above is to be a course in Marxian Socialism, aiming solely to equip the students with a working knowledge of the fundamentals and basic elements of the Socialist philosophy. It is not to be a course in the various “adaptations” and “practical” revisions or abortions of Marxism, popularly taught to a naive and guileless public as “scientific” Socialism by a set of unscrupulous political fakirs. All the works listed and recommended in this course are recognized classics of Socialism, and can be considered as standing proof for the absolute superfluousness of the countless collection of books and pamphlets published on this subject, all claiming to be “popular expositions” of Socialism and “filling a long felt want.” Most of these works contain as a rule nothing else but the intellectual drivel of a coterie of, in many cases, well meaning but ignorant pseudo intellectuals, and in other instances may be classified as the output of a set of unprincipled mercenaries, who see in the labor and Socialist movement a lucrative field for the realization of their personal ambitions. Therefore, the author sincerely trusts that the perusal and diligent study of the works listed in this course will assist to create a sound conception of Marxism and a demand for scientific SOCIALIST literature in the Socialist movement.

Source: Karl Dannenberg. Karl Marx, The Man and His Work, and The Constructive Elements of Socialism. Three Lectures and Two Essays. New York: The Radical Review Publishing Association, 1918, pp. 85-99.