World History Portal

Quite a few people have heard of Karl Marx and Marxism, but far less have ever stopped to learn what Marxism is really all about. Is it simply an economic theory, or a political movement? Is it a philosophy of history, or just a critique of capitalism? Why has it shaped revolutions, labor movements, academic disciplines, and political debates across the world for more than 150 years? For some, it represents the dream of economic democracy and liberation from exploitation. For others, it evokes authoritarianism, failed states, and political repression. This introductory course explores the foundations of Marxist thought in a clear, simple, and accessibly grounded way. Through four pre-recorded lectures and four discussion sessions, students will learn and discuss the core concepts developed by Karl Marx and later Marxist thinkers, including ideas like class struggle, historical materialism, exploitation, alienation, ideology, revolution, and socialism. The course will also provide an introductory examination of how Marxists understand capitalism, why they believe economic systems shape society and politics, and how Marxist ideas evolved through labor struggles, anti-colonial movements, and debates within the socialist tradition itself. We will end through looking at how Marxism has touched other disciplines beyond economics, culminating in a critique of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings through the lens of Marxist literary criticism. No prior background in philosophy, economics, or political theory is required or needed, just your curiosity. Whether you are sympathetic to Marxism, skeptical of it, or simply interested in understanding one of the most important intellectual movements of the modern world, this course will provide the tools to think critically and historically about capitalism, socialism, and the future of human society. Lecture 1: The World of Karl Marx: History, Class, and Struggle Discussion Session 1 Lecture 2: Capitalism and Exploitation Discussion Session 2 Lecture 3: Revolution, the State, and Socialist Transitions Discussion Session 3 Lecture 4: Marxism Beyond Marx: Sociology, Literary Criticism, and The Lord of the Rings Discussion Session 4 [show less]

Beer has been humanity’s traveling companion since before the dawn of agriculture. For millennia, this simple beverage has evolved alongside us, serving as wages and currency, as a source of safe and stable food and drink, as a spiritual stimulant and oath-sealant, and as a spark for industrial and scientific development. Each of these and other uses are accompanied by stories: tales of individuals, communities, and countries whose fortunes rose and fell alongside beer. It is truly humanity's drink: from the lowliest serf to the greatest kings, it has followed and filled us. This module includes two cords: along with learning the history entwined with this beer, we will also explore the craft of homebrewing. As we learn about its various components, we gain an applied-scientific understanding of their purposes and dive deep into the cultures that helped discover their uses. You will gain practical knowledge of how to create delicious beers in your own home, with tips and tricks from an experienced home and professional brewer. The final "project" of each module is to create a style-appropriate beer from a menu of culturally-specific recipes. (Note: While this is a single SPACE module, it is intended to be run as a new course each time, with a different cultural focus and therefore new menu of recipes.) [show less]

Beer has been humanity’s traveling companion since before the dawn of agriculture. For millennia, this simple beverage has evolved alongside us, serving as wages and currency, as a source of safe and stable food and drink, as a spiritual stimulant and oath-sealant, and as a spark for industrial and scientific development. Each of these and other uses are accompanied by stories: tales of individuals, communities, and countries whose fortunes rose and fell alongside beer. It is truly humanity's drink: from the lowliest serf to the greatest kings, it has followed and filled us. This module includes two cords: along with learning the history entwined with this beer, we will also explore the craft of homebrewing. As we learn about its various components, we gain an applied-scientific understanding of their purposes and dive deep into the cultures that helped discover their uses. You will gain practical knowledge of how to create delicious beers in your own home, with tips and tricks from an experienced home and professional brewer. The final "project" of each module is to create a style-appropriate beer from a menu of culturally-specific recipes. (Note: While this is a single SPACE module, it is intended to be run as a new course each time, with a different cultural focus and therefore new menu of recipes.) [show less]