Study guide and discussion questions for week 3. Be prepared to discuss the discussion questions at our next class meeting (or on the discussion board for the online class).

23. "Manifesto of the Communist Party" by KARL MARX and FREDERICH ENGELS

Discussion questions:

Discuss the emergence and development of the bourgeoisie and capitalism.

According to Marx and Engels, what is the relationship between the bourgeoisie and the state? Do you agree?

According to Marx and Engels, how has the bourgeoisie transformed relationships? In your answer, discuss self-interest and exploitation. Do you agree?

According to Marx and Engels, how has the bourgeoisie revolution transformed work, the family, and personal worth? Do you agree?

Compare the exploitation of the past with the exploitation of the present.

Discuss the relationship between capitalism and innovation.

Discuss globalization.

What is Marx and Engels referring to when they use the phrase "epidemic of over-production." How does overproduction lead to crises?

Discuss the development of the proletariat. What happens to the other classes?

Why did Marx and Engels believe that the bourgeoisie produced their own "graver-diggers"? Do you agree?

Possible in-class essay question for midterm 1:

How do Karl Marx and Frederic Engels describe the capitalist system in "The Communist Manifesto"? In your answer, discuss the rise of the bourgeoisie, the relationship the bourgeoisie has with the state, how capitalism transforms relationships, globalization, the relationship between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie, and the rise of the proletariat.