Education Course for Party Members (1934)

Party News from the September 1934 issue of the Socialist Standard

This winter, instead of classes solely in Economics, we are organising a comprehensive course of study covering a wide field of Socialist knowledge. Our aims in presenting this series of classes on co-ordinated subjects are; (a) to offer a complete course of study to those wishing to take the Speakers’ Test; (b) to provide a starting-point for those wishing to make a more detailed study of any branch of Socialist thought; (c) at the same time to supply ample material for future lectures in the various Branches.

It is to be hoped that students of the course—which is intended for Party members—will be able to repeat some at least of the Lectures to Branches, and that ultimately several Branches will offer complete courses simultaneously. The principal object of the classes will be to provide the Party with an adequate supply of well-equipped speakers.

The classes will be held at Head Office on Sundays, beginning on September 23rd, from 4.0 to 6.0 p.m. Tea will be obtainable from 6.0 p.m.

TITLES OF LECTURES.

Sept. 23—How to Study.

         30—Materialism. 

Oct.    7—Primitive Society.

         14—Slave Civilisations.

         21—Feudalism.

         28—Merchant Capitalism. 

Nov.   4—The Reformation and the Puritan Revolution.

         11—The Industrial Revolution.

         18—The French Revolution.

         25—The Paris Commune. 

Dec.    2—Causes and Consequences of the World War.

           9—The British Empire.

         16—American History.

         23—History of Parliament.

         30—History of Trade Unions. 

Jan.    6—General Strikes.

         13—The Internationals.

         20—Ancient Religion.

         27—Modern Religion. 

Feb.    3—Science.

         10—Art.

         17—Psychology.

         24—Theories of Value before Marx. 

Mar.   3—Marxian Theory of Value.

         10—Division of Surplus Value.

         17—Money.

         24—Banking.

         31—Crises. 

Apr.   7—Revision.

         14—Revision.

All members of each class will receive copies of the outline of the current lecture. Every endeavour will be made to encourage each member of the class to contribute to discussion at every lecture.

The active and enthusiastic co-operation of all Party speakers and Branches in London is, of course, vitally necessary to the success of this scheme, both in encouraging regular attendance and in helping to provide fruitful discussion on all subjects.

M. Cameron,

Organiser of Classes.