Crisis of Capitalism, Catalyst of Revolution is a DeCal for people who are anxious, frustrated, or upset about the state of the world today and want to figure out what’s happening in the world, why it’s happening, and how we can change it.

There will be three parts to this course. In the first part, Crisis, we will discuss the crises happening around the world, from the climate crisis to the rise of the far right. We will learn about the seriousness of what we’re confronting today.

In part two of the course, Cause, we will analyze the different problems from part one and learn different theoretical perspectives about their origin. We will discuss and debate together what implications different ways of understanding the problems facing us today have for our own political activity.

In the final part of the course we will learn about how people have fought against these inequalities in the past and present. We will discuss what lessons we can draw from these struggles for today and our own organizing efforts. And we will work together to find hope and direction for what we can do in the future.

Grading Policies

Participation: This class is mostly discussion based so participation is vital. After an opening lecture about the topic for the class, we will divide into small groups to discuss, debate, and take lessons from the readings and lecture. We will also discuss as a whole class at the end when we have time. Participation is essential and will be half of the grade for class. - 50%

Reflective Essays: At the end of each section of our course, students will write a 3 - 5 page reflective essay describing what they have learned from the section, how their own ideas and opinions have changed, and what they can take from this section back to their own lives, communities, and organizing. - 30%

Final Project - Its format and content will be decided as the semester progresses. Class participants will write a final essay reflecting on the different topics they learned about, knowledge they gained, and how they can apply this to their own lives. Alternatively, they can work alone or in a small group to present on a social crisis or movement from today not covered in class and what we can learn from it. - 20%

Grades will be posted on BCourses throughout the semester.

Classroom Policies

Class Environment
We want this class to be a space where everyone feels safe to share their thoughts, engage with others, and ask questions. Debates and disagreements should be on ideas and not on people. Be respectful of our peers and who they are.

We want to have serious, respectful and dynamic discussions. The best way we can do that is if we listen attentively to each other and engage with the activities and ideas in class.

Tardiness, Absences, and Participation
Because this is a discussion based class, everyone should participate and share their perspectives. Attendance is mandatory. Points will be deducted from the participation grade if students show up more than 10 minutes late to class. Students can have 4 excused absences from class if they email us at least 24 hours before the class.

Missed and Late Assignments
Late assignments may be turned in until the end of the semester for credit. Assignments that are one week past due will automatically receive 10% off and two or more weeks past due will automatically receive 20% off.