Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Dream of a Ridiculous Man (Extra Credit)

Suppose you were a glorious history professor, and you were going to include "The Dream of a Ridiculous Man" in a lecture on 19th century "believers in progress." What would you say about the story? [If you like, you may imitate the style of one of your teachers/professors. I would be amused by, say, a Dias-style or Manhart-style lecture selection.]

Friday, November 9, 2007

Communist Manifesto

In the "Communist Manifesto," Marx and Engels suggest some "wonderful improvements" for society. Cite a line from the Manifesto highlighting one of these improvements, i.e, something Marx and Engels want to see changed. Would the change they suggest be a good one? Why, or why not? Do you get a feeling of deja vu when you read through the Manifesto? Any issues raised similar to those in contemporary American politics?