During the 19th century, a radical new idea shook the very foundations of society. A German philosopher by the name of Karl Marx stunned the world with his publication of The Communist Manifesto. His writing inspired many of the greatest revolutions of his day. This class analyzes basic communist theory, starting with The Communist Manifesto and moving into the writings of the communist thinkers Lenin and Trotsky. The readings will be supplemented by 19th and 20th century history and discussion.