The Platypus Affiliated Society organizes reading groups, public fora, research and journalism focused on problems and tasks inherited from the “Old” (1920s-30s), “New” (1960s-70s) and post-political (1980s-90s) Left for the possibilities of emancipatory politics today.
Platypus at the University of Chicago
The Left is Dead! Long Live the Left! Come join our discussions on the history of the Left, current events and politics, and the possibilities of emanipatory politics today. Every week, we host:
| Fridays 4-5PM |
Coffee Break @ Pret a Manger Let's talk Left-wing politics! We digest current events, Left-wing history, the Platypus Review, or any topic of interest. |
| Sundays 12-2:30PM |
Reading Group @ Harper 141 Our annual reading group where we work through the crucial texts in the history of Marxism. Syllabus |
Fall Events 2023
We also host panels and teach-ins throughout the quarter:
| November 9 Thursday, 6-8PM |
History and Helplessness Teach-in Cobb 115 |
| November 14 Tuesday, 6-8PM |
Marxism and Liberalism Panel Kent 120 |
Reading Group Schedule
Sunday 12PM @ Harper 141, Syllabus
All welcome, no prior knowledge required
| Oct 1 | What is the Left? I. Capital in History |
| Oct 8 | What is the Left? II. Utopia and Critique |
| Oct 15 | What is Marxism? I. Socialism |
| Oct 22 | What is Marxism? II. Revolutions in 1848 |
| Oct 29 | What is Marxism? III. Bonapartism |
| Nov 5 | What is Marxism? IV. Critique of Political Economy |
| Nov 12 | What is Marxism? V. Reification |
| Nov 19 | What is Marxism? VI. Class Consciousness |
| Dec 3 | What is Marxism? VII. Ends of Philosophy |