Week 2 Discussion: The Rise of Communism and Fascism
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
Textbook: Chapter 4, 5, 6
Lesson
Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook)
Initial Post Instructions
For the initial post, select and address one of the following:
Option 1: Examine Marx's writings on communism and socialism and compare them to
how they manifested in reality? What worked and what didn't? What misconceptions do
we have about his original intent based on what we see in past or current governments?
Option 2: Compare and contrast communism and fascism. Select one example for
each to examine the origins of the governments, their accomplishments, and their
failures. What accounts for the fact that the masses mobilized to support these
movements? Elaborate.
Option 3: Examine Depression-Era social programs (select one or more to examine in
detail). Were the fears of a communist take-over based on the implementation of these
programs grounded in reality? Why or why not? How do they compare to social
programs in place today?
Follow-Up Post Instructions
Respond to at least two peers or one peer and the instructor. At least one of your responses
should be to a peer who chose an option different from yours. Further the dialogue by providing
more information and clarification.
Writing Requirements
Minimum of 3 posts (1 initial & 2 follow-up)
Minimum of 2 sources cited (assigned readings/online lessons and an outside source)
APA format for in-text citations and list of references
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
Textbook: Chapter 4, 5, 6
Lesson
Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook)
Initial Post Instructions
For the initial post, select and address one of the following:
Option 1: Examine Marx's writings on communism and socialism and compare them to
how they manifested in reality? What worked and what didn't? What misconceptions do
we have about his original intent based on what we see in past or current governments?
Option 2: Compare and contrast communism and fascism. Select one example for
each to examine the origins of the governments, their accomplishments, and their
failures. What accounts for the fact that the masses mobilized to support these
movements? Elaborate.
Option 3: Examine Depression-Era social programs (select one or more to examine in
detail). Were the fears of a communist take-over based on the implementation of these
programs grounded in reality? Why or why not? How do they compare to social
programs in place today?
Follow-Up Post Instructions
Respond to at least two peers or one peer and the instructor. At least one of your responses
should be to a peer who chose an option different from yours. Further the dialogue by providing
more information and clarification.
Writing Requirements
Minimum of 3 posts (1 initial & 2 follow-up)
Minimum of 2 sources cited (assigned readings/online lessons and an outside source)
APA format for in-text citations and list of references
