ZNet includes a number of self-contained "instructionals." Each is a collection of many pages with a unique internal navigational system. They address some realm of concern or area of interest. They include a main sequence of information, often based on a book or series of Z articles, and they often also have additional readings on subsidiary and parallel sequences. The links below lead to brief reading lists in a number of areas.
Foreign Policy and International RelationsBased on a ZMI course by Stephen ShalomWhat are the motives of U.S. foreign policy? What are some critical events in the history of U.S. foreign policy and their meaning? This is an introductory overview designed to help users comprehend the big picture, with additional readings for details. |
Global Economic Crisis InstructionalBased on an extended multi-part Z series by Robin HahnelFive main sequences and an equal number of additional reading sequences on understanding the current global economic crisis (1999) and also the operations of the global economy in general. This is a very informative and conceptually edifying treatment of material that is often obtuse even to seasoned activists and "scholars," yet it doesn't require any prior economics training. |
Institutional Racism InstructionalCreated by Justin PodurAn excellent analysis of institutional racism, ways to dismantle it, and a positive vision for all those concerned with creating an anti-racist world. |
Statistics and Logic for the PeopleCreated by Justin PodurThis course aims to teach the basic skills required for spotting lies. First, an understanding of how arguments work -- logic. Second, one of the best methods of lying and obfuscation ever invented -- statistics. The emphasis will be in the logic section on recognizing sound and unsound arguments, looking for implicit and explicit assumptions, and common tricks used to cover up unsound reasoning. In the second section, basic ideas of statistics will be taught, and with them the many ways this interesting tool is used to deceive. Real examples and choice bits of propaganda will be used and dissected. The emphasis is on practical reasoning and statistics, and the underlying ideas. References will be provided for students more interested in technical details. |
Radical Theory InstructionalBased on a ZMI Course by Michael AlbertWhat are theory, concepts, strategy, etc.? How does one develop a world view or conceptual framework to understand society and history, to develop vision and strategy? These instructional sequences address such questions, developing a conceptual framework typical of the kind many Z writers have. The course includes various additional readings. No prior social theory background is required, though a general familiarity with activist inclinations and attitudes will help. |
Economic Vision InstructionalBased on a ZMI Course by Michael AlbertWhat do we want for our economy? This instructional with affiliated readings teaches a methodology for developing economic vision, which could be applied, as well, to other types of social vision, and in the process the instructional also familiarizes the user with participatory economic values and aims. No prior economics training is needed. |
Basic Concepts and Tools for
|