PLT4630

Nationalism in Question

(ART)

Tom Nairn

12 points + 2 hours per week + Second semester + Clayton (First offered in 2001) + Prerequisites: A major in Politics, Anthropology, Sociology, or by permission of the School graduate coordinator + Prohibitions: PLM4630/PLM5630.

Synopsis: Nationalism in Question maps the fundamental elements necessary for understanding the bases of contemporary nationalism. Just as the DNA bears the story of the species, so every individual carries the societal secret of national identity with them. In the exploring the social and political depth of nationalism, the subject begins with prevailing theories of social origins and considerations of the enigma of 'human nature'. The argument then moves to the watershed of modernisation, and to the dual invention of modern statehood and the person as citizen.

Assessment: Essay (6,000 words): 60% + Examination (3 hours): 40%