PLT2152

Nationalism: 2. Interpretations

(ART)

Paul James

6 points + 2 hours per week + Second semester + Clayton + Prerequisites: A first-year sequence in Politics, Anthropology or Sociology + Corequisite: PLT2150 + Prohibitions: PLT3152, COS2552 and COS3352

Synopsis: The subject delves behind the debates surrounding national identity and the changing structures of the nation-state. Tracing changes across the modern and postmodern, the subject explores the political meaning of contemporary nationalism, including the politics of identity and embodiment, time and space, and the embedded nature of invented traditions. It asks to what extent the boundaries and identities of the nation-state are sustained as the world becomes increasingly globalised. Throughout, the abiding concern is to rethink the underpinnings of the nation-state as it undergoes momentous change into the new century.

Assessment: Essay (2500 words): 50% + Take-home examination (2000 words): 40% + Seminar participation: 10%