PLT3152 - Nationalism: Interpretations

Leader: James Walter

Offered

Not offered in 2009

Synopsis

The unit delves behind the debates surrounding national identity and the changing structures of the nation-state. Tracing changes across the modern and postmodern, the unit 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.

Objectives

Upon successful Completion of this subject it is expected that students will have:

1. A capacity to relate different interpretative approaches in the field of nationalism to political developments across the globe today.
2. An understanding of some of the problems associated with using different theories of nationalism, and an ability to critically assess their strengths and weaknesses.
3. An analytical appreciation of changes in the social form of nationalism across contemporary history.

Assessment

Essay (2500 words): 50%
Take-home examination (2000 words): 40%
Seminar participation: 10%
Third-year students are expected to show a greater analytical grasp of the unit, and to write their own essay question focussing upon a research problem.

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial) per week

Prerequisites

A second-year sequence in Politics, Anthropology or Sociology.

Prohibitions

PLT2152, COS2552 and COS3552