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Academic Year 2003/2004

Nationalism
GOVT 278 SP

From ethnic clothing to ethnic cleansing, ethnicity and nationalism have come back into fashion. Why is nationalism such a persistent feature of modern political life? Is ethnic identity intrinsically 'good' or 'bad'?
How can its political expression be channeled in a benign direction?

The purpose of this course is to study the main theories of nationalism, and then to explore some of the complexities of specific cases of ethnic conflict in the contemporary world, and to encourage creative thinking about these issues. The case studies will include Spain, Canada, Northern Ireland, India, Sri Lanka, Rwanda, Former Soviet Union and Yugoslavia.

MAJOR READINGS

Anthony D. Smith, THEORIES OF NATIONALISM
Ernst Gellner, NATIONALISM

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Three class presentations (20% each) one research paper (40%)

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS GOVT    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2004

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