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Academic Year 2003/2004

Nations and Nationalism: The Political Philosophy of Ethnicity, Culture and Territory
GOVT 353 FA

What is the legitimate relation between ethnicity and culture, on the one hand, and democratic politics, on the other? We will approach this question via a socio-historical and philosophical analysis of the twin notions of nations and nationalism. Traditionally, nationalist doctrine has claimed that the boundaries of politics should coincide with the boundaries of the nation. Should it? What makes a nation? A shared ethnicity? Culture? History? Territory? Does the modern democratic state need the nation and loyalty to it? Are we ever ethically justified in favouring "our own"?

MAJOR READINGS

include E. Hobsbawn, A.D. Smith, E. Gellner, and B. Anderson. Readings from major philosophers include Rousseau, Nietzsche, J. Derrida, C. Taylor, W. Kymlicka, Y. Tamir, A. Appiah, and J. Habermas.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

one short paper; one research paper; in-class final exam.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

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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