Nations and Nationalisms (Optional)
Although we live in an age of globalisation, nation states and nationalist movements continue to shape our societies and our politics. This means that understanding nationalism is not only of historical importance, but vital to those considering careers in law, politics and government, journalism and the media, since it touches on anyone involved in advocacy, policy and media roles.
On this module, you will examine the nature of nationalism, considering the extent to which it should be considered a ‘modern phenomenon’, the difference between ‘civic’ and ‘ethnic’ nationalism, and the relationship between nationalism and other ideologies.
Historical case studies will then allow you to examine the political consequences of nationalist movements from the French Revolution to the present day, as well as the ways in which nationalism interacts with social class, gender, religion and the state. Although the focus will be primarily on Europe, some non-European material will be considered, especially in relation to decolonisation and the end of empire.