PSCI 204(S) (formerly 140) Introduction to Comparative Politics: The Powers of Nationalism*
Nationalism demands our attention. The recent dissolutions of various states are only the most obvious expressions of the power of certain collective identities and the weakness of others. This class will therefore focus on how national identity is constructed and how national communities might succeed or fail to coalesce around a shared sense of belonging. The first part of the course will review some of the enduring questions about nationalism: What is a "nation"? Are nations primordial human affinities or are they modern creations of state managers? Why does nationalism appear to be such a potent force in contemporary politics? The second section of the course will consider historically specific expressions of national identity and related political issues in four countries: Russia, China, Nigeria and the United States. Finally, we will consider how the forces of economic and cultural globalization might confound or promote national definition. Requirements: course requirements include three short (1-2 page) discussion papers, one medium (5-page) paper on the readings, and a final exam. This is an introductory course; open to all students, including first-year students. Comparative Politics Subfield