PSCI 140(S) Other People's 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 identities are 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 natural 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 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: two short papers and a final exam.

Hour:  CRANE