Module SGIA3401: NATIONS AND NATIONALISM

Department: Government and International Affairs

SGIA3401: NATIONS AND NATIONALISM

Prerequisites

• Any Level 2 SGIA module

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• The module aims to develop knowledge and understanding of theories of and approaches to contemporary nationalism and apply these to a range of cases drawn from across the globe, with particular emphasis on contemporary issues including globalisation, migration, citizenship and regional integration.

Content

• How do we account for the many varieties of nationalist movements, and how have they evolved since the end of the Cold War? How can some nationalists espouse left-wing views, when nationalism is also associated with fascism? How do the sovereignty and legitimacy of the nation-state shape the demands of minority nationalists? The module offers ways of thinking about these questions in the contemporary, global context. It provides an overview of nationalism theories and types of nationalism, and also examines the relationship between nation-building, nationalist ideology and other forms of belonging.
• Indicative Lecture Content:
• When is the nation? Theories of nationalism
• Who is the nation? State and sub-state nationalist ideologies
• How is the nation? From patriotism to fascism
• Why the ‘nation-state’? Managing migration, multiculturalism and citizenship
• Whither the stateless nation? Sub-state nationalism in an integrating world
• What kind of nationalism? Reconciling ideology and democracy
• What now for the nation? The emotional power of national appeals

Learning Outcomes

• Link definitions of nationalism to theoretical approaches.
• Evaluate the usefulness of theories of nationalism in explaining contemporary nationalism.
• Distinguish between the concepts of nation and state and analyse the legitimating practices of state governments in their role as nation-builders.
• Analyse the relationship between nationalist ideology and e.g. communism, democracy and multiculturalism
• Categorise different nationalist variants, from ‘hot’ to ‘banal’, patriotism to fascism.
• Understand the factors influencing the form taken by a particular variant of nationalism including emotional appeal
• Show awareness of the impact of (post) colonialism on nationalist movements
• Discuss the distinction between ethnic and civic nationalisms, and their relationship to ethnicity more generally
• Understand the context and aims of contemporary sub-state nationalism
• Analyse the relationship between migration, citizenship and nation-building, and the discourses of integration and assimilation to which this gives rise.

• On successful completion of the module students will:
• Undertake critical analysis of the main theories of nationalism and approaches to contemporary nationalism
• Differentiate between types of nationalist ideology and identify examples of these
• Apply a theoretical framework to (comparative) case studies
• Assess the role of contemporary nationalism in both domestic and global politics

• Through the module, students develop key skills including:
• Identification, selection and assessment of material and evidence in support of analysis through engagement in independent research;
• Ability to critically evaluate the suitability and quality of resources;
• Ability to develop an individual research schedule which allows them to work towards the achievement of the learning outcomes;
• Effective planning and delivery of assessed work within time and length constraints;
• Effective written presentation of a critical analysis of key issues
• Taking responsibility for their learning and work, balancing competing demands to complete a range of tasks.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The module is delivered using a mixture of lectures and seminars. The lectures introduce key concepts and debates in nationalism theory to students, based on relevant readings. Lectures will give a detailed outline, appropriate to a level three module, of the context and content of the texts and ideas to be studied and advice as to critical approach and reading.
• Seminars encourage students to become more confident in exploring the relevant literature and applying it to contemporary debates, such as those surrounding immigration, integration and citizenship. Students will be encouraged to engage critically with a particular aspect of nationalism of their own choosing and to develop skills in communication and group discussion, both in small groups and within the whole group. They will also provide a basis on which to select their areas of specialist research for summative essays. Students are required to select their own summative essay topic in order to develop the key skills set out above. They are supported in achieving an agreed essay title through seminar discussion in Term 1 and a dedicated essay workshop at the beginning of Term 2, which combines a review of formative feedback with 'feeding forward' to the summative using a peer-reviewed essay structuring exercise
• Formative assessment through essay gives students practice in advance of summative assessment in setting out their knowledge of the field in order to develop and defend a response to a set question. Achieving this also tests their ability to independently identify, assess and organise resources in support of a consistent academic argument, by a deadline and to a limit of 2,000 words, requiring students to take responsibility for their learning. Formative assessment early on in the module gives students an opportunity to receive feedback and guidance on their knowledge and understanding of a specific aspect of the module and their ability to effectively assess and analyse the topic.
• Summative assessment by essay formally tests the skills developed in the formative essay. The 5,000 word summative essay, with its greater length, tests the ability to plan a more substantial piece of work, identifying and retrieving sources and selecting and displaying appropriate subject specific knowledge and understanding. It tests the ability to develop an extended discussion using appropriate political concepts and examining competing interpretation and analysis. It also develops key skills in sustaining effective written communication and presenting information to high scholarly standards.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

1 essay of 2,000 words

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University