Theories of Nationalism

(2.5-4 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

Whilst many would agree that nationalism is a loyalty or devotion to one's nation above al others, some theorists have asked how this affiliation comes into being. Is nationalism an innate natural emotion or is it a social construct? This course will examine the main contemporary theories of nationalism, analyze key concepts and discuss classical debates in the study of nationalism. We will analyze nationalism's emergence and endurance as a factor in modern politics and society. Topics covered include: nationalism and state-building, nationalism and economic modernization, nationalism and identity, by applying these theoretical perspectives to the contemporary experience of conflict in Northern Ireland and Israel/Palestine.