Modern Nationalism

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

This is a graduate-level readings course on modern nationalism covering both the breadth of the topic and delving in-depth in certain areas of it. The course will study the development of nationalism, its apex in the 19th century, and its waning influence in the second half of the 20th century. The course will begin with definitions of nationalism, national identity, and nation-building. The course will also demonstrate the significance of nationalism for modern life. Nationalism is the beating heart of the modern world, comprising what some historians have described as the most powerful form of collective identity other than the family in the modern world, and overwhelming religion as the path to modern immortality.

Credit: 3