This course will focus on the often ambiguous yet profoundly
powerful concept of nationalism.  Since it first emerged as a
salient political ideology, nationalism has had a central role in
shaping the contemporary world.  Despite this historically central
role, towards the end of the twentieth century a number of scholars
predicted that nationalism was on its last legs and would soon
disappear.  The fact that so many contemporary violent conflicts
(whether located in Iraq, Chechnya, Kashmir or other locations)
feature agents that continue to justify their actions through
nationalistic language indicates that these scholar’s predictions
were mistaken. In light of this realization, one of the primary
tasks of this course is to assess the role of nationalism in the
early 21st century.

Some of the theoretical questions that we will address include:

-What is the relationship between the “nation” and “nationalism”?
-How and when did nations originate?  Are they “new”
and “constructed” or are they “natural” and “organic”?
-Is there a distinction between nationalism and patriotism?
-Is there a difference between civic and ethnic nationalisms?
-Is “religious nationalism” a meaningful concept?
-And finally, what (if any) is the relationship between nationalism
and violence?

This course will also use case studies to explore and refine our
understanding of contemporary nationalism.  With these case studies
we will compare nationalism in established democracies (including
the United States); in select post-colonial societies; and in post-
communist societies to explore similarities and differences in how
the concept is manifested in the various locations.

	Although this course assumes no prior exposure to theories
of nationalism, active participation will be encouraged and students
will be expected to come to class having done the assigned reading
and ready to contribute to a discussion.  Course requirements will
include regular quizzes on the readings, exams, and a final paper.