Time Schedule:
Jonathan M. Acuff
POL S 436
Seattle Campus
Provides a broad theoretical base, both descriptive and analytical, for the comparative study of ethnicity and nationalism. Examples drawn from ethnic movements in different societies. Some previous exposure either to introductory courses in political science or to courses in ethnicity in other departments is desirable. Offered: jointly with JSIS B 436.
Class description
This course examines nationalism and other related forms of collective identity. It is divided into two sections. First, we study several theories of national collective identity, including primordialism, modernist approaches, ethno-symbolism, and constructivist IR theory. We continue with the application of these theories of identity to empirical cases in both the Western and non-Western worlds. The first study comprises the comparative variation in nationalist identity and political outcomes in Austria-Hungary, Switzerland, and Nazi Germany. The second case we shall analyze is the disintegration of Yugoslavia and the subsequent descent of its constitutive peoples into the abattoir of ethnic warfare. The next segment of the course begins with an examination of non-Western collective identities, with contemporary India and China as empirical referents. We continue with a look at the role of religious fundamentalism in both Islamic and Western societies, with particular attention paid to the civil war now raging in Iraq. The class concludes with a brief assessment of the future of nationalism and extremist Islam in the European Union.
The course is not intended to be a primer on ethnic warfare per se. Rather, it focuses on several questions derived from each of the major theoretical schools. How well do changes in collective identity explain legitimation crises? What is the role of the state in constructing identities? What is the relationship between nationalism and other social or political ideologies, such as liberalism or religion? Does nationalism have a future? Will it instead be supplanted by other forms of collective identity?
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
As a 400 level class in political science, which graduate students at this university are eligible to take for credit towards an advanced degree, it is intended for upperclassmen and is explicitly theoretical in orientation. Prior to enrolling, I expect all students to have completed the introductory sequence in International Relations and Comparative Politics. Alternatively, non-majors with extensive coursework in historical sociology, international studies, and/or European history could also take this class, with the proviso that the theoretical material and terminology may be difficult for them to understand.
Although I will not grade you based on attendance, enrolling at a university involves attending said university. You are expected be present for all class meetings. If you do miss class, please note that I will not re-teach material and/or provide lecture notes.
Class assignments and grading
Required Texts: Bruce Cronin. Community Under Anarchy: Transnational Identity and the Evolution of Cooperation. New York: Columbia University Press, 1999; Ernest Gellner, Nations and Nationalism. Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1983; and Mark Juergensmeyer. The New Cold War? Religious Nationalism and the Secular State. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1993.
A packet of course readings is also available from Ave Copy Center, located next to Johnny’s Flowers at 4141 University Way NE.
Midterm 30% Final Exam 30% Research Paper 40%
Both exams will consist of a mixture of short answers and essay questions. To assist students in their preparation for the exams, I will provide a list of possible essay questions. Though it will emphasize material covered after the midterm, the final exam is cumulative. The 10 to 12-page research will paper require students to apply the theories to investigate an empirical case or cases.
