Though the world is ever more 'globalised' and interconnected in some respects, differentiation among 'nations' continues to be a major feature of it.

In this course we will explore from an anthropological perspective 'nations' and 'nationalism(s)'. Questions will include: What is a 'nation'? What kinds of identities are built on the idea of nations? What are the historical, political-cultural and structural contexts in which we find nations and ideologies of nationalism? In what ways are nation-state forms changing in this era of 'globalisation'? Nationalist movements are many, and of continuing or even rising intensity in some parts of the world. Although their economic independence is diminishing, state formations remain important. It has been observed that ethnic, religious and other conflicts involving striving towards nation building have been on the rise.

We will begin by focusing on:
What is a culture of nationalism, and how does it relate to more general anthropological ideas about culture and political ideologies?
What is a national community? A modern state?
An examination of examples of 'nation-building: including some contemporary struggles. What is the role of nationalist ideologies in the continuing production of state power?
What are some of the relationships of ethnicity (and/or 'race'), religion and nationalism in the above examples? How do they relate to other socio-cultural processes that produce social inequality?

By negotiation: 6,000 words

Two hours of lectures and one hour of tutorial per week