POSC 350: NATIONALISM AND STATE BUILDING
Dr. William Payne
Manhattan College
Spring Semester 2021
Tuesday/Friday 12:35-1:50
Office Hours: By appointment
Email: wpayne01@manhattan.edu
Course Description: It is said that every nation needs a state, and every state needs a nation. This is a course will examine this statement in detail through three interrelated themes: the historical development of different varieties of nationalism, national independence movements and the challenges of democratic state-building from democratic transition to consolidation or the dangers of transitions to other political regimes. We will examine various theories of nationalism: primordialism vs. social constructivism and then we will look at the problem of “stateness” in which nation-states and democracies are sometimes thought to have incompatible logics. We will look at specific nation states as case studies, the kind of nationalism that exists, how nationalism evolved historically and what human rights problems its nationalist identity and state formation presents. In addition to attending my lectures, students will be expected to read all assigned texts, write short weekly homework, participate in group debates, make individual presentation, and read articles about nationalism as well as research information about individual nation states from sources such as the CIA World fact book, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and Freedom House.
Learning Goal: The learning goal of this course is to introduce students to theories of nationalism, case studies in nationalism and the historical relationship between forms of nationalism and building nation-states. The course places particular emphasis on the historical sources of national identity, conflicts that arise and the efficacy of nationalism as a political discourse for different people within the nation-state system that attempts to address internal and external social conflicts and external threats.
Readings: Weekly readings will vary between 75 – 100 pgs.
Two Papers: Each student will write a 5-6 pgs. debate paper on an assigned topic and a 5-6 pgs. final paper on a topic related to nationalism of the student’s choosing approved by professor due on the last day of class. Papers will be submitted in Chicago style. No late papers will be accepted.
Class Debates: Each student will research a specific topic and participate in class debates by presenting his/her side for 3-4 minutes.
Short Writing Assignments and Verbal Participation: Students will be expected to do all the assigned readings, short writing assignments for class, and verbally participate in class.
Individual Reading Presentations: Each student lead at least one class discussion based on class readings for 5 - 10 minutes. The student will verbally summarize the readings, raise a question about the readings, and start the group discussion. When presenting a reading, students are advised to write a short summary, or outline, to help organize their thoughts when leading a discussion (1-3pgs.).
Final Exam: There will be a final exam based upon readings, class discussions and class research.
Grades: Grades will be based upon two papers 80% (40% each paper), final exam 10%, homework, individual class presentations and class participation 10%. Papers and final exam will be graded on a scale from an “A” indicating outstanding work, to a “B” indicating good work, to a “C” indicating average work, to a “D” indicating below average work, to an “F” indicating work below college standards that requires immediate attention.
Incompletes: No incomplete grade will be granted.
Attendance: Attendance at each lecture is mandatory and students can only miss a class with a valid medical excuse in line with the college’s attendance policy. More than two unexcused absences during the semester will result in a half grade lower of final grade. More than two can result in a full letter grade drop or in extreme cases, a failing grade.
Cell Phones and Computers: All cell phones must be switched OFF and placed inside your bags or pockets. They must NOT be visible. Students found texting in class and students who have phones ringing in class will lose points for class participation. Laptops cannot be used in class without special permission from the instructor.
Academic Integrity Statement: Integrity is fundamental to the academic enterprise. It is violated by such acts as borrowing or purchasing assignments (including but not limited to term papers, exams, and reports) and other written assignments, using concealed notes or crib sheets during examinations, copying the work of others, and submitting it as one’s own, and misappropriating the knowledge of others. The sources from which one derives one’s ideas, statements, terms, and data, including Internet sources, must be fully and specifically acknowledged in the appropriate form; failure to do so, intentionally, or unintentionally, constitutes plagiarism. Students who are found to be engaging in academic dishonesty will fail the class.
Reading Materials: Books are required for this class: “The Reconstruction of Nations” by Timothy Snyder, Yale University Press (paperback), “Imagined Communities” by Benedict Anderson, “Nationalism” by Craig Calhoun, “Blood and Belonging – Journeys into the New Nationalism” by Michael Ignatieff. Books can be purchased on Amazon, rented, and books are on reserve at library. Any additional reading materials will be available online.
Office Hours: I will be available to meet with students immediately after class, by appointment or during scheduled office hours. I am available by email except on weekends.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: If a student wants to obtain accommodations, please contact the appropriate office, and bring me an official note at the start of the semester.
N.B. A “Week” indicates two consecutive class sessions (Tuesday and Friday). An academic week is subject to change due to scheduled school holidays that alter an academic two class week. At any time, syllabus and reading schedule can be adjusted to introduce new materials and to adjust the pace of the class to make sure students are comprehending the materials.
Week 1 - Introduction to Nationalism and State-Building
Welcome and an overview of “Nationalism and State-Building” course and review of syllabus. What is nationalism? Is it an ancient expression of community or is it modern? Are there different kinds of nationalism? What are alternative “isms” to nationalism?
Research: What is economic nationalism and how does it differ from a neo-liberal or free trade trade policy? Find an article on Trump’s America First economic policy towards other countries, especially China. Write 1-2 pages.
Week 2 - What is The Problem of “Stateness?”
Read: “The Last Refuge” and “Croatia and Serbia” pages. 3-56 in “Blood and Belonging” by Ignatieff,
Student research: Serbia and Croatia
Read CIA World Factbook on one of these two countries, read at least one of the following human rights sources on each country: Freedom House, Amnesty International, or Human Rights Watch. What is the current human rights situation in these two countries?
What is the difference between genocide and ethnic cleansing? Write 1-2 pages.
Week 3 - What are Ethnic and Civic Nationalism?
Read: “Nationalism” by Calhoun, Ch. 1-3 pgs. 1-65
Write 1-2 pages on main ideas.
Read “Nationalism” by Calhoun, Ch. 4 – Conclusion pgs. 66-126
Write 1-2 pages on main ideas.
Student research: Find examples of nation-states which based in ethnic nationalism and others based in civic nationalism.
Internet Article: “Nationalism and Modernity” by Charles Taylor Ch.12 pgs. 219 – 243
Class discussion: Is one form of nationalism problematic and the other a solution?
Week 4 – Civic Nationalism and Its Critics
Read “Northern Ireland” Ch. 6 pages 213 - 249 in “Blood and Belonging”
Read Article: Charles Taylor “Democracy and Exclusion” (reader)
Student research on UK and Northern Ireland in CIA World Factbook, and one of the following human rights sources: Freedom House, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch. Find two articles: One article about the Brexit and another about Scottish or Welsh independence movements. Write 1-2 pages on Scottish Independence.
Upcoming Student Debate and Paper: Proposition – Scotland should seek national self-determination and not accept political autonomy within the UK: Agree or Disagree
Week 5 –Ethnic Nationalism: Primordialism vs. Social Constructivism
Read Ch. 2 “Germany” in Ignatieff pgs. 57-103
Read B. Anderson, Ch.1 – Ch.3 pgs.1-46
Student Research on Germany in CIA World Factbook and one human rights source. Find one human rights issue related to nationalism in contemporary Germany. Write 1 – 2 pages.
Week 6 – Reconstructing East European Nationalisms: Lithuania, Belarus
Read Part 1 in “The Reconstruction of Nations” pages 15 – 90
Write 1-2 pages summary of how Lithuanian national identity was reconstructed
Student Research: The Baltic Way, CIA Factbook and one human rights source on both Lithuania and Hong Kong. What is human rights situation in both countries. Find article about Hong Kong democracy movement. Think about if Hong Kong should or should not follow “The Baltic Way”. What are similarities and dissimilarities in relations to these respective movements and forms of nationalism?
Week 7 – Reconstructing Polish Nationalism
Read Part 3 on Poland in “The Reconstruction of Nations” pages 217 - 293
Write 1-2 pages summary of how Polish national identity was reconstructed
Student Research on Poland: CIA Factbook, and one human rights source: Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Freedom House. Find an article about Polish nationalism and the EU. Write 1-2 pages - Is Polish nationalism a threat to the 27 member EU?
Extra: Watch selection from movie: “A Force More Powerful,” Part on Solidarity Movement in Poland (YouTube)
Week 8 – In Class Debate and Papers Due on Nationalism
Week 9 – Historical Challenges to Nationalism in Ukraine
Read Part 2 on Ukraine in “The Reconstruction of Nations”
Write 1-2 pages summary of tragedy of Ukrainian nationalism
Read B. Anderson, Ch. 4 – 5 pgs. 47-82
Week 10 – Contemporary Nationalism in Ukraine
Read Ignatieff Chapter 3 “Ukraine” pgs. 103 - 143
Student Research on Ukraine: CIA Factbook and one human rights source, such as Freedom House/ Find article on “Revolution of Dignity” or “Maidan.” Write 1-2 pages on Russia’s problem with Ukrainian nationalism.
Week 11 – Kurdish Nationalist Aspirations in Turkey
Read Ignatieff Chapter 5 “Kurdistan” pgs. 178 - 213
Weds. homework:
Student Research: CIA Factbook, Freedom House etc.: Turkey
Find a relevant political or human rights article about Kurdistan and Turkey, Write 1-2 pages
Week 12 – Post Nationalist Accounts of Modernity: Civilization Theories?
Monday homework:
Read S. Huntington, “The Clash of Civilizations”
Foreign Affairs 1993
http://users.metu.edu.tr/utuba/Huntington.pdf
Weds. homework:
Read B. Anderson Ch.6 - 7 pgs. 83 – 140
Student Research on India in CIA World Factbook and a human rights source. What is Hindu Nationalism? What is the controversial citizenship law? Write 1-2 pages.
In class debate: Are Hindu Nationalism and Political Islam movements, such as ISIS compatible with tenets of nationalism or are they post-national movements?
Extra: Watch Hassan Minaj’s “Indian Elections” on YouTube.
Week 13 – Benedict Anderson’s View of Nationalism as Imagined Community
Read: B. Anderson Ch. 8 - 9 pgs. 141 – 162
Write 1-2 pages summary of chapters
Read: B. Anderson Ch. 10 -11 pgs. 163 – 206
Write 1-2 pages summary of chapters
Week 14 STUDENT PAPER PRESENTATIONS AND FINAL PAPER DUE
Week 15 FINAL EXAM
- Teacher: Payne William