Imagining Nations
Module code: ML2021
The aim of this module is to explore the concept of what a nation is, what it implies in terms of constructing a national identity or identities, and how it creates – or not – a sense of belonging to a community. The ideas that created and consolidated global nations and states, including the impact of the Enlightenment, and the processes of reunification, independence movements, and colonialism will be studied alongside different forms a nation and state could take, paying particular attention to the concepts of monarchy, confederation, republic, democracy, dictatorship. The module is assessed via a project presentation and coursework essay.
Topics covered
- concepts of nation and nationhood
- different forms of state (monarchy, confederation, republic, democracy, dictatorship, tribal societies)
- national identity
- the Enlightenment
- colonialism
- independence movements
- reunification