F1617 Identity, Heritage and Globalization (Global Challenges core)
Avanza Martina
The very broad theme of identity and globalisation will be treated through issues arising out of the revival of nationalisms in a globalized world. In fact, far from erasing local peculiarities as one would have thought, globalisation seems to be revitalising differences and in particular their political affirmation, to the point of virulence. This is the ideal theme to make the most of the international composition of the class. It is current (Israel/Palestine conflict, the immigration issue…) and should therefore stimulate the students' interest.
Teaching methods:
The sessions will be structured around the discussion of essays and will privilege interactivity. Essays (essentially on anthropology, history, sociology, political science) will be backed up by other tools, such as films. The students will try to analyse these sources with the help of the theoretical texts read during class. In some cases, the sessions will be in part dedicated to associating scientific literature to the first-hand material gathered with the help of the students during classroom workshops (class exercises). This process will enable the students to add to the discussion their own knowledge of their countries of origin. This approach aims to diversify the sessions (as reading the theoretical texts can prove monotonous in the long run), but also to help the students familiarise themselves with the analysis of first-hand documentation. It is also intended to sharpen their critical sense.
Program:
The course will be divided in three parts:
1) Introductory theoretical sessions: we will read the fundamental texts and authors on nationalism, in order to acquire the tools necessary to discuss the case studies (weeks 1 to 5).
2) Case study sessions, each with a theme: nationalism and globalization, nationalism and the army, gender and nationalism, nationalism and immigration, religion and nationalism (weeks 6 to 10).
3) Students’ presentations (weeks 11 and 12). Students will present the draft of their final paper. Teacher’s feedback and other students’ comments will help them to write a better final version.
Learning outcomes of the course:
• To gain knowledge about nationalism, both as a theoretical phenomenon, as well as especially current political actuality.
• To learn to read and discuss theoretical texts on the course's subject.
• To link a theoretical issue (e.g. the constructivist approach to national identities) to some very real cases.
• To learn to analyse first-hand material by applying the knowledge acquired during the lessons.
To succeed in and enjoy this class, please make a commitment to it!
Evaluation
Reading