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Department of European Studies & Modern Languages, Unit Catalogue 2009/10


EU30107: Culture & national identity

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Honours
Click here for further information Period: Semester 1
Click here for further information Assessment: CW 33%, EX 67%
Click here for further informationSupplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites:
Description: Aims:
To provide an overview of nationalism in various twentieth-century European contexts and of the role of culture in influencing debates on issues such as national identity; to provide a particular focus on the changes in post-1989 Central and Eastern Europe.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the unit students should be able to evaluate the significance of nationalism as a shaping force in European history; to demonstrate good understanding of key aspects of culture theory in the context of Europe; to explain the particular role of culture in the forging of national identity in a variety of territorial contexts, particularly since 1989; to analyse the significance of particular cultural products in the light of the critique of nationalism and the role of culture in the development of national identity.

Skills:
Skills in critical analysis, conceptual thinking, precision in the use of written and spoken language, exercise of independent judgement, reasoned argument and the planning/conduct/reporting of non-quantitative research are developed and assessed in this unit.

Content:
Key texts: Anthony D. Smith, National Identity; Bernhard Gibson, Intellectuals and the Nation; J. Giles and T. Middleton, Studying Culture; K. Woodward, Identity and Difference, Edward Said, Representations of the Intellectual; the work of intellectuals such as Barzini, Konwicki, Rossellini, Scholl, Maron, Arendt, and Foucault.
NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.