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Department of European Studies & Modern Languages, Unit Catalogue 2008/09


EU30107 Culture & national identity

Credits: 6
Level: Honours
Semester: 1
Assessment: CW 33%, EX 67%
Requisites:
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.