Theories of Nationalism

Catalog description

Nationalism is one of, if not the dominant ideologies of modernity. But where did it come from and why has it been so successful? Our class traces the history of nationalism from the early modern Atlantic world, through Europe and the Middle East and back to North America, examining how and why nationalism merges, in different times and places, with class, race, religion and gender. As we will explore, nationalism can be a progressive force for positive change or a reactionary and exclusionary ideology. Nationalism's claim that all members of the nation have an equal role to play can easily link up with democratic ideas of equality and liberty even as it can also draw a border around those citizens who belong to the nation while excluding all others. In this class, we will take nationalism apart and see what it's made of; we will examine some of the leadings theories of nationalism and we will survey a variety of nationalist movements across different times and places, from Zionism and Palestinian nationalism, to Irish republicanism, the Armenian Diaspora and contemporary white nationalism. This course meets the Dietrich Gen Ed "Contextual Thinking" requirement. The Fall 2026 course will be taught as part of the CMU Prison Education project and will take place inside Somerset State Correctional Institution. CMU students will learn alongside incarcerated students. All receive full credit for the course. This course meets the Dietrich Gen Ed "Perspectives on Justice and Injustice" requirement. We travel on the bus to and from Somerset prison. The bus leaves CMU on Fridays at 12:30 and returns at 6:45. Class time inside the prison runs from 2:30-5:10. An application for admission to the course is required.