- 450 Level: Advanced (ADV)
- History
Grades: 11, 12
Fall
PREREQ: Starting with the Class of 2028, completion of both History 200 courses and one 300-level History course
Almost everyone on the planet lives in a nation, yet that form of social organization is a relatively recent and never inevitable development in human history. What are the historical origins of nations? What are the benefits and limitations of living in a nation? Why are so many people willing to kill and die for their nations? To what extent is nationalism to blame for the most destructive wars in modern history? What role does nationalism play in our globalized world? In this course, students will analyze theories of nationalism and historical case studies such as Napoleonic France, Nazi Germany and post-war East Asia. Readings will include primary sources and sophisticated works of modern scholarship. Most class meetings will revolve around seminar discussions in which students evaluate and critique the previous night’s readings. Students will occasionally lead class discussions. Assessments include essays and presentations. The course will conclude with each student using the theories of nationalism that we have studied and developed to research an example of contemporary nationalism, compose a paper and present their own conclusions.
- Grade 11
- Grade 12