Description
To what extent can theories of nationalism provide adequate conceptual frameworks to analyze and comprehend the complexities of East Asian nationalisms and their related issues? What are the limitations of nationalism theories and how do contemporary issues highlight these theoretical deficiencies? The module aims to provide an in-depth specialization in various theories of nationalism and the application of these theories to various cases in the region of East Asia. In addition to providing a detailed understanding of rival perspectives and the issues that divide them, it poses the question of whether it is possible to go beyond nationalism in East Asia. Students are expected to critically reflect on the methodological and ethical implications of studying contemporary nationalism in East Asia.
The course is divided into four sections. The first section (Week 1, 2) is intended to demonstrate why (or why not) ‘nationality’ matters. This section will particularly focus on the debate between communitarianism and liberalism. The second section (Week 3, 4, 5) is designed to answer the question, ‘what is nation’? Is nation a nation, a state, an ethnic group or anything else? This section aims to give students a basic knowledge of the range and importance of nationalism theories. The third section (Week 6, 7, 8, 9) will employ different theories of nationalism to understand the rise of nations in East Asia. It will investigate the case of Japan, of China, of Taiwan, and of Korea, respectively. In the final section (Week 10, 11), students will interpret and analyse two key issues in the society of nation-states in East Asia, the rights to self-determination and international conflicts of nationalism. The former will examine the case of Tibet and Xinjiang while the latter will analyse the case of Sino-Japanese relations. The concluding section (Week 12) will ask whether it is possible to go beyond nationalism in East Asia.
Teaching method
The course is taught through two-hour seminars. During the course of the module students are expected to take part in both large and small group discussions; lead seminar discussions; present and defend their ideas within an academic setting; and take part in group projects. Each seminar will also include a piece of required reading that specifically raises theoretical concerns.
Admission requirements
Some background in modern East Asian politics and international relations would be useful, but not necessary.
Course objectives
In this course, students will learn valuable theoretical, methodological and analytical skills enabling them to interpret key issues in the nationalism of the East Asian region. By the end of the course we expect each student to develop the following skills:
A critical awareness of the key debates concerning the historiography of nationalism theory;
Critically identify and discuss key issues surrounding the history and development of nationalism in East Asia;
Critically reflect upon key theories and concepts using a variety of case studies in contemporary nationalism movements/phenomena in East Asia;
Critically identify the methodological and epistemological implications of a wide range of theoretical positions;
Display the confidence to present and discuss their ideas in relevant academic contexts (seminars, workshops, conferences) for specialists in nationalism in East Asia.
Course load
280 uur/10 ects
Required reading
To be announced
Test method
There are two pieces of coursework. The first is an ‘informal’ assessment; in other words, the piece of work will be commented upon and graded but it will not contribute directly to the overall assessment. The other 4 elements of Part Two combined constitute the final mark.
[Part One: Informal Assessment]
- Book Review
[Part Two: Formal Assessment]
Bibliography Exercise (10%)
1× 30 min Presentation (30%)
1× 3000 word Essay (30%)
1× 2 Hour Exam (30%)
Time table
For more information, check time table.
Contact
For further information about the course, please contact Dr. Yih-Jye Hwang
Registration
Via U-twist, check enrollment
Blackboard
A handbook denoting weekly readings will be posted on blackboard the week before the start of the semester.
Additional information (PowerPoint presentations, useful websites, etc…) will also be found on blackboard over the course of the semester.
Students are also required to submit five web posts (short responses to seminar questions based on the weekly readings) over the course of the semester.
Remarks
None