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Tourism and the creation of regional and national identities

Vak
2012-2013

Admission requirements

Entry test, see Reading list below.

Description

From the late 18th century onwards the rise of tourism has seriously affected the creation and consolidation of the different national and regional identities all over Europe. State authorities and national elites could determine what was to be seen in museums and public monuments and thus define or delimit the national culture and identity. However, tourists also could vote with their feet and even discover new or different ‘national and regional treasures’, thus adapting or refining existing national, regional and local identities. The population in tourist destinations, in turn, also could respond to the demand of tourists, or try to attract new tourists, by refashioning themselves or their environment in an attractive way; thus also adopting a different role or identity. In this course we will study how elites, travelers, and the tourist industry, each in their own way tried to define or adapt national and regional identities.

Course objectives

Students acquire a thorough knowledge of the impact of tourism on the transnational process of constructing national and regional identities in Europe during the 19th and 20th century. They acquire insights into historiographical controversies in this field, obtain practical experience with analysing primary sources and develop the skills required to present the results of their research.

Timetable

See here.

Mode of instruction

Assessment method

  • Entry test

  • Participation

  • Oral presentation

  • Final essay (approximately 7500 words)

Blackboard

Yes

Reading list

Literature for the entry test held at the first meeting: Orvar Löfgren, On holiday. A history of vacationing (1999; Berkeley 2002). ISBN 9780520234642.
During the course we will read and discuss some additional articles.

Registration

via uSis.

Contact information

With the instructor: dr. H.J. Storm

Remarks