Nationalism Explained: A Comprehensive Course for Beginners

Course Requirements

• A passion for studying different subjects
• A device with internet access

Course Description

Does nationalism seem like a word with heavy implications that’s just for discussions between politicians or students of political science? It’s not limited to the field of academia, instead, it’s a powerful ideology that is the reason that people have sacrificed their lives and homes in revolutions, wars, uprisings, and even the creation of new nations.

We’ve designed a course for you that does justice to the history of nationalistic thought, and its present repercussions. In this course, we will also analyze the interplay between nationalism and things like ethnicity, religion, language, and political power.

With the world as it is, you cannot afford to simply believe the media without using your own critical thinking skills. And in order to learn those critical skills, you have to understand concepts like nationalism, populism, realism, Marxism, and more without any bias. This course will do exactly that, and provide you the best information in a way that will make you think and analyze it yourself.

This course might even make you want to do things that will make a difference in the state of the world!

What will you learn?

• The Why of Nationalism: Uncover the psychological and social factors that drive people’s deep connection to their nation. Explore the different theories behind nationalism’s rise and its enduring power.
• The Many Faces of Nationalism: From everyday patriotism to extreme movements, from cultural pride to political ideology, discover the diverse ways nationalism manifests around the world.
• Nationalism in Action: See how nationalism shapes international relations, fuels conflicts, and influences our daily lives, both locally and globally.
• Think Like an Expert: Learn the tools and methods used by researchers to analyze nationalism. Learn about historical perspectives, cross-cultural comparisons, and diverse viewpoints to understand the nuances of this complex phenomenon.
• Big Questions, Real Answers: Tackle the most pressing issues surrounding nationalism today. How can we celebrate national identity responsibly? How does globalization impact nationalist movements? Engage in thought-provoking discussions and develop your own informed perspective.

Course Curriculum

Module 1: Introduction to Nationalism

• Lecture 1: What is Nationalism?
• Lecture 2: Why Study Nationalism?

Module 2: Historical Foundations of Nationalism

• Lecture 3: The Rise of Nationalism: From the French Revolution to the 19th Century
• Lecture 4: The Romantic Era and the Cultural Roots of Nationalism
• Lecture 5: Nationalism and Imperialism: The Age of Empire

Module 3: Core Concepts of Nationalism

• Lecture 6: The Nation: Imagined Community or Historical Reality?
• Lecture 7: National Identity: Ethnicity, Language, Culture, or Civic Values?
• Lecture 8: National Consciousness: How is it Formed and Mobilized?
• Lecture 9: Patriotism and Nationalism: Love of Country or Blind Loyalty?

Module 4: Varieties of Nationalism

• Lecture 10: Civic Nationalism vs. Ethnic Nationalism: Two Models of Nationhood
• Lecture 11: Cultural Nationalism: The Role of Language, History, and Tradition
• Lecture 12: Religious Nationalism: Faith and Nation-Building

Module 5: Nationalism and Political Movements

• Lecture 13: Nationalism and Revolution: The Case of 1848
• Lecture 14: Nationalism and Decolonization: Anti-Colonial Struggles
• Lecture 15: Nationalism and Conflict: The World Wars and Beyond

Module 6: Nationalism in the 21st Century

• Lecture 16: Globalization and Nationalism: Competing Forces or Strange Bedfellows?
• Lecture 17: Nationalism and Immigration: Challenges and Opportunities
• Lecture 18: Nationalism and Identity Politics: The Rise of Populism

Module 7: The Future of Nationalism

• Lecture 19: Contemporary Debates: The Relevance of Nationalism Today

Who this course is for?

• Students of political science, history, sociology, or anthropology
• Anyone interested in understanding nationalist ideas and their impact
• Those seeking to engage in critical discussions about national identity and global politics

Sound interesting? Enroll now and let’s get started!

Certificate of Completion

Upon successful completion of the course and final assessment, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from Eduta.