ANTH-480 Ethnicity and Nationalism

Faculty:

Balzer, Marjorie

Professor Marjorie M. Balzer
R 2:15pm – 4:05 pm
White-Gravenor 201B
The course explores critically important theories of ethnicity and nationalism, with focus on their relevance for cases within the post-Soviet states, East-Central Europe and the Balkans. Comparative discussions enable analysis of readings on South and Central Asia, the Middle East and North America. Cases are selected in part for their fame in the political anthropology literature. While various approaches are presented, stress is on viewing ethnicity and nationalism as socio-politically constructed, situational and in flux. Issues that link international identities with U.S. "hyphenated-American" identities are discussed. Debates concerning liberal nationalism, empires, colonialism, multiethnic state formation, nation state models, borders, federalism, civic society, multiculturalism, interethnic conflict and racism are covered.

The class includes lecturing, discussion and role playing, with some guest speakers. Films are recommended to supplement readings, and students help create the list.

The grade is based on class participation, a research paper, a short take-home mid-term and a take-home final essay. Consultations with me are expected. Research includes qualitative methods of ethnographic fieldwork.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: None

Course syllabi
The following syllabi may help you learn more about this course (login required):

Spring '10: Balzer, Marjorie Mandelstam (file download)

Additional syllabi may be available in prior academic years.

ANTH-480-01 Ethnicity and Nationalism

Faculty:

Balzer, Marjorie

Professor Marjorie M. Balzer
R 2:15pm – 4:05 pm
White-Gravenor 201B
The course explores critically important theories of ethnicity and nationalism, with focus on their relevance for cases within the post-Soviet states, East-Central Europe and the Balkans. Comparative discussions enable analysis of readings on South and Central Asia, the Middle East and North America. Cases are selected in part for their fame in the political anthropology literature. While various approaches are presented, stress is on viewing ethnicity and nationalism as socio-politically constructed, situational and in flux. Issues that link international identities with U.S. "hyphenated-American" identities are discussed. Debates concerning liberal nationalism, empires, colonialism, multiethnic state formation, nation state models, borders, federalism, civic society, multiculturalism, interethnic conflict and racism are covered.

The class includes lecturing, discussion and role playing, with some guest speakers. Films are recommended to supplement readings, and students help create the list.

The grade is based on class participation, a research paper, a short take-home mid-term and a take-home final essay. Consultations with me are expected. Research includes qualitative methods of ethnographic fieldwork.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: None

Other academic years
There is information about this course number in other academic years:

• 2007-2008 Fall and Spring
• 2008-2009 Fall and Spring
• 2010-2011 Fall and Spring
• 2011-2012 Fall and Spring
• 2012-2013 Fall and Spring
• 2013-2014 Fall and Spring

More information
Look for this course in the schedule of classes.

The academic department web site for this program may provide other details about this course.