Identities, Nationalism and Independence Movements in the UK 2100-ERASMUS-IDEN

Class 1. Introduction. What Is the United Kingdom?
The introduction to the course
Terminology: Great Britain, the United Kingdom, British Isles
The status of given parts of the UK, the British Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories
Britishness as identity and challenge

Class 2. From Kingdoms to a Union: The Evolution and Strain of UK Statehood
Historical formation of the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
Tensions embedded in the union from the beginning
Overview of UK statehood: union vs. federation
Student’s presentation: Myth-Making and the Union: How Britishness Was Constructed in the 18th and 19th Centuries

Class 3. Understanding Nationalism and Identity in the UK
Key theories of nationalism and how they apply in the UK context
Identity politics: national, regional, cultural, and civic identities
Intersection of language, history, and memory in shaping identity
The road to devolution in the UK
Student’s presentation: Minority Ethnic Perspectives on National Identity in the UK

Class 4. Scotland: A Nation in Waiting?
The Scottish independence movement and the rise of the SNP
The devolution in Scotland
The 2014 referendum and the media coverage of the campaign
Political culture and nationalism in Scotland
Post-Brexit independence aspirations
Student’s presentation: Scottish Gaelic Language in the 21st Century: Revival, Policy, and National Identity

Class 5. Wales: Between Cultural Revival and Political Awakening
Historical marginalisation and cultural renaissance (language, media, education)
The Welsh independence movement and the rise of Plaid Cymru
The devolution in Wales
Post-Brexit independence aspirations
Student’s presentation: The Role of Welsh-Language Media and Education in Shaping Modern National Identity

Class 6. Northern Ireland: A Divided Nation
The (Northern) Irish independence movement
The Troubles
The Good Friday Agreement and power-sharing
The devolution in Northern Ireland
Border politics and Brexit's destabilising effects
Post-Brexit independence aspirations
Student’s presentation: The Evolution of Irish Language Legislation in Northern Ireland: From the Good Friday Agreement to the Identity and Language Act 2022

Class 7. England: The Invisible Nation?
Englishness and its underexplored nationalism
The rise of populism and English-centric politics
The role of England in the devolution process
English Votes for English Laws (EVEL) and the West Lothian Question
Student’s presentation: English National Identity Post-Brexit: What Does It Mean and Who Claims It?

Class 8. Brexit: A Constitutional Earthquake
The 2016 referendum and territorial divides in voting patterns
Tensions between Westminster and devolved governments
The EU as a guarantor of unity — what changed?
Student’s presentation: The Internal Market Act 2020: Centralization vs. Devolution After Brexit

Class 9. Identity, Media and the Narratives of Belonging
How Britishness, Scottishness, Welshness, Irishness are represented in media
The role of social media in nationalist mobilisation
Sport, culture, and soft power in identity construction
Scotland’s, Wales’, and Northern Ireland’s approaches towards the royal family
Student’s presentation: Symbolic Moments of Union and Division: The Role of Flags, Anthems, and Ceremonies in the UK

Class 10. The Future of the Union: Breakup, Federalism or Reinvention?
Constitutional options: independence, federalism, status quo?
The impact of the monarchy and symbolic institutions
International recognition of any future breakaway states — and the precedent of other secessionist movements (Catalonia, Quebec)
Student’s presentation: Public Opinion on the Union: Are the People Ready for Change?