National Identity in Modern Europe 4003-NIME-ERASMUS

National identity is a complicated socio-psychological construct, which provides an individual with the sense of belonging to a group of people – the nation, today often identified with a state – who shares the collective self-perception developed in relation to other similar groups. Shaping the national identity is a never-ending process, which constantly develops and changes itself. It is noteworthy that the sense who belongs to ‘us’ and who does not is, mainly, a result of conflicts experienced by the (national) community. this crisis, permanent and variable in its nature, like a tireless sculptor, still carves the same as in the past, identities of individuals and whole nations. It finds its expressions through not only politics, but also art, habits, collective dreams, desires, legends and convictions present among members of communities, which, today, we call nations.

The aim of this course is to discuss with students factors creating and constituting national identity in terms of forces propelling the development of modern nations, on the one hand, but on the other hand national communities conflicting with each other at variety of levels. Artistic and theoretical expressions of the national identity and national sentiments will be also not forgotten and considered in a historical perspective as well as in the cultural and political context of times when they were created. It will help for better understanding of the process of shaping (and re-shaping) of the national identity. A reflection on the significance of the national identity in turbulent era of globalization should also allow discussing the possible future of such social, political and psychological constructs like the nation and the national ideology.

I. Geographical and historical preconditions of European diversity

II. Birth of modern European national states and nationalism

III. Vehicles of nationalism. Empires ‘versus’ nations

IV. Sources of nationalistic feelings and fervor. The significance of romanticism

V. Ethnolinguistic arguments in international disputes and territorial claims

VI. Examples of Germany and Poland

VII. Nationalism as a state ideology in the interwar period

VIII. European nationalisms today.