T. Weeks (tadeusz@siu.edu)

Spring 1999

This seminar follows up last semester's colloquium in which we delved into different approaches to concepts of ethnicity, nationality, and nationalism. This semester you will have the opportunity (and obligation!) to use some of these readers, in direct and indirect manner, in researching and writing your own paper on some aspect of nationality (etc.) in historical context. There are no strict geographical or temporal limitations, however, you would probably be best advised to stick with the modern (broadly defined, from 18th century) period. Let a thousand flowers/papers bloom!

If you did not participate in the 522 colloquium last fall, a certain amount of remedial work will be required. Most specifically, it is crucial that as soon as possible, and in consultation with me, you get together a "research proposal" (ca. 5-8 pp., plus bibliography) which will set down the topic, theses, tentative conclusions, and sources to be used in your research paper. Don't despair - it can be done, but it is necessary to get on it right away.

Requirements and Grading

1) Attendance and Participation. 20%

(we meet only nine times; hence no meeting should be missed.)

2) Draft of Research Paper. 20%

(due week 11, see below)

3) Reviewing a comrade's paper. 10%

4) Short presentation of the salient points of your paper to class. Should include some sort of handout with bibliography, perhaps outline or statement of major theses and conclusions. 10%

5) The finished product -- the Research Paper. 20-30 pp. (double-spaced) with proper footnotes and bibliography. For some sort of "ideal" for this paper, check Slavic Review, Journal of Modern History, AHR, etc. (50% of final grade)

Schedule / Plan of Attack

Seminar meets in Faner 3314, Tuesdays 2-5:30 pm.

Week 1 (January 19): Introductions, Definitions

Week 2 (January 26): Review, major theories of Nationalism

Htuchinson/Smith, Nationalism, pp. 3-131.

Eley/Suny, Becoming National, pp. 3-37.

Week 3 (February 2): Historico-Marxisant Approach

B. Anderson, Imagined Communities (2nd ed.).

Week 4 (February 9): Monumentalizing Nationhood

J. Gillis, ed. Commemorations: The Politics of National Identity.

Week 5 (February 16): Nationality and Gender

George Mosse ...

{We will not meet regularly between Week 5 and Week 11. You should be in contactly with me at least weekly, in person, by telephone, or by e-mail.}

Week 11 (April 6)

TWO copies of your paper due in class.

Sign up for paper presentations, weeks 12-14.

Weeks 12, 13, 14 (April 13, 20, 27)

Discussion of papers in class; continue revisions.

Week 15 (May 4): THE FINAL PRODUCT DUE

Feel free at any time to discuss ideas, sources, outlines, drafts with me.

Office: 3270 Faner Hall, 453-7874, e-mail: tadeusz@siu.edu

Office hours: TTH 11-12 and 2-3; Wednesday 11-1 and any time by appointment. I work in my office -- feel free to drop by also without an appointment!