Welcome! This course tells a simple story. It is about the evolution of a novel form of political organization known as the modern nation-state. By “modernity,” I mean a revolution in social development that is based upon skeptical attitudes, individualistic identities, formal routines, and distinct social realms. By “nation-state,” I mean a “symbolic community to which people voluntarily devote their primary political loyalties despite the many particularistic loyalties–religious, cultural, ethnic, political, social, economic, and athletic–that otherwise divide them.” These are abstract terms, but you’ll see what I mean by them as we proceed through the semester.
My story is divided into five interlocking chapters, all of which are available on the links above and to the right of this page. First, in the segment called “Modernity,” I introduce you to some basic concepts about the modern nation-state. Second, we travel down the road the West has taken toward this entity: “Liberalism.” Third, we consider an initially credible but ultimately failed path: “Marxism-Leninism.” Fourth, we confront the pathos and anger of the “postcolonial” world. Finally, we return to our starting point to examine the fortunes of the nation-state in an age of seeming “globalization.” For a simple flow chart of our progress, look HERE . And for the basic requirements of the course, look HERE, as well as in the column to the right of this page. As the semester develops, I will refer to whatever current events and spectacles seem useful to our journey. Will Fidel Castro make it through the semester? What about Kim Jong-Il? Everything and everyone is fair game!
I have four pedagogical goals. I hope to cultivate your understanding of different social and political phenomena by focusing on ”deep knowing” rather than “much knowing”; to develop your analytical abilities; to refine your capacity to defend arguments and persuade others; and to encourage you to develop a critical perspective on everything you think you know.
Finally, I have a modest personal objective. If I can fundamentally change the way you think about world politics, I shall be pleased.
PLEASE NOTE: The use of electronic devices of any kind, including laptops, cell phones, and personal digital devices, is prohibited in my classroom!
