Experiencing National Identity
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| POLI2055 | Politics and International Relations | 2 | 20 | Autumn UK, Spring UK |
- Code
- POLI2055
- School
- Politics and International Relations
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK, Spring UK
Summary
We experience expressions of national identity in our everyday lives. These range from the way we talk about ourselves and others, through the symbols of nationhood we often encounter unthinkingly, to explicit statements by those in power about what the nation is, and who does and does not belong. National identities are invoked by local communities resisting globalisation, contested by nationalist parties, branded by diplomats, and negotiated by International Organisations. Experiencing National Identity will explore how national identities are expressed, experienced, and contested by citizens and political actors in a range of contexts. It will ask how and why we should investigate identity from an everyday, ‘bottom up’ perspective, while also examining discourses of national identity performed on the (inter)national stage. It will equip students to design and evaluate research, collect and analyse qualitative data, and to reflect on ethical questions and the role of the researcher.
Target Students
Available to Year 2 UG students in the School of Politics and International Relations on single and joint honours plans. Also available to Year 2 UG students on the Liberal Arts plan, Year 2 UG students on the Philosophy, Politics and Economics plan, incoming exchange students based in the School of Politics and International Relations, and Ningbo International Studies students.
Classes
This module is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, and lecture engagements.
Assessment
- 40% Coursework 1: 1,500-word coursework
- 60% Coursework 2: 2,500-word coursework
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
This module aims to: • Introduce students to key approaches in qualitative research. • Equip students with a foundation in research design. • Enable students to compare key approaches to qualitative data collection and analysis.• Equip students to collect and analyse qualitative data. • Familiarise students with key questions in research ethics.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
• Demonstrate knowledge of approaches to studying national identity and related topics.
• Demonstrate knowledge of key approaches to qualitative data collection and analysis.
Intellectual skills
- Reflect on their own learning and research practices.
- Critically evaluate a research design.
- Critically evaluate arguments.
Professional and practical skills
- Design and conduct a small qualitative research project.
- Write a research report.
Transferable (key) skills
• Write and evaluate research questions.
• Plan and conduct analysis of qualitative data.
• Construct a clear argument.
• Use online archives and databases.