Social Studies 20-1

Course Outline

Perspectives on Nationalism
Mr. B. Kun
Room 1202 (brad.kun@rdcrs.ca), p. 342 4800 ext. 263212

Overview:
Students will explore the complexities of nationalism in Canadian and
international contexts. We are going to look at where nationalism came from and how its
development has shaped Canada and the world.

Rationale:
Although nationalism has usually revolved around the relationship of its citizens and the
state, modern nationalism and the understanding of it has to involve the evolving
individual, collective, national and states realities. In other words it is not just me, but the
whole country and the reaction to our position in an ever globalizing world.
Nationalism is a very complex issue and we will attempt to address it through looking at
relationships among nations on a global scale, as well on a local scale. It is the various
perspectives that will help us to develop out beliefs and values when it comes to
nationalism.
Key Issue: To what extent should we embrace nationalism?
Issues
To what extent should nations be the
foundation of identity? (Exploration of the
Issue)
To what extent should nationalism interests
to be pursued? (Historical Background)
To what extent should internationalism be
pursued? (Contemporary Consideration)
To what extent should individuals and
groups in Canada embrace a national
identity? (Developing Personal and Civic
Responsibility)

Outcomes
Students will explore the relationships
among identity, nation, and nationalism
Students will assess the impacts of
nationalism, ultra-nationalism, and pursuits
of national interests.
Students will assess the impacts of the
pursuits of internationalism in
contemporary issues.
Students will assess strategies for
negotiating the complexities of nationalism
within the Canadian context

Year Plan
Unit One: To what extent should nations be the foundation of
identity?
Expression Nationalism
What is nationalism?
Relationships between Nation and Nation state
French Revolution
Nationalism Around the World
Unit Two: To what extent should nationalism interests to be pursued?
The pursuits of national interests
Consequences of World War I
Post World War I and the build up to World War II
Nationalism versus Ultra nationalism
Self-determination
Unit Three: To what extent should internationalism be pursued?
Why would countries get involved or not into international affairs?
What is internationalism?
Foreign Policy where do countries go?
Promotion of Internationalism through organization
Global Issues
Balance between nationalism and internationalism
Unit Four: To what extent should individuals and groups in Canada embrace a national
identity?
Where do Canadians get their identity?
How do groups promote identity in Canada?
Views on nationalism/historical perspectives in Canada
Challenges of Canadian unity
Future visions of Canada
Students will be challenged to develop skills as critical thinkers. Because the curriculum
is issues based, there are not right and wrong answers (except on multiple choice exams!)
However, you will be challenged to think critically on issues and develop responses
based on factual evidence and reasonable arguments. As well, you will be expected to
develop an appreciation for multiple perspectives.

Assessment and Evaluation:

The purpose of course work is to diagnose the learning needs of students to achieve the
required skill objectives, to provide proper feedback to the students before and/or after
completing the assignment, to assist in improvements for further assignments and to help
myself to develop assignments and improve my instruction.

Course Work Marks: based on percentage per Unit and

Final Exam total = 100%
Unit Evaluations (Written Exams, Mult. Choice) 35%
Other Evaluations (Daily Work)
35%
Final Exam

___

30%