Lesson Report:
### Title: Nationalism: A Unifying or Divisive Force?
**Synopsis:** This session continued the shift from theoretical perspectives on nationalism to practical applications, examining how nationalism interacts with globalization. The class primarily focused on a structured debate: Does nationalism primarily unite or divide societies? Students revisited arguments from the previous session, refined their positions, and engaged in structured discourse, highlighting historical examples and theoretical frameworks. The discussion set the stage for further exploration of globalism in the next session.
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### Attendance
– One student, Elayim, was mentioned as being absent.
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### Topics Covered
#### **Continuation of Group Debate Preparation**
– **Reorganizing Debate Groups:**
– Students were reassigned to their respective debate groups (Nationals as a Unifying vs. Divisive Force).
– Groups 1 and 2 supported nationalism as a unifying force.
– Groups 3 and 4 supported nationalism as a divisive force.
– Uncertainty among students regarding their original groups resulted in some restructuring.
– **Argument Refinement:**
– Students reviewed and finalized their arguments, ensuring they were supported by real-world examples and course literature.
– Expectations: Each group needed four arguments, each defended separately by a different speaker.
– Groups then merged (Groups 1 & 2, Groups 3 & 4) to consolidate similar arguments, reducing the total number of arguments to four per side.
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#### **Group Debate: Argument Presentations**
##### **Arguments for Nationalism as a Unifying Force (Groups 1 & 2)**
1. **Common Threats as Unifiers:**
– Example: Revolutions in Kyrgyzstan unified the population across regions to fight authoritarian rule.
– Example: Allied nations in WWII united against a common enemy.
2. **National Myths & Symbols Strengthen Bonds:**
– Example: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s legacy in Turkey contributed to national identity formation.
– National holidays, monuments, and common historical narratives provide unity.
3. **Cultural Nationalism Unifies Minority Groups Across Borders:**
– Example: Kurdish diaspora in Chicago remains cohesive due to shared language and cultural heritage.
– Example: Russian-speaking communities in New York create tightly-knit enclaves.
4. **Nationalism as a Driver of Civil Society & Social Justice:**
– Example: The Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. united diverse groups to fight for racial equality.
– Nationalist identity can align with activist movements for social cohesion and justice.
##### **Arguments for Nationalism as a Divisive Force (Groups 3 & 4)**
1. **Nationalism Requires Homogeneity & Excludes Others:**
– True unity only occurs in homogeneous nation-states.
– National identities often marginalize religious, ethnic, and other minority groups.
2. **Nationalism is Impermanent & Evolving, Leading to Division:**
– Soviet nationalism transformed post-independence, fracturing unity.
– Example: Nationalism in Kyrgyzstan evolved to emphasize regional and cultural divisions.
3. **Splinters into Regionalism, Weakening National Cohesion:**
– Example: Han Chinese in Taiwan and Mainland China diverged due to ideological differences despite shared ethnic identity.
– Kyrgyz north-south divisions illustrate how nationalism can reinforce internal factionalism.
4. **Ethnic-Based Nationalism Excludes & Marginalizes Minority Groups:**
– Example: Uighur oppression in China and forced assimilation policies.
– Nationalist policies often suppress minority identities rather than fostering inclusivity.
5. **Nationalism is Exploited by Populist Parties for Political Gain:**
– Example: Far-right parties in France mobilize nationalist myths and historical symbols to advance exclusivist policies.
– Nationalist rhetoric is often weaponized in electoral politics.
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### **Actionable Items**
#### **For Next Class (Wednesday):**
– **Debate Wrap-Up:**
– Groups must finalize and prepare counter-arguments against the opposing side’s points.
– Students will present counterpoints in a structured Q&A format.
– Debate will conclude after Barfya’s presentation.
– **Barfya’s Presentation on Globalism:**
– Instructor should check readiness and confirm presentation coverage.
#### **Future Adjustments:**
– **Clarification on Debate Format & Timing:**
– Some students were confused about when and how to present their arguments.
– Ensuring clear guidelines before starting the next phase may aid organization.
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This report provides a full breakdown of the session, including student participation, debate arguments, and key discussion points. The class effectively engaged with real-world applications of nationalism, setting up the next discussion on globalism.
Homework Instructions:
NO HOMEWORK.
There was no explicit mention of any homework assignment given in the lesson transcript. The class primarily consisted of in-class group work, debates, and discussions on nationalism. The professor concluded by stating that the next session will begin with a presentation followed by the continuation of the debate, without assigning any tasks to be completed outside of class.