Key Question: What are some concepts of nation?
When people talk about nation, they often mean different things. Some people, for example, view "country" and "nation" as synonyms. Others think the two words mean different things. They believe that a country is defined by physical territory that is managed by a central government, while the idea of nation has nothing to do with physical borders, or a government. They believe that "nation" refers to a shared state of mind or shared characteristics such as beliefs, language, religion, traditions, cultures, and customs.
Consider the following questions;
Consider the following questions;
- What does "nation" mean to you?
- What are some words that describe your concept of nation?
- Does your concept of nation involve physical borders or a state of mind - or both?
Nation as Us
Vimy Ridge
April 9th, 2017 will mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge during World War 1.
Until Vimy, Canadian soldiers had always fought with British forces. At Vimy, they fought together under a Canadian commander for the first time - and won a vital military position that the armies of Britain and France had failed to capture. For many Canadians, the victory was an achievement that symbolized the country's coming of age as a nation. Vimy gave many people a sense that when Canadians united, they could tackle, and achieve, great things. Do you agree with Prime Minister Stephen Harper's view that Vimy represents Canada's "creation story"? What other events might contend with Vimy as Canada's creation story? |
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Country and Nation
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Nation as a Concept
The study of nation as a concept began a little more than two centuries ago. Ever since, sociologists, political scientists, anthropologists, historians, and other academics have tried to understand how this idea unites - and divides - people. Many of these academics have tried to define "nation" and to develop criteria to help them decide when a nation is a nation.
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Nation as a Collective Concept
Think about the understandings of nation that you have encountered so far - and which of these understandings most effectively express your own ideas. Jot down some of your ideas.
Then create a mind map with yourself at the centre. Organize your ideas in bubbles around this centre. Use size, colour, and shape to highlight the understandings of nation that are most important to your identity. Add a legend to explain your use of size, shape, and colour.
Then create a mind map with yourself at the centre. Organize your ideas in bubbles around this centre. Use size, colour, and shape to highlight the understandings of nation that are most important to your identity. Add a legend to explain your use of size, shape, and colour.
concepts_of_nation_organizer.docx | |
File Size: | 29 kb |
File Type: | docx |