MUTA1201 Multidisciplinary Research on Crises and Changes in Society: Approaches from Music, Art and Culture Studies (5–10 cr)

National identity is a complicated socio-psychological construct, which provides an individual with the sense of belonging to the a group of people – the nation, today often identified with a state – who shares the collective self-perception developed in relation to other similar groups. This self-perception of being different from members of other nations presupposes the existence of psychological and cultural homogeneity among inhabitants of a given country. They were developed over centuries and result from the use of the same language, common practicing of a variety of forms of material and spiritual culture as well as the historical experience, which finds its expression in the collective (national) memory.

Shaping the national identity is a never-ending process, which constantly develops and changes itself. It is noteworthy that the sense who belongs to ‘us’ and who does not is, mainly, a result of conflicts experienced by the (national) community. Actions and reactions from without and within, such as territorial, economic and cultural expansions, ideological and social tensions, conflicts between loyalties, competitions of states, religions, cultures of power as well as quarrels about history (‘legitimate’ and ‘illegitimate’ narrations, imaginations and memories) create a fertile playground for a kind of a constant crisis. Nevertheless, this crisis, permanent and variable in its nature, like a tireless sculptor, still carves the same as in the past, identities of individuals and whole nations. It finds its expressions through not only politics, but also art, habits, collective dreams, desires, legends and convictions present among members of communities, which, today, we call nations.

The aim of this course is to discuss with students factors creating and constituting national identity in terms of forces propelling the development of modern nations, on the one hand, but on the other hand conflicting national communities with each other at variety of levels. It is also inevitable to study some examples of conflicts and consider the importance of nationalistic sentiments and ambitions that were at their beginnings. Artistic and theoretical expressions of the national identity and national sentiments will be also not forgotten and considered in a historical perspective as well as in the cultural and political context of times when they were created. It will help for better understanding of the process of shaping (and re-shaping of the national identity). A reflection on the significance of the national identity in turbulent era of globalization, when millions of people possess several identities often conflicting with each other, will be a final part of the course, connecting the past with our times. This reflection should also allow discussing the possible future of such social, political and psychological constructs like the nation and the national ideology.