2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses Humanities and social science courses

Essence of Humanities and Social Sciences50:Nationalism Studies

Academic unit or major: Humanities and social science courses
Instructor(s): Kazuhiro Fukazawa
Class Format: Lecture (Face-to-face)
Media-enhanced courses: -
Day of week/Period (Classrooms): 3-4 Wed (G1-106(G112))
Class: -
Course Code: LAH.S442
Number of credits: 100
Course offered: 2026
Offered quarter: 2Q
Syllabus updated: Mar 5, 2026
Language: English

Syllabus

Course overview and goals

This course consists of two parts. The first part focuses on social science research on nationalism and nations to acquire basic knowledge and deepen understanding of the theory. The second part focuses on contemporary issues related to nationalism to understand where the problem is and to discuss solutions.
This course has two aims. The first is to understand the social science research approach to nationalism and to be able to discuss the origins of each nation and the international community. The second is to understand how nationalism is connected to various issues in contemporary society and to acquire a perspective on those issues.

Course description and aims

At the end of this course, students will be able to:
1) Acquire a basic knowledge of nationalism studies.
2) Explain the connection between nationalism and factors such as democracy and economy.
3) Explain the relationship between nationalism and contemporary issues such as civil war, globalism, and technology and express their own ideas.

Keywords

Nation, Ethnicity, Civil War, Immigrants, Refugees, Globalization, Free trade, Economic security, Techno-nationalism

Competencies

Specialist skills
Intercultural skills
Communication skills
Critical thinking skills
Practical and/or problem-solving skills

Class flow

This course is mainly conducted in a lecture style. However, you can ask questions or comment through reaction papers on in each class, and interactive communication will be conducted by answering your questions or comments. Also, group discussions will be held in classes.

Course schedule/Objectives

	Course schedule	Objectives
Class 1	Guidance, introduction--Origins of nations and nationalism / Critique of traditional nationalism theory	1. To understand the origins of nationalism and nations. 2. To understand the arguments formed as a critique of traditional nationalism theory.
Class 2	Development of Civic nationalism / Nationalism and Democracy	1. To understand the development of civic nationalism and be able to explain how it differs from ethnic nationalism. 2. To be able to discuss the relation between nationalism and democracy based on previous studies.
Class 3	Trade regime and nationalism / Review of first half	1. To Understand the relation between trade regime and nationalism. 2. To reacquaint yourself with the content covered in Lectures 1 through 3.
Class 4	Midterm exam / Explanation of questions	The midterm exam covers the 1st class to the 3rd class. Take the midterm exam and review the material through the explanations to reinforce your knowledge.
Class 5	Technology and nationalism	To be able to explain the management and spread of technology from the perspective of nationalism.
Class 6	History of Immigration and refugee policies / Backlash to globalism and social fragmentation	1. To understand the history of immigration and refugee policies. 2. To understand the backlash to globalism and consider the contemporary social fragmentation.
Class 7	Nationalism and civil war	To understand the relation between nationalism and civil war.

Study advice (preparation and review)

To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to course material.

Textbook(s)

None required.

Reference books, course materials, etc.

Course materials are uploaded on Science Tokyo LMS. Reference books are introduced in classes.

Evaluation methods and criteria

Reaction paper in each class (25%), Midterm exam (25%), Final report (50%)

Related courses

LAH.S104 ： International Relations A
LAH.S204 ： International Relations B
LAH.S305 ： International Relations C
LAH.S426 ： Essence of Humanities and Social Sciences26:International Relations

Prerequisites

No prerequisites.

Contact information (e-mail and phone) Notice : Please replace from ”[at]” to ”@”(half-width character).

fukazawa.k.ab[at]m.titech.ac.jp

Office hours

Contact by e-mail in advance to schedule an appointment.