HST 3703 IS British Identity Empire - Brexit

The United Kingdom is a nation comprised of four separate nations, a rather unusual arrangement-and one that has created special challenges for nationalists eager to nail down a common identity. Being Scottish, for example, has constantly threatened to get in the way of being British.  In the days of empire, Britons could at least define themselves against their subjects across the globe (and against their arch-enemies, the French).  After decolonization and a retreat from the European experiment, however, British people have found themselves looking inward, and on a more ethnically diverse population than ever.  Many across the four nations are now asking if there's any substance to "Britishness," and Scots and Welsh have even launched independence movements. Students will draw upon classic primary sources, visits to historic sites, and their adventures in-country to explore fundamental questions about national identity and belonging in the United Kingdom.

Prerequisite

London semester abroad program only

Course Types

Civilization; Advanced Studies; non-US History; European History;

Offered

Fall 2022