Course List

This course explores the topic of collective identity, politics of identity, and related social, political, and cultural phenomena. After developing a common set of conceptual tools, we will focus on examples from Poland, Iran, and Tajikistan. We will analyze various aspects of identity, including nationalism, ethnicity, culture, religion, class, and gender in these specific contexts. We will also reflect on the influence of the politics of identity on individuals’ attitudes and beliefs. And we will consider the importance and impact of regime change and historical breakthroughs, such as the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, the 1989 political transition in Poland, and Tajikistan’s 1991 independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The main course activities include lectures with multimedia presentations, class discussions, and readings. The course culminates in an independent research paper.