What is a Nation? Chapter 1 (Part 1)

“Nation” – a definition It is a concept that has many understandings. Often we define it as it relates to the people or citizens of a country Citizenship may be a key part of one understanding of nation, but there are many other understandings of the concept A nation can be defined as a group of people who feel connections to one another in some way . . . This feeling of belonging or connection is an important part of what it means to identify as a nation, as what unites people is often intangible

What makes a nation? This is a tough one to answer because often it is viewed as something found in the feelings and minds of people – an internal connection to others There are several factors that do create connections between individual members these factors can distinguish one group of individuals from another:

A sense of uniqueness! Politics and citizenship Language and Communication Cultural Values and beliefs Religion, beliefs and traditions History Nation Ethnic background and ancestry Geography A sense of uniqueness!

Setting some guidelines What is needed? Keep in mind that all of these factors have to be shared by individuals – there is no “opting out” of one or two of them to create a sense of nation – ie- History - a past to draw on, not created. Shared Culture Shared Language Shared Values

If someone is part of a nation, how can he/she express it? it could be through a controlled territory (nation state) It can be through the promotion of a unique identity – even amongst other groups (Quebecois in Canada) There are often moral duties that extend beyond a popular culture (ie – Muslims promoting Sharia Law in Canada)

Where does Canada Fit? Take a look at those characteristics, and look at Canada, so do we fit in with these? What are some problems that we face in Canada? Read p. 15 and be prepared to discuss #1,2

What do you think when you see these symbols?

What do those symbols share? not only are they symbols of the country, but they are also a representation of a group of people

Your Work You will have a copy of Ernest Renan essay “What is a Nation?”. It was written in 1882, a long time ago, but he began to look at what a nation was made up of. After you read ...

Answer the following questions concerning the article: What are 5 characteristics of what a nation is according to Renan Does Canada fit the description of being a nation according to Renan?