No Tutorial

I'm pretty sure that all of you received the email from Sian, but just to refresh your memory: this week there is no class, nor tutorial.
If you really can't wait to see me or James for some reason just feel free to email us.
Have a good weekend.

Nationalism

DISCLAIMER: The course staff, and SOAS as a whole do not mean to support or advertise the opinions expressed in these videos and/or the individuals expressing them. The video material has been posted for illustrative purposes only.

Question

Do you agree with Smith’s definition of myth (p.2: ‘myths are neither illusions nor mere legitimations, they may perhaps be regarded as widely believed tales told in dramatic form, referring to past events but serving present purposes and/or future goals’). Would it apply to myths more generally or just to nationalist myths? How does it apply to his characterisation of instrumentalist approaches to the study of nationalism as a ‘myth of the modern nation’? Do you agree that the instrumentalist approach should be rejected on the grounds that it does not explain the deeper ethnic roots of nationalism or is Smith constructing yet another myth? What would this myth be?

ubuweb

hello. 

Though this might be of interest to the group. 

www.ubuweb.com

Archive of some really good film, video and audio. One of my favourites is Island Song by Charlemagne Palestine. He straps a video camera to his head and drives a motorbike around an island whilst chanting "gotta get me outta here" and harmonizing with the engine. enjoy.