L.008.32920 The Scottish Question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"

Lehrende: Robert Wirth

Veranstaltungsart: Proseminar

Orga-Einheit: Anglistik/Amerikanistik

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Semesterwochenstunden: 2

Unterrichtssprache: Englisch

Min. | Max. Teilnehmerzahl: - | 40

Kommentar:
Macduff: ‘Stands Scotland where it did?’ (Macbeth IV. 3.)

On September 18th 2014, Scotland is going to be faced with a crucial decision regarding her future. This proud and myth-ridden nation has long struggled to establish a conclusive identity. If those eligible to partake in the referendum do eventually decide ‘to go it alone’, and subsequently achieve full independence from Westminster, what effect would this pivotal event have on Scotland’s perception of herself, her relationship to the remainder of the UK, and her position within the European Union?
Scottish nationalism, which for years was cultural rather than political, is now on the verge of breaking up this Union and stands in stark contrast to a London-centred political elite which is apparently heading back towards a policy of ‘splendid isolation’. This may lead to a forced re-evaluation of all national identities affected; thus providing scope for new narratives to emerge.
In this seminar we will examine the two rival campaigns, namely the Unionists and the Separatists, and analyse their respective stances on the key issues of the independence debate in order to determine what these emerging narratives might be.
Students will be required to closely follow Scottish current events, actively and regularly participate in class, pass a reading test and give a short presentation. In order to get a PL/LN, in addition to the requirements listed above, a term paper of about 12 pages has to be handed in. The theoretical texts will be made available on Paul.