Social Studies 20-11Course Summary
Review of Key Understandings
Module 1: Key Understandings of Nation and Nationalism /- How can I explain why this idea is valid?
- What proof supports this idea?
- What example illustrates this idea?
- What are key terms that I can use to explain this idea?
Individuals and groups may hold diverse understandings of the nation in which they feel a sense of belonging.
A nation may be a country, a
nation-state, or a nation within a nation-state.
Bonds to the nation, such as living within the same borders, may be visible.
Bonds may be internalized and a shared collective consciousness may develop of things we have in common.
Individuals and groups may demonstrate their understandings and connections in the form of expressions of nationalism.
A sense of belonging may shape the patriotism or loyalties that members of the nation have.
The understandings, expressions, and loyalties that form the foundations of a nation also shape identity.
An individual’s identity may reflect a specific nation.
A group may share a national identity.
In countriess where diverse nations exist within the same geographic location, individuals may hold loyalties to more than one nation.
Contending loyalties may compete for recognition. In situations where the contending loyalties create tensions, it may be necessary to reconcile these loyalties.
In communities where diverse nationalism is present, contending loyalties and diverse identities may challenge how well people of a community can live together if they do not share a common identity.
Nationalism influences national identity.
Nationalism also shapes the interests of a nation to maintain the essence of what it is as a nation.
Module 2: Key Understandings of Historical National Interests /
- How can I explain why this idea is valid?
- What proof supports this idea?
- What example illustrates this idea?
- What are key terms that I can use to explain this idea?
National interests created competition and conflict between nations between 1914 and 1945.
Nationalism and the pursuit of national interests led to a form of ultranationalism that resulted in both strong patriotism and genocide during the war years.
There is a relationship between national interests and the causes
of war.
Module 3: Key Understandings of Contemporary National Interests /
- How can I explain why this idea is valid?
- What proof supports this idea?
- What example illustrates this idea?
- What are key terms that I can use to explain this idea?
The pursuit of interests that will maintain the continuity and/or the prosperity of a nation may be similar today as they were for nations such as Canada in the past.
Since the end of World War II, greater attention has been placed on national self-determination.
The belief that it is the right of a nation to determine its own direction poses opportunities and challenges.
Former colonial empires and
world powers face nations
within their borders that pursue
self-determination as a
national interest.
The world has seen the emergence, and sometimes the achievement, of nationhood for nations of people that control their own affairs.
Each pursuit of national
self-determination is unique.
The motives of groups within a country may threaten the continuity of the nation.
The nation may be motivated to protect the language, culture, land, and/or rights of the people.
The strategies used to promote nationalism vary from nation to nation
A nation may lobby for a change in the nation-state’s constitution as a strategy to allow for increased rights for the people of the nation.
Breaking away from the nation-state and establishing autonomy may be another strategy used by the nation.
The scope of self-determination varies depending on the degree of control that the nation seeks.
Support for or resistance to the pursuit of national self-determination should consider the needs of the nation and the other nation(s) that will be affected.
People and nations need to consider the immediate and long-term impacts the struggle for national self-determination has on relationships between nations.
Module 4: Key Understandings of the Pursuit of Internationalism /
- How can I explain why this idea is valid?
- What proof supports this idea?
- What example illustrates this idea?
- What are key terms that I can use to explain this idea?
The resolution of global issues may demand the participation of nations because of the impact these issues have on the nation itself.
International cooperation, involvement, or intervention may be necessary to maintain the economic, political, or security interests of the nation.
Nations such as Canada, the United States, China, and members of the European Union may hold the perspective that their citizens should come to the aid of the global community. A variety of motives may cause a nation to pursue global interests over self interest.
It may be in the national interests of Canada to support global interests in the world economy, global security, and human rights’ issues in order to guarantee peace and stability in Canada.
The reaction of nations towards global issues may range from isolationism to active participation.
Module 5: Key Understandings on the Pursuit of Internationalism over Nationalism /
- How can I explain why this idea is valid?
- What proof supports this idea?
- What example illustrates this idea?
- What are key terms that I can use to explain this idea?
Depending upon the extent of the issue, nations may or may not pursue internationalism to resolve the challenges created by the issue. It may be perceived as a local or a global issue.
Internationalism may be applied if citizens and nations believe that the issue has the risk of becoming a global issue and will impact citizens beyond the borders.
A sense of collective responsibility for the sustainability of this planet and the prosperity of all citizens may also lead a nation to come to the aid of another nation.
In a variety of situations, internationalism is viewed
as the most effective tool. Immediately-affected nations may not have the tools to respond quickly or effectively. Cooperation and involvement by other nations may require the sacrifice of nationalism in the pursuit of internationalism.
The cost of pursuing internationalism may make nations reluctant to sacrifice nationalism, such as when national interests are ignored in favour of international interests or the national interests of another nation.
Module 6: Key Understandings of National Identity in Canada /
- How can I explain why this idea is valid?
- What proof supports this idea?
- What example illustrates this idea?
- What are key terms that I can use to explain this idea?
There is a complexity to defining a national identity in Canada.
There are diverse historical visions and future visions of national identity.
With each vision, there are implications, both positive and negative, on the personal and collective identities of Canadians.
Canadians must determine the extent that they should embrace a national identity in comparison to other identities such as a global or regional identity.