The Life and Works of Rizal
The Theory of Nationalism
Module 1 Section 2
Worksheet 2
Exercise 1.2.1 Concept of Nationalism (Individual Task)
Instructions: Write a 100- to 200-word essay defining nationalism and explaining the elements
you think people identify nationalism with. Be guided by the rubric in writing your essay.
Rubric for Grading the Essay
1 – Poor; 2 – Below Average; 3 – Average; 4 – Above Average; 5 – Excellent
Criteria 5 4 3 2 1
Introduction: The introduction is inviting, states a
clear thesis statement, and previews the structure of
the paper. There is one clear, well-focused thesis
statement.
Supporting details: relevant, telling, quality details
give the reader important information that goes
beyond the obvious or predictable.
Organization: Ideas flow together smoothly and
form coherent arguments.
Grammar and Spelling: No errors in grammar and
spelling that distract the reader from the content.
Nationalism is a set of political, social, and economic systems because a nation is made
up of these components. Nationalism is the feeling of belonging in a country, having devotion
and patriotism in that country, and being proud to be a citizen in that country. Nationalism is
defined as the pursuit of and maintenance of a national identity based on shared characteristics
such as culture, language, race, and religion. It aims to preserve and reshape a country's
culture. Loving and respecting your country is one way to demonstrate a nationalist attitude.
Culture, history, language, religion, and territory are the five fundamental elements of
nationalism. Culture is the shared beliefs and way of life that creates a common bond, which is
very important because a nation is made up of different cultures that are all very different.
History is the most valuable asset of a nation because it is passed down from generation to
generation. Language is an essential element of nationalism because it allows us (citizens) to
communicate with one another while also sharing our devotion and patriotism for our country.
Religion that helps to unite all people, regardless of any religion. And territory that is a shared
land that gives people a sense of belonging to the same country. These elements help us
understand the significance of nationalism.
Exercise 1.2.2 Resolving a Dispute (Individual Task)
The Life and Works of Rizal
The Theory of Nationalism
Module 1 Section 2
Worksheet 2
Instructions: With the different conceptualizations of nationalism in mind, research on a dispute
that is currently happening between countries (you can choose a dispute between the Philippines
and other countries or between other countries, not including the Philippines). Using a
PowerPoint presentation or Prezi, present to class the following:
1. What the dispute is about
South Korea and North Korea Dispute.
- Because both countries are still tense, this dispute has remained a hot topic to this
day. For centuries, North and South Korea were united in a unified Korea ruled by
monarchs. However, following World War II, the countries were divided, giving rise
to North and South Korea. The United States called for a vote on the future of the
Korean peninsula in 1948. When North Korea refused to vote, the South established
its own government. Both countries have different government styles; South Korea is
anti-communist, whereas North Korea is democratic. The Korean War began in 1950,
and no peace treaty was ever signed between North and South Korea until then. The
two countries are still technically at war, in a frozen conflict. The fighting ended in
1953 when the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed, establishing the Korean
Demilitarized Zone that separates the two states and is now a border in their countries
that you are now allowed to enter.
2. What led to the dispute
- The dispute resulted in significant changes in both countries. Both countries agreed to
sign and legalize the Demilitarized Zone for the mutual benefit. Nobody, not even the
devastating Korean War, could bring Korea back together. Today, North and South
Korea are separated not only politically and geographically, but in almost every way,
resulting in two distinct worlds. Citizens' rights, laws and order, economies, societies,
and daily life are all different in the two countries. While South Korea experienced
technological advancements with each generation, North Korea remains a country
where the population relies on aid.
3. What the government officials from the disputing countries are doing to address the
problem
- Even though we don't usually hear about it in the news, North and South Korea are
still at war. Following the Korean War, the United States, the People's Republic of
China, North Korea, and South Korea sign an armistice to end the conflict. Until now,
each government has been training its citizens in military work in order to prepare for
an attack by the opposing party. Another solution is for North and South Korea to
agree to establish a Demilitarized Zone along their respective borders. Military and
other officials are each country's watchmen, and the government has trained them to
respect each country's borders.
4. How the concept and sense of nationalism is observed in the different measures to
address the dispute.
- North and South Korea are described as having particularly nationalistic tendencies as
divided nations that have experienced colonization and Cold War intervention.
However, the other side of nationalism in both Koreas—the desire to become
advanced nations themselves by modelling the success of Great Powers—is
frequently overlooked in existing structural or cultural knowable accounts. Korea's
The Life and Works of Rizal
The Theory of Nationalism
Module 1 Section 2
Worksheet 2
nationalism did not emerge overnight. Korea was known as a "hermit kingdom" that
limited its contact with foreign powers until the late nineteenth century, when it was
"opened up" by Western powers. Nationalism erupted against foreign influence as
early as this "opening up."
