Discover the history of Welsh nationalism, exploring themes including language and culture, the role of radicalism and nonconformism in igniting national consciousness, and 20th century and present-day developments.
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This course explores Welsh nationalism in light of its history, culture, and politics. It covers key factors in the development of Welsh national identity and discusses how these have shaped our understanding of the Welsh nation today. The course is divided into four themes: the relationship between language and culture, the role of radicalism and nonconformism in igniting national consciousness, 20th century Welsh nationalism, and Wales’s contemporary nation-building within the context of Britishness.
What will we cover?
The relationship between language and national identity
How does language function as a vehicle of culture and why is this central to modern Welsh nationalism?
How did the noble status of Welsh poetry in the Middle Ages and the 16th century translation of the Bible secure a durable standard of linguistic accuracy?
If the cultural ethno-genesis of the Welsh can be understood in linguistic terms, how should we understand Welsh culture expressed through the medium of English?
The role of radicalism and nonconformism in igniting national consciousness
How did the circulating schools of Griffith Jones transform Wales into one of the most literate nations on earth?
Treachery of the Blue Books 1847: what were the effects on Welsh education and identity? How did this reignite national consciousness?
How did religious radicalism translate into political radicalism?
Why did the Welsh establish the settler colony Patagonia in Argentina?
20th century Welsh nationalism
What did Plaid Cymru stand for?
How were the intelligentsia who founded Plaid Cymru influenced by European ethnography? How did this inform their policy agenda?
Key landmarks such as Tân yn Llŷn, Tryweryn, Tynged yr Iaith, establishment of Cymdeithas yr Iaith, Radio Cymru and S4C, and the Welsh language acts 1967 & 1993.
What is Britishness and how does it interact with Welshness?
Contemporary Welsh nation-building within the context of Britishness
Language policy and planning: what is the significance of Welsh government strategies e.g. Cymraeg 2050: A million Welsh speakers
What drives unionism and separatism in Wales?
What is the significance of agriculture for the Welsh language and culture?
How does Welsh identity relate to ethnic minorities, people of mixed heritage, and broader Britishness?
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Understand the primary themes of Welsh nationalism with reference to their history, culture and politics.
Discuss the main factors in the relationship between language and national identity – for Welsh and indeed for other languages and nationalities.
Identify cross-cultural comparisons between Welsh nationalism and other nationalisms where similar themes have emerged.
Reflect on current challenges to, and opportunities for, Welsh nation-building.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for anyone with an interest in Welsh nationalism, or nationalism studies more broadly. No prior knowledge of the Welsh language is required.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be taught through illustrated lectures, group discussions, and analysis of historical texts and media. Optional reading and resources will be provided for those who wish to explore further.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No additional costs. Bring a notebook or device for taking notes.
Rhianwen Daniel is a researcher and tutor specialising in nationalism studies, political ideologies, and the relationship between language and culture. She holds a PhD in politics and international relations and teaches courses in politics and the Welsh language at City Lit. Rhianwen has lectured at universities in Cardiff, Reading, and Germany, and published a range of articles in peer-reviewed and journalistic outlets. Rhianwen welcomes all kinds of viewpoints and greatly encourages the sharing of cross-cultural perspectives in all classes.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/an-introduction-to-welsh-nationalism2994875An introduction to Welsh nationalismhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/n/intro-to-welsh-hpc319.jpg129129GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/British politics & society228511771677135361228511771677<p>Discover the history of Welsh nationalism, exploring themes including language and culture, the role of radicalism and nonconformism in igniting national consciousness, and 20th century and present-day developments. </p>002994869An introduction to Welsh nationalism129129https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/n/intro-to-welsh-hpc319_1.jpgInStockEveningMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-06-01T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJun 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHPC319129129An introduction to Welsh nationalism12984129Rhianwen Danielan-introduction-to-welsh-nationalism/hpc319-2526<p>Discover the history of Welsh nationalism, exploring themes including language and culture, the role of radicalism and nonconformism in igniting national consciousness, and 20th century and present-day developments. </p>0000-Available|2026-06-01 00:00:00<p>This course explores Welsh nationalism in light of its history, culture, and politics. It covers key factors in the development of Welsh national identity and discusses how these have shaped our understanding of the Welsh nation today. The course is divided into four themes: the relationship between language and culture, the role of radicalism and nonconformism in igniting national consciousness, 20th century Welsh nationalism, and Wales’s contemporary nation-building within the context of Britishness.</p><p>Discover the history of Welsh nationalism, exploring themes including language and culture, the role of radicalism and nonconformism in igniting national consciousness, and 20th century and present-day developments. </p><p>The relationship between language and national identity</p><ul><li>How does language function as a vehicle of culture and why is this central to modern Welsh nationalism?</li><li>How did the noble status of Welsh poetry in the Middle Ages and the 16th century translation of the Bible secure a durable standard of linguistic accuracy?</li><li>If the cultural ethno-genesis of the Welsh can be understood in linguistic terms, how should we understand Welsh culture expressed through the medium of English?</li></ul><p>The role of radicalism and nonconformism in igniting national consciousness</p><ul><li>How did the circulating schools of Griffith Jones transform Wales into one of the most literate nations on earth?</li><li>Treachery of the Blue Books 1847: what were the effects on Welsh education and identity? How did this reignite national consciousness?</li><li>How did religious radicalism translate into political radicalism?</li><li>Why did the Welsh establish the settler colony Patagonia in Argentina?</li></ul><p>20th century Welsh nationalism</p><ul><li>What did Plaid Cymru stand for?</li><li>How were the intelligentsia who founded Plaid Cymru influenced by European ethnography? How did this inform their policy agenda?</li><li>Key landmarks such as Tân yn Llŷn, Tryweryn, Tynged yr Iaith, establishment of Cymdeithas yr Iaith, Radio Cymru and S4C, and the Welsh language acts 1967 & 1993.</li><li>What is Britishness and how does it interact with Welshness?</li></ul><p>Contemporary Welsh nation-building within the context of Britishness</p><ul><li>Language policy and planning: what is the significance of Welsh government strategies e.g. Cymraeg 2050: A million Welsh speakers</li><li>What drives unionism and separatism in Wales?</li><li>What is the significance of agriculture for the Welsh language and culture?</li><li>How does Welsh identity relate to ethnic minorities, people of mixed heritage, and broader Britishness? </li></ul><ul><li>Understand the primary themes of Welsh nationalism with reference to their history, culture and politics.</li><li>Discuss the main factors in the relationship between language and national identity – for Welsh and indeed for other languages and nationalities.</li><li>Identify cross-cultural comparisons between Welsh nationalism and other nationalisms where similar themes have emerged. </li><li>Reflect on current challenges to, and opportunities for, Welsh nation-building.</li></ul><p>This course is suitable for anyone with an interest in Welsh nationalism, or nationalism studies more broadly. No prior knowledge of the Welsh language is required. </p><p>The course will be taught through illustrated lectures, group discussions, and analysis of historical texts and media. Optional reading and resources will be provided for those who wish to explore further.</p><p>No additional costs. Bring a notebook or device for taking notes. </p><p>Your tutor will share their other courses with you, but please also explore our other courses in the <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs/british-politics-society" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">British Politics & Society</a> and <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/british-and-irish-studies" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">British & Irish History</a> sections of our website. </p>Politics & economicsBritish politics & societyvirtual12912984HPC319NONEMon01/06/26 - 22/06/2619:40 - 21:4019:4021:404 sessions (over 4 weeks)41 to 4 weeksEveningWeekdayKSKeeley StreetRhianwen DanielBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-06-01T00:00:00+00:00Jun 2026Culture, history & humanities129129An introduction to Welsh nationalisman-introduction-to-welsh-nationalism/hpc319-2526<p>Discover the history of Welsh nationalism, exploring themes including language and culture, the role of radicalism and nonconformism in igniting national consciousness, and 20th century and present-day developments. </p>0000-Available|2026-06-01 00:00:00<p>This course explores Welsh nationalism in light of its history, culture, and politics. It covers key factors in the development of Welsh national identity and discusses how these have shaped our understanding of the Welsh nation today. The course is divided into four themes: the relationship between language and culture, the role of radicalism and nonconformism in igniting national consciousness, 20th century Welsh nationalism, and Wales’s contemporary nation-building within the context of Britishness.</p><p>Discover the history of Welsh nationalism, exploring themes including language and culture, the role of radicalism and nonconformism in igniting national consciousness, and 20th century and present-day developments. </p><p>The relationship between language and national identity</p><ul><li>How does language function as a vehicle of culture and why is this central to modern Welsh nationalism?</li><li>How did the noble status of Welsh poetry in the Middle Ages and the 16th century translation of the Bible secure a durable standard of linguistic accuracy?</li><li>If the cultural ethno-genesis of the Welsh can be understood in linguistic terms, how should we understand Welsh culture expressed through the medium of English?</li></ul><p>The role of radicalism and nonconformism in igniting national consciousness</p><ul><li>How did the circulating schools of Griffith Jones transform Wales into one of the most literate nations on earth?</li><li>Treachery of the Blue Books 1847: what were the effects on Welsh education and identity? How did this reignite national consciousness?</li><li>How did religious radicalism translate into political radicalism?</li><li>Why did the Welsh establish the settler colony Patagonia in Argentina?</li></ul><p>20th century Welsh nationalism</p><ul><li>What did Plaid Cymru stand for?</li><li>How were the intelligentsia who founded Plaid Cymru influenced by European ethnography? How did this inform their policy agenda?</li><li>Key landmarks such as Tân yn Llŷn, Tryweryn, Tynged yr Iaith, establishment of Cymdeithas yr Iaith, Radio Cymru and S4C, and the Welsh language acts 1967 &amp; 1993.</li><li>What is Britishness and how does it interact with Welshness?</li></ul><p>Contemporary Welsh nation-building within the context of Britishness</p><ul><li>Language policy and planning: what is the significance of Welsh government strategies e.g. Cymraeg 2050: A million Welsh speakers</li><li>What drives unionism and separatism in Wales?</li><li>What is the significance of agriculture for the Welsh language and culture?</li><li>How does Welsh identity relate to ethnic minorities, people of mixed heritage, and broader Britishness? </li></ul><ul><li>Understand the primary themes of Welsh nationalism with reference to their history, culture and politics.</li><li>Discuss the main factors in the relationship between language and national identity – for Welsh and indeed for other languages and nationalities.</li><li>Identify cross-cultural comparisons between Welsh nationalism and other nationalisms where similar themes have emerged. </li><li>Reflect on current challenges to, and opportunities for, Welsh nation-building.</li></ul><p>This course is suitable for anyone with an interest in Welsh nationalism, or nationalism studies more broadly. No prior knowledge of the Welsh language is required. </p><p>The course will be taught through illustrated lectures, group discussions, and analysis of historical texts and media. Optional reading and resources will be provided for those who wish to explore further.</p><p>No additional costs. Bring a notebook or device for taking notes. </p><p>Your tutor will share their other courses with you, but please also explore our other courses in the <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs/british-politics-society" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">British Politics &amp; Society</a> and <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/british-and-irish-studies" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">British &amp; Irish History</a> sections of our website. </p>Politics & economicsBritish politics & societyconfigurable
135361677British politics & societyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs/british-politics-society1/2/285/1177/1677/135361/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/British politics & society
