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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, from medieval Welsh poetry onwards
The role of radicalism and nonconformism in igniting national consciousness, including the circulating schools of Griffith Jones and the Treachery of the Blue Books in 1847
20th century Welsh nationalism, including the establishment of Plaid Genedlaethol Cymru and its intellectual underpinnings
Contemporary Welsh nation-building within the context of Britishness, including lanuage policy and planning, unionism and separatism, and Welsh identity in the context of ethnic minorities and people of mixed heritage
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.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
The same tutor will be teaching a four-week 'An introduction to Welsh nationalism' starting in June 2026. Please also explore our other courses in the British Politics & Society and British & Irish History sections of our website.
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/welsh-nationalism-a-taster2997368Welsh nationalism: a tasterhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/e/welsh_nationalism_a_taster_-hpc318-1080.jpg2929GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/British politics & society228511771677135361228511771677<p>On this short taster course, discover the history, culture, and politics of Welsh nationalism, charting its development through to the present day. </p>002997362Welsh nationalism: a taster2929https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/e/welsh_nationalism_a_taster_-hpc318-1080_1.jpgInStockDaytimeSunKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2026-03-01T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allMar 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHPC3182929Welsh nationalism: a taster231929Rhianwen Danielwelsh-nationalism-a-taster/hpc318-2526<p>On this short taster course, discover the history, culture, and politics of Welsh nationalism, charting its development through to the present day. </p>0000-Available|2026-03-01 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>On this short taster course, discover the history, culture, and politics of Welsh nationalism, charting its development through to the present day. </p><ul><li>The relationship between language and national identity, from medieval Welsh poetry onwards</li><li>The role of radicalism and nonconformism in igniting national consciousness, including the circulating schools of Griffith Jones and the Treachery of the Blue Books in 1847</li><li>20th century Welsh nationalism, including the establishment of Plaid Genedlaethol Cymru and its intellectual underpinnings</li><li>Contemporary Welsh nation-building within the context of Britishness, including lanuage policy and planning, unionism and separatism, and Welsh identity in the context of ethnic minorities and people of mixed heritage</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>The same tutor will be teaching a four-week 'An introduction to Welsh nationalism' starting in June 2026. 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 & societyvirtual232919HPC318NONESun01/03/2610:30 - 13:0010:3013:001 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetRhianwen DanielBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-03-01T00:00:00+00:00Mar 2026Culture, history & humanities2929Welsh nationalism: a tasterwelsh-nationalism-a-taster/hpc318-2526<p>On this short taster course, discover the history, culture, and politics of Welsh nationalism, charting its development through to the present day. </p>0000-Available|2026-03-01 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>On this short taster course, discover the history, culture, and politics of Welsh nationalism, charting its development through to the present day. </p><ul><li>The relationship between language and national identity, from medieval Welsh poetry onwards</li><li>The role of radicalism and nonconformism in igniting national consciousness, including the circulating schools of Griffith Jones and the Treachery of the Blue Books in 1847</li><li>20th century Welsh nationalism, including the establishment of Plaid Genedlaethol Cymru and its intellectual underpinnings</li><li>Contemporary Welsh nation-building within the context of Britishness, including lanuage policy and planning, unionism and separatism, and Welsh identity in the context of ethnic minorities and people of mixed heritage</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>The same tutor will be teaching a four-week 'An introduction to Welsh nationalism' starting in June 2026. 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
