The French Revolution and Napoleon (342-1-20)
Instructors
Sarah C Maza
847/491-3460
Harris Hall Room 304
Meeting Info
University Hall 121: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM
Overview of class
The course covers the social, political, and cultural history of France in the era of the French Revolution broadly defined, from the reign of Louis XIV (d. 1715) through the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Empire. The central question of the course is that posed nearly two centuries ago by Alexis de Tocqueville: why did the French get rid of their king and end up with an emperor? What profound changes did the French Revolution bring about and what remained the same? In search of the answer to these questions we will explore the political, social, and cultural history of this period including living conditions for the poor and the rich, the meaning and impact of the French Enlightenment, the personalities and shortcomings of rulers like Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, and Napoleon, the relationship between the French and Haitian Revolutions, as well as the politics and culture of the Revolution itself. The history of this period is rich in historical drama, which will be covered in the lectures, but because it inspired thinkers like Marx, Tocqueville and others it also serves as a way of learning about theories of history: why do revolutions break out, why and how do they end?
Learning Objectives
• Learn about a specific, important and dramatic time and place, prerevolutionary and revolutionary France: this is a great story, worth learning about for its own sake. It has also been the subject of intense moral, political, and historiographic debate, all of which we will explore together. • Learn and think about historical change. What are different ways of thinking about a historical "event," about historical causality, and about the roles of different groups and actors? • Explore how different approaches such as social, political, gender and global history shed different kinds of light on aspects of an event, and consider how we might apply those insights to understanding the world around us? • Consider how historians use primary and secondary sources to interpret the past and to position themselves in broader scholarly conversations. Engaged in reasoned and respectful discussion and construct thoughtful, evenhanded, evidence-based arguments.
Evaluation Method
The grade will be based on a mix of very short weekly written comments, a short paper and an in-class final examination
Class Materials (Required)
TENTATIVE READING LIST:
Lynn Hunt and Jack Censer, The French Revolution and Napoleon
Voltaire, Candide
Denis Diderot, The Nun
Claire de Duras, Ourika
Rafe Blaufarb, ed. Napoleon: Symbol for an Age
Films: Stephen Frears, dir., "Dangerous Liaisons," Ridley Scott, dir., "Napoleon."
Plus excerpts from contemporary documents related to the French Revolution, the Haitian Revolution, and Napoleon's armies. Most of the reading will be available online or in inexpensive editions.
Class Notes
Concentration: European
Class Attributes
Historical Studies Distro Area
Associated Classes
DIS - Harris Hall L04: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM
DIS - Locy Hall 303: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM
DIS - University Library 3670: Fri 2:00PM - 2:50PM