Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An analysis of the origins of the Revolution, of its changing nature, and of its impact on society. The Revolution will be examined in its European context.

COURSE DETAILS:

The French Revolution was one of the great turning points in world history, the moment when visionary, patriotic disrupters chose to reject a centuries-old political and social system based on privilege, hierarchy, and unthinking obedience to authority. These men gave us our modern understanding of human rights and the nation-state, while inspiring revolutionary leaders all over the world during the past 225 years.

The French Revolution was one of the great turning points in world history, the moment when misguided ideologues chose to reject a stable centuries-old system that had made France a rich nation and a centre of culture. These men thrust their country onto a path that would lead to war, fratricidal bloodshed, mass executions, and political terror. The country’s instability would in turn destabilize the rest of Europe for decades to come and inspire twentieth-century dictators around the world.

Which of these is the real French Revolution? In this course, we will try to understand the origins and consequences of this great event. We will begin by studying the political, social and economic background to the Revolution. We will then familiarize ourselves with the course of events between 1789 and 1799, before moving on to look at some of the great historiographical controversies in the field. By analyzing original documents, classic accounts and recent scholarship, we will be better able to understand this great event that continues to shape our twenty-first century world.

Grading

Materials

REQUIRED READING: