Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - HIST 416 D100

The French Revolution (4)

Class Number: 2215

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2026: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units including nine units of lower division history. Recommended: HIST 223, 224.

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:

This course examines the French Revolution as a foundational moment in modern history. Moving beyond a chronicle of major events, we will examine the revolution as a site of political and historical debate from 1789 to the present. Throughout the term, we will ask questions concerning the revolution’s origins, stages, and legacies for France, as well as its more global influences and reach. Considering a variety of scholarly approaches and methodologies, we will examine the revolution’s causes and effects and contested meanings since the late eighteenth century. We will also look closely at a range of cultural representations of this now mythological set of historical events, thinking about the continued fascination with, and relevance of, the French Revolution for our contemporary world.

Skills we’ll be working on in this course

· key events, actors & themes: becoming familiar with the major ideas, figures, and events of the era of French Revolution in France and its empire

· critical reading: understanding and responding to primary source material and scholarly arguments and interpretation

· visual/media/digital literacy: exploring and learning to use a range of scholarly sources and tools across different media

· writing: developing skills across genres of writing using strategies including free writing, co-writing, peer response, and revision

· oral communication +: engaging in group discussion and presentations online via Canvas and in person

While the formal prerequisites for this course are 45 units, including nine of lower-division history, students with 45 units and six units of lower-division history are welcome to register as well. Please e-mail the instructor for more information.

Grading

  • Seminar preparation and participitation 15%
  • Source & Map Quizzed 15%
  • Write NOW (completed in seminar) 50%
  • Afterthoughts 20%

NOTES:

This course counts toward a Group 3: Europe requirement for History majors.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All required course materials will be available electronically via the SFU Library and/or Canvas.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Learn more about studing History at SFU:

History areas of study


Why study History?

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.