The French Revolution produced a sharp break with the past in many areas, including politics, economics, culture, education, art, medicine, and human rights. This course focuses on the origins of the Revolution, the nature of the transformations that occurred, the relationship between revolution and the Terror, and the rise and fall of Napoleon. The long-term global impact of the Revolution, especially that caused by warfare in Europe and around the world, is another particular emphasis.
Students will:
- describe the social, political, economic, and intellectual forces that influenced behaviors and events. (All essays)
- understand the intellectual and cultural ferment of the Enlightenment and its relationship to the origins and course of the French Revolution. (Essay 1)
- understand the economic and political causes of the French Revolution. (Essay 1)
- demonstrate basic knowledge of content (names, events, concepts) related to the French Revolution. (All essays)
- analyze the causes and meaning of the Terror. (Essay 2)
- assess the impact of the French Revolution and Napoleon on the modern world. (Final Essay)
Readings, which are indicated on the weekly schedule, are to be completed in advance of class meetings, which will usually include discussion of the material. There are two required books that can be purchased online:
William Doyle, The Oxford History of the French Revolution, 2018 (3rd ed.)
Philip Dwyer, Napoleon and Europe, 2001 (1st ed.)
Be sure to bring books and other readings to class when we are working with them. You need to acquire the assigned paper copies of books so that we are all on the same page during discussions. You'll be able to use the two books for your in-class essays. You cannot use electronic devices for the essays.
Requirements and Grading
The scheduled essay exams cover people and topics from lectures, readings, and discussions. There are no make-up exams except in cases of emergencies supported by appropriate documentation. Grades are determined as follows:
- In-class Essay 1: 30 points (Origins of French Revolution)
- In-class Essay 2: 30 points (Republic and Terror)
- In-class Final Essays and Short Answer: 40 points (Rise and Fall of Napoleon and Global Legacy of FR)
A = 90 points
B = 80 points
C = 70 points
D = 60 points
F = fewer than 60 points
None
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in immediate consequences as outlined in the university's academic integrity policy.
Note: This is a core IMPACTS course within the social sciences.
Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course supports students' broad academic and career goals.
The course directs students to a broad orienting question: How do I understand human experiences and connections?
Completion of this course will allow students to meet the following learning outcome: Students will effectively analyze or describe the complexity of human behavior and how historical, economic, political, social, or geographic relationships develop, persist, or change.
Course content, activities, and exercises help students develop the following career ready competencies:
- Intercultural competence
- Perspective taking
- Ability to persuade others