131-081 France 1870-1950

Usually 25 points of first year history or first year European studies, see Prerequisites.

This subject will cover French history from Napoleon's coronation as Emperor in 1804 through the establishment of the Third Republic during the 1870s, to the flowering of French culture in the decades before World War I. Students will explore the meaning of the three great revolutions of the 19th century and the emergence of a republican culture. Students will discuss the class and gendered nature of the evolution and culture of the republican project.

• demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;

• show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;

• have an increased understanding of historical and cultural texts and cinema;

• be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion.

A 2500 word research essay 50% (due at the end of semester), a 1500 word reflective essay 40% (due during the examination period) or a 1.5-hour unseen paper sat in the examination period. Class participation throughout the semester 10%.

A subject reader will be available.

• E Kamenka (ed), The Portable Karl Marx. Penguin 1983.
• C Sowerwine, France since 1870: Culture, Politics and Society. Macmillan 2001.