131-153 Age of Revolution: French Revolution

Formerly available as 131-002. Students who have completed 131-002 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. Formerly available as 131-104. Students who have completed 131-104 prior to 1999 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. It is recommended but not compulsory that this subject be taken in conjunction with 131103 Age of Revolution: The American Revolution

In 1789 huge numbers of French peasants, urban workers and middle-class people successfully rebelled against absolute monarchy and the privileges of the nobility. But the struggle over what social and political system should replace the 'Old Regime' was to divide French people and finally the whole of Europe. This subject examines the history of the French Revolution from its origins to 1795. It then examines its significance. Was this really a revolutionary age? What were its consequences for ethnic minorities, women, and slaves in French colonies? Students should complete the subject with a grasp of, and an ability to make critical judgements about, the general nature and significance of the French Revolution.

• 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;

• be able to think in theoretical terms through lectures, tutorial discussion, essay writing and engage in the methodologies of the humanities and social sciences;

• demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural context through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument;

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

• demonstrate written communication through essay preparation and writing.

An exercise of 500 words 10% (due early semester), a research essay of 1500 words 40% (due mid-semester), a review essay of 2000 40% (due in the examination period), and tutorial participation 10% throughout the semester.

A subject reader will be available.

• P McPhee, The French Revolution. Oxford 2002.