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Almost 215 years after the French Revolution, the ideas and events of that era continue to be hotly debated. Was revolution inevitable, or could reform have succeeded? Was there a bourgeois revolution and a revolutionary bourgeoisie? Was the Terror a logical extension of the events of 1789 or can it best be explained by war and counterrevolution? Was the rise of Napoleon, the “man on horseback,” a direct result of an unstable democracy and the violence inherent in the Revolution? Is the Revolution still a vital part of our climate of opinion, or is it "over," as one group of historians claims?
Goals: Our objective during this term will be to attain a deeper understanding of the Revolution and its legacy. Students who successfully complete the course will have (1) examined and questioned the origins and nature and progress of the Revolution; (2) worked with primary and secondary materials to develop their own interpretations; and (3) researched and interpreted one aspect of the French Revolution in depth, reflected in an oral presentation and a substantial paper.
Grading: Grades will be based on class participation
(15%), three reviews (15% each; see explanations below), and a major research
paper of approximately 12-15 pages in length (40%). A final examination
may be required of any student who misses more than one class session,
and is an option for any student who chooses it. In the case of the
final exam option, the weighting is as follows: Class participation 5%,
reviews 10% each, term paper 35%, final exam 30%.
The plus-minus grading system will be used. The grading
scale is 97-100 A+, 93-96 A, 90-92 A-, 87-89 B+, 83-86 B, 80-82 B-, 77-79
C+, 70-76 C, 60-69 D, below 60 or cheating or plagiarism, F.
The department’s explanation and policy on cheating and plagiarism
can be found in Clifford’s
Advice, online That document also presents a format for notes in the
department’s accepted format, Chicago Manual of Style.
Class Participation: This is a seminar, and much of its value rests in class discussion. Students should come to class prepared to analyze, question, and discuss the issues raised for the session. Because of the importance of class discussion, attendance will affect your grade. The class participation score for your grade will be based on attendance and the instructor's evaluation of your contribution to class discussions. Any student who misses more than one class, regardless of the reason, may be required to take a final examination.
Review Essays for Special Sessions:
There will be three special sessions during the term. Topics
and dates are listed on the class schedule below, and fuller descriptions
of the assignment can be found on the
class Blackboard space. Each student must prepare a review essay
on one of the readings listed for each of the three sessions. A bibliography
of suggested readings for each session will be handed out in class, and
students will make their choices in conference with the instructor, so
that where possible these readings can be coordinated with the student's
term paper topic.
All reviews should be two to three pages long, and must be typed,
double-spaced. Quotations or citations from the book being reviewed
may be referenced in parentheses in the text; all others must take standard
foot/endnote form. See Clifford’s
Advice.
Term Papers:
Each student must prepare a 10-15 page research paper. A list
of potential topics is posted on the
class Blackboard site. Topics will be assigned in individual
conferences scheduled during the week of 5-12 September. All papers
must be typed, double-spaced. Use Clifford's
Advice for the note format. Save your preparation materials and be
prepared to explain the meaning of everything you write.
Each student will present a brief (10-15 minutes) oral summary
of the paper during one of the final three class periods. Dates for
presentation will be assigned on 31 October. Term papers are due
Thursday, 12 December, by 3 pm.
Required Books:
David Andress, French Society in Revolution, 1789-1799
(Manchester Univ Press)
Malcolm Crook, Napoleon Comes to Power: Democracy and Dictatorship
in Revolutionary France, 1795-1804 (Univ of Wales Press) This
book is available in netLibrary online. Click
here to connect.
John Hardman, Robespierre. (Longman)
Laura Mason and Tracey Rizzo, The French Revolution: A Document
Collection. (DC Heath)
Class Schedule and Assignments:
29 August - Overview of the Revolution and the course.
5 September - Outbreak of the Revolution. Read Andress, Introduction and ch. 1-2; Mason & Rizzo, ch. 1-2.
Individual conferences to select term paper
topics will be scheduled during this week.
Reading assignments for special session 1
will be made.
12 September - Revolution: the Constituent and the Constitution. Read Andress, ch. 3-4; Mason & Rizzo ch. 3-5.
19 September - Special session 1: Reform/Revolution.
26 September - The Fall of the Monarchy. Read Andress, ch. 5-6; Mason & Rizzo, ch. 6-7.
3 October - War and Counterrevolution. Read Andress, ch. 7; Mason & Rizzo, ch. 8-9.
10 October - Terror. Read Mason & Rizzo, ch. 10-11; Hardman, Robespierre.
17 October - Special session 2: The Problem of the Terror.
24 October - Re-consolidating the Revolution, or spreading it, or both? Read Andress, ch. 8; Mason & Rizzo, ch. 12-14.
31 October - Napoleon and the Revolution. Read Mason & Rizzo, ch. 15; all of Crook.
7 November - Special session on The Meaning of the Revolution.
14 November - 5 December - Papers presented to class. [28 November is Thanksgiving].
12 December - Papers due by 3:00 p.m. Final Exam for those who take one.
