THIS IS A TWO-SEMESTER COURSE.

This course covers the history of France across the early modern era to the modern era, from roughly 1500 to 1945. The first semester will cover French history from 1500 to the revolution of 1789, while the second semester will cover the Napoleonic Wars until the end of the Second World War.

In the first semester, students will learn about the people, events, and ideas of the early modern period, from the arrival of the Renaissance in France and the height of the House of Bourbon to the collapse of the so-called ancient regime with the French Revolution of 1789 and the arrival of the modern values of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Some of the figures who will be highlighted include the kings of France, the philosophers of the Enlightenment (Voltaire, Rousseau, Diderot, etc.), the individuals leading the French Revolution, and Napoleon Bonaparte.

The second semester will continue the story of France as both its citizens and their leaders reacted to the challenges of the nineteenth century and the creation of the modern world order, eventually culminating in France’s trials and tribulations through the Second World War. Students will learn about events such as the numerous revolutions of the nineteenth century (1830, 1848, and 1870), the Dreyfus Affair, the First World War, and many others.

French language skills are not required for this course; any documents in French will be given with their English translations.

Class Meetings: Thursdays, 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Fall Semester: September 10 – December 17, 2026
Spring Semester: January 14 – May 13, 2027

Student Expectations: Homework will be variable. Students will be expected to read some primary and secondary sources (translations into English will always be provided by the instructor). Students will also write an essay on a topic of their choosing in each semester.

Student Support: The instructor is available via email.

Feedback/Assessment: Students will be assessed on the quality of their written work and their in-class participation. They can expect feedback on their written work.

Materials: All reading materials will be provided by the instructor.