The French Revolution was a defining episode in modern European history. This course examines the revolutionary period from the Old Regime in France to the empire of Napoleon Bonaparte. It assesses the origins, development and significance of the French Revolution and investigates the nature of Napoleonic rule and its impact upon Europe.  Participants will be introduced to a range of primary sources, including petitions, political speeches, newspapers and paintings, and will have the opportunity to explore in-depth such topics as the fall of the monarchy, church and state, women's rights, the Terror, and the revolutionary and Napoleonic wars.

No knowledge of French is required for this course. All recommended primary sources and secondary readings are available in English. Students with French language skills may however wish to make use of available resources in French.

Through completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic regime
• Reflect critically on differing historiographical interpretations
• Evaluate the political, social and cultural legacies of the period for France, Europe and the wider world
• Continue to develop their research, analytical and writing skills

One 2500 word essay (40%) and one 3500 word essay (60%), topics to be devised with course convenor.

Twenty-six one-hour lectures, thirteen one-hour tutorials. Lectures will be recorded and will be available online, as will weekly Powerpoint presentations.

EURO1004 - Europe in the Modern Era: Foundations of International Relations

Colin Jones, The Great Nation: France from Louis XV to Napoleon (New York: Columbia University Press, 2003). William Doyle, The Origins of the French Revolution, Third edition (Oxford: OUP, 1999).