The French Revolution was a defining episode in modern European history. This course examines the revolutionary period from the end of the Old Regime through to the final defeat 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 and the wider world.  Participants will be introduced to a range of primary sources, including petitions, political speeches, newspapers, memoirs and paintings, and will have the opportunity to explore in-depth such topics as the formation of nation states, the rights of the individual, 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:

• 1. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the French Revolution and of Napoleonic rule
• 2. Develop an appreciation of key interpretations of the revolutionary and Napoleonic periods
• 3.Reflect critically on literature and arguments developed in key historical and theoretical materials
• 4. Evaluate the political, social and cultural legacies of the period for France, Europe and the wider world
• 5.Continue to develop strong research, analytical and writing skills
• 6.Develop oral presentation skills

Tutorial participation (10%) [addresses Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6].

2500 word essay (40%) [addresses Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5].

3500 word essay (50%) [addresses Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5].

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

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

Paul Hanson, Contesting the French Revolution (Maiden and Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2009).

Georges Lefebvre, Napoleon (London and New York: Routledge, 2011).

Philip G. Dwyer and Peter McPhee (eds), The French Revolution and Napoleon: A Sourcebook (London and New York: Routledge, 2012).

William Doyle, The Origins of the French Revolution, Third edition (Oxford: OUP, 1999).