From the regency of Marie de Médicis (1610) to the end of the Second
Empire (1870), this course will familiarize students with key
institutions, actors, and events in the political and cultural history
of France. We will study political models (absolute monarchy,
republic, empire) in their relation to other institutions (especially
the church) as well as the people who shaped them (Richelieu, Louis
XIV, Robespierre, Napoléon I, Louis-Philippe, Lamartine,
Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte…), comparing power struggles (the Fronde, the
French Revolution, the Revolution of 1648), economic development
(agriculture, industry, colonialism, trade), and the conditions of
different types of people (courtiers, peasants, city-dwellers, men,
women, children). The format of the class will be part lecture, part
discussion. Class will be conducted entirely in French. Grades will be
determined based on students' daily preparation and participation,
quizzes, a 5-page paper, and a final exam. Above section carries
culture studies credit; fulfills A & H requirement.