ABOVE CLASS CARRIES CULTURE STUDIES CREDIT
A PORTION OF THE ABOVE CLASS RESERVED FOR MAJORS
ABOVE CLASS OPEN TO UNDERGRADUATES AND
EDUCATION MA’S ONLY
ABOVE CLASS MEETS WITH WEUR-W 405

Episodes in French history—such as the Revolution of 1789, the re-
building of Paris in the 1850s, and the Algerian War of the 1950s—
have been fundamental to the definition of modern Europe and of the
modern world.  Through its concentration on France, this course
hence helps students develop a critical, informed understanding of
modern history within a specific context.

Among the topics and questions covered: the emergence of a French
republican tradition; debates over religion and the state; tensions
and contradictions within French imperialism and nationalism; and
the relation of innovative artistic developments (such as
Impressionism and Surrealism) to social change and cultural
transformation.  Throughout, the “politics” of the course’s title
refers both to national public life and to power relations at many
different levels and in multiple registers.  Considering the
organization of self-conscious movements (such as Realism, many
forms of socialism, or the Resistance) as well as the development of
new technologies of communication and transportation, this course
encourages students to think about how people make history and about
how they write it.

Analytic skills are emphasized over synthetic ones and students are
required to confront the complexities and ambiguities central to all
sophisticated historical analysis.  Lectures will follow a loosely
chronological structure, but thematic concerns will take priority
over narrative ones.  Readings for discussion include novels,
memoirs, and newspaper articles, as well as selections from
nineteenth- and twentieth-century historians.  Lecture attendance is
mandatory and grading will take class participation into
consideration.  No previous study of French history, culture, or
language is required, but students should be prepared to work hard
and think creatively.

Requirements: three short (5-7 pp.) papers; well-informed
participation in discussion; midterm and final exams.