Citizens: The French Revolution and Modern Political Culture

The key political concepts of the French Revolution – particularly the transition from ‘subject’ to ‘citizen’ – are still used in the modern political state. You’ll therefore find that this module provides a valuable basis for further study of the 20th century European state. Through discussion about the history of the Revolution, and its causes in particular, you’ll develop an understanding of the nature of historical methodology, and the ways in which complex historical situations can be approached.

What does the module cover?

This module is an exploration of the on-going historical debate on the origins of the French Revolution, with a focus on political developments, and on the nature of citizenship up to 1792.  You  will examine the vocabulary of the French revolution in its historical context and in relation to modern political vocabulary, utilising original documents. You’ll be introduced to documentary sources and encouraged to use material on the internet in a critical fashion. As it fosters analysis of very complex situations, as well as sensitivity to vocabulary and concepts, the skills you’ll learn will be transferable to non-academic problems, which employers will welcome.

Key Topics

• How historians have studied and interpreted the French Revolution
• The American War and the financial crisis of the French Monarchy
• Debates about the origins of the French Revolution
• Constitutionalism, Liberalism, and the French Revolution
• Violence and the French Revolution
• The language of Citizenship
• The creation of modern political culture
• Religion and the French Revolution
• Women, the family, politics and citizenship

Prerequisites

None

Number of credits and study time

15 credits, equivalent to 150 hours of study. 

Assessment

Assessment for this module will comprise one or more tasks, which will take the form of an exam and/ or coursework  (essay, report or presentation).