History 322 - Modern France

Modern French history is a dizzying sequence of revolutions, wars, and empires. The history of OGreater FranceO is equally tumultuous, from revolt against slavery in Haiti during the French Revolution, the conquest of a vast new empire during the nineteenth century, and the bloody battles of decolonization after World War Two. In connecting these stories, we will focus on who has been defined as a OcitizenO and what citizenship has meant for men and women. We will look at changing class and gender relations, ideological struggles, and tensions between regional and national loyalties. We will also explore contested concepts of racial and ethnic identity, especially for colonial subjects, religious minorities, and immigrants.

Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.