HIST 129 Blacks, Jews, and Women in the Age of the French Revolution (Not offered 2008-2009; to be offered 2009-2010) (W)
The French Revolution was an important turning point in world history. Besides ushering in an age of liberté (liberty) and egalité (equality), it also postulated the existence of a new revolutionary fraternité (brotherhood) between peoples of all backgrounds. Would revolutionary fraternity include women, African slaves, and Jews in the new democratic polity? French men and women debated these questions in ways that have had a direct impact on our contemporary discussions of race, gender, religious freedom and ethnicity. In this course, we will explore these debates, their Enlightenment roots, and the legacy of these debates for France's minorities today, especially those of Arabic and Islamic origin. Students will be introduced to various types of historical sources (rare books, art, opera, plays), as well as to the lively historiographical debates between historians of France concerning methodology, politics, and the goal of historical research.
Format: seminar. Evaluation will be based on class participation, oral reports, 1-2 short papers, a 15- to 20-page research paper, and a final examination (may be an oral and/or take-home exam). The class will also be expected to go on a couple of field trips.
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 19 (expected: 19). Preference will be given to first-year students, and then sophomores, who have not previously taken a 100-level seminar.
Groups C and G
SINGHAM