HIST 129(S) Blacks, Jews, and Women in the Age of the French Revolution (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 B and D