Modern France and Its Empire

In this course, we will examine the political, social, economic and cultural history of modem France and its empire since 1789. We will explore the history of France within wider transnational and imperial contexts, as well as in its post-colonial era, when immigration and cultural difference have emerged as central issues within France itself. Through lectures, discussions, novels, memoirs, and films, we will seek to understand the history of modern France as both a nation-state and empire. In particular, we will also look at the colonial and post-colonial histories of francophone West and North African countries.