RLFR 212
Sister Revolutions in France and America
Last Offered Spring 2008
Division II
Cross-listed LEAD 212 / HIST 393
This course is not offered in the current catalog

Class Details

In the late-eighteenth century, two revolutions burst forth-they were the most striking and consequential events in modern history, decisive turning-points that transformed society and politics. This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the overarching ideas and visions of the sister revolutions. Through works of literature, correspondence, political essays and speeches, we will seek to understand the fundamental goals and accomplishments of both revolutions. Who were their leaders and according to what principles did they govern? Did revolutionaries in France find a model in America for their Revolution? What is the meaning of the “Terror” in France and what light does it shed on modern revolutionary movements? Why was the American Revolution followed by decades of stability while the French Revolution bequeathed a turbulent succession of failed governments? Have America and France continued to conceive of themselves as revolutionary nations? We will read works by the following historians, novelists, and politicians: Rousseau, Robespierre, Saint-Just, Michelet,Tocqueville, Victor Hugo, Edmund Burke, Thomas Paine, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, David B. Davis, and Hannah Arendt.
The Class: Format: seminar
Limit: 15
Expected: 15
Class#: 3411
Grading: yes pass/fail option, yes fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation: two papers and active participation in class discussions
Prerequisites: none
Enrollment Preferences: students with backgrounds in American history, French history or political science
Unit Notes: meets Group C, F and G requirements in History major only if registration is under HIST
Distributions: Division II
Notes: meets Division 2 requirement if registration is under LEAD or HIST; meets Division 1 requirement if registration is under RLFR
This course is cross-listed and the prefixes carry the following divisional credit:
LEAD 212 Division II RLFR 212 Division II HIST 393 Division II
Attributes: HIST Group C Electives - Europe and Russia
HIST Group F Electives - U.S. + Canada
HIST Group G Electives - Global History
LEAD Facets or Domains of Leadership

Class Grid

Updated 10:00 pm

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