HIST 321: Modern France

HIST 321-001: Modern France
(Spring 2026)

01:30 PM to 02:45 PM TR

Enterprise Hall 276

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Section Information for Spring 2026

This course is a survey of French history of the past two centuries and an introduction to the multidisciplinary study of culture, politics, and society. We will begin with the 1789 French Revolution and cover the nation’s long and difficult transition to democracy, ending with discussions on enduring discourses of liberty, equality, and secularism in the contemporary political and social landscape. While covering major events such as revolutions, wars, and uprisings, we will also study the experiences of ordinary citizens, social practices, and cultural techniques. Our weekly topics will include industrialization and labor; class and the rise of the bourgeoisie; urbanization and urbanism; nationalism and imperialism; gender and feminism; developments in science, technology, and medicine; mass culture and consumption. The aim of the course is to gain a deeper understanding of the major issues and themes spanning French history, and how they have come to shape our understanding of modernity. Through readings and discussions of a variety of primary and secondary documents, we will also question how we use different kinds of sources to reconstruct the past and think critically about ways of writing history.

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Surveys two centuries of French history presenting an introduction to the multidisciplinary study of culture, politics, and society. Course begins with the 1789 French Revolution, covering the nation’s long and difficult transition to democracy and ends with the consideration of enduring discourses of liberty, equality, and secularism in the contemporary political and social landscape. Covers major events such as revolutions, wars, and uprisings, as well as the experiences of ordinary citizens, social practices, and cultural techniques. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Social/Behavioral Sciences
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.