To introduce students to key episodes and developments in modern French history through the study of primary sources and historiography;

To develop students' ability to present and organise critically-informed arguments in written work and oral presentations;

To develop students' awareness of changes and continuities in modern French history.

(LO1) An ability to read, analyse and reflect critically and contextually upon secondary evidence, including historical writings and the interpretations of historians.

(LO2) An understanding of the development of history as a discipline and an awareness of different historical methodologies.

(LO3) Students will develop an understanding of the key issues and in modern French history through primary sources and secondary literature.

(S1) Confidence, independence of mind, responsibility, organisation and time-management.

(S2) The ability to work collaboratively and to participate in group discussion

(S3) Gathering, analysing and organising information, including online and digital resources.

(S4) Structure, coherence, clarity and fluency of oral expression.

(S5) Structure, coherence, clarity and fluency of written expression

This module is taught through 11 lectures and 5 seminars. The lectures will provide a chronological and thematic overview of modern French history, with the issues of Republicanism, war, gender, racism and protest featuring heavily. Seminars will include student presentations, group work, and primary source analysis. They will enable students to French society before World War One, the political and cultural impact of the two world wars, post war modernisation and its discontents (including the student and worker protests of May 1968), and decolonization and its legacies.

The majority of teaching will be delivered face-to-face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on-campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.

Lecture:
Eleven, 1-hour lectures. The lectures provide a framework for the module, introduce the main themes, concepts and historical debates, and provide the context for the in-depth discussions in the seminars. The lectures will be pre-recorded and available on Canvas.

Seminar:
Ten, 1-hour seminars. These focus on detailed group analysis of key aspects of the module, and we will hear and discuss assessed presentations by the students. There will be a maximum 12 students per group.

Self-Directed Learning: The module handbook contains a substantial core of readings which students are required to supplement with their own reading lists through independent use of the library catalogue and historical databases. Assignments require students to research suitable evidence ou tside of class and write up the results.