HIST 232: Topics in French History

Jay Smith

The course uses both case studies and synthetic works to probe the issue of "identity" in France (16th to early 19th centuries). We will explore identity not only as an historical artifact specific to times, contexts, and places, but also as a methodological problem that inevitably challenges the historian's ability to explain motive, agency, and causation. Readings will include studies by Natalie Davis, Emmanuel Le Roy Ladurie, Peter Sahlins, Sarah Maza, David Bell, and (many) others. Students from fields outside of French history will have the opportunity to make comparative contributions to the weekly meetings.