This special subject concentrates on the internal political and social history of France from the failure of reform efforts at the end of the ancient regime to the White Terror of 1795. On the basis of a wide range of source material, we shall look at the rapidly shifting ground of politics and reform, the growth of 'public opinion', social and economic confrontations, the domestic impact of war, the trial of the king, and the nature of Terror government.

Three hours per week in each semester.. This is one of the honours options in History and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

None.

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ 2 essays (one in each semester) 10% each

■ 2 seminar papers (one in each semester) 6% each

■ Seminar contribution (one assessment in each semester) 4% each

■ Examination: 2 x 120 minute examinations, worth 60% overall

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There are no alternatives to the essays, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions).

■ Written responses to seminar material in advance or after seminar or they can write a self-evaluation reflecting on seminar contribution as alternative to seminar contribution.

■ A recorded presentation, or a written script of equivalent length, or a PowerPoint with substantial notes, or a one-to-one presentation as alternative to seminar papers.

■ There is no alternative to the exam, but extra time/alternative can be offered as reasonable adjustments.

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

It is the default expectation that all courses will offer opportunities for reassessment or deferred assessment. Where it is not possible to offer this in some assessment components, the grade achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade, and any exceptions for this course are described below.

[No exceptions]

The following aims are shared by all History special subjects:

1. to prepare students for independent and original analysis of a complex range of evidence, including source materials, thereby developing intellectual skills that will be of benefit in a wide range of careers.

2. to show students how a professional historian works.

3. to familiarise students, through source-criticism, with a wide range of problems of interpretation arising from different usages of language, underlying meanings and intentions, differing standards of objectivity, and the variety of purpose and intent associated with historical evidence (written, visual or other).

4. to ensure, through student-led discussion, that the relative validity of alternative historical interpretations is fully recognised.

5. to encourage students to develop the confidence, imagination, skills and self-discipline required to master a similarly demanding brief in the future, whether in historical research or in any sphere or employment where these qualities are valuable.

By the end of this course students will be able to: