The history of France from the “new monarchs” of the 15th century to the end of the Ancient Regime in 1789. Course content will focus on students gaining an understanding of such traditional themes as the consolidation of the French kingdom, the Renaissance monarchy, the wars of religion, the development of absolutism, Louis XIV, the Enlightenment, and the forces that would eventually unleash the French Revolution. Great stress will be placed on understanding the larger economic and social forces that helped shape French history. In addition, students will explore some of the recent work in the areas of gender and cultural history.
HIS 201, or permission of instructor.