This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This special subject will introduce students to the pros and cons of the historiographical debate surrounding Napoleonic and Revolutionary French history. It will give final year students an alternative means of engaging with the familiar historical category of 'Empire.' The focus on French expansion abroad, in the early nineteenth century, challenges one to move away from understanding the Napoleonic Empire in national terms; this course in essence, by its very nature, is European in both scope and content. To do this it will explore processes of acculturation and international competition on a thematic basis. It will examine, in broad multi-national manner, the complex interaction between centre and periphery or what Italians, more prosaically, describe as conflict between 'stato reale' and 'stato civile.'
This special subject will investigate the Napoleonic Empire in its many facets. Students will be urged actively to pursue their individual interests in either war and society, Empire, political culture and/or gender.
Total Contact hours: 96
Total Private study: 504
Total Study hours: 600
Please note that this module is only available to single-honours and joint-honours students on the BA in History and BA in Military History programmes. It is not available as a Wild module, nor is it available to short-credit students.
Main assessment methods
Essay 1 3,000 words 8%
Gobbet exercise 2,000 words 8%
Essay 2 3,000 words 8%
Thematic Timed Essay 2,000 words 8%
Presentation 1 4%
Presentation2 4%
Exam 1 Sources 2 hours 30%
Exam 2 Themes 2 hours 30%
Reassessment methods
100% Coursework (5,500 words)
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate a deep awareness of the factual material and analytical tools and approaches necessary to understand the nature & mission of the Napoleonic Empire and its trans-European impact.
2 Demonstrate a critical understanding of France's constantly evolving military and diplomatic priorities.
3 Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the most important political and military turning points of the period, and some of the historiographical battles waged around the subject.
4 Demonstrate the ability to discuss the complex analytical and conceptual problems raised in the special subject, and to present their work using a variety of methods.
5 Demonstrate an enhanced critical understanding of the diversity of human cultures, and the effects of Empire on different geographic, political, social and cultural contexts.
6 Effectively find, use, critique and critically evaluate relevant primary sources on the Napoleonic Empire.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate a range of intellectual, research and transferable skills. They will come to understand the problems that are inherent in the historical record and the limits within which interpretation is possible
2 Demonstrate critical thought and independence of mind, the capacity to marshal subtle and sophisticated arguments, and the ability to challenge received conclusions
3 Communicate complex ideas and information effectively.
4 Effectively manage their own learning and work effectively without close supervision or guidance.
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