Program Overview

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Topics in Modern French History: À la guerre comme à la guerre: France and the First World War (FREN0048)

Key Information

Faculty and Teaching Department

The module is part of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, taught by the School of European Languages, Culture and Society.

Credit Value and Restrictions

• Credit value: 15
• Restrictions: Language pre-requisites apply. Students not already studying at an advanced level in the language may not be eligible and must seek approval prior to registering. Not available to Affiliate Exchange students.

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

Module Content and Indicative Topics

This module examines France's experience of the First World War from a socio-cultural perspective, integrating political, economic, and military developments. Key themes include national identity, the boundary between military and civilian spheres, contemporary representations of the war, conflict, mobilisation, violence, and trauma. The aim is to provide an in-depth understanding of France's four years of conflict and their impact on French society and culture.

Teaching Delivery

The module is taught via weekly two-hour seminars involving mini-lectures, group discussions, and analysis of primary sources. Preparation includes reading set texts and taking notes informed by pre-circulated questions.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of France's experience in the First World War.
• Explain and analyse key historiographical developments and controversies.
• Interpret and analyse primary sources in English and French.
• Recognise, categorise, and judge key arguments.
• Articulate convincing historical arguments based on primary and secondary sources.

Recommended Reading

Core texts include:

• John Horne and Alan Kramer, German Atrocities, 1914: A History of Denial.
• Leonard V. Smith, Stéphane Audoin-Rouzeau, and Annette Becker, France and the Great War.
• Stéphane Audoin-Rouzeau and Annette Becker, 14-18, Retrouver la Guerre.
• Rémy Cazals and André Loez, 14-18, vivre et mourir dans les tranchées.

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

Intended Teaching Term and Level

• Term 2, Undergraduate (FHEQ Level 6)
• Term 2, Postgraduate (FHEQ Level 7)

Teaching and Assessment

• Mode of study: In person
• Methods of assessment: 100% Coursework
• Mark scheme: Numeric Marks

Other Information

• Number of students on the module in the previous year: 15 (Undergraduate), 1 (Postgraduate)
• Module leader: Dr James Connolly

Last Updated

This module description was last updated on 10th March 2026.