What will I learn on this module?
This module examines the political, social and cultural history of Paris between 1815 and 1900. You will study different aspects of the history of nineteenth-century Paris – revolution, urban development, popular culture, and artistic life – through a range of primary sources, including contemporary artistic and literary representations of the city. You will assess and analyse the relationship between the city of Paris and political change during this period, with a particular focus on urban insurrection and revolution. You will also explore artistic movements such as Romanticism and Impressionism, as well as the rise of leisure and consumer culture and the urban development of the city, especially during the Second Empire (1852-1870). Throughout the module, you will investigate wider historical debates about urbanisation and the growth of the nineteenth-century European city. In looking at the history of nineteenth-century Paris – the ‘capital of the nineteenth century’, as the German theorist Walter Benjamin described it – from a range of perspectives, this module will enhance your knowledge and understanding of cultural and social approaches to history, and develop your ability to use interdisciplinary methodologies in your study of the past.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn on this module by attending and participating in lectures and seminars. Lectures will present an overview of key themes, core concepts, and different methodological approaches to studying Paris in the nineteenth century. Seminars will be based on discussion of primary source documents and other texts. You will be expected to prepare for the weekly seminars by undertaking essential and recommended reading, and will build on your independent reading by presenting your ideas and arguments in seminar discussions with your peers. All learning materials, tasks and readings will be posted on the eLP (Blackboard) to enable participation within the seminar programme. You will participate in formative assessment activities and receive feedback, and will be responsible for your own guided and independent learning. Summative assessment matches your learning against the learning outcomes for the module.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Your academic development will be supported through engagement with your peers, academic tutors, and programme leaders. Academic support is provided through group/individual tutorials, which allow specific issues to be addressed and to promote progress in academic development. The module tutor will be accessible within publicised office hours and via email. Your peers will provide you with a collaborative learning environment, and your programme leader will guide you through the requirements and expectations of your course. You will also be supported through individual engagement with the academic literature, lectures, and resources available on the eLearning Portal. Formative feedback will be on-going throughout seminar activities and through assessment tasks.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of key issues and developments in the political, social and cultural history of Paris in the nineteenth century
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of, and engagement with, wider historical debates about urban life and the growth of the nineteenth-century European city
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Integrate approaches, debates and theories from a range of disciplinary and sub-disciplinary approaches (including art history; cultural and urban history) in written work and seminar discussion
4. Employ interdisciplinary methods in evaluating different types of primary source (textual and visual).
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Demonstrate awareness of the relationship between the urban environment and its historic context, and understanding of how that environment is shaped by diverse political, social and cultural forces
How will I be assessed?
Your knowledge and understanding of the main themes and developments in the history of nineteenth-century Paris, your ability to use interdisciplinary methods in evaluating primary sources, and your ability to integrate a range of disciplinary approaches in your work will be assessed through three pieces of coursework:
1. A 1,500 word source commentary on a textual primary source
2. A 1,500 word source commentary on a visual primary source
3. A 3,000 word essay, which must draw on primary sources as well as appropriate secondary literature.
Formative assessment and feedback from your module tutor will be delivered in written and verbal form. You will receive formative feedback from your tutor in classroom discussions, debates and tutorials. You will also receive feedback through engagement with your peers, especially in seminar debates and discussions. This ongoing peer feedback will help you to test and develop your ideas about Paris in the nineteenth century, as well as your analytical and interpretative skills when looking at different types of evidence.
Before the end of the module you will be asked to submit an essay plan for your final piece of coursework. You will receive formative feedback from your module tutor on this essay plan, which should be integrated into your final submission.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.
Course info
UCAS Code LV21
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Humanities
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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