The Dreyfus affair and its legacy
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Course Code: HEH26
Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The Dreyfus Affair itself (1894-1906), the ideological debates around it, its immediate and long-term consequences and its role in the making of modern France.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
The political and international context of the Dreyfus Affair
The moments of the Affair (1894-1906): the first trial of Alfred Dreyfus and his degradation and deportation, the struggle for the truth, the second trial, the second conviction of Dreyfus, pardon and amnesty
The rise of nationalism and anti-Semitism
Old and new actors: the Army, the press and the emergence of the “intellectuals”
The consequences of the Dreyfus Affair: the strengthening of the Republic and its values?
The long-term legacy of the Dreyfus Affair.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Identify the key actors who played a major role during the Affair.
Explain the motives of the anti-Dreyfusards.
Analyse and discuss anti-Semitism in France at the time of the Dreyfus Affair.
Explain how the figure of “the intellectual” emerged during the Affair.
Analyse and discuss constructively how the Dreyfus Affair ultimately consolidated the republican regime.
Analyse the long-term legacy of the Dreyfus Affair.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Some background knowledge about France would be useful but is not essential.
A good standard of English is required.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This course will be delivered online. The course will be a combination of lecture, backed by PowerPoint presentation, and discussions in large groups. Handouts will be available.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Books will be recommended but students are not required to purchase them if they do not wish.
This is not an exam course.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Other courses in French and European history. Please see the City Lit website.
After under- and post-graduate studies in Politics and History in both France and the UK, Sébastien settled in London. He has been teaching at the City Lit since 2001. Over the years, he has covered many different subjects, including politics, history, economy and culture of Latin America, French modern history, European history, global issues and current affairs. In his classes, Sébastien hopes to give learners the skills, tools and information that can help them not only to make sense of the world we live in but also to understand the origins of the key issues we face.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
