Professor of History Daniel Schönpflug visited Bard College Berlin for a series of guest seminars as part of a new course on the French Revolution

Prof. Dr. Daniel Schönpflug, Professor of History at Freie Universität and Director of Research at Berlin's prestigious Wissenschaftskolleg, visited Bard College Berlin this semester for a series of seminars as part of a new interdisciplinary course on Interpreting the French Revolution taught by Professor of Politics Ewa Atanassow. 

Bridging history, political, social and legal theory, and questions of historical hermeneutics, the course introduces students to one of the most consequential events in modern history. The French revolution is often considered as the dawn of the modern world.  Its radical ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity broke sharply with absolutist hierarchy. Though first greeted with hope for a just and inclusive political order, the Revolution soon descended into factionalism, terror, and global warfare, leaving a legacy still fiercely debated today. It also gave rise to ideological movements—liberalism, conservatism, socialism, feminism, anticolonialism—that continue to shape modern politics.

Prof. Schönpflug advised on the syllabus and helped lead the proceedings for the first seven weeks. He introduced students to the core actors and events that charted the course of the French Revolution as well as to the main historiographical approaches and intellectual controversies surrounding its interpretation, from the eighteenth century till today. 

One student, Davit Chankseliani '27, states, "Before this class, I had never studied the French Revolution. Therefore, I had only a general idea of what happened, based on the impressions acquired from the mainstream interpretation of the event. However, Prof. Schönpflug broadened my understanding of the revolution, showcasing its multifaceted nature... As a student of political science, I appreciated the opportunity to dive deep into the recount and analysis of such a foundational event."

Professor Schönpflug’s presence was a unique opportunity for BCB students to engage with the frameworks and methods of modern history and to learn first hand from a distinguished scholar in the field. 

Post Date: 11-19-2025