Napoleon Bonaparte is one of the most instantly-recognisable and controversial individuals in European history. Praised as an enlightened reformer and promoter of economic progress and reviled as a megalomaniac tyrant and warlord, Napoleon's reputation is as much debated today as it was in his lifetime. This course will examine his impact on France, Europe and the world. It will include his rise to power and relationship with the French Revolution, his methods of governing France, his attempts to defeat Britain, his military and political domination of Europe, resistance to his rule and the reasons for his eventual downfall. Sessions will make use of Napoleon's own speeches and writings, the views of his contemporaries and of historians and works of art from the period. No previous knowledge is required.