The main objective of the course is to provide the cognitive tools and knowledge necessary to understand the main problems of contemporary history. Through the introduction to the historical debate the student will be able to develop critical skills in order to tackle the fundamental problems posed by history and current events.

1) Knowledge and understanding: The student is able to understand the political, social and economic transformations of the 19th and 20th centuries in their global dimensions, grasping their links of cause and effect as well as continuity and discontinuity in their developments. 2) Applying knowledge and understanding: The student is able to grasp historical references in the public debate, distinguishing the instrumental uses of them from the correct ones. 3) Making judgements: the student acquires methodologies and conceptual tools useful for developing analysis and interpretations of historical events. Independent judgment is verified during the exam. 4) Communication skills: the student develops the ability to communicate his knowledge and the results of his study through appropriate language. 5) Learning skills: The student develops a study capacity suitable for analyzing contemporary problems in a medium and long term historical perspective.

The program will provide an interpretative reading of the italian and international history from the French Revolution until the present days. While leaving the learning of historical events to individual preparation, the main critical phases of the contemporary age will be analyzed, exposing the most relevant interpretative theories formulated by historiography.

- G. Sabbatucci-V. Vidotto, Storia contemporanea. Dalla Grande Guerra a oggi, Laterza, Roma-Bari G. Quagliariello, Storia d'Italia in dodici romanzi, Rubbettino, 2024

- lectures - additional seminars for the study of specific themes

Oral exam on the texts indicated in the program, the lecture notes and any other material analyzed during the lectures. the assessment of the students will take place at the end of the course, through an oral exam. Students will have to demonstrate a clear and precise knowledge of the main events in contemporary history from the revolutionary transitions of the late eighteenth century onwards; to know the main conceptual and problematic issues; to be able to think historically, that is to grasp and evaluate the cause-effect links, as well as the elements of continuity and discontinuity in relation to the chronological period covered by the course. The students must demonstrate that they have acquired the methodology and learning ability necessary to continue the study of the subject independently. The following evaluation criteria will be taken into account to assign the final grade, expressed in thirthies: knowledge and understanding of the main events in contemporary history as well as of the main conceptual and problematic issues; ability to evaluate cause-and-effect links; ability to reason historically in terms of continuity and discontinuity; ability to express oneself with precise and appropriate language. Learning gaps on some specific parts of the program will lead to insufficient evaluation even in the presence of a basic knowledge of the subject.

Students who have validly passed the final exam will have to bear an additional interview with the professor.