CONTEMPORARY HISTORY

The main goal is to provide a critical background on the main topics in contemporary history from the nineteenth to the twenty-first century in a comparative perspective and in the context of international relations.

Basic knowledge of contemporary history

Knowledge and understanding: the student will be able to know the dynamics of contemporaneity and the progressive transformation of the relationship between national and international dimensions. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: the knowledge of the dynamics of contemporary history, in a European and non-European perspective, will allow the student to develop a complex thought based on a solid knowledge of historical-political, economic, social and cultural dynamics. The use of different interactive methods will favour the acquisition of more interdisciplinary skills. Discussions, both individual and in groups on the topics addressed, will allow a constant monitoring of learning during the course and will offer the opportunity to use multimedia tools and test communication skills. Making judgements: the student will acquire autonomy of judgement on the problems of contemporary history, also in relation to specific applications of the categories learned. The ability of judgement will be transmitted through frontal lessons, individual and group exercises. Communication skills: students will acquire the ability to communicate what they have learned during the lessons and to present the results of their research through the formula of public speaking in the classroom. Communicative skills will be evaluated in the final oral test and in active participation in class. Learning skills: the student develops a more complex ability of independent and critical thinking. The learning will be enriched with an in-depth study of themes typical of contemporary history, with the knowledge of languages and tools specific to the discipline, and verified through participation in the debates and the final examination.

The course is divided in two parts. The first part will focus on the main issues and on the main historiographical theories in contemporary history. The second part will focus on the First World War, with special attention to the origins, the characteristics, and the political, institutional and social consequences of the conflict. For both parts there will be debates and discussions with the active participation of the students on the issues addressed in the lectures.

First part: G. Sabbatucci-V. Vidotto, Storia contemporanea. L'Ottocento, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2008;G. Sabbatucci-V. Vidotto, Storia contemporanea. Il Novecento, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2008; in alternativa G. Sabbatucci-V. Vidotto, Storia contemporanea. Dalla Grande Guerra ad oggi, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2019. Second part: R. De Felice, Fascismo, Firenze, Le Lettere, 2011; or R. De Felice, Le interpretazioni del fascismo, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2005; or A. Harendt, Le origini del tatalitarismo, Torino, Einaudi, 2009.

- Lectures and seminars; - Class discussion; - In-depht films on themes in contemporary history.

Final oral test: 70% Practice class and class work: 30%

To pass the final exam with a suitable evaluation, and to show adequate interest in the topic