Instructional goals
Increase students' ability to: 1. Analyze historical events beyond the chronological perspective; 2. Apply critical thinking to historical events 3. Become familiar with the main theories and interpretation of contemporary history 4. Become familiar with the contemporary history of Italy.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of the fundamentals of modern and contemporary history acquired in high school.
Intended learning outcomes
Attending students will increase their capacity to critically analyze historical events and theories, enhance their critical thinking. Students will also be able to use their historical perspective to address contemporary complex issues and topics.
Course Contents
1. Political, economic, social and cultural history of the last two centuries 2. Part of the course will be on the history of Italy from the unification to the present days.
Reference Books
Antony Best, Jussi Hanhimaki, Joseph A. Maiolo, Kirsten E. Shulze (last ed.), International History of the Twentieth Century and Beyond, Routledge. Antony L. Cardoza, A History of Modern Italy: Transformation and Continuity, 1796 to the Present, Oxford University Press 2019 E. Diodato, F. Niglia, Italy in international relations. The foreign policy conundrum, Palgrave, 2019.
Teaching Methods
Lectures and seminars. Active participation of students (debates and simulations)
Assessment Method
Assessment of simulations activities. Final oral exam.
Thesis assignment criteria
Regular and active participation in class activities.
Week 1
Introduction to the course: - the historical method; - benchmark dates and interpretations of "contemporary" history - The XIX century: politics, ideas, culture and economics
Week 2
The XIX century between revolutions and balance of power; Nationalism; the emerging social question; The Bismarck age
Week 3
Introduction to the XX century The first world war and its consequences
Week 4
Italian history from unification to Fascism. The interwar period
Week 5
The second world war and its consequences
Week 6
Simulation of a historical case study
Week 7
Simulation of a historical case study
Week 8
Defining Cold War
Week 9
Towards a globalized world: the rise of new global players
Week 10
Italian history from Fascism to the Republic
Week 11
From the Cold War to the a multipolar world: interpretations and events
Week 12
The First and the Second Italian Republic(s)