Learning outcomes

Acquisition of a good command of the research tools related to early modern history, so that the student is able to critically use the sources and scientific literature related to one or more themes chosen as central to the course. The teaching activity will therefore aim to develop the individual research skills of the student as much as possible.

Program

First part (prof. Ciappelli)
"Family memory in the early modern period."
Since antiquity within the nobility, and since the Late Middle Ages within the mercantile and bourgeois classes, special forms of memory, written and unwritten, have developed, specifically designed to remember the past of the family, to perpetuate its self-awareness, and to build a reference model for future generations. The written form of this unusually early kind of memory, initially born also for practical purposes (remembering everything that can be useful) is the "family book", which emerged in vernacular in Italy at the end of the thirteenth century and through the whole early modern period will get up to today. After an introduction on the oldest forms assumed by family history, the course will analyze in a specific way especially the Italian texts (15th-18th centuries), through which the family expressed its "need for eternity" in all ages. Comparisons will be carried out also with other European situations. At least one lesson will be dedicated to aspects of iconography and art history.

Examination Methods

First part (Prof. Ciappelli)
The exam will be composed of:
1. an ORAL EXAM, based on knowledge of assigned readings (see “Assigned readings”), material distributed during lessons and (for attending students) class notes;
2. a WRITTEN ESSAY of 40-50,000 characters (including notes) on a topic agreed with the professor. Papers must be sent to the professor at least two weeks in advance of the oral exam, in ways agreed upon with the professor during office hours.