Learning objectives

Acquisition of an adequate skill as well as historical-methodological, historical-factual and historical- conceptual competences, for a comparative and interdisciplinary understanding (history, law, political science) of the main innovations introduced by the modern Constitutions of the Nineteenth and Twentieth centuries.

Prerequisites and basic notions

Good knowledge (B.A. level) of European history of the modern and contemporary age.

Program

The course is divided into two parts.
The first will be dedicated to retracing the history of political institutions between the 15th and 20th centuries in a chronological sense, privileging the European reference framework but broadening the gaze to the institutional events of other geographical and political contexts. In particular, the lessons will retrace the revolutionary and Napoleonic epochs, the rise and crisis of liberal systems, the emergence of the democratic constitutional state, the experiences linked to the affirmation of totalitarianisms between the two wars, up to the birth of the international institutions in the twentieth century. The attention will be concentrated in particular on the state and on the processes of transformation / erosion / adaptation that have characterized it over the period of time taken into consideration.
The second part of the course will retrace the history of the integration process that has characterized the European continent (first in its western part, then in its entirety) since 1945. The process will be reconstructed from its historical origins, with particular attention to changes. institutions that have influenced its evolution, and for the role played in this context by political, economic and social forces. On the basis of what has been learned in the first part, the interaction between the national states that gave rise to the process and the supranational institutions to which they have delegated powers and prerogatives will be studied in depth. Compared to previous finalist narratives, which considered the decline of the nation state to be inevitable, the course intends to provide a more balanced reading of the entire process and the tensions it has generated, also in light of the current crisis of European institutions.

READING LIST
M. Meriggi, L. Tedoldi (edited by), “History of political institutions. From the ancient regime to the global era", Carocci, 2020 (the entire volume for non-attending students, starting from chapter 4 included for attending students)

E. Calandri, ME Guasconi, R. Ranieri,"Political history and economics of European integration. From 1945 to today" EdiSES, 2015

Bibliography

Didactic methods

The course will alternate lectures with class discussions. During some lessons of the second part external experts may be present to deepen some specific aspects. The possibility of seminar activities with class reports will depend on the number of participants.

Learning assessment procedures

The exam is oral and consists of three questions. Those who carry out seminars will have only two questions.

Evaluation criteria

The grade will depend on the ability to synthesize, diachronic comparison between the topics covered and the ability of students to make a compendium of what has been learned from the two manuals.

Exam language

Italiano