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Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the study and to the methodology of Contemporary History. It presents a general view of the most important events of European history, included between 1789 and 1914 and is focused on political, cultural and social history which is approached from a comparative and transnational perspective.
At he end of this course, participants must be able to knowing: a) questions and methods of Contemporary history, b) different historical phases included in so called “long nineteenth century”, c) most important events of this period distinguishing between general and national events, c) principal political culture, economics processes and social transformations of the period suggested, e) principal historiographical interpretations.

Program

Syllabus

First two lessons are dedicated to methodological questions connected to Contemporary history. Third and forth lessons will be dedicated to Industrial Revolution, American Revolution and French Revolution.
This is the list of the most relevant topics included in the program:
- European revolution of 1848
- Different national process of unification and the transformation of political system
- Big nation and the balance of European power
- First globalisation and the division of the world
- Mass and society in European context
- The crisis of European balance at the beginning of XX century.

Literature

1. G. Sabbatucci-V. Vidotto, Storia contemporanea. L’Ottocento, Laterza, 2009.

2. One book among these:

A.M. Banti, La nazione del Risorgimento. Parentela, santità e onore alle origini dell’Italia unita, Einaudi, 2006.
D. Beales-E.F. Biagini, Il Risorgimento e l’unificazione dell’Italia, Il Mulino, 2005.
M. Isabella, Il Risorgimento in esilio. L’internazionale liberale e l’età delle rivoluzioni, Laterza, 2011.

Students who don't partecipate to the lessons must add to these the book:

C. Pavone, Prima lezione di storia contemporanea, Laterza, 2007.

Didactic modes:
Professor's lessons, guided tour to archives and museums, projections of movies and documentaries.

Examination Methods

Assessment methods and criteria

1. Exam is based on a written text with open and multiple choise questions.
2. Students must demonstrate their capacity in using historical concepts and an appropriate language. They must also demonstrate their ability in the connection between different historical processes, both national and international.
3. Questions will be based on the most important topics discussed during the lessons and suggested in the literature.
4. Method of valuation: the vote is expressed in marks from 18 to 30/30.

Erasmus and overseas student can choose between written and oral examination. They can use books in foreign languages (English, French and Spanish).
For more details: contact the teacher during his office hours.

Other informations
This course is propaedeutic to Storia contemporanea (p) scheduled in the second semester.

Prerequisite: basic knowledges of principals historical events (XVIII- XX centuries).