North American History and Institutions
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course concerns the main political aspects of the history of the United States, considering the historical developments of the nation from its birth to the present, and offering critical discussions of some fundamental documents of U.S. History as well as of current affairs in the U.S. in historical perspective. Topics include the major schools of thought
and approaches, the connection between domestic and foreign politics, and the connection between the principles of the American republic and the pragmatism of its leadership. Concerning knowledge and understanding the course aims to apply original ideas in a research context, and to solve new problems in the field, making judgements on new issues, as well as the ability to communicate these skills to a broad publlic. Finally, with exercises of comprension of historical cases, we will try to obtain learning skills to study in an autonomus way.
and approaches, the connection between domestic and foreign politics, and the connection between the principles of the American republic and the pragmatism of its leadership. Concerning knowledge and understanding the course aims to apply original ideas in a research context, and to solve new problems in the field, making judgements on new issues, as well as the ability to communicate these skills to a broad publlic. Finally, with exercises of comprension of historical cases, we will try to obtain learning skills to study in an autonomus way.
Expected learning outcomes
The whole skills will enable the students to develop an ability to understand critically contemporary issues. They would be able to understand the complexity of contemporary world, perceive cultural, social and political interchanges, and behave as careful citizen in a world in transformation.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The first part of the program addresses issues concerning the history and politics of the United States, including the welfare state, the development of modern conservatism, Congress and presidential powers, and national security. Following the study of American political history, as well the main interpretations that changed over time, these issues will help us for a better understanding of American politics today. The monographic part of the course offers the possibility of the revision of the book American Golem published in 2009. The object is to up-date the book considering the two terms presidency of Barack Obama, his successor Donald Trump, and finally Joe Biden. Thanks to the participation of the post-graduate students we will define the Golem represented by the United States: "the indispensable nation" or an empire which is losing its original principles. To carry on the course we will use movies, documentaries, web sites, and the resource American Historical Newspapers in our digital library.
Prerequisites for admission
None.
Teaching methods
Lessons with the help of slides, PowerPoint, images, websites and video.
Teaching Resources
Giovanni Borgognone, Storia degli Stati Uniti: La democrazia americana dalla fondazione all'era globale, Feltrinelli, Milano, 2022.
Marco Sioli, American Golem. Il tempo e lo spazio degli Stati Uniti, Ibis, Como-Pavia, 2009.
Non attending students must add the book Marco Sioli, ed., War Hawks. Gli Stati Uniti e la guerra del 1812, Franco Angeli, Milano, 2019.
Marco Sioli, American Golem. Il tempo e lo spazio degli Stati Uniti, Ibis, Como-Pavia, 2009.
Non attending students must add the book Marco Sioli, ed., War Hawks. Gli Stati Uniti e la guerra del 1812, Franco Angeli, Milano, 2019.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists in one test in presence with 24 multiple choices, plus one open question of 20 llines, and one open question of two pages (4 point plus laude). The test points to evaluate in a clear way the general knowledge of the History of United States, and the argument treated in the monographic part of the course. There will be also a written paper on a film presented during the lessons or a research on an article chosen by the students on the databank online American Historical Newspapers to be send directly to the mail of the professor. More in general the exam aimed to verify that the lessons drawn from American history can be useful to describe politics in contemporary United States.
SPS/05 - AMERICAN HISTORY AND INSTITUTIONS - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Sioli Marco Mario
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Sioli Marco MarioProfessor(s)
Reception:
Wednesday from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm.
Milan, Via Passione 13, room 112.