Contemporary History

A.Y. 2022/2023
6
Max ECTS
40
Overall hours
SSD
M-STO/04
Language
English
Learning objectives
In line with the purposes of the Bachelor degree, the aims of the course of Contemporary History are to allow students to expand their basic knowledge on the XX Century, to build solid skills on the evolution of contemporary international relations, and to deepen their familiarity with the main facts of contemporary political history.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students are expected to acquire a broad understanding of the main issues of Contemporary History. They shall be able to explain long-term and large-scale historical developments, to evaluate the centrality of turning points in global history, to recognize and describe political choices and their cultural, economic, social and diplomatic background
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

Lesson period
First trimester
Course syllabus
The course offers a general knowledge of Contemporary history especially in the European context between the XIX and the XX century. A special attention is given to the following questions: periodization, the identification of historical subjects, the study of texts and contexts. Students are introduced to historiographical debates on the modern era and are encouraged to identify the links between the experiences of the past and contemporary events.
Prerequisites for admission
Students are expected to have a basic knowledge of both the major events in world history of the last two centuries and contemporary global politics.
Teaching methods
Frontal Lectures
Teaching Resources
Eric Hobsbawn, The Age of Revolution: 1789-1848, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, London, 1962 (any subsequent edition of the volume will be accepted).
Mark Mazower, Dark Continent: Europe's Twentieth Century, Penguin, London, 2000
(any subsequent edition of the volume will be accepted).
One essay (to be chosen by the student) from the text:
David Roberts, History of the Present: The Contemporary and its Culture, Routledge, London, 2021.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The student is supposed to have a general knowledge of major events from the period 1789-1990, to be aware of the historiographical debates on the central questions of the modern age, to analyze critically both historical events and the historian's approach to the past.

The examination will be written.
M-STO/04 - CONTEMPORARY HISTORY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor: Pobbe Anna Veronica
Educational website(s)