Intellectual and Cultural History

The course aims to present the methodology of intellectual and cultural history through an investigation of the main theories and historiographical debates. It provides the theoretical tools with which to analyse the history of Italy, from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, through an intellectual and cultural approach.

The course intends to introduce the participants to an historical reflection on intellectual and cultural history, encouraging students to employ a wide variety of written and visual sources as well as secondary readings on the intellectual and cultural history of Italy from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Through the exploration of concrete examples, students are introduced to different methodologies of historical analysis and research. At the end of the course students will be able to read critically primary and secondary sources relevant to the formation of Italian identity throughout the centuries from an intellectual and cultural point of view. Teaching material will be available on Ariel for both attending and non-attending students. The latter will also be able to discuss their chosen readings with the lecturer both by email and at office hours.