History of Colonialism and Decolonisation

The course aims to provide information regarding the elements of the long-term history of European colonization and decolonization from the early-modern period to the second half of the 20th century, the main historiographical interpretations of the theme, and the main forms of representation/narrative of colonialism in the cultures of the colonizing countries. The course also aims to provide lexical and conceptual tools suitable for both scientific and popular historical communication

The course aims to introduce participants to the historical reflection on the phenomenon of colonialism from a long-term perspective, specifically from the early-modern period to the processes of decolonization in the second half of the twentieth century. This will be accomplished using the most accredited historiography, and with the proposal of research trails on published and unpublished sources, in Italian and foreign languages. Through the analysis of concrete examples, students will be introduced to different methodologies of historical investigation and the study of documentation.
At the end of the course, students will be able to critically read sources and historiographical texts relating to the period and the issues under consideration and develop independent reflections on the main historical issues related to colonialism - at various stages - and decolonization.
These skills will be acquired through direct contact with the instructor in the classroom: in particular, through critical reflection on texts/images/films and other forms of analysis, narration and representation about the phenomena covered by the course. Individual reflection will be stimulated and promoted through a seminar approach, which necessarily involves the interaction of students - with each other and with the instructor - particularly concerning the cultural history of colonial events, from the point of view of the colonizers as well as those of the colonized. These reflections will be articulated, during the course, in the presentation and discussion by the students - individually or in groups - of readings and proposals of analysis suggested by the instructor around the topics of the course and/or those which emerge from the collective discussion.
Students opting not to attend the lessons will find in their dedicated program a wide range of way to approach to the objects of the course, which allow an individual choice and that can possibly be discussed with the teacher himself or with his collaborators during the reception hours.