History and Theory of Historiography
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to offer a panorama of the principal characteristics of the history of historiography from antiquity to modernity and theoretical principles that have animated the historiographical production of the last two centuries.
The course also aims to provide lexical and conceptual tools suitable for both scientific and popular historical communication.
The course also aims to provide lexical and conceptual tools suitable for both scientific and popular historical communication.
Expected learning outcomes
The course aims to introduce students to the historical reflection on the historiography of the Western world, guiding them towards the knowledge of how to grasp the continuity and peculiarities of modern historical production compared to those of the past. Through the analysis of concrete examples, students will grasp the problems and methods of contemporary historiographic reflection, developing awareness, theory and their own personal historiographical style. At the end of the course they will be able to critically read primary sources and scientific texts relating to the historical period under consideration and develop independent and critically based reflections. These skills will be acquired through a direct and continuous comparison with the teacher in the classroom, through the analysis of proposed texts for individual study and thanks to the presentation and joint discussion of agreed readings.
Students opting not to attend the lessons will be able to make use of the educational tools eventually provided by the instructor on Ariel, deepen their knowledge of main topics through special readings suggested of the instructor, and contact the instructor either by e-mail and during office hours.
Students opting not to attend the lessons will be able to make use of the educational tools eventually provided by the instructor on Ariel, deepen their knowledge of main topics through special readings suggested of the instructor, and contact the instructor either by e-mail and during office hours.
Lesson period: First 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
First semester
Course syllabus
Course Title: The "Annales" school
Part A: History of Historiography
Part B: Historiographical Theories Compared
Part C: "Annales"
Part A: History of Historiography
Part B: Historiographical Theories Compared
Part C: "Annales"
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific requirements different from those requested for admission to the MA degree in historical sciences.
Teaching methods
Attendance to classes is strongly recommended although not compulsory. Teaching is delivered through frontal lectures aimed primarily at the acquisition of knowledge, competence in and specific language of the subject matter. Discussion with the teacher in the classroom, starting from individual or group work, is an integral part of the didactic method and aims at promoting a critical attitude and the capacity to apply the acquired competence and knowledge.
The teaching can also be supplemented by didactic and multimedia material provided on Ariel.
The teaching can also be supplemented by didactic and multimedia material provided on Ariel.
Teaching Resources
Attending students (Parts A e B, for 6 cfu; Parts A, B and C, for 9 cfu):
Part A
Lecture notes.
Suggested reading: A. d'Orsi, Manuale di storiografia (Pearson, 2021).
Part B
Lecture notes.
The following selection of works: M. Bloch, Apologia della storia o Mestiere di storico, Einaudi, 2009, pp. 7-143; F. Braudel, Scritti sulla storia, pp. 5-72 (selection downloadable from Ariel - Bompiani, 2016); J. Le Goff, Storia e memoria, pp. 5-61 (selection downloadable from Ariel - Einaudi, 1982).
Part C
Lecture notes.
P. Burke, Una rivoluzione storiografica. La scuola delle «Annales» 1929-1989 (Laterza, 2019).
Non-attending students (Parts A e B, for 6 cfu; Parts A, B and C, for 9 cfu):
Part A
A. d'Orsi, Manuale di storiografia (Pearson, 2021).
Part B
One work chosen from the following:
M. Bloch, Apologia della storia o Mestiere di storico, Einaudi, 2009, pp. 7-143;
F. Braudel, Scritti sulla storia (Bompiani, 2016), pp. 5-147;
J. Le Goff, Storia e memoria (Res Gestae, 2024), pp. ?-?
Part C
P. Burke, Una rivoluzione storiografica. La scuola delle «Annales» 1929-1989 (Laterza, 2019).
The program is valid starting from the exam period in December 2025 and substitutes the one used in the previous academic year.
Incoming international or Erasmus students are invited to make contact with the appointed professor as soon as possible.
Program for Erasmus students
Incoming Erasmus students may take the exam in English with the bibliography suggested by the professor.
Part A
Lecture notes.
Suggested reading: A. d'Orsi, Manuale di storiografia (Pearson, 2021).
Part B
Lecture notes.
The following selection of works: M. Bloch, Apologia della storia o Mestiere di storico, Einaudi, 2009, pp. 7-143; F. Braudel, Scritti sulla storia, pp. 5-72 (selection downloadable from Ariel - Bompiani, 2016); J. Le Goff, Storia e memoria, pp. 5-61 (selection downloadable from Ariel - Einaudi, 1982).
Part C
Lecture notes.
P. Burke, Una rivoluzione storiografica. La scuola delle «Annales» 1929-1989 (Laterza, 2019).
Non-attending students (Parts A e B, for 6 cfu; Parts A, B and C, for 9 cfu):
Part A
A. d'Orsi, Manuale di storiografia (Pearson, 2021).
Part B
One work chosen from the following:
M. Bloch, Apologia della storia o Mestiere di storico, Einaudi, 2009, pp. 7-143;
F. Braudel, Scritti sulla storia (Bompiani, 2016), pp. 5-147;
J. Le Goff, Storia e memoria (Res Gestae, 2024), pp. ?-?
Part C
P. Burke, Una rivoluzione storiografica. La scuola delle «Annales» 1929-1989 (Laterza, 2019).
The program is valid starting from the exam period in December 2025 and substitutes the one used in the previous academic year.
Incoming international or Erasmus students are invited to make contact with the appointed professor as soon as possible.
Program for Erasmus students
Incoming Erasmus students may take the exam in English with the bibliography suggested by the professor.
Assessment methods and Criteria
- Method: oral exam.
- Type of examination: The exam consists of a colloquium with questions and observations, through which the understanding of the program's content will be evaluated.
- The length of the exam: The exam lasts about 30 minutes.
- Evaluation criteria: Knowledge of the principal characteristics of theoretical principles which inspired the historiographical production from antiquity to the present day will be evaluated. In particular, the capacity of the student to understand theoretical continuity and conceptual particularity of contemporary theories compared to the past, and to develop historiographical awareness, personal theory and style, will be considered. During the oral exam, the professor will ask some questions in order to evaluate the level of the student's understanding of the topics delivered and of their capacity for expression.
- Type of evaluation method: mark in 30s.
The modalities of the exams for students with disabilities and/or ADS must be agreed upon by the professor in accordance with the appropriate office (Ufficio disabili e DSA).
- Type of examination: The exam consists of a colloquium with questions and observations, through which the understanding of the program's content will be evaluated.
- The length of the exam: The exam lasts about 30 minutes.
- Evaluation criteria: Knowledge of the principal characteristics of theoretical principles which inspired the historiographical production from antiquity to the present day will be evaluated. In particular, the capacity of the student to understand theoretical continuity and conceptual particularity of contemporary theories compared to the past, and to develop historiographical awareness, personal theory and style, will be considered. During the oral exam, the professor will ask some questions in order to evaluate the level of the student's understanding of the topics delivered and of their capacity for expression.
- Type of evaluation method: mark in 30s.
The modalities of the exams for students with disabilities and/or ADS must be agreed upon by the professor in accordance with the appropriate office (Ufficio disabili e DSA).
Part A and B
SPS/02 - HISTORY OF POLITICAL THOUGHT - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Part C
SPS/02 - HISTORY OF POLITICAL THOUGHT - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
Office hours will take place both via Teams (Davide Cadeddu) and in person, with appointment: Monday, 4 pm - 7 pm. For an appointment, please send an email.
Teams: Davide Cadeddu | Entrance C, 2° floor, room 2091A (A20)