History of Spain and Latin America
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
This course aims to guide students through the analysis of times, spaces and multiple dimensions of the history of Spain and Latin America from 1492 to the present. The course consists of two units: the first one covers the history of Spain and Latin America from the end of the 15th century to the 21st century, also considering the processes and stages of globalisation in this time frame; the second unit provides an in-depth analysis of specific historical phenomena. Thanks to its multidimensional approach, the course aims to enhance the students' ability to make connections between the different historical periods, spaces, phenomena and perspectives, as well as to critically analyse various types of documents in different languages. Along this line, the course also facilitates an informed understanding of the historical depth and the intercultural and multicultural features of the contemporary globalised world, which is an essential requirement for linguistic and cultural mediators working in the third sector.
Expected learning outcomes
Through the lectures, the continuous dialogue with the professor, the individual and group activities (oral and written) based on the materials examined in class (sources, historiography, literary texts, iconography, films, documentaries, etc.), and the autonomous study of the bibliography required for the exam, students will be able to:
- acquire a robust knowledge of the history of Spain and Latin America from the end of the 15th century to the present, identifying the most important events and aspects;
- understand the dynamics underlying the political-institutional, socio-cultural, economic, demographic and environmental phenomena of the history of Spain and Latin America in the timeframe studied, in a multidimensional perspective (Iberian, European, inter-American, transatlantic and global);
- critically analyse different types of sources on specific historical phenomena of Spain and Latin America, focusing on the connection between present and past;
- draft reports and make oral presentations (both individually or in groups) about the topics studied;
- make connections between the knowledge acquired in this course (history of the region, global history, analysis of sources and interpretations) and the other courses of the degree programme.
- acquire a robust knowledge of the history of Spain and Latin America from the end of the 15th century to the present, identifying the most important events and aspects;
- understand the dynamics underlying the political-institutional, socio-cultural, economic, demographic and environmental phenomena of the history of Spain and Latin America in the timeframe studied, in a multidimensional perspective (Iberian, European, inter-American, transatlantic and global);
- critically analyse different types of sources on specific historical phenomena of Spain and Latin America, focusing on the connection between present and past;
- draft reports and make oral presentations (both individually or in groups) about the topics studied;
- make connections between the knowledge acquired in this course (history of the region, global history, analysis of sources and interpretations) and the other courses of the degree programme.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Course Title: Spain and Latin America from the 16th century to the present day.
Part 1: History of Spain and Latin America (16th-21st century). An Introduction
Part 2: History on the Screen
Part 3: The 'Indies' and Latin America in Milan. Urban Explorations Between History and Memory
The first part of the course provides an introduction to the history of Spain and Latin America from the 16th to the 21st century, offering a transatlantic and global perspective. The second part enhances knowledge of some of the main junctures in the colonial and contemporary history of Latin America through the view and contextualisation of selected film productions. The third part will focus on relations between Milan and the Hispanic Americas from the early modern period to the present day. Particular emphasis will be placed on the potential of urban exploration to foster historical knowledge and intercultural skills.
The syllabus is valid until February 2027.
Part 1: History of Spain and Latin America (16th-21st century). An Introduction
Part 2: History on the Screen
Part 3: The 'Indies' and Latin America in Milan. Urban Explorations Between History and Memory
The first part of the course provides an introduction to the history of Spain and Latin America from the 16th to the 21st century, offering a transatlantic and global perspective. The second part enhances knowledge of some of the main junctures in the colonial and contemporary history of Latin America through the view and contextualisation of selected film productions. The third part will focus on relations between Milan and the Hispanic Americas from the early modern period to the present day. Particular emphasis will be placed on the potential of urban exploration to foster historical knowledge and intercultural skills.
The syllabus is valid until February 2027.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific requirements different from those requested for the degree admission.
Teaching methods
Attendance is strongly recommended but not compulsory. Lectures aim at fostering the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and the language of the discipline. The discussion in the classroom with the teacher is an integral part of the teaching method. It aims to train critical thinking and the ability to apply the skills and knowledge acquired.
Alongside the lectures, group work and or individual reports may be established.
Course language: Italian.
Alongside the lectures, group work and or individual reports may be established.
Course language: Italian.
Teaching Resources
9 CFU
Attending students
Knowledge of the topics treated in the lectures.
Part 1
Knowledge of one of the following options:
- M. M. Benzoni, Americhe e modernità. Un itinerario fra storia e storiografia dal 1492 ad oggi, FrancoAngeli, Milano 2012 (prima sezione), L. Zanatta, Storia dell'America latina contemporanea, Laterza, Roma 2021 (7), S. Gruzinski, Storia, memoria, immaginari nel mondo globalizzato, intervista a cura di Maria Matilde Benzoni, 2015: https://video.unimi.it/media/478/
-M. De Giuseppe - Gianni La Bella, Storia dell'America latina contemporanea, Il Mulino, Bologna 2019, S. Gruzinski, Storia, memoria, immaginari nel mondo globalizzato, intervista a cura di Maria Matilde Benzoni, 2015: https://video.unimi.it/media/478/
-J. H. Elliott, La Spagna imperiale 1469-1716, Il Mulino, Bologna 2006, S. Gruzinski, Storia, memoria, immaginari nel mondo globalizzato, intervista a cura di Maria Matilde Benzoni, 2015: https://video.unimi.it/media/478/
-G. Hermet, Storia della Spagna nel Novecento, Il Mulino, Bologna 1999, S. Gruzinski, Storia, memoria, immaginari nel mondo globalizzato, intervista a cura di Maria Matilde Benzoni, 2015: https://video.unimi.it/media/478/
Part 2 and 3:
Knowledge of the materials discussed in lectures and preparation of two dossiers.
The teaching materials will be available on My Ariel, https://myariel.unimi.it/
Non-attending students
Part 1
Knowledge of one of the following options:
- M. M. Benzoni, Americhe e modernità. Un itinerario fra storia e storiografia dal 1492 ad oggi, FrancoAngeli, Milano 2012 (First part), L. Zanatta, Storia dell'America latina contemporanea, Laterza, Roma 2021 (7), S. Gruzinski, Storia, memoria, immaginari nel mondo globalizzato, intervista a cura di Maria Matilde Benzoni, 2015: https://video.unimi.it/media/478/
-M. De Giuseppe - Gianni La Bella, Storia dell'America latina contemporanea, Il Mulino, Bologna 2019, S. Gruzinski, Storia, memoria, immaginari nel mondo globalizzato, intervista a cura di Maria Matilde Benzoni, 2015: https://video.unimi.it/media/478/
-J. H. Elliott, La Spagna imperiale 1469-1716, Il Mulino, Bologna 2006, S. Gruzinski, Storia, memoria, immaginari nel mondo globalizzato, intervista a cura di Maria Matilde Benzoni, 2015: https://video.unimi.it/media/478/
-G. Hermet, Storia della Spagna nel Novecento, Il Mulino, Bologna 1999, S. Gruzinski, Storia, memoria, immaginari nel mondo globalizzato, intervista a cura di Maria Matilde Benzoni, 2015: https://video.unimi.it/media/478/
Part 2 and 3
Knowledge of two of the following options:
- G. Albanese, Dittature mediterranee, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2016
- M. M. Benzoni, Italia-America latina: contesti storici e prospettive di ricerca (secoli XVI-XXI), in S. Ferrari -E. Leonardi (coord.), Rutas atlánticas. Redes narrativas entre América latina y Europa, Milano University Press 2021, pp. 537-575, https://libri.unimi.it/index.php/texturas/catalog/book/59 e A. del Castillo Troncoso, Le donne di X'oyep. Fotografia, storia, memoria, edizione italiana a cura di M. M. Benzoni, Milano University Press, 2023, https://doi.org/10.54103/texturas.55 (Study both texts for this option)
- H. Browne, La guerra civile spagnola, Laterza, Bari-Roma 2013
- E. Calamai, Niente asilo politico. Diplomazia, diritti umani, desaparecidos, Feltrinelli, Milano 2016 e M. Novaro, La dittatura argentina(1976-1983), Carocci, Roma 2005 (Study both texts for this option)
- B. Calandra - F. D. Ragno, Argentina. Biografia di una nazione dall'Indipendenza a oggi, il Mulino, Bologna 2025
-J. Canal, Storia minima della Catalogna, Viella, Roma 2018
-J. Canal, Contar España: Una historia contemporánea en doce novelas, Ladera Norte, Madrid 2024
- M. De Giuseppe, Messico. Biografia di una nazione dall'indipendenza a oggi, il Mulino, Bologna 2024
- J. H. Elliott, Imperi dell'Atlantico. America britannica e America spagnola, Einaudi, Torino 2017 (A part, to be agreed with the lecturer)
- Historias minimas, El Colégio de México (A volume of your choice, vhttps://libros.colmex.mx/categoria-producto/historias-minimas/)
- G. La Bella (a cura di), America Latina: le sfide del XXI secolo. Verso il terzo decennio, Rubbettino, Soveria Mannelli 2020
- M. Livi Bacci, Conquista. La distruzione degli indios americani, il Mulino, Bologna 2009
-J. G. Parker, Un solo re. Un solo impero. Filippo II, il Mulino, Bologna 2005
- L. Pompeo D'Alessandro, Guadalajara 1937. I volontari italiani fascisti e antifascisti nella guerra di Spagna, Carocci, Roma 2017
- H. Rawlings, L'inquisizione spagnola, il Mulino, Bologna 2008
- D. Salomoni, Magellano. Il primo viaggio intorno al mondo, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2022
- M. Tenorio Trillo, Latin America. The Allure and Power of an Idea, The University of Chicago Press, Chicago 2017
- T. Todorov, La conquista dell'America. Il problema dell'altro, Einaudi, Torino varie edizioni e B. Las Casas, La brevissima relazione della distruzione delle Indie, ed. italiana a cura di F. Fiorani, Marsilio, Venezia 2012 ((Study both texts for this option)
The teaching materials will be available on My Ariel, https://myariel.unimi.it/
Incoming international or Erasmus students are required to contact the lecturer in advance to agree on the examination programme. If necessary, this can be done in English.
Attending students
Knowledge of the topics treated in the lectures.
Part 1
Knowledge of one of the following options:
- M. M. Benzoni, Americhe e modernità. Un itinerario fra storia e storiografia dal 1492 ad oggi, FrancoAngeli, Milano 2012 (prima sezione), L. Zanatta, Storia dell'America latina contemporanea, Laterza, Roma 2021 (7), S. Gruzinski, Storia, memoria, immaginari nel mondo globalizzato, intervista a cura di Maria Matilde Benzoni, 2015: https://video.unimi.it/media/478/
-M. De Giuseppe - Gianni La Bella, Storia dell'America latina contemporanea, Il Mulino, Bologna 2019, S. Gruzinski, Storia, memoria, immaginari nel mondo globalizzato, intervista a cura di Maria Matilde Benzoni, 2015: https://video.unimi.it/media/478/
-J. H. Elliott, La Spagna imperiale 1469-1716, Il Mulino, Bologna 2006, S. Gruzinski, Storia, memoria, immaginari nel mondo globalizzato, intervista a cura di Maria Matilde Benzoni, 2015: https://video.unimi.it/media/478/
-G. Hermet, Storia della Spagna nel Novecento, Il Mulino, Bologna 1999, S. Gruzinski, Storia, memoria, immaginari nel mondo globalizzato, intervista a cura di Maria Matilde Benzoni, 2015: https://video.unimi.it/media/478/
Part 2 and 3:
Knowledge of the materials discussed in lectures and preparation of two dossiers.
The teaching materials will be available on My Ariel, https://myariel.unimi.it/
Non-attending students
Part 1
Knowledge of one of the following options:
- M. M. Benzoni, Americhe e modernità. Un itinerario fra storia e storiografia dal 1492 ad oggi, FrancoAngeli, Milano 2012 (First part), L. Zanatta, Storia dell'America latina contemporanea, Laterza, Roma 2021 (7), S. Gruzinski, Storia, memoria, immaginari nel mondo globalizzato, intervista a cura di Maria Matilde Benzoni, 2015: https://video.unimi.it/media/478/
-M. De Giuseppe - Gianni La Bella, Storia dell'America latina contemporanea, Il Mulino, Bologna 2019, S. Gruzinski, Storia, memoria, immaginari nel mondo globalizzato, intervista a cura di Maria Matilde Benzoni, 2015: https://video.unimi.it/media/478/
-J. H. Elliott, La Spagna imperiale 1469-1716, Il Mulino, Bologna 2006, S. Gruzinski, Storia, memoria, immaginari nel mondo globalizzato, intervista a cura di Maria Matilde Benzoni, 2015: https://video.unimi.it/media/478/
-G. Hermet, Storia della Spagna nel Novecento, Il Mulino, Bologna 1999, S. Gruzinski, Storia, memoria, immaginari nel mondo globalizzato, intervista a cura di Maria Matilde Benzoni, 2015: https://video.unimi.it/media/478/
Part 2 and 3
Knowledge of two of the following options:
- G. Albanese, Dittature mediterranee, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2016
- M. M. Benzoni, Italia-America latina: contesti storici e prospettive di ricerca (secoli XVI-XXI), in S. Ferrari -E. Leonardi (coord.), Rutas atlánticas. Redes narrativas entre América latina y Europa, Milano University Press 2021, pp. 537-575, https://libri.unimi.it/index.php/texturas/catalog/book/59 e A. del Castillo Troncoso, Le donne di X'oyep. Fotografia, storia, memoria, edizione italiana a cura di M. M. Benzoni, Milano University Press, 2023, https://doi.org/10.54103/texturas.55 (Study both texts for this option)
- H. Browne, La guerra civile spagnola, Laterza, Bari-Roma 2013
- E. Calamai, Niente asilo politico. Diplomazia, diritti umani, desaparecidos, Feltrinelli, Milano 2016 e M. Novaro, La dittatura argentina(1976-1983), Carocci, Roma 2005 (Study both texts for this option)
- B. Calandra - F. D. Ragno, Argentina. Biografia di una nazione dall'Indipendenza a oggi, il Mulino, Bologna 2025
-J. Canal, Storia minima della Catalogna, Viella, Roma 2018
-J. Canal, Contar España: Una historia contemporánea en doce novelas, Ladera Norte, Madrid 2024
- M. De Giuseppe, Messico. Biografia di una nazione dall'indipendenza a oggi, il Mulino, Bologna 2024
- J. H. Elliott, Imperi dell'Atlantico. America britannica e America spagnola, Einaudi, Torino 2017 (A part, to be agreed with the lecturer)
- Historias minimas, El Colégio de México (A volume of your choice, vhttps://libros.colmex.mx/categoria-producto/historias-minimas/)
- G. La Bella (a cura di), America Latina: le sfide del XXI secolo. Verso il terzo decennio, Rubbettino, Soveria Mannelli 2020
- M. Livi Bacci, Conquista. La distruzione degli indios americani, il Mulino, Bologna 2009
-J. G. Parker, Un solo re. Un solo impero. Filippo II, il Mulino, Bologna 2005
- L. Pompeo D'Alessandro, Guadalajara 1937. I volontari italiani fascisti e antifascisti nella guerra di Spagna, Carocci, Roma 2017
- H. Rawlings, L'inquisizione spagnola, il Mulino, Bologna 2008
- D. Salomoni, Magellano. Il primo viaggio intorno al mondo, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2022
- M. Tenorio Trillo, Latin America. The Allure and Power of an Idea, The University of Chicago Press, Chicago 2017
- T. Todorov, La conquista dell'America. Il problema dell'altro, Einaudi, Torino varie edizioni e B. Las Casas, La brevissima relazione della distruzione delle Indie, ed. italiana a cura di F. Fiorani, Marsilio, Venezia 2012 ((Study both texts for this option)
The teaching materials will be available on My Ariel, https://myariel.unimi.it/
Incoming international or Erasmus students are required to contact the lecturer in advance to agree on the examination programme. If necessary, this can be done in English.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Mode of examination: oral test.
Type of test: oral question (Italian).
Assessment parameters: ability to discursively organize the acquired knowledge and to reason critically about the study undertaken, quality of the exposition (content, effectiveness, and linearity), and competence in using the specialist vocabulary.
The assessment used: grade in thirtieths.
Examination arrangements for students with disabilities and DSA students: students have to define the program with the teacher in agreement with the relevant office.
Type of test: oral question (Italian).
Assessment parameters: ability to discursively organize the acquired knowledge and to reason critically about the study undertaken, quality of the exposition (content, effectiveness, and linearity), and competence in using the specialist vocabulary.
The assessment used: grade in thirtieths.
Examination arrangements for students with disabilities and DSA students: students have to define the program with the teacher in agreement with the relevant office.
Modules or teaching units
Part A and B
M-STO/02 - MODERN HISTORY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Part C
M-STO/02 - MODERN HISTORY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
To make an appointment, please contact [email protected]. For information: https://ariel.unimi.it/
Room 5018, Unimi Campus, Piazza Montanelli 1 - 2099 Sesto San Giovanni (Mi)