Modern History

A.Y. 2025/2026
9
Max ECTS
60
Overall hours
SSD
M-STO/02
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The course, is aimed in particular at first-year students and intends to address the problems related to the political, economic and social dynamics of the early-modern age states from the mid-15th century to the revolutionary age and the new order imposed with the Congress of Vienna. During the lessons we will refer to the different historiographic interpretations with a consistent use of the sources from early-modern period of history, for the methodological purpose of promoting a critical reading and understanding of historical events and monographs.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, the student will have acquired the knowledge of the political-institutional, socio-economic and cultural development of the history of the early-modern period, from the 16th to the beginning of the 19th century. They shall also be able to place the most representative events and figures in their chronological and geographical contexts. The student will be able to use language tools (language properties, correct specific lexicon) to express, in a clear and effective form, concepts of a political, institutional, economic, and religious nature; they will be able to read critically historiographical works and use the main tools, including digital tools, for the research and analysis of sources. These skills will be acquired through a direct and continuous meeting with the instructor in the classroom. The discussion around the proposed sources will be an essential moment of critical reflection and methodological learning.
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

1st Semester A-L Edition

Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Course title: "Making peace. Treaties, diplomacy and agreements in the modern era"

In this era of dramatic crisis in Eastern Europe and the Middle East and of strong global tensions, the course aims to reflect on how peace was attempted to be built in the modern age. With particular reference to Italy and the Old Continent, but with an eye to global scenarios, the course will address the main peace treaties that marked profound changes in political, religious and cultural structures, from the Peace of Lodi in 1454 to the Congress of Vienna in 1814-15.
The choice of theme is in line with the initiative promoted by RUNIPACE, the Network of Italian Universities for Peace, of which Unimi is a member.

Teaching units 1 and 2: An overview of early modern history through the analysis of the main peace treaties
Teaching unit 3: Sources and perspectives of peace-making studies
Prerequisites for admission
There are no particular prerequisites, apart from a keen interest in historical macro-phenomena understood in their overall complexity: the course will aim to offer guidelines for understanding the Modern Age as it unfolded between the end of the 15th century and the beginning of the 19th century, highlighting above all the most radical changes.
Teaching methods
Main themes and problems of modern history

The course aims to stimulate a reflection about the main themes and problems of Early modern age. Attendance to classes is strongly recommended although not compulsory. The teaching is delivered through frontal lectures aimed primarily at the acquisition of knowledge, competence and specific language of the subject. Discussion with the teacher in the classroom is integrant part of the didactic method and aims at promoting a critical attitude and the capacity to apply the acquired competence and knowledge.
The teaching is also based on didactic and multimedia material provided on Ariel.
In addition to frontal lectures, team works and/or individual presentations (i.e.: short written reviews of books) are envisaged.
Teaching Resources
Attending students 6 cfu:

Units 1, 2 and 3 plus
Handbook: V. Criscuolo, Storia moderna, Pearson, Milano II edizione rinnovata 2024

ONE of these volume s:
G. Alonge, Ambasciatori. Diplomazia e politica nella Venezia del Rinascimento, Donzelli, Roma 2019
S. Andretta, L'arte della prudenza. Teorie e prassi della diplomazia nell'Italia del XVI e XVII secolo, Viella, Roma 2022
P. Broggio, Governare l'odio. Pace e giustizia nell'Italia moderna, Viella, Roma 2021
V. Criscuolo, Il Congresso di Vienna, il Mulino, Bologna 2021
G. Frantzwa (ed.), 1529. La paix des Dames. Faire la paix à la Renaissance, Paris 2025 (disponibile in e-book) (tre contributi a scelta)
F. Ieva (a cura di), I trattati di Utrecht. Una pace di dimensione europea, Viella, Roma 2016
P. Merlin, F. Ieva (a cura), Monferrato 1613. La vigilia di una crisi europea, Viella, Roma 2016 (quattro contributi a scelta)
E. Plebani, E. Valeri, P. Volpini (a cura di), Diplomazie. Linguaggi, negoziati e ambasciatori fra XV e XVI secolo, FrancoAngeli, Milano 2017
M. Rabà, Lo Stato di Milano. 1535-1796, il Mulino, Bologna 2024
B.A. Raviola, Il Piemonte sabaudo. Dal ducato transalpino all'Unità, il Mulino, Bologna 2025
G. Schmidt, La guerra dei Trent'anni, il Mulino, Bologna 2008 (I. ed.)
V. Soen, Y. Junot (eds.), Pacification and Reconciliation in the Spanish Habsburg Worlds, Brepols 2025 (tre contributi a scelta)

- Programma per 9 cfu:
Units 1,2, 3 plus
Handbook: V. Criscuolo, Storia moderna, Pearson, II edizione rinnovata 2024

TWO of these volumes:
G. Alonge, Ambasciatori. Diplomazia e politica nella Venezia del Rinascimento, Donzelli, Roma 2019
S. Andretta, L'arte della prudenza. Teorie e prassi della diplomazia nell'Italia del XVI e XVII secolo, Viella, Roma 2022
P. Broggio, Governare l'odio. Pace e giustizia nell'Italia moderna, Viella, Roma 2021
V. Criscuolo, Il Congresso di Vienna, il Mulino, Bologna 2021
G. Frantzwa (ed.), 1529. La paix des Dames. Faire la paix à la Renaissance, Paris 2025 (disponibile in e-book) (tre contributi a scelta)
F. Ieva (a cura di), I trattati di Utrecht. Una pace di dimensione europea, Viella, Roma 2016
P. Merlin, F. Ieva (a cura), Monferrato 1613. La vigilia di una crisi europea, Viella, Roma 2016 (quattro contributi a scelta)
E. Plebani, E. Valeri, P. Volpini (a cura di), Diplomazie. Linguaggi, negoziati e ambasciatori fra XV e XVI secolo, FrancoAngeli, Milano 2017
M. Rabà, Lo Stato di Milano. 1535-1796, il Mulino, Bologna 2024
B.A. Raviola, Il Piemonte sabaudo. Dal ducato transalpino all'Unità, il Mulino, Bologna 2025
G. Schmidt, La guerra dei Trent'anni, il Mulino, Bologna 2008 (I. ed.)
V. Soen, Y. Junot (eds.), Pacification and Reconciliation in the Spanish Habsburg Worlds, Brepols 2025 (tre contributi a scelta)


NON attending students/ 6 cfu:
Handbook: V. Criscuolo, Storia moderna, Pearson, II edizione 2024
Plus one Encyclopedic Entry about one of the most relevant European Peaces: Cambrai, Augsburg, Cateau-Cambrésis, Westphalia, Wien, Utrecht, Aachen, Paris.

ONE of these volumes:
G. Alonge, Ambasciatori. Diplomazia e politica nella Venezia del Rinascimento, Donzelli, Roma 2019
S. Andretta, L'arte della prudenza. Teorie e prassi della diplomazia nell'Italia del XVI e XVII secolo, Viella, Roma 2022
P. Broggio, Governare l'odio. Pace e giustizia nell'Italia moderna, Viella, Roma 2021
V. Criscuolo, Il Congresso di Vienna, il Mulino, Bologna 2021
G. Frantzwa (ed.), 1529. La paix des Dames. Faire la paix à la Renaissance, Paris 2025 (disponibile in e-book) (tre contributi a scelta)
F. Ieva (a cura di), I trattati di Utrecht. Una pace di dimensione europea, Viella, Roma 2016
P. Merlin, F. Ieva (a cura), Monferrato 1613. La vigilia di una crisi europea, Viella, Roma 2016 (quattro contributi a scelta)
E. Plebani, E. Valeri, P. Volpini (a cura di), Diplomazie. Linguaggi, negoziati e ambasciatori fra XV e XVI secolo, FrancoAngeli, Milano 2017
M. Rabà, Lo Stato di Milano. 1535-1796, il Mulino, Bologna 2024
B.A. Raviola, Il Piemonte sabaudo. Dal ducato transalpino all'Unità, il Mulino, Bologna 2025
G. Schmidt, La guerra dei Trent'anni, il Mulino, Bologna 2008 (I. ed.)
V. Soen, Y. Junot (eds.), Pacification and Reconciliation in the Spanish Habsburg Worlds, Brepols 2025 (tre contributi a scelta)


NON attending students/ 9 cfu:

Handbook: V. Criscuolo, Storia moderna, Pearson, II edizione 2024
Plus one Encyclopedic Entry about one of the most relevant European Peaces: Cambrai, Augsburg, Cateau-Cambrésis, Westphalia, Wien, Utrecht, Aachen, Paris.

TWO volumes among these:
G. Alonge, Ambasciatori. Diplomazia e politica nella Venezia del Rinascimento, Donzelli, Roma 2019
S. Andretta, L'arte della prudenza. Teorie e prassi della diplomazia nell'Italia del XVI e XVII secolo, Viella, Roma 2022
P. Broggio, Governare l'odio. Pace e giustizia nell'Italia moderna, Viella, Roma 2021
V. Criscuolo, Il Congresso di Vienna, il Mulino, Bologna 2021
G. Frantzwa (ed.), 1529. La paix des Dames. Faire la paix à la Renaissance, Paris 2025 (disponibile in e-book) (tre contributi a scelta)
F. Ieva (a cura di), I trattati di Utrecht. Una pace di dimensione europea, Viella, Roma 2016
P. Merlin, F. Ieva (a cura), Monferrato 1613. La vigilia di una crisi europea, Viella, Roma 2016 (quattro contributi a scelta)
E. Plebani, E. Valeri, P. Volpini (a cura di), Diplomazie. Linguaggi, negoziati e ambasciatori fra XV e XVI secolo, FrancoAngeli, Milano 2017
M. Rabà, Lo Stato di Milano. 1535-1796, il Mulino, Bologna 2024
B.A. Raviola, Il Piemonte sabaudo. Dal ducato transalpino all'Unità, il Mulino, Bologna 2025
G. Schmidt, La guerra dei Trent'anni, il Mulino, Bologna 2008 (I. ed.)
V. Soen, Y. Junot (eds.), Pacification and Reconciliation in the Spanish Habsburg Worlds, Brepols 2025 (tre contributi a scelta)
Assessment methods and Criteria
- Method: oral exam.

However, there is the possibility of an intermediate written test, after which you will only be allowed to sit exams on the monographic part of the programme.

- Evaluation criteria: capacity to demonstrate and elaborate knowledge; capacity for critical reflection on the completed work; quality of exposition, competence in the use of specialised lexicon, efficacy and clarity.
- Type of evaluation method: mark in 30s.
The format of the exam for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the professor, as well as the relevant office.
Modules or teaching units
Part A and B
M-STO/02 - MODERN HISTORY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours

Parte C
M-STO/02 - MODERN HISTORY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours

1st Semester M-Z Edition

Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The syllabus is shared with the following courses:
- [CAF-17](https://www.unimi.it/en/ugov/of/af20260000caf-17)
Modules or teaching units
Part A and B
M-STO/02 - MODERN HISTORY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours

Parte C
M-STO/02 - MODERN HISTORY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours

2nd Semester A-L Edition

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The syllabus is shared with the following courses:
- [CAF-17](https://www.unimi.it/en/ugov/of/af20260000caf-17)
Modules or teaching units
Part A and B
M-STO/02 - MODERN HISTORY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours

Parte C
M-STO/02 - MODERN HISTORY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours

2nd Semester M-Z Edition

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Title of the course: War and peaces between Renaissance and Reformation
Module 1: Early Modern History from Humanism to the Thirty Years War
Module 2: Early Modern History from the English Civil War to the Fall of Napoleon
Module 3: RWar and peaces between Renaissance and Reformation
Prerequisites for admission
There are no particular prerequisites, apart from a keen interest in historical macro-phenomena understood in their overall complexity: the course will aim to offer guidelines for understanding the Modern Age as it unfolded between the end of the 15th century and the beginning of the 19th century, highlighting above all the most radical changes.
Teaching methods
Main themes and problems of modern history

The course aims to stimulate a reflection about the main themes and problems of Early modern age. Attendance to classes is strongly recommended although not compulsory. The teaching is delivered through frontal lectures aimed primarily at the acquisition of knowledge, competence and specific language of the subject. Discussion with the teacher in the classroom is integrant part of the didactic method and aims at promoting a critical attitude and the capacity to apply the acquired competence and knowledge.
The teaching is also based on didactic and multimedia material provided on Ariel.
In addition to frontal lectures, team works and/or individual presentations (i.e.: short written reviews of books) are envisaged.
Teaching Resources
Attending students:
- Programme for 6 cfu:
Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (modules 1 and 2)
Knowledge of one of the following volumes:
- V. Criscuolo, Storia moderna, Pearson, Milano 2019.
Knowledge of one of the following volumes
- Thomas Kaufmann, I redenti e i dannati. Una storia della Riforma, Torino, Einaudi, 2017.
- Nicholas Terpstra, Purezza e fede. Esuli religiosi nell'Europa Moderna, Bologna, il Mulino, 2019.


- Programme for 9 cfu:
- Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (modules 1, 2, 3)
Knowledge of one of the following volumes:
- V. Criscuolo, Storia moderna, Pearson, Milano 2019.
Knowledge of one of the following volumes:
- Thomas Kaufmann, I redenti e i dannati. Una storia della Riforma, Torino, Einaudi, 2017.
- Nicholas Terpstra, Purezza e fede. Esuli religiosi nell'Europa Moderna, Bologna, il Mulino, 2019.
Knowledge of one of the following volumes
- L. Felici, La Riforma protestante nell'Europa del Cinquecento, Roma, Carocci, 2017.
- R.H. Bainton, La lotta per la libertà religiosa, Il Mulino, Bologna 1961.
- P. Benedict, Christ's Churches Purely Reformed: A Social History of Calvinism, Yale University Press, 2002, New Haven, pp. 1-292.
- L. Felici; G. Imbruglia, La tolleranza in età moderna, Carocci, Roma, 2024.
- M. Greengrass, La Cristianità in frantumi, Laterza, Roma-Bari, 2017, le parte IV e V.
- M.P. Holt, The French Wars of Religion 1562-1629, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2005.
- V. Lavenia, Dio in uniforme. Cappellani, catechesi cattolica e soldati in età moderna, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2018.
- B.J. Kaplan. Divided By Faith: Religious Conflict and the Practice of Toleration in Early Modern Europe, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, 2007.
- D. Diarmaid MacCulloch, Riforma. La divisione della casa comune europea (1490-1700), Carocci, Roma, 2017, unicamente la parte II.
- G. Murdock, P. Roberts, A. Spicer (eds.), Ritual and Violence: Natalie Zemon Davis and Early Modern France, Past & Present's Supplement 7, 2012.
- G. Parker, The Dutch Revolt, Penguin, London, 2002.
-G. Parker, La Guerra dei Trent'anni, Vita e Pensiero, Milano, 1994.
- A. Spagnoletti, Filippo II, Salerno, Roma, 2018.
- C. Vivanti, Le guerre di religione nel Cinquecento, Laterza, Roma-Bari, 2007 + S. Tabacchi, La strage di san Bartolomeo. Una notte di sangue a Parigi, Salerno, Roma, 2018. Inseparable readings.


Non-attending students:
- Programme for 6 cfu:
Knowledge of the following volume:
- V. Criscuolo, Storia moderna, Pearson, Milano 2019.
Knowledge of one of the following volumes:
- Thomas Kaufmann, I redenti e i dannati. Una storia della Riforma, Torino, Einaudi, 2017.
- Nicholas Terpstra, Purezza e fede. Esuli religiosi nell'Europa Moderna, Bologna, il Mulino, 2019.
Knowledge of one of the following volumes
- L. Felici, La Riforma protestante nell'Europa del Cinquecento, Roma, Carocci, 2017.
- R.H. Bainton, La lotta per la libertà religiosa, Il Mulino, Bologna 1961.
- P. Benedict, Christ's Churches Purely Reformed: A Social History of Calvinism, Yale University Press, 2002, New Haven, pp. 1-292.
- L. Felici; G. Imbruglia, La tolleranza in età moderna, Carocci, Roma, 2024.
- M. Greengrass, La Cristianità in frantumi, Laterza, Roma-Bari, 2017, le parte IV e V.
- M.P. Holt, The French Wars of Religion 1562-1629, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2005.
- V. Lavenia, Dio in uniforme. Cappellani, catechesi cattolica e soldati in età moderna, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2018.
- B.J. Kaplan. Divided By Faith: Religious Conflict and the Practice of Toleration in Early Modern Europe, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, 2007.
- D. Diarmaid MacCulloch, Riforma. La divisione della casa comune europea (1490-1700), Carocci, Roma, 2017, unicamente la parte II.
- G. Murdock, P. Roberts, A. Spicer (eds.), Ritual and Violence: Natalie Zemon Davis and Early Modern France, Past & Present's Supplement 7, 2012.
- G. Parker, The Dutch Revolt, Penguin, London, 2002.
-G. Parker, La Guerra dei Trent'anni, Vita e Pensiero, Milano, 1994.
- A. Spagnoletti, Filippo II, Salerno, Roma, 2018.
- C. Vivanti, Le guerre di religione nel Cinquecento, Laterza, Roma-Bari, 2007 + S. Tabacchi, La strage di san Bartolomeo. Una notte di sangue a Parigi, Salerno, Roma, 2018. Inseparable readings.




- Programme for 9 cfu:
Knowledge of the following volume:
- V. Criscuolo, Storia moderna, Pearson, Milano 2019.
Knowledge of one of the following volumes:
- Thomas Kaufmann, I redenti e i dannati. Una storia della Riforma, Torino, Einaudi, 2017.
- Nicholas Terpstra, Purezza e fede. Esuli religiosi nell'Europa Moderna, Bologna, il Mulino, 2019.
Knowledge of two of the following volumes
- L. Felici, La Riforma protestante nell'Europa del Cinquecento, Roma, Carocci, 2017.
- P. Benedict, Christ's Churches Purely Reformed: A Social History of Calvinism, Yale University Press, 2002, New Haven, pp. 1-292.
- M. Greengrass, La Cristianità in frantumi, Laterza, Roma-Bari, 2017, le parte IV e V.
- M.P. Holt, The French Wars of Religion 1562-1629, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2005.
- V. Lavenia, Dio in uniforme. Cappellani, catechesi cattolica e soldati in età moderna, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2018.
- B.J. Kaplan. Divided By Faith: Religious Conflict and the Practice of Toleration in Early Modern Europe, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, 2007.
- D. Diarmaid MacCulloch, Riforma. La divisione della casa comune europea (1490-1700), Carocci, Roma, 2017, unicamente la parte II.
- G. Murdock, P. Roberts, A. Spicer (eds.), Ritual and Violence: Natalie Zemon Davis and Early Modern France, Past & Present's Supplement 7, 2012.
- G. Parker, The Dutch Revolt, Penguin, London, 2002.
-G. Parker, La Guerra dei Trent'anni, Vita e Pensiero, Milano, 1994.
- A. Spagnoletti, Filippo II, Salerno, Roma, 2018.
- C. Vivanti, Le guerre di religione nel Cinquecento, Laterza, Roma-Bari, 2007 + S. Tabacchi, La strage di san Bartolomeo. Una notte di sangue a Parigi, Salerno, Roma, 2018. Inseparable readings.
Assessment methods and Criteria
- Method: oral exam.

However, there is the possibility of an intermediate written test, after which you will only be allowed to sit exams on the monographic part of the programme.

- Evaluation criteria: capacity to demonstrate and elaborate knowledge; capacity for critical reflection on the completed work; quality of exposition, competence in the use of specialised lexicon, efficacy and clarity.
- Type of evaluation method: mark in 30s.
The format of the exam for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the professor, as well as the relevant office.
Modules or teaching units
Part A and B
M-STO/02 - MODERN HISTORY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours

Parte C
M-STO/02 - MODERN HISTORY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours

Professor(s)
Reception:
Venerdì, DALLE 11.30-13.30 in Via Festa del Perdono 7, Settore B; su appuntamento presso la Biblioteca BICF, Via Celoria 18
Reception:
1:30pm-3:30pm