Workshop: "conquering the Sea, Conquering the World". Empires, Trade and Culture in the Late Modern Age
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
This workshop introduces students to the sea as a historical space in the late modern period, with a particular focus on the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Its core aim is to explore how maritime control functioned as a vehicle of power, exchange, conflict, and connection among different societies, drawing on a wide range of historiographical approaches, including political, economic, social, cultural, gender, and environmental history.
By engaging with case studies from the Mediterranean and Atlantic worlds, the workshop equips students with both methodological tools and historical knowledge to design and carry out an independent research project, culminating in the writing and presentation of a short critical essay.
By engaging with case studies from the Mediterranean and Atlantic worlds, the workshop equips students with both methodological tools and historical knowledge to design and carry out an independent research project, culminating in the writing and presentation of a short critical essay.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the workshop, students will have developed a solid understanding of key issues in early modern maritime history and will be equipped to engage with them critically and thoughtfully. They will learn to identify, select, and interpret a variety of historical sources—including written, visual, material, and digital resources—and to integrate them effectively within a structured research framework.
Additionally, students will gain experience in compiling a thematic bibliography, independently planning a research inquiry, and applying basic digital tools for historical analysis and presentation. These skills will culminate in the production and discussion of a short critical essay, demonstrating their ability to synthesize content knowledge, methodological awareness, and reflective analysis.
Additionally, students will gain experience in compiling a thematic bibliography, independently planning a research inquiry, and applying basic digital tools for historical analysis and presentation. These skills will culminate in the production and discussion of a short critical essay, demonstrating their ability to synthesize content knowledge, methodological awareness, and reflective analysis.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Giudizio di approvazione
Assessment result: superato/non superato
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
Second semester
Course syllabus
- The sea as a historical space in the late modern period (18th - 19th centuries): key themes, chronological frameworks, and geographical contexts; the sea as a space of power, exchange, conflict, and connection; actors and representations in maritime history.
- Researching maritime history: major historiographical and methodological approaches; the construction of a thematic bibliography and the use of library catalogues, databases, and digital resources.
- Working with historical sources: types of sources and methods of qualitative and quantitative analysis; printed, administrative, narrative, judicial, and visual sources for the study of the maritime world.
- From research to presentation: applying the acquired tools and approaches to the design, execution, and presentation of a short individual or group research project.
- Researching maritime history: major historiographical and methodological approaches; the construction of a thematic bibliography and the use of library catalogues, databases, and digital resources.
- Working with historical sources: types of sources and methods of qualitative and quantitative analysis; printed, administrative, narrative, judicial, and visual sources for the study of the maritime world.
- From research to presentation: applying the acquired tools and approaches to the design, execution, and presentation of a short individual or group research project.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific prerequisites other than those required for admission to the Degree Course.
In order to apply for admission to the laboratory, which has limited enrollment, it is mandatory to follow the instructions outlined on the 'Laboratori' page of the History degree course website: https://storia.cdl.unimi.it/it/insegnamenti/laboratori
In order to apply for admission to the laboratory, which has limited enrollment, it is mandatory to follow the instructions outlined on the 'Laboratori' page of the History degree course website: https://storia.cdl.unimi.it/it/insegnamenti/laboratori
Teaching methods
The course adopts an active and participatory teaching approach, combining short lectures with laboratory-based activities, group work, and practical exercises. Emphasis is placed on the guided analysis of historical sources and on collective discussion, aimed at developing students' critical and interpretative skills.
The course includes practical activities focused on bibliographical research, the use of digital resources, and the analysis of different types of sources, as well as opportunities for oral discussion and presentation of the work carried out. Teaching methods are designed to foster students' autonomy in developing a research project and in effectively presenting their findings.
The course includes practical activities focused on bibliographical research, the use of digital resources, and the analysis of different types of sources, as well as opportunities for oral discussion and presentation of the work carried out. Teaching methods are designed to foster students' autonomy in developing a research project and in effectively presenting their findings.
Teaching Resources
The workshop materials will be provided during the seminar sessions.
International and Erasmus students are invited to promptly get in touch with the professor in order to arrange a reading plan (available in English) for exam preparation.
International and Erasmus students are invited to promptly get in touch with the professor in order to arrange a reading plan (available in English) for exam preparation.
Assessment methods and Criteria
- Method: evaluation at the end of the course
- Type of examination: in addition to attending lessons, assessment consists of ongoing and final evaluation, based on active participation in classes and course activities, as well as on the oral presentation of a short assignment.
- Evaluation criteria: ability to demonstrate and elaborate knowledge; ability for critical reflection on the completed work; quality of expression, competence in the use of specialized lexicon, efficacy, clarity.
- Type of evaluation method: approval of 3 CFUs.
The format of the assessment for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the lecturer, in agreement with the office in charge ([email protected] or [email protected]).
- Type of examination: in addition to attending lessons, assessment consists of ongoing and final evaluation, based on active participation in classes and course activities, as well as on the oral presentation of a short assignment.
- Evaluation criteria: ability to demonstrate and elaborate knowledge; ability for critical reflection on the completed work; quality of expression, competence in the use of specialized lexicon, efficacy, clarity.
- Type of evaluation method: approval of 3 CFUs.
The format of the assessment for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the lecturer, in agreement with the office in charge ([email protected] or [email protected]).
Professor(s)