Workshop: Towards the Final Paper: Doing and Writing Historical Research (Contemporary Age)
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The objective of the workshop is twofold: on the one hand, it provides the primary basics about the tools (methodological, bibliographical and archival) of the research conducted from a source indicated by the instructor, and on the other hand to teach the student how to process research result in the written form.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the workshop, the student will have acquired the knowledge of the main types of sources of contemporary history and the main tools of research. They will be able to orient themselves to the documentation of the contemporary age (those published and, at least partially, along with unpublished ones). They will then be able to use the language tools (language properties, correct specific lexicon) to express in written form, clearly and effectively, the results of the research conducted under the guidance of the instructor.
These skills will be acquired through a direct and ongoing meeting with the teacher in the classroom; The discussion around the proposed sources will provide additional time of critical reflection and methodological learning. Individual work will also be of great importance, with reports assigned by the instructor and then discussed collectively.
These skills will be acquired through a direct and ongoing meeting with the teacher in the classroom; The discussion around the proposed sources will provide additional time of critical reflection and methodological learning. Individual work will also be of great importance, with reports assigned by the instructor and then discussed collectively.
Lesson period: Activity scheduled over several sessions (see Course syllabus and organization section for more detailed information).
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
1st Semester - Edition 1
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The workshop is designed to provide students with the methodological skills needed to carry out historical research in preparation for the final dissertation.
The course will address all the key stages: defining the research topic, undertaking bibliographical and archival research, developing an outline and bibliography, and ultimately writing a text that combines academic rigour with clarity of expression.
Classes will alternate between methodological introductions and practical work on sources, supported by group discussions and individual exercises. A strong emphasis will be placed on individual work, providing students with the chance to apply and refine the skills acquired.
The workshop is open to a maximum of 25 attending students and up to 10 non-attending students. Non-attending students will agree on a dedicated programme with the professor.
The course will address all the key stages: defining the research topic, undertaking bibliographical and archival research, developing an outline and bibliography, and ultimately writing a text that combines academic rigour with clarity of expression.
Classes will alternate between methodological introductions and practical work on sources, supported by group discussions and individual exercises. A strong emphasis will be placed on individual work, providing students with the chance to apply and refine the skills acquired.
The workshop is open to a maximum of 25 attending students and up to 10 non-attending students. Non-attending students will agree on a dedicated programme with the professor.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific requirements different from those requested for the degree admission.
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 workshop will follow a seminar format, combining methodological introductions with practical exercises and group discussions.
Classroom activities will focus on analysing sources and using research tools, under the guidance of the professor. Students will also be asked to produce and share short individual assignments, designed to help them progressively put their skills into practice throughout the workshop.
Classroom activities will focus on analysing sources and using research tools, under the guidance of the professor. Students will also be asked to produce and share short individual assignments, designed to help them progressively put their skills into practice throughout the workshop.
Teaching Resources
All course materials will be provided during the workshop.
For general orientation in the research and writing process of the final dissertation, the following texts may be of help:
· U. Eco, Come si fa una tesi di laurea. Le materie umanistiche, Milano, La Nave di Teseo, 2017 (o altre edizioni).
· V. Vidotto, Guida allo studio della storia contemporanea, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2006.
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.
For general orientation in the research and writing process of the final dissertation, the following texts may be of help:
· U. Eco, Come si fa una tesi di laurea. Le materie umanistiche, Milano, La Nave di Teseo, 2017 (o altre edizioni).
· V. Vidotto, Guida allo studio della storia contemporanea, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2006.
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
Assessment is based on a comprehensive evaluation of each student's work throughout the workshop. Students are expected to attend regularly, take an active part in class activities, and complete the assignments proposed during the course.
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]).
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]).
1st Semester - Edition 2
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The Laboratory aims to provide students with the methodological skills necessary to conduct historical research on contemporary age aimed at writing the final draft. The Laboratory will focus on the notion of source, on the different types of sources, on the elements and the fundamental characteristics of historical research. The aim of the Laboratory is to make the student aware of the main archival, bibliographic and textual resources for scientific research in the historical field, available both in archives and on the network, and to experiment with their use for thesis.
The aim of the Laboratory, therefore, is to present and illustrate to the three-year students the first tools of historical research, not only from the point of view of the content and the conduct of the argument, but also in all those structural and structural aspects. form that are an integral part of scientific production.
The first part of the course will focus on the concept and analysis of the sources. The aim will be to refine the analysis of a text, through the knowledge and use of a whole range of repertory and fundamental tools to understand the reasons and purposes of the production of that document. The aim of the investigation will will be to make the conduct of historical research autonomous, in particular on the contemporary age. The second phase will focus on the production of a scientific text on the topics covered. In addition to the content, the focus will be on the form, with a focus on the realization of notes, final bibliography, quotations, etc.
Students will be guided in the approach in using the main print and online research tools (catalogues, opac, biographical dictionaries, repositories), bibliography, historiographic analysis and learning of fundamental elements necessary for the drafting of a contemporary history research (structure, text division, citation criteria of sources and bibliography, footnotes).
The aim of the Laboratory, therefore, is to present and illustrate to the three-year students the first tools of historical research, not only from the point of view of the content and the conduct of the argument, but also in all those structural and structural aspects. form that are an integral part of scientific production.
The first part of the course will focus on the concept and analysis of the sources. The aim will be to refine the analysis of a text, through the knowledge and use of a whole range of repertory and fundamental tools to understand the reasons and purposes of the production of that document. The aim of the investigation will will be to make the conduct of historical research autonomous, in particular on the contemporary age. The second phase will focus on the production of a scientific text on the topics covered. In addition to the content, the focus will be on the form, with a focus on the realization of notes, final bibliography, quotations, etc.
Students will be guided in the approach in using the main print and online research tools (catalogues, opac, biographical dictionaries, repositories), bibliography, historiographic analysis and learning of fundamental elements necessary for the drafting of a contemporary history research (structure, text division, citation criteria of sources and bibliography, footnotes).
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific requirements different from those requested for the degree admission.
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
Laboratory is delivered through lectures aimed at providing the student with the essential tools to carry out research in contemporary history, following a path that includes:
- building a bibliography through the available research tools (catalogues and online repertories, dictionaries, databases);
- knowledge the main types of document sources, the ability to consult the edited documentation and to orient yourself in the panorama of the unpublished ones;
- writing processing of research results, adopting appropriate language tools and applying the editorial settings of an essay.
These skills will be first acquired through classes, by practicing on research tools and sources, and then through the individual drafting of a short paper, on the basis of reading and discussion of essays and published sources. Discussion with the teacher during lectures is integrant part of the didactic method and aims at promoting a critical attitude and the ability to apply the acquired competence and knowledge.
The first part of the course will be used to explain what a three-year thesis is, how to define a subject of research and study, how to carry out bibliographic and archival surveys, how the material is selected and where it is found, what it means write the search results and how you do it. With respect to this last aspect, it will be explained how important it is to draw up a project that, starting from an index, shows logical and structural consistency between its various parts. A large space will be dedicated to the apparatus of notes and the method for their proper drafting.
The second part of the Laboratory will see the exhibition of the work carried out by the students individually or in groups. Participants will be asked to select a topic, carry out a bibliography search, compose an index and propose a work plan.
Finally, there will be guided tours of the most important libraries in Milan specialized in contemporary history issues.
- building a bibliography through the available research tools (catalogues and online repertories, dictionaries, databases);
- knowledge the main types of document sources, the ability to consult the edited documentation and to orient yourself in the panorama of the unpublished ones;
- writing processing of research results, adopting appropriate language tools and applying the editorial settings of an essay.
These skills will be first acquired through classes, by practicing on research tools and sources, and then through the individual drafting of a short paper, on the basis of reading and discussion of essays and published sources. Discussion with the teacher during lectures is integrant part of the didactic method and aims at promoting a critical attitude and the ability to apply the acquired competence and knowledge.
The first part of the course will be used to explain what a three-year thesis is, how to define a subject of research and study, how to carry out bibliographic and archival surveys, how the material is selected and where it is found, what it means write the search results and how you do it. With respect to this last aspect, it will be explained how important it is to draw up a project that, starting from an index, shows logical and structural consistency between its various parts. A large space will be dedicated to the apparatus of notes and the method for their proper drafting.
The second part of the Laboratory will see the exhibition of the work carried out by the students individually or in groups. Participants will be asked to select a topic, carry out a bibliography search, compose an index and propose a work plan.
Finally, there will be guided tours of the most important libraries in Milan specialized in contemporary history issues.
Teaching Resources
Specific bibliographic indications will be provided as a general orientation both for research, for the data processing phase, and for the correct citation of sources starting from the texts indicated below:
- Luigi Balsamo, La bibliografia. Storia di una tradizione, Milano, Unicopli, 2017
- Maria Teresa Biagetti, Le biblioteche digitali. Tecnologie, funzionalità e modelli di sviluppo, Milano, FrancoAngeli, 2019
- Andrea Capaccioni, Ricerche bibliografiche. Banche dati e biblioteche in rete, Milano, Maggioli, 2018
- Fabio Venuda, La citazione bibliografica nei percorsi di ricerca, Milano, Unicopli, 2012
- Vittorio Vidotto, Guida allo studio della storia contemporanea, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2006
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.
- Luigi Balsamo, La bibliografia. Storia di una tradizione, Milano, Unicopli, 2017
- Maria Teresa Biagetti, Le biblioteche digitali. Tecnologie, funzionalità e modelli di sviluppo, Milano, FrancoAngeli, 2019
- Andrea Capaccioni, Ricerche bibliografiche. Banche dati e biblioteche in rete, Milano, Maggioli, 2018
- Fabio Venuda, La citazione bibliografica nei percorsi di ricerca, Milano, Unicopli, 2012
- Vittorio Vidotto, Guida allo studio della storia contemporanea, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2006
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
The final assessment test consists of the preparation of a written paper to demonstrate the mastery of the arguments and the ability to operate independently. The work will focus on the ability to write a text on a topic proposed by the teacher, starting from the bibliography and the research material, in application of the editorial rules.
- Method: evaluation at the end of the course
-Type of examination: in addition to attending lessons
- Evaluation criteria: ability to demonstrate and elaborate knowledge; ability for critical reflection on the completed work; quality of expression, competence in the use of specialised 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]).
- Method: evaluation at the end of the course
-Type of examination: in addition to attending lessons
- Evaluation criteria: ability to demonstrate and elaborate knowledge; ability for critical reflection on the completed work; quality of expression, competence in the use of specialised 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]).
2nd Semester - Edition 1
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The workshop will provide students with the methodological skills needed to conduct historical research on the contemporary age, illustrating the steps required for drafting a paper.
The program will include the following phases:
- Identification and delimitation of a field of investigation;
- Explanation of the different research methods (bibliographic, online, archival) and their respective tools;
- Presentation of different kind of sources and the methodologies to approach them;
- Instructions on writing: structure, editorial rules, and supporting materials;
- Practical individual or group exercise: identification of a topic, conducting research, and preparing/presenting a paper.
The program will include the following phases:
- Identification and delimitation of a field of investigation;
- Explanation of the different research methods (bibliographic, online, archival) and their respective tools;
- Presentation of different kind of sources and the methodologies to approach them;
- Instructions on writing: structure, editorial rules, and supporting materials;
- Practical individual or group exercise: identification of a topic, conducting research, and preparing/presenting a paper.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific requirements different from those requested for the degree admission.
To apply for admission to the workshop, for a limited number, it is mandatory to follow the instructions on the webpage "Laboratori" of the History degree course website: https://storia.cdl.unimi.it/it/insegnamenti/laboratori
To apply for admission to the workshop, for a limited number, it is mandatory to follow the instructions on the webpage "Laboratori" of the History degree course website: https://storia.cdl.unimi.it/it/insegnamenti/laboratori
Teaching methods
Attendance at lectures is mandatory.
The first part of the workshop will focus on the general principles of historical research and the different stages of drafting.
In the second part, there will be a gradual application of the methodologies discussed, with increasing class participation in critical text analysis, engaging with different kind of sources, and developing a clear and accurate presentation.
The final phase of the workshop will focus on the practical application of the tools and methodologies through an exercise conducted under the teacher's supervision: students will be required to identify a topic and draft a research outline, which will be evaluated at the end of the workshop.
The first part of the workshop will focus on the general principles of historical research and the different stages of drafting.
In the second part, there will be a gradual application of the methodologies discussed, with increasing class participation in critical text analysis, engaging with different kind of sources, and developing a clear and accurate presentation.
The final phase of the workshop will focus on the practical application of the tools and methodologies through an exercise conducted under the teacher's supervision: students will be required to identify a topic and draft a research outline, which will be evaluated at the end of the workshop.
Teaching Resources
The teacher will provide materials during the workshop.
For a general overview of the content and methodologies covered, it is recommended to read the manual by V. Vidotto, "Guida allo studio della storia contemporanea", Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2006.
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.
For a general overview of the content and methodologies covered, it is recommended to read the manual by V. Vidotto, "Guida allo studio della storia contemporanea", Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2006.
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
In the second part of the workshop, students will identify, under the instructor's supervision, several research topics to which they will apply the methodologies presented during the lectures. This parallel activity will aim at drafting a paper that will be evaluated.
- Evaluation criteria: ability to demonstrate and elaborate knowledge; ability for critical reflection on the completed work; quality of expression, competence in the use of specialised lexicon, efficacy and 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]).
- Evaluation criteria: ability to demonstrate and elaborate knowledge; ability for critical reflection on the completed work; quality of expression, competence in the use of specialised lexicon, efficacy and 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]).
2nd Semester - Edition 2
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The aim of the laboratory is to provide students with the tools necessary to make and write historical research.
The first part of the course will be used to explain what a thesis is, how a research and study topic is defined, how bibliographic and archival investigations are carried out, how the material is selected and where it is found, what it means writing down the search results and how you do it. With respect to this last aspect, it will be explained how important it is to draw up a project that, starting from an index, shows logical and structural coherence between its various parts. A suitable space will also be dedicated to the apparatus of the notes and to the method for their correct preparation.
The second part of the Laboratory, on the other hand, will see the exhibition of the work done by the students individually or in groups. In fact, participants will be asked to select a topic, carry out a bibliographic search, compose an index and propose a work plan. On this project it will be possible to be more precise when the number of participants will be effectively known.
The first part of the course will be used to explain what a thesis is, how a research and study topic is defined, how bibliographic and archival investigations are carried out, how the material is selected and where it is found, what it means writing down the search results and how you do it. With respect to this last aspect, it will be explained how important it is to draw up a project that, starting from an index, shows logical and structural coherence between its various parts. A suitable space will also be dedicated to the apparatus of the notes and to the method for their correct preparation.
The second part of the Laboratory, on the other hand, will see the exhibition of the work done by the students individually or in groups. In fact, participants will be asked to select a topic, carry out a bibliographic search, compose an index and propose a work plan. On this project it will be possible to be more precise when the number of participants will be effectively known.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific requirements different from those requested for the degree admission.
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
Class attendance is mandatory. The Laboratory consists of lessons aimed at providing the student with the basic tools for conducting a research on contemporary history:
- find the bibliography using the available research tools (catalogs and online repertoires, dictionaries, databases);
- know the main types of sources: consult the published documentation and be able to orient yourself in the panorama of the unpublished one;
- to elaborate in writing the results of the research, adopting appropriate linguistic tools and applying the editorial settings of a three-year degree thesis.
These skills will be acquired first through the performance of classroom activities, and later through the individual development of a thesis project formed, starting from the identification of a topic discussed in class, by title, index, bibliography, description of the topic, identification of sources. The discussion in the classroom with the teacher is an integral part of the teaching method and aims to promote the critical spirit and the ability to apply the skills and knowledge acquired to the student.
- find the bibliography using the available research tools (catalogs and online repertoires, dictionaries, databases);
- know the main types of sources: consult the published documentation and be able to orient yourself in the panorama of the unpublished one;
- to elaborate in writing the results of the research, adopting appropriate linguistic tools and applying the editorial settings of a three-year degree thesis.
These skills will be acquired first through the performance of classroom activities, and later through the individual development of a thesis project formed, starting from the identification of a topic discussed in class, by title, index, bibliography, description of the topic, identification of sources. The discussion in the classroom with the teacher is an integral part of the teaching method and aims to promote the critical spirit and the ability to apply the skills and knowledge acquired to the student.
Teaching Resources
Reference materials will be provided by the teacher.
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 itinere assessment and at the end of the course, on the basis of attendance of lectures and writing of a short essay
- 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 CFU.
The format of the exam for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the professor, as well as the relevant office.
- Type of examination: in itinere assessment and at the end of the course, on the basis of attendance of lectures and writing of a short essay
- 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 CFU.
The format of the exam for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the professor, as well as the relevant office.
Professor(s)
Reception:
Tuesday, 11:00–13:00 (by appointment)
Office hours take place either in person or on Microsoft Teams. Students are welcome to e-mail the instructor to schedule an appointment.