Contemporary History
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course reconstructs the main turning points of contemporary socio-political and cultural history, taking as its guiding thread the analysis of the processes of massification that have shaped the Western world between the nineteenth and twenty-first centuries. Particular attention will be devoted to the emergence of mass society, the gradual expansion of political participation, the development of modern ideologies, the transformation of communication and propaganda systems, and the dynamics that led to the rise of contemporary globalization.
To this end, the course will examine key concepts such as "nationalism", "imperialism", "revolution", "totalitarianism", "massification", "extermination", "gender", and "globalization", analysing their historical evolution and their role in the construction of contemporary societies. Particular emphasis will also be placed on the relationship between politics, public opinion, and the instruments of mass communication, from the press and political propaganda to contemporary media.
The course will retrace the major events and fundamental processes of the twentieth century, while also addressing the transformations that prepared their emergence in the nineteenth century and those that have reshaped their legacy in the twenty-first century.
To this end, the course will examine key concepts such as "nationalism", "imperialism", "revolution", "totalitarianism", "massification", "extermination", "gender", and "globalization", analysing their historical evolution and their role in the construction of contemporary societies. Particular emphasis will also be placed on the relationship between politics, public opinion, and the instruments of mass communication, from the press and political propaganda to contemporary media.
The course will retrace the major events and fundamental processes of the twentieth century, while also addressing the transformations that prepared their emergence in the nineteenth century and those that have reshaped their legacy in the twenty-first century.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will have become familiar with the main turning points and fundamental processes of the contemporary world. They will also be able to establish spatio-temporal connections and to understand the complex dynamics of the contemporary age, using appropriate terminology to express clearly and effectively concepts related to the political, institutional, economic, and cultural processes of contemporary history. At the end of the course, students will also be able to critically analyse historiographical works and to use the main research tools, including digital ones, for the study and analysis of sources. These specialised skills will be developed through continuous and direct engagement with the lecturer; during the lessons, discussion of the proposed sources will constitute not only a moment of collective critical reflection, but also a tool for methodological learning.
Lesson period: First 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
First semester
Course syllabus
The course is divided into three main sections:
(1) The Massification of Contemporary Society (1848-1914)
This section examines the profound economic, social, political, and cultural transformations that accompanied the emergence of mass society between the second half of the nineteenth century and the outbreak of the First World War. Particular attention will be devoted to the processes of industrialisation, urbanisation, the nationalisation of the masses, the expansion of European imperialisms, and the progressive integration of the world economy. The so-called Belle Époque will be analysed not only as an age of progress, confidence, and innovation, but also as the period in which many of the tensions, contradictions, and processes that would shape the twentieth century and, to a large extent, the contemporary world became firmly established.
(2) The Massification of Contemporary Politics (1914-1945)
This section analyses the process through which the masses became central actors in political life in the context of the two World Wars, the Russian Revolution, and the crisis of the European liberal order. Particular attention will be devoted to new forms of political mobilisation, participation, and consent, to the rise of the major ideologies of the twentieth century, and to the mechanisms through which totalitarian regimes sought to organise, discipline, and direct mass societies, ultimately giving rise to extreme forms of political violence, biopolitical annihilation, mass extermination, and genocidal persecution. The section will also provide students with the tools necessary to understand the political, cultural, and social origins of the major fractures that shaped the twentieth century.
(3) Contemporary History between Mass Society, the Cold War, and Globalization (1945-2001)
This section examines the construction of the bipolar international order, the processes of decolonisation, and the profound economic, social, and cultural transformations that characterised the second half of the twentieth century. Particular attention will be devoted to the spread of consumer society, the evolution of mass communication systems, and the progressive consolidation of an increasingly global dimension of economic, political, and cultural relations. The section will also explore the transformations that followed the end of the Cold War, the emergence of new transnational protest movements and forms of collective mobilisation (Seattle, 1999), and the growing interconnectedness of the contemporary world. The course will conclude with an analysis of the new forms of conflict and global violence that emerged at the end of the century, with particular reference to international terrorism and the attacks of 11 September 2001, an event conventionally regarded as marking the beginning of a new phase in contemporary history.
Further details concerning the syllabus and the organisation of individual lectures will be made available on the Ariel platform.
(1) The Massification of Contemporary Society (1848-1914)
This section examines the profound economic, social, political, and cultural transformations that accompanied the emergence of mass society between the second half of the nineteenth century and the outbreak of the First World War. Particular attention will be devoted to the processes of industrialisation, urbanisation, the nationalisation of the masses, the expansion of European imperialisms, and the progressive integration of the world economy. The so-called Belle Époque will be analysed not only as an age of progress, confidence, and innovation, but also as the period in which many of the tensions, contradictions, and processes that would shape the twentieth century and, to a large extent, the contemporary world became firmly established.
(2) The Massification of Contemporary Politics (1914-1945)
This section analyses the process through which the masses became central actors in political life in the context of the two World Wars, the Russian Revolution, and the crisis of the European liberal order. Particular attention will be devoted to new forms of political mobilisation, participation, and consent, to the rise of the major ideologies of the twentieth century, and to the mechanisms through which totalitarian regimes sought to organise, discipline, and direct mass societies, ultimately giving rise to extreme forms of political violence, biopolitical annihilation, mass extermination, and genocidal persecution. The section will also provide students with the tools necessary to understand the political, cultural, and social origins of the major fractures that shaped the twentieth century.
(3) Contemporary History between Mass Society, the Cold War, and Globalization (1945-2001)
This section examines the construction of the bipolar international order, the processes of decolonisation, and the profound economic, social, and cultural transformations that characterised the second half of the twentieth century. Particular attention will be devoted to the spread of consumer society, the evolution of mass communication systems, and the progressive consolidation of an increasingly global dimension of economic, political, and cultural relations. The section will also explore the transformations that followed the end of the Cold War, the emergence of new transnational protest movements and forms of collective mobilisation (Seattle, 1999), and the growing interconnectedness of the contemporary world. The course will conclude with an analysis of the new forms of conflict and global violence that emerged at the end of the century, with particular reference to international terrorism and the attacks of 11 September 2001, an event conventionally regarded as marking the beginning of a new phase in contemporary history.
Further details concerning the syllabus and the organisation of individual lectures will be made available on the Ariel platform.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific requirements.
Teaching methods
The course consists of 40 hours divided into 20 lectures, supported by slides and supplementary teaching materials, including explanatory content, historical sources, iconographic documentation, and additional readings. Lectures will combine historical and interpretative frameworks with the analysis and discussion of sources, historiographical texts, and documents, with the aim of developing students' ability to contextualise historical phenomena, engage in critical analysis, and understand the main processes of contemporary history. Throughout the course, students will be strongly encouraged to engage in discussion with the lecturer, fostering active participation and collective reflection on the topics addressed. For this reason, although attendance is not compulsory, it is strongly recommended. Seminar sessions with guest scholars and experts in the field may also be organised on specific topics.
Teaching Resources
ALL STUDENTS, ATTENDING and NON-ATTENDING:
— Giovanni Sabbatucci, Vittorio Vidotto, "Storia contemporanea. Dalla Grande Guerra a oggi", Laterza, Rome-Bari, 2019, up to chapter 20 included ("Il mondo islamico e lo scontro con l'Occidente").
— Alberto Mario Banti, "Le questioni dell'età contemporanea", Laterza, Rome-Bari, 2023 [2010], from chapter 8 ("La Grande Guerra") to chapter 15 ("La globalizzazione").
Students are strongly encouraged to consult a historical atlas throughout the course, including online resources such as GeaCron (http://geacron.com) and OmniAtlas (https://omniatlas.com).
— Giovanni Sabbatucci, Vittorio Vidotto, "Storia contemporanea. Dalla Grande Guerra a oggi", Laterza, Rome-Bari, 2019, up to chapter 20 included ("Il mondo islamico e lo scontro con l'Occidente").
— Alberto Mario Banti, "Le questioni dell'età contemporanea", Laterza, Rome-Bari, 2023 [2010], from chapter 8 ("La Grande Guerra") to chapter 15 ("La globalizzazione").
Students are strongly encouraged to consult a historical atlas throughout the course, including online resources such as GeaCron (http://geacron.com) and OmniAtlas (https://omniatlas.com).
Assessment methods and Criteria
Examination format and assessment methods The assessment consists of a written examination divided into two parts. The first part includes ten multiple-choice and short open-ended questions (1.5 points each), while the second part consists of two open-ended questions (8 points each) concerning the topics discussed during the course and the bibliography indicated in the Syllabus (textbook and selected chapters from the supplementary volume). The overall maximum score is 31 points, corresponding to the Italian mark of 30 cum laude on the thirty-point grading scale.
Evaluation criteria Assessment, expressed on a thirty-point grading scale, will take into account the student's ability to demonstrate and critically elaborate the knowledge acquired; to analyse the sources presented and discussed during the course; to reflect critically on the topics addressed; and to present arguments clearly and effectively using terminology appropriate to the discipline.
Please note: examination arrangements for students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (DSA/SLD) must be agreed upon with the lecturer in consultation with the relevant University Office. Students taking the 12-CFU version of the course are invited to contact the lecturer in order to obtain the specific syllabus and are kindly requested to do so at least one week before the examination.
Evaluation criteria Assessment, expressed on a thirty-point grading scale, will take into account the student's ability to demonstrate and critically elaborate the knowledge acquired; to analyse the sources presented and discussed during the course; to reflect critically on the topics addressed; and to present arguments clearly and effectively using terminology appropriate to the discipline.
Please note: examination arrangements for students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (DSA/SLD) must be agreed upon with the lecturer in consultation with the relevant University Office. Students taking the 12-CFU version of the course are invited to contact the lecturer in order to obtain the specific syllabus and are kindly requested to do so at least one week before the examination.
Professor(s)
Reception:
Monday from 1:30 p.m. Students are invited to contact the professor via email to make an appointment.
Entrance B, 3° floor, room 3019 (A11) (see the link below)