History of the City and the Territory in the Modern Age

The course aims to outline the geography of powers and territories, and the political, economic and social dynamics that affected Europe during the ancien régime, with particular attention to city/countryside relations. The course has two objectives: a) to provide a solid understanding of institutions, economics, society and culture during the ancien régime; b) to develop the ability to approach historical issues critically, through the examination of texts, sources and historiographical debates discussed in class. The course consists of lectures and seminars, including the reading of sources and classroom presentations by students on texts proposed by the lecturer.

At the end of the course, students are expected to have fully mastered the topics and issues related to the structure of power in societies under the ancien régime; to be able to critically read texts and understand their content; and to be able to present topics in an orderly manner using appropriate vocabulary.
Non-attending students will be able to explore the main topics in greater depth through specific readings and consult with the lecturer either by email or during office hours.