Modern History
A.Y. 2026/2027
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.
Lesson period: Activity scheduled over several sessions (see Course syllabus and organization section for more detailed information).
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
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 - Surname A-L
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.
Following on from the course held during the 2025/26 academic year, a new resource is proposed: a sort of companion guide to V. Criscuolo's text, designed to raise students' awareness of the theme of peace: how is peace studied, how is it built, and how is peace established in the modern era? The aim is to demonstrate, through a political and institutional analysis of a number of key treaties from the 15th to the 18th centuries, that it is possible to shed light on this issue by viewing the objective of peace and its attainment not merely as the final outcome of a conflict, but as a starting point for establishing new balances and future international prospects.
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: Outline of early modern history through the analysis of the main peace treaties
Teaching unit 3: Sources and perspectives of peace-making studies
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.
Following on from the course held during the 2025/26 academic year, a new resource is proposed: a sort of companion guide to V. Criscuolo's text, designed to raise students' awareness of the theme of peace: how is peace studied, how is it built, and how is peace established in the modern era? The aim is to demonstrate, through a political and institutional analysis of a number of key treaties from the 15th to the 18th centuries, that it is possible to shed light on this issue by viewing the objective of peace and its attainment not merely as the final outcome of a conflict, but as a starting point for establishing new balances and future international prospects.
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: Outline 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.
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:
V. Criscuolo, Storia moderna, Pearson, II ed., Milano 2024
Plus THREE CHAPTERS from B. A. Raviola (a cura di), Fare la pace. Accordi, trattati, negoziazioni in epoca moderna, il Mulino, Bologna 2026
NB. Integral lecture of "Fare la pace" substitutes the choice below.
ONE of these volumes:
G. Alonge, Ambasciatori. Diplomazia e politica nella Venezia del Rinascimento, Donzelli, Roma 2019
S. Andretta et alii (dura.), Esperienza e diplomazia / Expérience et diplomatie. Saperi, pratiche culturali e azione diplomatica nell'Età moderna (secc. XV-XVIII) / Savoirs, pratiques culturelles et action diplomatique à l'époque moderne (XVe-XVIIIe s.), Viella, Roma 2020
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)
G. Piketty (dir.) Sortir de la guerre. Des guerres de religion aux conflits asymétriques. Passés / Composés - Ministère des Armées, 2025 (capitoli 1-4)
V. Soen, Y. Junot (eds.), Pacification and Reconciliation in the Spanish Habsburg Worlds, Brepols 2025 (tre contributi a scelta)
P. Volpini, Il viaggio dell'ambasciatore. Tra Stati italiani e corti europee (XVI-XVII s.), Roma, Tab, 2020
Attending students 9 cfu:
V. Criscuolo, Storia moderna, Pearson, II ed., Milano 2024
Plus FIVE CHAPTERS from B. A. Raviola (a cura di), Fare la pace. Accordi, trattati, negoziazioni in epoca moderna, il Mulino, Bologna 2026
NB. Integral lecture of "Fare la pace" substitutes the choice below.
La conoscenza, a scelta, di UNO fra i seguenti volumi:
G. Alonge, Ambasciatori. Diplomazia e politica nella Venezia del Rinascimento, Donzelli, Roma 2019
S. Andretta et alii (dura.), Esperienza e diplomazia / Expérience et diplomatie. Saperi, pratiche culturali e azione diplomatica nell'Età moderna (secc. XV-XVIII) / Savoirs, pratiques culturelles et action diplomatique à l'époque moderne (XVe-XVIIIe s.), Viella, Roma 2020
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)
G. Piketty (dir.) Sortir de la guerre. Des guerres de religion aux conflits asymétriques. Passés / Composés - Ministère des Armées, 2025 (capitoli 1-4)
V. Soen, Y. Junot (eds.), Pacification and Reconciliation in the Spanish Habsburg Worlds, Brepols 2025 (tre contributi a scelta)
P. Volpini, Il viaggio dell'ambasciatore. Tra Stati italiani e corti europee (XVI-XVII s.), Roma, Tab, 2020
Non attending students 6 cfu:
V. Criscuolo, Storia moderna, Pearson, II edizione 2024
Plus FOUR CHAPTERS from B. A. Raviola (a cura di), Fare la pace. Accordi, trattati, negoziazioni in epoca moderna, il Mulino, Bologna 2026
NB. Integral lecture of Fare la pace substitutes the choice below.
ONE of these volumes :
G. Alonge, Ambasciatori. Diplomazia e politica nella Venezia del Rinascimento, Donzelli, Roma 2019
S. Andretta et alii (dura.), Esperienza e diplomazia / Expérience et diplomatie. Saperi, pratiche culturali e azione diplomatica nell'Età moderna (secc. XV-XVIII) / Savoirs, pratiques culturelles et action diplomatique à l'époque moderne (XVe-XVIIIe s.), Viella, Roma 2020
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)
G. Piketty (dir.) Sortir de la guerre. Des guerres de religion aux conflits asymétriques. Passés / Composés - Ministère des Armées, 2025 (capitoli 1-4)
V. Soen, Y. Junot (eds.), Pacification and Reconciliation in the Spanish Habsburg Worlds, Brepols 2025 (tre contributi a scelta)
P. Volpini, Il viaggio dell'ambasciatore. Tra Stati italiani e corti europee (XVI-XVII s.), Roma, Tab, 2020
Non attending students 9 cfu:
V. Criscuolo, Storia moderna, Pearson, II edizione, Milano 2024
Plus SIX CHAPTERS from B. A. Raviola (a cura di), Fare la pace. Accordi, trattati, negoziazioni in epoca moderna, il Mulino, Bologna 2026
NB. Integral lecture of "Fare la pace" substitutes the choice below.
ONE of these volumes:
G. Alonge, Ambasciatori. Diplomazia e politica nella Venezia del Rinascimento, Donzelli, Roma 2019
S. Andretta et alii (dura.), Esperienza e diplomazia / Expérience et diplomatie. Saperi, pratiche culturali e azione diplomatica nell'Età moderna (secc. XV-XVIII) / Savoirs, pratiques culturelles et action diplomatique à l'époque moderne (XVe-XVIIIe s.), Viella, Roma 2020
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)
G. Piketty (dir.) Sortir de la guerre. Des guerres de religion aux conflits asymétriques. Passés / Composés - Ministère des Armées, 2025 (capitoli 1-4)
V. Soen, Y. Junot (eds.), Pacification and Reconciliation in the Spanish Habsburg Worlds, Brepols 2025 (tre contributi a scelta)
P. Volpini, Il viaggio dell'ambasciatore. Tra Stati italiani e corti europee (XVI-XVII s.), Roma, Tab, 2020.
International and Erasmus students can contact the professor to better define skills and program.
V. Criscuolo, Storia moderna, Pearson, II ed., Milano 2024
Plus THREE CHAPTERS from B. A. Raviola (a cura di), Fare la pace. Accordi, trattati, negoziazioni in epoca moderna, il Mulino, Bologna 2026
NB. Integral lecture of "Fare la pace" substitutes the choice below.
ONE of these volumes:
G. Alonge, Ambasciatori. Diplomazia e politica nella Venezia del Rinascimento, Donzelli, Roma 2019
S. Andretta et alii (dura.), Esperienza e diplomazia / Expérience et diplomatie. Saperi, pratiche culturali e azione diplomatica nell'Età moderna (secc. XV-XVIII) / Savoirs, pratiques culturelles et action diplomatique à l'époque moderne (XVe-XVIIIe s.), Viella, Roma 2020
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)
G. Piketty (dir.) Sortir de la guerre. Des guerres de religion aux conflits asymétriques. Passés / Composés - Ministère des Armées, 2025 (capitoli 1-4)
V. Soen, Y. Junot (eds.), Pacification and Reconciliation in the Spanish Habsburg Worlds, Brepols 2025 (tre contributi a scelta)
P. Volpini, Il viaggio dell'ambasciatore. Tra Stati italiani e corti europee (XVI-XVII s.), Roma, Tab, 2020
Attending students 9 cfu:
V. Criscuolo, Storia moderna, Pearson, II ed., Milano 2024
Plus FIVE CHAPTERS from B. A. Raviola (a cura di), Fare la pace. Accordi, trattati, negoziazioni in epoca moderna, il Mulino, Bologna 2026
NB. Integral lecture of "Fare la pace" substitutes the choice below.
La conoscenza, a scelta, di UNO fra i seguenti volumi:
G. Alonge, Ambasciatori. Diplomazia e politica nella Venezia del Rinascimento, Donzelli, Roma 2019
S. Andretta et alii (dura.), Esperienza e diplomazia / Expérience et diplomatie. Saperi, pratiche culturali e azione diplomatica nell'Età moderna (secc. XV-XVIII) / Savoirs, pratiques culturelles et action diplomatique à l'époque moderne (XVe-XVIIIe s.), Viella, Roma 2020
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)
G. Piketty (dir.) Sortir de la guerre. Des guerres de religion aux conflits asymétriques. Passés / Composés - Ministère des Armées, 2025 (capitoli 1-4)
V. Soen, Y. Junot (eds.), Pacification and Reconciliation in the Spanish Habsburg Worlds, Brepols 2025 (tre contributi a scelta)
P. Volpini, Il viaggio dell'ambasciatore. Tra Stati italiani e corti europee (XVI-XVII s.), Roma, Tab, 2020
Non attending students 6 cfu:
V. Criscuolo, Storia moderna, Pearson, II edizione 2024
Plus FOUR CHAPTERS from B. A. Raviola (a cura di), Fare la pace. Accordi, trattati, negoziazioni in epoca moderna, il Mulino, Bologna 2026
NB. Integral lecture of Fare la pace substitutes the choice below.
ONE of these volumes :
G. Alonge, Ambasciatori. Diplomazia e politica nella Venezia del Rinascimento, Donzelli, Roma 2019
S. Andretta et alii (dura.), Esperienza e diplomazia / Expérience et diplomatie. Saperi, pratiche culturali e azione diplomatica nell'Età moderna (secc. XV-XVIII) / Savoirs, pratiques culturelles et action diplomatique à l'époque moderne (XVe-XVIIIe s.), Viella, Roma 2020
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)
G. Piketty (dir.) Sortir de la guerre. Des guerres de religion aux conflits asymétriques. Passés / Composés - Ministère des Armées, 2025 (capitoli 1-4)
V. Soen, Y. Junot (eds.), Pacification and Reconciliation in the Spanish Habsburg Worlds, Brepols 2025 (tre contributi a scelta)
P. Volpini, Il viaggio dell'ambasciatore. Tra Stati italiani e corti europee (XVI-XVII s.), Roma, Tab, 2020
Non attending students 9 cfu:
V. Criscuolo, Storia moderna, Pearson, II edizione, Milano 2024
Plus SIX CHAPTERS from B. A. Raviola (a cura di), Fare la pace. Accordi, trattati, negoziazioni in epoca moderna, il Mulino, Bologna 2026
NB. Integral lecture of "Fare la pace" substitutes the choice below.
ONE of these volumes:
G. Alonge, Ambasciatori. Diplomazia e politica nella Venezia del Rinascimento, Donzelli, Roma 2019
S. Andretta et alii (dura.), Esperienza e diplomazia / Expérience et diplomatie. Saperi, pratiche culturali e azione diplomatica nell'Età moderna (secc. XV-XVIII) / Savoirs, pratiques culturelles et action diplomatique à l'époque moderne (XVe-XVIIIe s.), Viella, Roma 2020
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)
G. Piketty (dir.) Sortir de la guerre. Des guerres de religion aux conflits asymétriques. Passés / Composés - Ministère des Armées, 2025 (capitoli 1-4)
V. Soen, Y. Junot (eds.), Pacification and Reconciliation in the Spanish Habsburg Worlds, Brepols 2025 (tre contributi a scelta)
P. Volpini, Il viaggio dell'ambasciatore. Tra Stati italiani e corti europee (XVI-XVII s.), Roma, Tab, 2020.
International and Erasmus students can contact the professor to better define skills and program.
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.
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 Surname M-Z
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The syllabus is shared with the following courses:
- [CAF-92](https://www.unimi.it/en/ugov/of/af20270000caf-92)
- [CAF-92](https://www.unimi.it/en/ugov/of/af20270000caf-92)
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 - Surname A-L
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The syllabus is shared with the following courses:
- [CAF-92](https://www.unimi.it/en/ugov/of/af20270000caf-92)
- [CAF-92](https://www.unimi.it/en/ugov/of/af20270000caf-92)
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 Surname M-Z
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The syllabus is shared with the following courses:
- [CAF-92](https://www.unimi.it/en/ugov/of/af20270000caf-92)
- [CAF-92](https://www.unimi.it/en/ugov/of/af20270000caf-92)
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)