06396 - History of Contemporary Society

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will have the required knowledge of historical research methodology in order to relate the history of the Italian welfare state with general features of Italy's institutional, political and educational systems. At the exam, the student will be able to put forward his/her assessments and conclusions regarding historical studies and analyses. In addition, the student will be able to use the means and methods acquired in the historical field to widen his/her knowledge and apply effective critical thinking.

Course contents

The course will examine the history of contemporary society, with particular reference to the period from 1943 to the 1990s. It will adopt a comparative perspective, identifying long-term thematic trajectories and devoting particular attention to social and cultural history, including a gender-sensitive approach, starting from questions posed by the present.

The primary objective is to elucidate, with specific reference to the Italian context, the scope of both historical transformations and enduring continuities; to analyse the historical depth of issues that are perceived today as central to collective life and individual experience; and to reflect critically on historiographical methodologies and on the ways in which history can be meaningfully connected to civic education and the promotion of active citizenship.

The course will address a series of key themes that remain of significant contemporary relevance: modernity and progress; major social movements and struggles; the interplay between memory and history; access to expanded forms of citizenship; processes of participation, decision-making, and institutional reform; the historical significance of the Republican Constitution, particularly up to the critical juncture of the 1970s; the complex relationship between the state and civil society; and the phenomena of political violence and terrorism.

Erasmus students: all international students are kindly requested to contact the course instructor to clarify the syllabus and required readings. Please note that the final examination will be conducted in Italian.

Students with DSA or disabilities: it is recommended that they contact the responsible University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, considering the teaching objectives.

Readings/Bibliography

Required readings::

• Umberto Gentiloni Silveri, Storia dell'Italia contemporanea. 1943-2023, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2024, capitoli dall’1 al 6 compresi.
• Silvia Salvatici (a cura di), Storia delle donne nell'Italia contemporanea, Roma, Carocci, 2022. Capitoli dall'1 all'8 compresi.

One book to be chosen from the following:

• Santo Peli, La Resistenza italiana. Storie e critica, Torino, Einaudi, 2004.
• Simona Colarizi, Un paese in movimento. L'Italia negli anni Sessanta e Settanta, Bari-Roma, Laterza, 2019.
• Cinzia Venturoli, Storia di una bomba. Bologna 2 agosto 1980: la strage, i processi, la memoria, Roma, Castelvecchi, 2020.

Teaching methods

Lectures delivered by the instructor

Presentation and critical analysis of primary sources (including eyewitness accounts, official documents, memoirs, and audiovisual materials)

Interactive, discussion-based sessions

In-depth sessions on topics related to those covered in the lectures may be organised during the course.

Assessment methods

The examination consists of a written test (graded on a 30-point scale) based on the topics covered in the required readings listed in the syllabus. The written test will include one open-ended question for each text. Students will have two hours to complete the exam.

Particular emphasis will be placed on the student’s ability to navigate the bibliographical material in order to identify relevant information and effectively illustrate cultural and disciplinary aspects related to the course content.

Students who demonstrate an integrated and comprehensive understanding of the topics addressed during the course, combined with the ability to critically engage with them, and who exhibit a high level of expressive competence and command of the discipline-specific language, will be awarded marks in the highest range.

Students who show a predominantly mechanical and/or rote memorization of the subject matter, limited analytical and synthesis skills, and a correct yet occasionally imprecise use of terminology will receive satisfactory to good marks.

Students who display significant gaps in knowledge and/or inappropriate use of language—albeit with a minimal understanding of the course material—will be assigned marks that do not exceed the threshold of a passing grade.

Severe knowledge gaps, improper use of language, and an evident inability to navigate the bibliographical materials provided during the course will result in a failing grade. Failure to achieve a sufficient mark on any of the required texts will preclude a successful outcome of the examination.

Examination procedures for students in debt

Students who are in debt may take the examination orally and on the syllabus of the academic year of enrolment. Specific examination dates will be set up for students in debt.

Examination arrangements for students who have been awarded CFUs from previous courses:

it is necessary to contact the lecturer to agree on the study programme.

For any information you can send an email cinzia.venturoli@unibo.it

Teaching tools

A video projector, computer, and interactive whiteboard (IWB) will be used. Lectures are supported by visual aids (PowerPoint presentations), which serve to illustrate elements that are often not part of students’ prior knowledge. The PowerPoint presentations will subsequently be uploaded and made available to students in the “Teaching Materials” section of the course webpage.

Office hours

See the website of Cinzia Venturoli