12693 - Contemporary History (1) (M-Z)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course the student has the capacity to understand the different dimensions and big development tendences of the contemporary world. Is able to achieve an organic connection among the latest methods of historical disciplines and tools provided by the social sciences. He also knows how to place issues and problems of place, also issues and problems of contemporary societiesontemporary societies in a diachronic and comparative perspective, with special reference to the Italian case. From the analysis of particularly significant works, he gets a clear awareness of the diversity of historical approaches and ages independent ability to judge complex issues.

Course contents

Europe and the world during the Nineteenth Century

Politics and Society in Italy: since national unity to the età giolittinana

The Twentieth Century and its interpretations

World conflicts

Forms of fascism and communism

Bipolar World: 1945-1989

Economy, consumptions and costumes during the second post-war period

Europe and Italy since the second post-war period to today

Readings/Bibliography

P. Sorcinelli (a cura di), Identikit del Novecento. Conflitti, trasformazioni sociali, stili di vita, Donzelli, Roma 2004

Two of the following text are also recommended:

A. Bravo, A colpi di cuore. Storie del sessantotto, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2008

D. Calanca, Legami. Relazioni familiari nel Novecento, Bononia University Press, Bologna 2004

G. Crainz, Autobiografia di una repubblica. Le radici dell'Italia attuale, Donzelli, Roma, 2009

E. Gentile, Fascismo di pietra, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2007

E. Gentile (a cura di), Modernità totalitaria. Il fascismo italiano, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2008

A. Gibelli, Il popolo bambino. Infanzia e nazione dalla Grande guerra a Salò, Einaudi, Torino 2005

E. J. Hobsbawm, Il secolo breve, Rizzoli, Milano 1995

N. Labanca, Una guerra per l'impero. Memorie della campagna d'Etiopia, il Mulino, Bologna 2005

G. L. Mosse, Intervista sul nazismo, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2004

G. L. Mosse, Le guerre mondiali. Dalla tragedia al mito dei caduti, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2005

A. Rossi Doria, Dare forma al silenzio. Scritti di storia politica delle donne, Viella 2007

M. L. Salvadori, Il Novecento. Un'introduzione, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2002

M. Salvati, Il Novecento. Interpretazioni e bilanci, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2004

P. Sorcinelli, Lascerei respirare le colline. Storie di vita e di paese, Mondadori, Milano 2008

Further readings will be given during the lessons.

Teaching methods

Lessons, seminars.

Assessment methods

Oral exam.
Students have to prove their knowledge of Twentieth Century History at least on the most relevant political, social and economic facts, as part of their studies prior to attending University.
If necessary for the preparation on Twentieth Century History the follow handbook is recomended P. Sorcinelli, D. Calanca, D. Pela, Storie , La Nuova Italia- RCS Scuola, Milano, 2003, vol. III, or any other Twentieth Century History handbook for high school students.

Teaching tools

Multimedia tools

Digital resources on the net

Links to further information

http://www.laboratoriodistoriasociale.eu http://www.storiaefuturo.com

Office hours

See the website of Daniela Calanca