- Docente: Luciano Formisano
- Credits: 6
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Historical sciences (cod. 0978)
Learning outcomes
During the course students will acquire a basic knowledge of the historical sources concerning exploration texts in early modern times, with especial consideration of travel narratives (both historical reports and entertaining writings).
Course contents
First images of America (Columbus and Vespucci)
Topic: America's discovery (a historical outline); first images of America in Columbus' and Vespucci's reports and journals; the name of America (i.e. the "questione vespucciana").
Readings/Bibliography
(1) Massimo Donattini, Dal Nuovo Mondo all'America. Scoperte geografiche e colonialismo (secoli XV-XVI), Roma, Carocci, 2004.
(2) Ilaria Luzzana Caraci, "Per lasciare di me qualche fama". Vita e viaggi di Amerigo Vespucci, Roma, Viella, 2007.
(3) Colombus' narratives (translated into italian) available in photocopy at the beginning of the course.
Students unable to attend will substitute points (2) and (3) by the following book: Ilaria Luzzana Caraci, Al di là di altrove. Storia della geografia e delle esplorazioni, Milano, Mursia, 2009.
Teaching methods
Readings and commentaries in class, introduced with a historical outline.
Assessment methods
Final oral examination.
Teaching tools
Traditional teaching tools.
Office hours
See the website of Luciano Formisano