28984 - Cultural History (1) (LM)

Course contents

The course offers a reflection on a particular category of the political and cultural space: the conspiracy theory and all the semantic sphere connected to it. In terms of interpretation to the issue it will be examined as part of an anthropological dimension, but also literary, rhetorical and historic. In temporal terms propose variation of the greek political lexicon and Latin and embraces modern and contemporary age by examining with particular attention: the logic of the conspiracy theory in the Athens of the fifth century, the Roman justitium, the conspiracy of the lepers and the Jews in ages medieval, the diabolical plot, the Monita Secreta Societatis Jesu.

And also: the conspiracy theory and the French Revolution from the work of Barruel and Robinson, conspiracy and popular literature in the Second Empire, anarchism, revolution and social Darwinism, declinations of the Jewish conspiracy, the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, conspiracy theory in the USA (since the question "papist" to the "American league anti Masonic") and models of anti Wahhabi conspiracy in Middle East

Readings/Bibliography

L. Canfora, La guerra civile ateniese, Rizzoli 2013; C. De Michelis, Il manoscritto inesistente, Marsilio 1999; ID., La giudeofobia in Russia, Boringhieri 2001; S. Pavone, Le astuzie dei Gesuiti, Salerno 2001; R. Pipes, Il lato oscuro della storia, Rizzoli, 2003.

Programmi differenti per tematiche specifiche e bibliografie potranno essere concordati con i singoli studenti in ragioni dei loro rispettivi interessi

Teaching methods

teacher's lessons

Assessment methods

For the students is possible the choice: oral or writ proof

Office hours

See the website of Fabio Martelli