MODERN HISTORY II

Course objectives

The course aims to provide knowledge and understanding of the methodological, critical and applicable aspects of the Discipline; it proposes geographical areas and sectorial perspectives in which related projects are activated; it shows the variability of fields of interest; it enables the student to master the specific topics in order to use them and apply them in other fields of study while using the correct specific language. With the acquired knowledge the student will be able to develop autonomous ability of connections with other disciplines in the various historical epochs and cultural contexts.

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SERENA DI NEPI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
"The History of Enslavement in the Early Modern Period" This course aims to introduce students to the history of enslavement in the early modern era and to critically engage with the most recent historiographical developments on the subject. The initial sessions will focus on the Atlantic trade, examining its specific characteristics and its evolution within broader commercial networks and imperial competition of the time. A second set of classes will address Mediterranean enslavement, exploring its particular categories and considering the interplay of practices, representations, and regulations across different trades from a comparative and diachronic perspective. The course will have a workshop-based format, and critical in-class reading of the famous autobiograhy by Olaudah Equiano will be an integral part of the learning process. Attendance is not mandatory but is strongly encouraged.
Prerequisites
first year 12 ECTS course of Early Modern History
Books
Mandatory reading: Herbert S. Klein, Il commercio atlantico degli schiavi, Roma, Carocci 2014 L'incredibile storia di Olaudah Equiano, o Gustavus Vassa, detto l'Africano, Perugia, Occam Editore, 2023 One book among: Serena Di Nepi, I confini della salvezza. Schiavitù, conversione e libertà nella Roma di età moderna, Roma, Viella, 2022 Giovanna Fiume, Mediterraneo corsaro. Storie di schiavi, pirati e rinnegati in età moderna, Roma, Carocci 2025. Toby Green, Per un pugno di conchiglie. L'Africa occidentale dall'inizio della tratta degli schiavi all'Età delle rivoluzioni, Torino, Einaudi, 2022 Aurélia Michel, Il bianco e il negro. Indagine storica sull'ordine razzista, Torino, Einaudi, 2021
Teaching mode
The course will be organized into traditional lessons and debates. Students will be encouraged to participate actively to the lessons; also, student will be requested to present short papers.
Frequency
Optional
Exam mode
The exam consists of an oral interview covering the topics discussed in the course. Students will be expected to critically engage with the subject matter, drawing on the required bibliography. Final grades range from 18 to 30 with honors (cum laude). A grade below 18 will be considered a failing mark.
Lesson mode
This in-presence course will be laboratory-based. Attendance is not mandatory but is strongly encouraged
  • Lesson code1023478
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseHistory, Anthropology, Religions
  • CurriculumStoria moderna e contemporanea
  • Year2nd year
  • Semester1st semester
  • SSDM-STO/02
  • CFU6