CONTEMPORARY HISTORY I

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.

Channel 1
PAOLO ACANFORA Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
Knowledge of the main events of the History of XIX and XX centuries; reference to topics and issues analyzed in a long perspective capable of articulating the chronological historical account. Elementary references to the recent historiography and methodology of the historical research.
Prerequisites
There is no specific required prerequisite.
Books
G. Sabbatucci - V. Vidotto, Il mondo contemporaneo. Dal 1848 a oggi, Laterza, 2018 E. Gentile, Ascesa e declino dell'Europa nel mondo 1898-1918, Garzanti, 2018 G.L. Mosse, Il razzismo in Europa. Dalle origini all'Olocausto, Laterza, 2023 U. Gentiloni, Storia dell'Italia contemporanea, 1943-2019, Il Mulino, 2019
Frequency
Attending the course is strongly recommended
Exam mode
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of the main issues of Contemporary History, arguing and thinking critically on the main topics of the political, social, and cultural history of the XIX and XX centuries. The evaluation is from 18 to 30. If less than 18, it is not sufficient.
Lesson mode
The exam consists of an interview with the commission on topics related to the course program and the indicated bibliography.
Channel 2
EMANUELE BETTA Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites, although a basic knowledge of contemporary history, as acquired in secondary school, is assumed.
Books
1. Testi obbligatori (mandatory readings): R. Romanelli, Ottocento. Lezioni di storia contemporanea, Il Mulino, Bologna 2012 R. Romanelli, Novecento. Lezioni di storia contemporanea, Il Mulino, Bologna 2014 2. Una lettura a scelta tra le seguenti (One reading from a choice of the following): B. Anderson, Comunità immaginarie, Laterza, Roma-Bari R. Baritono, V. Fiorino, Il voto alle donne. Una storia globale, Il Mulino, Bologna 2025 P. Fonzi, Genocidio. Una storia politica e culturale, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2025 J. Gelvin, Il conflitto israelo-palestinese. Cent'anni di guerra, Einaudi, Torino A.J. Kay, L’impero della distruzione. Una storia dell’uccisione di massa nazista, Einaudi, Torino 2022 M. Mazower, Storia dell’antisemitismo, Einaudi, Torino 2026 S. Salvatici (a cura di), Storia delle donne nell’Italia contemporanea, Carocci, Roma 2022 3. Una lettura a scelta tra le seguenti: One reading from a choice of the following: J.S.Mill, Saggio sulla libertà (qualsiasi edizione) K-Marx-F.Engels, Manifesto del partito comunista (si consiglia l’edizione Einaudi 2005) H. Arendt, H. Arendt, Le origini del totalitarismo, Einaudi, Torino, parte I - L'antisemitismo J. Ortega y Gasset, La ribellione delle masse, SE, Milano 2001 P. Levi, I sommersi e i salvati, Einaudi, Torino 2007 V. Grossman, Tutto scorre..., Adelphi, Milano 2010 M. Bloch, La guerra e le false notizie. Ricordi (1914-1915) e riflessioni (1921, Fazi Roma 2014 J.M. Keynes, Le conseguenze economiche della pace, Adelphi, Milano 2007 A. Spinelli, E. Rossi, Il manifesto di Ventotene, qualsiasi edizione
Frequency
Attendance is highly recommended.
Exam mode
The examination will be conducted orally in Italian, unless otherwise agreed. The assessment will focus on the knowledge acquired, the ability to place issues and events in their complex spatial and temporal context, and the adequacy of the conceptual, linguistic and argumentative tools related to historical knowledge.
Lesson mode
Lessons will be conducted in a classroom setting, using multimedia materials, maps and documents discussed with students.
  • Lesson code1022728
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseHistory, Anthropology, Religions
  • CurriculumStorico-religioso
  • Year1st year
  • Semester2nd semester
  • SSDM-STO/04
  • CFU12