History, Anthropology, Religions

Course Topic: The Evolution of the International Economy from the First Industrial Revolution to Current Globalisation Programme: The aim of the course is to analyse the main features of historical economic processes from the first industrial revolution to current globalisation, considering their social, institutional and geopolitical aspects. Particular attention is placed on the evolution of international business cycles. The main phases of economic development between the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 21st century are analysed, as well as the behaviour of some national and international paths, considering, among other things the characteristics of the industrial revolutions and their spread in the 19th century; the colonial dynamics; the changes of the 20th century; the role of wars and economic crises in the reorganisation of capitalism; the connections between development processes and changes in political and social structures; the main philosophical and economic theories related to the evolving industrialisation; the evolution of socialist systems; the globalisation of the international economy and the birth of the European Union; the changes in the second half of the 20th century from the Cold War to the war in Ukraine; the fourth industrial revolution and digital capitalism; the transition from “divergence” to the new “convergence” between East and West in the last two decades.

No specific prerequisites required. General knowledge of contemporary history topics covered in the school curriculum is recommended.

1. V. Zamagni, Perché l’Europa ha cambiato il mondo. Una storia economica, Bologna, il Mulino, 2024. 2. One of the following two volumes of the student's choice: a) G. Di Taranto, La globalizzazione diacronica, Torino, Giappichelli, 2013; b) D. Strangio, Globalizzazione, disuguaglianza, migrazioni. Introduzione alla storia economica contemporanea, Roma, Carrocci, 2017. There are no additional texts for non-attenders. It will be possible to share further learning materials via class room.

Not mandatory

The examination is designed to verify and assess the student's learning, the conceptual and linguistic competence, the capacity for interpretation, synthesis and judgement on the course topics. The final vote can be between 18 and 30 cum laude (if lower than 18 it is insufficient). On the basis of the course progress, it will be possible to organise intermediate written or oral tests, either individual or in groups, reserved for attending students. Students participating in international exchange programmes may agree on a specific examination programme.

Up-front classes; it will be possible to organise meetings with experts on the topics of the course programme.