Course program
Students will be progressively lead to knowledge of the history of Diplomacy in early
modern Age. After a methodological introduction to the study of discipline, the course
examines diplomacy as a practice (diplomatic agents, ambassadors, nuntii, etc.), diplomacy as a political action (negotiation) also in connection to espionage, diplomacy as communication, political language and cultural process.
Furthermore, it will be analysed the strong link which characterizes new diplomatic practice and the development of modern States, during the great political, religious and socio-cultural transformations of western early modern history and first european globalization (from XVth to XIXth centuries).
In order to investigate the meaningful contribution to the development of international relations, given by diplomacy through getting information and negotiation, the course will deal with the following subjects: the Italian States and the balance of powers; The Italian Wars and the extension of the modern diplomacy to the others European States; the European Colonial Expansion; the global dimension of Papal diplomacy; the adaptation of diplomacy during the European religious wars; the building of a "society of States" during XVIIIth century; the new diplomacy of French Revolution and the genesis of "European Concert" at the Congress of Vienna (1814-15).
Finally, the evolution of modern diplomacy will be examined also considering the diplomatic sources (letters, reports, etc.) and the coeval writings about the role of ambassador.
Prerequisites
No prerequisite
Books
Testi adottati:
1) Stefano Andretta, L'arte della prudenza. Teoria e prassi della diplomazia nell'Italia
dal XVI al XVI secolo, Roma, Biblink, 2005.
2) Un testo a scelta tra:
Francesco Vitali, I nunzi pontifici nella Firenze di Ferdinando I (1587-1609), Roma,
Nuova Cultura, 2017.
Paola Volpini, Il viaggio dell'ambasciatore tra Stati italiani e corti europee (XVI-XVII s.),
Roma, TAB, 2020.
3) Circa 80 pagine integrative fornite dal docente sull'ultima parte del programma (obbligatorie per ogni studente).
Frequency
Attendance is optional, but recommended.
Exam mode
The final oral examination consists of questions (at least three) based on the content found in the prescribed books and the teaching material made available. The test lasts as long as necessary to check both the degree of understanding of the content and the ability to express it adequately. The final assessment, expressed in thirtieths, with a record of the grade, will take place for all students, whether attending or not, by means of an oral examination. This examination, lasting approximately thirty minutes, aims to assess comprehension of the questions posed and the ability to elaborate a series of articulate and coherent answers through the use of appropriate vocabulary. Attending students will have the opportunity to progressively self-assess their learning through classroom follow-up questions, guided discussions and the mock oral interview.
Lesson mode
This teaching uses the following methodologies:
- Lessons with wide contents, with a final discussion on the central topics of the lesson.
- Lectures based on texts (slides, images, etc.), with their analysis and the discussion by the whole class.
- Specific materials on the topics covered in class will be available in a virtual classroom (or through the use of moodle). The use of these platforms will also provide the possibility of a participative and shared pathway of knowledge by promoting active interaction between lecturer and students on issues, topics and themes of the course.
