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Workshops

Workshops

In 2025-2026, the following workshops will be activated:

Permanent seminar on local history - Prof. Anna Stagno

00  classroom 2 - Balbi 2
- 10 November 15.00 - 18.00  classroom 2 - Balbi 2
- 27 November 15.00 - 18.00  classroom 2 - Balbi 2
- 24 November 15.00 - 18.00  lecture room 2 - Balbi 2

Duration: 5 meetings of 3 hours each, for a total of 15 hours, in addition to the self-study required for the drafting of a final paper. 

For further information and to enrol: send an email to matteo.caponi@unige.it, specifying the course of study and the year of the course.

The workshop's web classroom is available at the link: https://2025.aulaweb.unige.it/course/view.php?id=6663

Contents
The aim of the workshop is to provide students with the tools to write their Master's thesis, starting with the main research methodologies and the collection of sources up to the drafting and revision of the text. The following topics will be covered:

  1. What is a thesis and what is it for; how to choose a thesis topic; the thesis paper as argumentative text.
  2. The use of the vocabulary and argumentative style proper to the discipline of historiography.
  3. The retrieval of sources and bibliography (research in archives and libraries; databases and online digital resources).
  4. The organisation of a structured text (abstract, subdivision into chapters and paragraphs).
  5. The critical apparatus and editorial standards.

Training Objectives
At the end of the course the student will be able to:

  • Operate a selection of sources, identifying their type and hierarchy (documentary; primary printed; secondary; digital);
  • Write an abstract of the thesis project and derive keywords from it;
  • Create a table of contents, with an indicative division into chapters;
  • Apply appropriate editorial criteria (make footnotes correctly and know how to cite sources);
  • Edit bibliography and sitography.

Students are required to attend and actively participate.

Reference Texts
Fabio Rossi, How to write a dissertation today. Guida pratica per tesi, tesine e altri elaborati, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2025.

Modalities of assessment
Editing a final paper that includes title, abstract, keywords, provisional index and bibliography of the thesis project.

00  classroom 2 - Balbi 2
- 10 November 15.00 - 18.00  classroom 2 - Balbi 2
- 27 November 15.00 - 18.00  classroom 2 - Balbi 2
- 24 November 15.00 - 18.00  lecture room 2 - Balbi 2

Duration: 5 meetings of 3 hours each, for a total of 15 hours, in addition to the self-study required for the drafting of a final paper. 

For further information and to enrol: send an email to matteo.caponi@unige.it, specifying the course of study and the year of the course.

The workshop's web classroom is available at the link: https://2025.aulaweb.unige.it/course/view.php?id=6663

Contents
The aim of the workshop is to provide students with the tools to write their Master's thesis, starting with the main research methodologies and the collection of sources up to the drafting and revision of the text. The following topics will be covered:

  1. What is a thesis and what is it for; how to choose a thesis topic; the thesis paper as argumentative text.
  2. The use of the vocabulary and argumentative style proper to the discipline of historiography.
  3. The retrieval of sources and bibliography (research in archives and libraries; databases and online digital resources).
  4. The organisation of a structured text (abstract, subdivision into chapters and paragraphs).
  5. The critical apparatus and editorial standards.

Training Objectives
At the end of the course the student will be able to:

  • Operate a selection of sources, identifying their type and hierarchy (documentary; primary printed; secondary; digital);
  • Write an abstract of the thesis project and derive keywords from it;
  • Create a table of contents, with an indicative division into chapters;
  • Apply appropriate editorial criteria (make footnotes correctly and know how to cite sources);
  • Edit bibliography and sitography.

Students are required to attend and actively participate.

Reference Texts
Fabio Rossi, How to write a dissertation today. Guida pratica per tesi, tesine e altri elaborati, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2025.

Modalities of assessment
Editing a final paper that includes title, abstract, keywords, provisional index and bibliography of the thesis project.

1 CFU

Lecturers: Marco Natalizi

Start and Times:

  • Tuesday 04/11/2025 17.00 - 19.00 - Classroom 3 - Balbi 2
  • Tuesday 11/11/2025 17.00 - 19.00 - classroom 3 - Balbi 2
  • Tuesday 18/11/2025 17.00 - 19.00 - classroom 3 - Balbi 2
  • Tuesday 25/11/2025 17.00 - 19.00 - classroom 3 - Balbi 2
  • Tuesday 02/12/2025 17.00 - 19.00 - Classroom 3 - Balbi 2

Duration: There will be 5 meetings of 2 hours each, in addition to the self-study required for the presentation of a final paper.

For further information and to register: prof. Marco Natalizi marco.natalizi@unige.it

Contents
This workshop aims to offer to the students of the three-year course in History a path of in-depth study and seminar discussion on the political and social history of the USSR up to the collapse of the Berlin Wall, in order to refine their critical approach to the various historical sources and to develop a good mastery of the historiographical debate. The focus of the workshop is on the history of the USSR/Russia, but the events of the Soviet regime will be contextualised in a broader framework through the study of the ways in which the Kremlin's international challenges influenced its domestic agenda.
After an extensive introduction reflecting on the idea of 'Greater Russia', the major phases of the Soviet twentieth century will be analysed, with a stronger focus on the years 1928-1953.
The impact of the Stalin regime on the Soviet Union in economic and political terms, but also in social and cultural terms, the real scope and limits of Kruščëv's 'thaw', and finally the main features of the last years of the USSR will be examined.

Methodology
The lectures will combine the analysis of primary sources, which concern crucial aspects of the topic addressed, with an in-depth historiographical discussion.

Bibliography
O. Chlevnjuk, Stalin. Biography of a Dictator, Mondadori, Milan, 2016.
E. Cinnella, 1917. La Russia verso l'abisso, Della Porta Editori, Pisa, 2012.
E. Cinnella, Stalin's Russia: the formation of the totalitarian regime, Pisa, Della Porta Editori, 2021.
S. Fitzpatrick, Everyday Stalinism: Ordinary Life in Extraordinary Times: Soviet Russia in the 1930s, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2000. 
A. Graziosi, The USSR of Lenin and Stalin. Storia dell'Unione Sovietica, 1914-1915, il Mulino, Bologna, 2007
A. Graziosi, L'URSS dal trionfo al degrado: storia dell'Unione Sovietica, 1945-1991, il Mulino, Bologna, 2007.
R.A. Medvedev, Ascesa e caduta di Nikita Chruščëv, Editori Riuniti, Roma, 1982.
S. Bialer, I successori di Stalin, Milano, Garzanti, 1985.

Documents
The sources to be analysed will be proposed in the course of the workshop.
For a framing of the general issues, A. Graziosi, Archivalist Revolution and Soviet Historiography, in "Contemporanea", 2005, no. 1.

1 CFU

Lecturers: Marco Natalizi

Start and Times:

  • Tuesday 04/11/2025 17.00 - 19.00 - Classroom 3 - Balbi 2
  • Tuesday 11/11/2025 17.00 - 19.00 - classroom 3 - Balbi 2
  • Tuesday 18/11/2025 17.00 - 19.00 - classroom 3 - Balbi 2
  • Tuesday 25/11/2025 17.00 - 19.00 - classroom 3 - Balbi 2
  • Tuesday 02/12/2025 17.00 - 19.00 - Classroom 3 - Balbi 2

Duration: There will be 5 meetings of 2 hours each, in addition to the self-study required for the presentation of a final paper.

For further information and to register: prof. Marco Natalizi marco.natalizi@unige.it

Contents
This workshop aims to offer to the students of the three-year course in History a path of in-depth study and seminar discussion on the political and social history of the USSR up to the collapse of the Berlin Wall, in order to refine their critical approach to the various historical sources and to develop a good mastery of the historiographical debate. The focus of the workshop is on the history of the USSR/Russia, but the events of the Soviet regime will be contextualised in a broader framework through the study of the ways in which the Kremlin's international challenges influenced its domestic agenda.
After an extensive introduction reflecting on the idea of 'Greater Russia', the major phases of the Soviet twentieth century will be analysed, with a stronger focus on the years 1928-1953.
The impact of the Stalin regime on the Soviet Union in economic and political terms, but also in social and cultural terms, the real scope and limits of Kruščëv's 'thaw', and finally the main features of the last years of the USSR will be examined.

Methodology
The lectures will combine the analysis of primary sources, which concern crucial aspects of the topic addressed, with an in-depth historiographical discussion.

Bibliography
O. Chlevnjuk, Stalin. Biography of a Dictator, Mondadori, Milan, 2016.
E. Cinnella, 1917. La Russia verso l'abisso, Della Porta Editori, Pisa, 2012.
E. Cinnella, Stalin's Russia: the formation of the totalitarian regime, Pisa, Della Porta Editori, 2021.
S. Fitzpatrick, Everyday Stalinism: Ordinary Life in Extraordinary Times: Soviet Russia in the 1930s, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2000. 
A. Graziosi, The USSR of Lenin and Stalin. Storia dell'Unione Sovietica, 1914-1915, il Mulino, Bologna, 2007
A. Graziosi, L'URSS dal trionfo al degrado: storia dell'Unione Sovietica, 1945-1991, il Mulino, Bologna, 2007.
R.A. Medvedev, Ascesa e caduta di Nikita Chruščëv, Editori Riuniti, Roma, 1982.
S. Bialer, I successori di Stalin, Milano, Garzanti, 1985.

Documents
The sources to be analysed will be proposed in the course of the workshop.
For a framing of the general issues, A. Graziosi, Archivalist Revolution and Soviet Historiography, in "Contemporanea", 2005, no. 1.

Granted by the Bachelor's Degree Course in Conservation of Cultural Heritage

1 or 2 CFU depending on the type of participation

Lecturers: Anna Maria Stagno, with the support of Drs.Ms Laura Moro, Ms Laura Gago Chorén, Ms Ylenia Paciotti, Ms Eltjana Shkreli and Ms Giorgia Frangioni 

Period: 1st semester

Start: will be announced later

Time: will be agreed with the students

Mode: in presence. To enrol send an email to the mailbox anna.stagno@unige.it starting from 1st September, taking care to indicate as subject "ASTRALAB ENROLLMENT" and to specify first name, surname, matriculation, course of study, curriculum, year of course. A presentation of the Laboratory's activities is planned for September.

At the AstraLab - Laboratory of Archaeology and Rural and Landscape History of DAFIST  it is possible to carry out practical activities related to the research and projects on environmental archaeology and history and rural and landscape archaeology and history underway in the European mountains. Sources and methods of rural and landscape history and archaeology will be explored through educational outings, seminars and workshop activities. The surface reconnaissance (lasting one day) will alternate with workshop activities dedicated to the analysis of current and historical cartography on a GIS platform, re-elaboration of documentation and excavation and reconnaissance data, analysis of finds, consultation of archives of field surveys and private archives held at the LASA and the LASA library.

Participation in 25 hours of workshop activities or 15 hours of workshop activities and the writing of a paper on the work carried out will allow the acquisition of 1 CFU.

Granted by the Bachelor's Degree Course in Conservation of Cultural Heritage

1 or 2 CFU depending on the type of participation

Lecturers: Anna Maria Stagno, with the support of Drs.Ms Laura Moro, Ms Laura Gago Chorén, Ms Ylenia Paciotti, Ms Eltjana Shkreli and Ms Giorgia Frangioni 

Period: 1st semester

Start: will be announced later

Time: will be agreed with the students

Mode: in presence. To enrol send an email to the mailbox anna.stagno@unige.it starting from 1st September, taking care to indicate as subject "ASTRALAB ENROLLMENT" and to specify first name, surname, matriculation, course of study, curriculum, year of course. A presentation of the Laboratory's activities is planned for September.

At the AstraLab - Laboratory of Archaeology and Rural and Landscape History of DAFIST  it is possible to carry out practical activities related to the research and projects on environmental archaeology and history and rural and landscape archaeology and history underway in the European mountains. Sources and methods of rural and landscape history and archaeology will be explored through educational outings, seminars and workshop activities. The surface reconnaissance (lasting one day) will alternate with workshop activities dedicated to the analysis of current and historical cartography on a GIS platform, re-elaboration of documentation and excavation and reconnaissance data, analysis of finds, consultation of archives of field surveys and private archives held at the LASA and the LASA library.

Participation in 25 hours of workshop activities or 15 hours of workshop activities and the writing of a paper on the work carried out will allow the acquisition of 1 CFU.

2 CFUs

Lecturer: Giuseppe Rocca (the prof. receives in the office at Via Balbi 2 on the third floor, shared with Davide Arecco and Rebecca Dossche. The phone number is: 01020951430).

Starting: 5 March 2026

Timetable: Thursdays and Fridays 3pm-5pm, classroom 4 (Via Balbi 2)

Duration: 36 hours in presence plus 14 hours of independent commitment

For more information and to enrol: prof. Giuseppe Rocca giurocca@lingue.unige.it

The following topics are proposed, to be carried out in meetings of two hours each, twice a week (for a total of 30-36 hours, equal to 2 cfu):

  1. Basic lexical questions (geographical space, territory, environment, landscape .... )
  2. Bibliographical sources for the study of the territory
  3. Statistical sources: categories, indicators, indices
  4. From the parish registers established by the Council of Trent to the other statistical sources developed in Europe during the modern age: examples of research based on this source 
  5. Population Censuses from the Unification of Italy to the Present
  6. The Censuses of Agriculture industry and services from the post World War II period to the present
  7. The cartographic sources: categories and methods of use in the chronospatial analysis of the territory
  8. Topographical maps produced by the Istituto Geografico Militare in Florence and their use in the analysis of functional transformations of the territory in Italy: examples of researches based on that source
  9. The cadastral sources and their use in the analysis of functional transformations of territory and landscape: examples of research based on such sources
  10. Direct observation of the places of historical memory
  11. Eventual educational outing in Genoa and/or the Oltregiogo genovese, dedicated to the symbolic places relating to the history of the territory visited and that still today contribute to identifying its identity

A written or oral assessment is scheduled at the end of the workshop.

The assessment of the degree of learning achieved by the student during the final examination is considered:

  • lodable, excellent or very good if the student reveals conceptual mastery, clarity of exposition and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the topics covered in the laboratory hours;
  • good or satisfactory, if the student shows correct but not always appropriate language, revealing a lack of in-depth understanding of the topics covered;
  • sufficient, if the student shows inadequate and unclear modes of expression, revealing an overall approximate preparation.

2 CFUs

Lecturer: Giuseppe Rocca (the prof. receives in the office at Via Balbi 2 on the third floor, shared with Davide Arecco and Rebecca Dossche. The phone number is: 01020951430).

Starting: 5 March 2026

Timetable: Thursdays and Fridays 3pm-5pm, classroom 4 (Via Balbi 2)

Duration: 36 hours in presence plus 14 hours of independent commitment

For more information and to enrol: prof. Giuseppe Rocca giurocca@lingue.unige.it

The following topics are proposed, to be carried out in meetings of two hours each, twice a week (for a total of 30-36 hours, equal to 2 cfu):

  1. Basic lexical questions (geographical space, territory, environment, landscape .... )
  2. Bibliographical sources for the study of the territory
  3. Statistical sources: categories, indicators, indices
  4. From the parish registers established by the Council of Trent to the other statistical sources developed in Europe during the modern age: examples of research based on this source 
  5. Population Censuses from the Unification of Italy to the Present
  6. The Censuses of Agriculture industry and services from the post World War II period to the present
  7. The cartographic sources: categories and methods of use in the chronospatial analysis of the territory
  8. Topographical maps produced by the Istituto Geografico Militare in Florence and their use in the analysis of functional transformations of the territory in Italy: examples of researches based on that source
  9. The cadastral sources and their use in the analysis of functional transformations of territory and landscape: examples of research based on such sources
  10. Direct observation of the places of historical memory
  11. Eventual educational outing in Genoa and/or the Oltregiogo genovese, dedicated to the symbolic places relating to the history of the territory visited and that still today contribute to identifying its identity

A written or oral assessment is scheduled at the end of the workshop.

The assessment of the degree of learning achieved by the student during the final examination is considered:

  • lodable, excellent or very good if the student reveals conceptual mastery, clarity of exposition and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the topics covered in the laboratory hours;
  • good or satisfactory, if the student shows correct but not always appropriate language, revealing a lack of in-depth understanding of the topics covered;
  • sufficient, if the student shows inadequate and unclear modes of expression, revealing an overall approximate preparation.

at the Historical Archives of the Genoa City Council

1 CFU

Lecturer-tutor: Enrico Isola

The workshop will take place in the second semester of the academic year 2025/26, in the months of April and May. The exact dates will be communicated at a later date.

Meeting schedule: The workshop will be held at the Historical Archives of the Municipality of Genoa, in the afternoons (Tuesday - Thursday), with exercises of 2 hours each.
Total duration: 25 hours.

For further information and to enrol: send an email to enricoisola[at]gmail.com

Contents
The aim of the workshop is to introduce students to archival work and historical research through the direct analysis of the documentation preserved in the Historical Archives of the Municipality of Genoa.
The meetings will take place through practical exercises aimed at:

  • Getting to know the structure and history of the Historical Archive;
  • Analysing the archival fonds produced by the city administration from the 15th to the 20th century;
  • Reconstruct the administrative process of a documentary file;
  • Use archival tools for research;
  • Deploy research methodology on primary sources;
  • Reflecting on the relationship between documentary sources and the construction of historical discourse.

Particular attention will be paid to significant fonds such as those of the Magistracies of the Republic of Genoa, the Ligurian Republic, the French Empire, the annexed municipalities, family archives (Brignole Sale, De Ferrari Galliera), as well as 20th century associations and personalities (Centro Ligure di Storia Sociale, CGIL, FLM).

Training objectives
At the end of the workshop, the student will be able to:

  • Recognize and describe the main archival documentary types;
  • Use tools and inventories to orientate in research;
  • Reconstruct the institutional and administrative context of the documents analysed;
  • Develop autonomous skills in reading, interpreting and contextualising primary sources;
  • Reflect critically on the relationship between document and historical narrative.

Attendance and active participation in the exercises is required.

Reference texts
Working materials will be provided during the workshop. Further in-depth readings will be indicated by the lecturer-tutor.

Methods of assessment
Presentation of a final paper documenting the research carried out on one of the funds analysed, including:

  • Description of the fund
  • Objective of the research
  • Method and tools used
  • Source analysis
  • Concluding remarks

at the Historical Archives of the Genoa City Council

1 CFU

Lecturer-tutor: Enrico Isola

The workshop will take place in the second semester of the academic year 2025/26, in the months of April and May. The exact dates will be communicated at a later date.

Meeting schedule: The workshop will be held at the Historical Archives of the Municipality of Genoa, in the afternoons (Tuesday - Thursday), with exercises of 2 hours each.
Total duration: 25 hours.

For further information and to enrol: send an email to enricoisola[at]gmail.com

Contents
The aim of the workshop is to introduce students to archival work and historical research through the direct analysis of the documentation preserved in the Historical Archives of the Municipality of Genoa.
The meetings will take place through practical exercises aimed at:

  • Getting to know the structure and history of the Historical Archive;
  • Analysing the archival fonds produced by the city administration from the 15th to the 20th century;
  • Reconstruct the administrative process of a documentary file;
  • Use archival tools for research;
  • Deploy research methodology on primary sources;
  • Reflecting on the relationship between documentary sources and the construction of historical discourse.

Particular attention will be paid to significant fonds such as those of the Magistracies of the Republic of Genoa, the Ligurian Republic, the French Empire, the annexed municipalities, family archives (Brignole Sale, De Ferrari Galliera), as well as 20th century associations and personalities (Centro Ligure di Storia Sociale, CGIL, FLM).

Training objectives
At the end of the workshop, the student will be able to:

  • Recognize and describe the main archival documentary types;
  • Use tools and inventories to orientate in research;
  • Reconstruct the institutional and administrative context of the documents analysed;
  • Develop autonomous skills in reading, interpreting and contextualising primary sources;
  • Reflect critically on the relationship between document and historical narrative.

Attendance and active participation in the exercises is required.

Reference texts
Working materials will be provided during the workshop. Further in-depth readings will be indicated by the lecturer-tutor.

Methods of assessment
Presentation of a final paper documenting the research carried out on one of the funds analysed, including:

  • Description of the fund
  • Objective of the research
  • Method and tools used
  • Source analysis
  • Concluding remarks

Master's Degree Course in Archaeology: Profession and Knowledge (ArcheoPeS)

1 or 2 CFUs depending on the type of participation

Period: 2nd semester

Lecturer: Anna Maria Stagno, with the support of José Abellan Santisteban (post-doctoral fellow), Nathan Brenu (post-doctoral fellow), Lucia Vanacore (post-doctoral fellow)

Start and Times: will be agreed with participants.

Where: at DAFIST

For more information and registration contact the lecturer.

.

Master's Degree Course in Archaeology: Profession and Knowledge (ArcheoPeS)

1 or 2 CFUs depending on the type of participation

Period: 2nd semester

Lecturer: Anna Maria Stagno, with the support of José Abellan Santisteban (post-doctoral fellow), Nathan Brenu (post-doctoral fellow), Lucia Vanacore (post-doctoral fellow)

Start and Times: will be agreed with participants.

Where: at DAFIST

For more information and registration contact the lecturer.

.

1 or 2 CFUs depending on type of participation

Lecturers: Anna Maria StagnoDenise BezzinaValentina Ruzzin

Start: 19 January 2026

Timetable: Seminars are normally held every Monday (according to the pre-set schedule) from 14.45 to 16.45. In January and February the seminars are held at UniGe-World in Via Balbi 40, from March in Lecture Hall 1, Via Balbi 6, 3rd floor 

For information and subscriptions write to:
anna.stagno@unige.it, denise.bezzina@unige.it, valentina.ruzzin@unige.it

Attached hereto is the poster with the seminar programme and how to participate.

1 or 2 CFUs depending on type of participation

Lecturers: Anna Maria StagnoDenise BezzinaValentina Ruzzin

Start: 19 January 2026

Timetable: Seminars are normally held every Monday (according to the pre-set schedule) from 14.45 to 16.45. In January and February the seminars are held at UniGe-World in Via Balbi 40, from March in Lecture Hall 1, Via Balbi 6, 3rd floor 

For information and subscriptions write to:
anna.stagno@unige.it, denise.bezzina@unige.it, valentina.ruzzin@unige.it

Attached hereto is the poster with the seminar programme and how to participate.

1 CFU

Doctors: Paolo Calcagno

Start: 30 March 2026

Meeting calendar:

  • 30 March 15-17 hrs. aula 7 (Via Balbi 2)
  • April 13, 3-5 p.m. classroom G (Via Balbi 4)
  • April 20, 3-5 p.m. classroom 7 (Via Balbi 2)
  • April 27 3-5pm classroom 7 (Via Balbi 2)

Duration: 8 hours of lectures plus individual study 

For more information and to register contact the lecturer: paolo.calcagno@unige.it

The workshop, reserved for female students of the Bachelor of History degree, aims to provide the fundamental analytical tools to contextualise the legal, economic and social position of women in the modern age. The course will be divided into four meetings of two hours each during which the participants will tackle the various themes through the analysis of documentary sources produced mainly in the Genoese sphere. 

The topics covered will be: the dotal institution, women's work, gender-based violence, and the role of women in welfare. 

At the end of the workshop, a final test is scheduled: each participant will be able to choose whether to transcribe and comment on a document provided by the lecturer or to answer three questions in written form.

1 CFU

Doctors: Paolo Calcagno

Start: 30 March 2026

Meeting calendar:

  • 30 March 15-17 hrs. aula 7 (Via Balbi 2)
  • April 13, 3-5 p.m. classroom G (Via Balbi 4)
  • April 20, 3-5 p.m. classroom 7 (Via Balbi 2)
  • April 27 3-5pm classroom 7 (Via Balbi 2)

Duration: 8 hours of lectures plus individual study 

For more information and to register contact the lecturer: paolo.calcagno@unige.it

The workshop, reserved for female students of the Bachelor of History degree, aims to provide the fundamental analytical tools to contextualise the legal, economic and social position of women in the modern age. The course will be divided into four meetings of two hours each during which the participants will tackle the various themes through the analysis of documentary sources produced mainly in the Genoese sphere. 

The topics covered will be: the dotal institution, women's work, gender-based violence, and the role of women in welfare. 

At the end of the workshop, a final test is scheduled: each participant will be able to choose whether to transcribe and comment on a document provided by the lecturer or to answer three questions in written form.