AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course will analyze some primary sources upon which the history of English-speaking and French-speaking Atlantic area was reconstructed. The course will focus on North America from 1492 to 1791, including the history of Native Americans and the history of the slaves of African descent. The course will include some teacher-led lectures, but it will be based on students' oral presentations mostly. Students will be given reading assignments to be discussed in class. The main learning outcome of the course is to have a general knowledge of the primary sources of historiography related to the first three centuries of the North-American history, and the historiographic debate which is associated with such sources.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Contents for students who are taking the 6-CFU course

The course is aimed at analyzing the development of the concept of Atlantic history, and the primary sources of its historiography. The course will consider the English-speaking and French-speaking Atlantic – specifically North America and the Caribbean – from 1492 to 1791. The first few classes will be dedicated to the origins and development of Atlantic history. The rest of the course will be based on students' oral presentations. Students will be given reading assignments to be discussed in class. Students are advised to take this course after successful completion of the course "History of North America". The course won't cover the period following 1791, but such period is nevertheless part of the topics of the final exam. For attending students, regular attendance is required, together with presentations and other assignments. No exceptions will be made. Attending students must be able to read texts in French, English and Italian; They can skip the texts indicated in the bibliography section (excepted text number 1). Non-attending students and students who don't attend regularly can prepare for the exam by studying the texts indicated in the bibliography section. Students who struggle to find the texts included in the bibliography must promptly ask the professor for help and further instructions.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The reading list for this course, together with the lecturer's suggestions and instructions are available on the Italian version of the web page.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MATTEO BINASCO (President)

LUCA LO BASSO

CHIARA VANGELISTA

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Monday February 19th 

Class schedule

SOURCES AND METHODS FOR ATLANTIC HISTORY

EXAMS

ASSESSMENT METHODS

- During the course students will do individual oral presentations
- Final exam: an oral exam on the topics covered by the course and bibliography. A commission will evaluate students' success in reaching learning goals by testing students' knowledge of topics, students' ability to answer promptly and accurately, and their ability to speak clearly and confidently.
- Students' knowledge and understanding will be assessed. The course is meant to enable students to acquire solid knowledge of the history and historiography of North-Atlantic area (and its relationship with Europe) in modern and contemporary age.
- Students' ability to use their knowledge will also be assessed. The course enables students to perfect their abilities (ability to write correctly, to present one's knowledge to specialized and non-specialized audiences, to use their knowledge in professional or academic contexts.

Exam schedule