OVERVIEW

The society of the early modern period (XVI-XVIII sec.). In the course will be provided the tools to know the shapes, explain the dynamics and decipher the meanings

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide the student with the basic knowledge for the study of social history, with particular attention to the modern period. First, by introducing concepts, models, themes, interpretative lines, sources and methods of the historical-social approach, with particular attention to the interrelationship between History and social theory. Secondly, by examining some major issues related to the social history of the modern period (social stratification, work, family, language, nutrition, superstition, health, war, knowledge)

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The objectives of the course are mainly two:

    To understand the structural aspects of the society of the modern age, in its various fields and problems
    To master the historiographical vocabulary and the instruments of analysis and interpretation of the sources.

At the end of the course the student

- know how to use the most important tools to understand historical processes in their social dimension;

- know how to interpret the links between institutional development, cultural development and social developments in the modern and early contemporary age;

- know how to interpret contemporary society in the light of the social, economic, political and institutional changes of the previous centuries;

- will know the main forms of resistance to power developed in the modern age and will therefore be able to better interpret the phenomena of social resistance in the contemporary age.

PREREQUISITES

General knowledge of early modern history

TEACHING METHODS

The lessons will be held hopefully in presence, with the possibility for students to follow also at a distance (confirmation of the adopted mode will be given as soon as possible).

The lessons can also be followed remotely on the Teams platform (code: I2mbkkd)

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Attempts to define social history

Social changes between Middle Ages and Ancien Régime

The birth of the modern state

Revolts and revolutions (XV-XVIII century)

Some forms of resistance to power (cultural, political, religious):
- The plight of women: Boccaccio, Chaucester, Christine de Pizan, Agrippa of Nettesheim. Witch hunts and witchcraft.
- The "war of the peasants".
- Banditism and brigandage.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Reference bibliography

Attending students prepare the exam on the topics covered during the lectures and complete the preparation on two books chosen among those indicated here.

Non-attending students prepare the exam on four books chosen among those indicated here.

C. Pancino, Storia sociale. Metodi, esempi, strumenti, Marsilio, Padova 2003

R. Repetti, Alle origini dei diritti dell'uomo. Cultura della dignità e dei diritti tra XV e XVI secolo, Genova, Ecig, 2010

R. Repetti, La nuova spiritualità dell'età moderna, Genova, Ecig, 2021, IV ed.

G. Romagnani, La società d'antico regime (XVI-XVIII sec.). Temi e problemi, Carocci, Roma 2010

C.M. Cipolla, Contro un nemico invisibile. Epidemie e strutture sanitarie nell'Italia del Rinascimento, Il Mulino, Bologna 2007

C. Ginzburg, I Benandanti, Adelphi, Milano, 2020

C. Ginzburg, Storia notturna. Una decifrazione del sabba, Adelphi, Milano, 2017

E. J. Hobsbawm, I banditi. Il banditismo sociale nell'età moderna, Einaudi, Torino 2002

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

RENZO REPETTI (President)

EMILIANO BERI

PAOLO CALCAGNO (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

17 february 2022

Class schedule

SOCIAL HISTORY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final exam takes place in oral form and in italian language. It consists of an interview between the teacher and the student, lasting about 20 minutes. For attending students, most of the interview will focus on the topics covered in class and in the recommended texts. For non-attending students, the interview will focus on the topics of the texts indicated in the program.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

During the final exam, the candidate is required to demonstrate a good preparation on the adopted texts and, if attending, on the topics covered in class. This preparation is assessed through a discussion with the examiner.

In principle, the grade will take into account the following ranges:

evaluation of the notional aspects: up to 10/30;
evaluation of elaboration skills: up to 15/30;

evaluation of communication skills: up to 5/30

Exam schedule