OVERVIEW

The course aims to narrate world history through man's activities on the sea through the centuries between the Middle Ages and the contemporary age, with a particular focus on the globalisation phenomena that began in the 16th century, as recently suggested in a celebrated work by D. Abulafia (2020). A large part of the course will be devoted to global maritime connections from the early modern age to the present day, with particular reference to international issues in relation to the control and exploitation of maritime spaces and their legal regulation.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to analyze the general features and historiographical interpretations of maritime history with particular reference to global issues and the connections between the different geographical areas that were created by sea between the Middle Ages and the contemporary age. In addition, great attention will be paid to the issues of international relations in relation to the control and safety of maritime routes between the end of the Middle Ages and the contemporary age

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to analyse the general outlines and historiographical interpretations of maritime history with particular reference to global issues and the connections between the different geographical areas that were created by sea between the Middle Ages and the contemporary age. Furthermore, great attention will be paid to the issues of international relations in relation to the control and security of maritime routes between the late Middle Ages and the contemporary age. The course is part of the training of future practitioners in the field of globalisation and its development, in issues related to the defence of the environment, with particular attention to the sea, and more generally to international relations.

By the end of the course students should have acquired knowledge in the field of maritime history in relation to the phenomenon of globalisation between the early modern and the contemporary age.

By the end of the course, students will have developed:

• The ability to understand the main themes of the discipline and to follow its events and processes;

• The ability to critically interpret data and issues related to the subject matter, and to reflect on key topics, forming independent judgments;

• The ability to communicate, using appropriate language, information and issues related to maritime history;

• The acquisition of essential tools and the ability to use them in such a way as to pursue further studies in the field and apply them in professional life.

PREREQUISITES

Good knowledge of the general history of the modern and contemporary age.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures and seminar lectures. Attendance is strongly recommended. In the event of force majeure, the Teams channel may be used: hkv9q8h.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Using J.M. Smith's (2013) definition, maritime history is the study of human interaction with the sea and its activities. It covers a broad thematic element of history, often using a global approach, although many national and regional histories still remain predominant. As an academic discipline, it crosses the chronological boundaries of traditional historical subjects, focusing on understanding humanity's various relationships with the world's oceans, seas and major waterways. 
Maritime history encompasses numerous topics including: fishing, whaling, international maritime law, naval history, history of ships, ship design, ship building, history of navigation, history of the various sciences related to the sea (oceanography, cartography, hydrography, etc.), exploration of the sea, and the history of the sea. ), the exploration of the sea, maritime economy and trade, navigation, yachting, seaside resorts, the history of lighthouses and aids to navigation, maritime themes in literature, maritime themes in art, the social history of seafarers and passengers and sea-related communities, and much more.

Space will also be given to the use of maritime inoconography from different historical periods in relation to artistic commissions and the use of inconographic sources.

A portion of the course, totaling 12 hours, will be dedicated to: Greek-owned shipping and maritime societies during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Education contributes to Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

D. Abulafia, Maritime History of the World, Milan, Mondadori, 2022 (parts four and five only).

Further readings for in-depth study will be indicated during the lectures, with particular reference to the section on iconographic sources and, above all, to the part of the course taught by the supporting instructor.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

II semester

16 february 2026

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral examination and/or in-depth study of a research topic in written form.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

During the final examination, the candidate is required to demonstrate a reasonable level of preparation on the adopted texts and, if attending, on the topics covered in class. This preparation is ascertained by means of a discussion with the examiner.

In principle, the mark will take the following ranges into account

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

evaluation of communication skills: up to 5/30

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students who have duly filed a 
certification of DSA, disability or other special educational needs 
special educational needs to contact the lecturer at the beginning of the course, in order to 
agree on teaching and examination methods that, while respecting the 
teaching objectives, take into account the individual's learning 
individual learning methods and provide suitable compensatory tools.