OVERVIEW

Modern History (Scienze politiche e dell'amministrazione, I semestre, 8 CFU; Scienze Internazionali e diplomatiche, II semestre, 10 CFU)

The course provides an accurate knowledge of characteristics, events and typical processes of the Modern Age (XV-XVIII centuries), meant as a crucial period of historical evolution from Ancient age to contemporaneity.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course provides an appropriate knowledge of the most peculiar and significant themes of the history of the modern world (XV-XVIII), meant as a crucial period of historical evolution from Ancient age to contemporary one.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, students who have actively attended classes and/or have adequately prepared using the recommended readings will:

a) acquire knowledge of the major events of the Early Modern period, with particular reference to the issues and dynamics accompanying the evolution of politics and international relations both within and beyond Europe. They will understand the principal factors that brought about these changes and will therefore possess stronger critical tools for interpreting today’s social, political, economic, and cultural systems (knowledge and understanding).

b) be able to apply the knowledge acquired and the critical skills developed to the continuation of their academic studies, gaining greater confidence in understanding the causes and contributing factors of social and political phenomena (applying knowledge and understanding).

c) develop a satisfactory degree of independent judgment regarding the processes that have characterized historical development, as well as the multifaceted causes underlying contemporary realities. The use of historical research methodology and secondary sources provides an excellent foundation for the acquisition of these skills (making judgements).

d) be able to communicate their ideas and opinions effectively, also through the constructive exchange of views with fellow students and the instructor on the topics discussed throughout the course (communication skills).

e) acquire both knowledge and methodological tools that will enable them to integrate the work undertaken for the Modern History examination with their degree program in International and Diplomatic Sciences, thereby facilitating the learning of the fundamental concepts and principles of the disciplines that inform the program (learning skills).

These objectives are pursued through lectures, seminars, and practical activities scheduled throughout the semester, as well as through preparation based on the prescribed readings. The ultimate aim is to develop a critical understanding of connections and discontinuities, turning points and continuities, within a chronological framework that necessarily links past and present and, consequently, past, present, and future.

In the academic year 2026/27, the Modern History course will continue to participate in the Teaching Innovation Program developed within the framework of the University of Genoa’s Teaching Innovation Project.

Within this context, a significant portion of the course will be delivered through non-traditional teaching methods. These methods involve the implementation of a continuous assessment approach for attending students. Of the three weekly classes (each lasting two hours), two will be conducted in the form of traditional lectures (covering topics in Modern History according to the syllabus outlined in the course description), while one will be devoted to the History Gamification Laboratory.

Active participation in at least 70% of the activities, whether individually and/or in groups, is a necessary and indispensable requirement for students to be considered attending students. Such participation will be subject to continuous assessment of both individual and group activities.

The individual and/or group assessments carried out by the instructor during these activities will serve both as certification of participation and as the basis for determining the starting grade for the final oral examination.

MODERN HISTORY LABORATORY

The course includes a 20-hour laboratory dedicated to the theme of the gamification of history as an example, methodology, and tool of public history. Full participation in the Laboratory and its activities is mandatory for attending students.

PREREQUISITES

A general knowledge of the main historical events and processes from antiquity to the contemporary.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching will be conducted in a traditional format, with face-to-face lectures and activities.

The teaching of Modern History  participates in the educational innovation project supported by our University. Throughout the semester, innovative teaching activities will be proposed, which are further specified in the "Educational Objectives (Details)" section.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Course Introduction;

What is History; Etymology and Meanings

History and periodization;

Hints at the methodology of historical research;

The characters of modernity;

The Renaissance;

The birth and affirmation of modern states;

Protestant Reformation and Catholic Reformation;

The Crisis of the Seventeenth Century;

England between the two Revolutions;

The Age of Enlightenment;

The French Revolution;

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. A manual of your choice between:

    a) A. SPAGNOLETTI, Il mondo moderno, Il Mulino, 2005

    b) V. CRISCUOLO, Storia moderna, seconda edizione, Pearson MyLab, 2024

2. V. FRAJESE, Il processo a Galileo. Il falso e la sua prova, Ed. Morcelliana, 2021

3. R. REPETTI, La nuova spiritualità dell'età moderna, Genova, ECIG, 2021

N.B.
The contents exposed in class, for attending students, serve to integrate, clarify and deepen the study of texts.
For students interested in deepening individual study themes, specific readings will be indicated during the course or meetings through the e-learning portal of Genoa University  (Aulaweb).

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

RENZO REPETTI (President)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Second semester, 2026 February.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

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

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with certified DSA, disability or other special educational needs are advised to contact both the contact person Prof. Aristide Canepa (aristide.canepa@unige.it) and 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 individual learning methods and provide suitable
compensatory tools.