CULTURAL HISTORY

A history of provocation. Provocation is a theme in cultural history that cuts across politics, literature, art, social life and international relations. It generally consists of the deliberate transgression of a rule, but in cultural history the issue becomes more complex because it involves the transgression not only of written rules, but also of social conventions, collective sentiments and taboos. As a history of provocation has not yet been written, the course will be the result of collective work in the classroom, which will also involve the use of the facilities of the Department of Excellence.

Based on arguments described above, the student is expected to be
- able to consolidate the acquisition of the key concepts of modern history
- able to critically interpret the use of theoretical concepts in the study of specific realities and in the interpretation of sources.

General knowledge of European modern history.

The course will explore how issues and problems relating to provocation as a theme in cultural history can be addressed from a historical and cultural perspective. This is a subject that cuts across politics, literature, art, social life and international relations, providing a useful analytical tool for understanding the dynamics of society, culture, and relations between individuals and states. Transgression is often defined as the deliberate violation of a rule; cultural history shows us that the issue is broader, as it concerns not only the violation of written rules, but also rules of behaviour, social conventions, collective sentiments and taboos. Transgression, however, becomes significant when challenging the rules serves to change and improve them, offering society an alternative path that goes beyond mere protest. Through a series of concrete case studies, we will see that being bold, transgressive and rebellious is a trait that runs through history, politics, literature and art, but also the history of women, minorities and the marginalised. Building on experiments carried out in previous years, from the fifth lecture onwards, students will be encouraged to reflect and propose further case studies or experiences that can be adapted into short podcasts, to be produced using the Department’s facilities.

For English speaking students:
1) Peter Burke, "What is cultural history?" Polity Press 2019

2) Fernanda Alfieri, "Veronica e il diavolo. Storia di un esorcismo a Roma"; Torino, Einaudi, 2021

Oral examination. International students please contact the professor for further details and English texts.

oral

The lecturer has a duty to ensure that the rules regarding the authenticity and originality of exam tests and papers are respected. Therefore, if there is suspicion of irregular conduct, an additional assessment may be conducted, which could differ from the original exam description.

0-17/30 = failing grade
18-22/30 = sufficient rating
23-26/30 = good
27-30/30 = more then good / very good
30/30 e lode = excellent

Frontal lesson, PowerPoint, online sources, Moodle, Podcast design

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development