EARLY MODERN HISTORY I

The course is thought for students of the degree [FT3] LETTERE - Scienze del testo letterario e della comunicazione (L). Its first aim is to analyse what changed during the Early Modern age in comparison with the previous ages and, at the same time, what preluded to the present world. In this sense, the course shows how political, social and cultural phenomena, happened between the 16th and the 18th centuries, contributed to create the world we are living in.
During the lessons, it will be studied not only historical events, but also wider themes, such as the history of demography, societies and culture. A special attention will be put on historiographical theories, methodology and the spatial dimension, crucial to contextualise the events.

-knowledge of the main events of the Early Modern age
-knowledge of the main trends of the historiographical debate
-awareness of the role of the historiographical methodologies (use of secondary literature and analysis of primary sources)

Good knowledge of the Italian language.

The main themes of the course are:
Introduction (the concept of modernity and post-modernity; why it is important to study early modern history). 16th century (the concept and birth of the Early Modern State; the age of explorations and discoveries; Europe in the age of Carl V; the Reformation; the Counterreformation). 17th century (Philip II and his monarchy; the Low Countries rebellion; wars of religion and the Thirty Years War; the concept of absolutism and the French monarchy under Luis XIV; the English revolutions; the 17th century crisis). 18th century (Enlightenment and the age of reforms; the European monarchies in the age of reforms; the wars of successions; the American revolution; the French revolution; Napoleon; the industrial revolution).

Mandatory reading:
Carlo Capra, Storia moderna: 1492-1848, Firenze: Le Monnier Università, 2021 (4th edition).
The study of the above-mentioned text is mandatory for the exam preparation. It is not required the reading of any further specific monograph, except possible, integrative material indicated by the professor during the lessons, such as journal articles, chapter in monographs, historical maps. All the instructions will be given through the Moodle space of the course.

The exam consists in a discussion about the main themes, events and historiographical theories analysed during the course and explained in the textbook.

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.

The examination will prove the knowledge and awareness of the course contents, as well as the oral expression skills.
The scores will be given according to the following scale:
18-23: sufficient results
24-26: medium to good
27-28: very good
29-30 cum laude: excellent to outstanding

The lessons will be partly devoted to lectures given by the professor and partly developed as a hand on workshop. Among possible activities that will be carried there are: finding and analysis of primary sources; creation of historical maps; textual analysis of secondary literature; creation of sketch, charts and diagrams; exercises to train memory; research training; critical thought development.

In order to enhance the learning process and actively stimulate the students’ participation, the lessons will be partly devoted to classical, frontal teaching and partly to workshop activities. For this reason, it is highly recommended the presence in person.
Students with special needs are kindly invited to write in advance to the professor at gaia.bruno@unive.it

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Poverty and inequalities" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development