CONTEMPORARY EUROPEAN HISTORY
AY 2023-2024
Learning Objectives
Identify the principal themes, major events, persons and ideas of the history of 20th century Europe and the West. Develop historical thinking skills and analyse the past using a historical methodology.
Contents
The course will deal with major social, political and economic dynamics of contemporary European history during the 20th century from a global perspective and with particular attention to social and cultural history and history of emotions issues.
Attending students will study in particular European history since the First World War, with special attention to the second post-war years and the so-called affluent society and to the crisis of the 1970s until global and post-industrial society.
The course requires a basic knowledge of European history of the twentieth century. Students without this knowledge should consult a general history book on European history (i.e. H. Stuart Hughes, J. Wilkinson, Contemporary Europe)
Listening and reading knowledge of English and basic knowledge of Italian is also required. Additional readings, slides, and other material will be distributed during the course. Class participation is not compulsory but it is highly recommended.
Registration for the final oral exam is done online at the end of the course.
Methods of Evaluation
Oral exam on the topics covered in class + (not compulsory) Written essay on a topic related to the issues dealt with in the course chosen by the student (min. 30,000 characters space included)
Suggested readings list
- I. Kershaw, Roller-Coaster Europe 1950-2017, Penguin Books 2019
E-learning platform: elearning.unisi.it/moodle
Some useful tips to prepare your paper/thesis: thesis writing guide (pdf)
Office Hours
Wednesday: 9:00-11:00 am
Office hours can be also held online and by appointment.
Please contact me by email: gianni.silei@unisi.it
via Mattioli, 10 – Room 64, III Floor
GMeet: https://meet.google.com/biz-yhxr-ecb