S0601 Italian Contemporary History

The course is an introduction to modern Italian politics, society and culture in a historical and comparative perspective. Students are provided with a basic knowledge of the main events and issues related to the period 1796-2003, from Napoleon to Berlusconi, i.e. from the process of Nation-Building to the Present. Participants have the opportunity to develop themes of their interest, defined in agreement with the Professor, through an oral presentation and a written paper, which will be discussed with the rest of the class.\r\n

Topics may include:
Geographic diversity and historical processes (mountains, countryside and cities – ideas of \"Nature\" in Italy – cities as organizing principles of Italian life – the North/South divide)

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The Catholic Church and education of sentiments (the relationship between mother and son – Protestant versus Catholic Societies – the Catholic Church and the late formation of a Modern State in Italy)

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The Risorgimento (Italy as the \"Land of Art and Beauty\" – the idea of \"Italy\" throughout the Centuries – the role of Literature in the process of Unification)

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Building the Nation-State, 1860-1914 (Parliamentary Monarchy – Liberals, Socialists and Catholics – State and Church relations – the debate on the creation of a national language)

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The Southern Question, emigration and industrial take-off, 1860-1914 (the \"Civil War\" in the South - the origins of the Mafia - Italy as a second comer: economy and ideology)

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First World War, the origins and development of Fascism, 1914-1929 (interventionism and neutralism – D\'Annunzio and Fiume – how does a dictatorship rise to power?)

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Structures and Policies of the \"Totalitarian State\", 1929-1940 (Italy compared to Germany and Spain – Cultural policies of the Regime – the role of women under Fascism)

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Second World War, 1940-1945 (Italo-German Relations – Italian Racialism and anti-Semitism – the Resistance – the War in Italian Literature and Collective Memory)

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The Italian Republic and the Cold War, 1945-1994 (Communists and Christian Democrats – 1968 and after – Political Terrorism - Craxi)

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The Great Transformation, since 1958 (Economic Miracle – Industrial Districts – changes in society and the physical landscape)

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Recent trends, since 1994 (further changes in economy and society – Politicians on trial - European Union - debate on Constitutional Reform – Northern Secessionism - Berlusconi).

\r\nThe course will be structured in twenty-four sessions of 1.5 hours, consisting of interactive lectures and discussions, plus a final session during Exam Week. Use of audio-visual material will be made: slides, transparencies and songs. Movies shown every week, in the evening, - selected by Prof. Pes - will contribute to the understanding of Italian culture and history .