The course explores the evolution of politics in the contemporary era, with particular emphasis on the role of the media and the changing languages and forms of political communication. Students will develop historical and analytical skills essential for understanding the dynamics of politics in the age of mass communication.
teacher profile teaching materials
Erasmus students may take the examination in English or French, preparing on texts in the respective language.
A) Chapoutot, Johann. Controllare e distruggere : fascismo, nazismo e regimi autoritari in Europa (1918-1945). Torino Einaudi, 2015 e Jäger, Anton. Iperpolitica : politicizzazione senza politica. Roma Nero, 2024 [n.b. These books are shorter than the others and therefore come in a pair]
B) Westad, Odd Arne.La guerra fredda globale : gli Stati Uniti, l'Unione Sovietica e il mondo. Milano Il saggiatore, 2015
C) Gentiloni Silveri, Umberto. Storia dell'Italia contemporanea, 1943-2023 Bologna Il Mulino, 2024
D) Di Donato, Michele. Le socialdemocrazie in transizione : una storia internazionale degli anni Settanta. Bologna Il Mulino, 2024
E) Mishra, Pankaj. L'età della rabbia : una storia del presente. Milano Mondadori, 2018
Programme
The course traces the history of modern politics from the formation of nation-states and mass ideologies in the nineteenth century through to the political transformations of the early twenty-first century. After an introduction to the key concepts of modern politics and nationalism, the course examines the rise of mass parties and competing ideological systems — liberalism, socialism, fascism, and imperialism — against the backdrop of the World Wars and their aftermath. Particular attention is devoted to the origins, development, and global reach of the Cold War, including its cultural dimensions and its intersection with the process of decolonization. Alongside this international perspective, the course offers a sustained focus on Italian political history, from the founding of the Republic to these days. The final part of the course addresses the decline of the Cold War order, the rise of neoliberal globalization, and the emergence of new transnational challenges — including environmental politics and climate change — that have reshaped the political landscape up to the present day. The course concludes with a reflection on the contested categories of "post-politics" and "hyper-politics" as frameworks for understanding contemporary political life.Core Documentation
Attending students will bring two texts (or pairs of texts) from those listed in the following groups to the examination (for example: texts from group A + a text from group C). Non-attending students will bring three texts or groups of texts.Erasmus students may take the examination in English or French, preparing on texts in the respective language.
A) Chapoutot, Johann. Controllare e distruggere : fascismo, nazismo e regimi autoritari in Europa (1918-1945). Torino Einaudi, 2015 e Jäger, Anton. Iperpolitica : politicizzazione senza politica. Roma Nero, 2024 [n.b. These books are shorter than the others and therefore come in a pair]
B) Westad, Odd Arne.La guerra fredda globale : gli Stati Uniti, l'Unione Sovietica e il mondo. Milano Il saggiatore, 2015
C) Gentiloni Silveri, Umberto. Storia dell'Italia contemporanea, 1943-2023 Bologna Il Mulino, 2024
D) Di Donato, Michele. Le socialdemocrazie in transizione : una storia internazionale degli anni Settanta. Bologna Il Mulino, 2024
E) Mishra, Pankaj. L'età della rabbia : una storia del presente. Milano Mondadori, 2018
Attendance
Attendance is not mandatory but it is strongly recommendedType of evaluation
For attending students, the assessment will be based on participation in the seminar activities scheduled throughout the course and on a final oral examination. Non-attending students will take a final oral examination only.