UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI ROMA TOR VERGATA
| Teacher: Prof. Salvatore Romeo |
| E-mail: s.romeo1984@gmail.com |
| CFU: 6 Course code: 804002395 Degree: Master’s Degree “Scienze della Storia e del documento” Course delivery modalities: In-presence |
Language: Italian Pre-requisites: Good knowledge of contemporary history Attendance: Optional Assessment method: Oral examination |
| Period: 1st term |
| Starting day: |
| Class hours Tuesday, 2.00 p.m. – 4.oo p.m., T20 Wednesday, 1.00 p.m. – 3.00 p.m., T20 Thursday, 1.00 p.m. – 3.00 p.m., T33 |
| Program: |
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The 20th century, with its social, economic, and technological transformations, marked a turning point in the relationship between humans and the environment. The problems caused by the impacts of human activities progressively increased in scale, taking on an increasingly broader scope until they emerged as global challenges. In light of this, historical studies have also adopted the category of “Anthropocene” to denote a phase in which the development of human societies has profoundly altered natural dynamics. The course aims, first and foremost, to focus attention on the causes that triggered these processes and on the contents they have assumed in terms of modifications to ecological and territorial configurations; secondly, it intends to examine the responses developed by the various actors in the public sphere (technicians, social forces, political actors, businesses, institutions, etc.) in the face of environmental issues. Particular attention will be given to the Italian case, highlighting its specificities compared to the experience of the older industrialized countries. |
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| Educational goals and expected learning outcomes: |
| A) Learning Outcomes: Make sure that the student master the main historiographic questions and interpretations concerning the topics of the program; moreover, that he knows how to use and work critically around the historical sources, in view also of the elaboration of the degree thesis. The student must know how to apply the skills gained in the study of other themes and historical periods. He will also have to achieve a critical spirit of judgment and be able to clearly present what has been learned. B) Knowledge and Understanding: within the framework of a solid knowledge of contemporary history, the student will acquire particular skills on the topics dealt with. Through the study of relevant texts of historiography and direct historical sources, the student will develop scientific knowledge of a specialized level. C) Applying Knowledge and Understanding: thanks to the methodological preparation achieved, the student will be able to investigate other aspects and problems related to the topics dealt with. He can use the skills acquired also in the study of other historical subjects. D) Making Judgements: students will be able to collect and interpret data useful for the comprehension and analysis of historical documents and historiographic texts, to comment critically in autonomy the contents and for reflection on social, scientific, or ethical issues related to them, having acquired the ability to formulate independent judgments. E) Communication Skills: students will be able to communicate correctly, rigorously and effectively information, ideas, problems and solutions regarding the main issues addressed, both to specialist interlocutors of the discipline and to non-specialists. For this purpose we will try to direct the student to structure and refine their communication skills, including through discussion and debate in the classroom, the assignment of seminar tasks. F) Learning Skills: the module should provide a significant contribution to the development process by the student of the cognitive and theoretical-critical skills necessary for an independent and specialized study of the historical disciplines. This includes the ability to formulate original research hypotheses and to know how to properly develop them. |
| Methods and criteria for verifying the learning: |
| The exam assesses the student’s overall preparation, the ability to combine knowledge about each part of the syllabus, the coherence of argumentation, the analytical ability, and the autonomy of judgment. In addition, the student’s command of language and clarity of presentation are also assessed, in adherence with the Dublin descriptors (1. knowledge and understanding; 2. applying knowledge and experience; 3. making judgments; 4. learning skills; 5: communication skills). The final grade will be based 70% on the student’s depth of knowledge and 30% on the student’s ability for expression (written and oral) and independent critical thinking. The exam will be evaluated according to the following criteria: – Failed: significant deficiencies and inaccuracies in the knowledge and the understanding of the subject matter; poor analytical and synthesizing skills, recurrent generalizations, limited critical and judgmental skills; the arguments are exposed inconsistently and with inappropriate language. – 18-20: Knowledge and understanding of topics barely adequate, with occasional generalizations and imperfections possible; sufficient capacity for analysis synthesis and autonomy of judgment, the arguments are frequently exposed in an incoherent manner and with inappropriate/non technical language. – 21-23: Fair knowledge and understanding of the subject; proper analysis and synthesis skills with coherent, logical argumentation, but with language that is often inappropriate/non technical. – 24-26: Moderate knowledge and understanding of the subjects; good analytical and synthesis skills with arguments expressed rigorously but with language that is not always appropriate/technical. – 27-29: Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the subjects; remarkable analytical and synthesis skills. Good autonomy of judgment. Topics expounded rigorously and with appropriate/technical language. – 30-30L: Excellent level of in-depth knowledge and understanding of the subjects. Excellent skills in analysis, synthesis, and independent judgment. Arguments are expressed in an original way and with appropriate technical language. |
| Teaching methods: |
| Throughout the lessons, various topics are addressed through lectures, analysis of sources, and historiographical literature, both Italian and international, with active involvement of the students. Starting from materials provided by the teacher, students can develop further insights and present them in class according to a format that will be explained during the course and aimed at learning techniques for elaborating, writing, and presenting seminar-style short texts. |
| Attendance modalities: |
| The course is divided into 18 lessons of 2 hours, for a total of 36 hours. Additional hours will be possible to complete the program. Students will have to participate in the frontal explanation parts, use the teaching materials provided by the teacher and animate the debate in the classroom. |
| Previous year | Following year |