Economic history of contemporary Europe LM – 2024-2025

File:Bandiera italiana foto.svg   File:Flag of the United Kingdom (3-5).svg

Teacher: Prof. Daniela Felisini; Prof. Elisa Grandi
E-mail: felisini@uniroma2.it
CFU: 6
Course code: 8048688
Degree: Master’s Degree “Scienze della Storia e del documento”
Course delivery modalities: In-presence
Language: Italian
Pre-requisites: Basic knowledge of European history in the global context of the contemporary age
Attendance: Optional
Assessment method: Oral examination
Period: 2nd term
Starting day: Tuesday, 15 April 2025
Class hours
Tuesday, 11.00 a..m.-1.00 p.m., Classroom T21
Wednesday, 11.00 a..m.-1.00 p.m., Classroom T27
Thursday, 11.00 a..m.-1.00 p.m., Classroom T26
Program:
Europe in the history of global capitalism (1870-1970)
This course explores the trajectory of European economy in history of global capitalism, from the 19th century to the present, emphasizing the role of the State and political institutions. It particularly focuses on the period from the end of World War II to the Seventies, examining European integration and recent globalization. It will analyze national and supranational economic policies in response to crises, modernization, and globalization throughout the 20th century.
Special attention will be given to the relationship between European countries and international economic governance, studying how global economic institutions have influenced the domestic policies of EU member states. It will also cover economic policies from the 1930s to the 1970s, addressing colonization and decolonization, the Cold War, and economic and industrial development.
Several sessions will be dedicated to in-depth seminars and discussions on resources (such as energy sources and agricultural commodities), inequality, and sustainability. These seminars will provide opportunities to delve into topics like development, inequality, and the social and environmental impacts of energy policies. Students will engage in individual or group research projects, culminating in a final presentation and a broad collective discussion on the topic.
Text books:
A) Students of MA in Scienze della storia e del documento and MA in Filosofia will study:

  1. One of the following two textbooks:
    • I. T. Berend, Storia economica dell’Europa nel XX secolo, Milano, Bruno Mondadori, 2008.
    • C. Fumian, A. Giuntini (a cura di), Storia economica globale del mondo contemporaneo, Roma, Carocci, 2022.
  2. C. Bastasin, G. Toniolo, La strada smarrita. Breve storia dell’economia italiana, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2020.

B) Students of MA Progest and other MAs will study:

  1. V. Zamagni, Perché l’Europa ha cambiato il mondo. Una storia economica, Bologna, il Mulino, 2015.
  2. C. Bastasin, G. Toniolo, La strada smarrita. Breve storia dell’economia italiana, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2020.
Bibliography:
  • R. Allen, Storia economica globale, Bologna, il Mulino, 2013
  • F. Albritton Jonsson e C. Wennerlind, Scarcity: A History from the Origins of Capitalism to the Climate Crisis, Cambridge, Mass., Harvard University Press, 2023
  • D. H. Meadows, D. L. Meadows; J. Randers; William W. Behrens III, I limiti dello sviluppo, 1972
  • S. Guerrieri, L. Tedoldi, Storia delle istituzioni internazionali, Roma, Laterza, 2024..
Educational goals and expected learning outcomes:
A) Learning Outcomes: The student is expected to acquire an in-depth knowledge of European economic history in the global context along the 19th-21st centuries, focusing on the economic role played by the State and institutions.
B) Knowledge and Understanding: The course involves the acquisition of in-depth knowledge of economic history, progressively broadening the horizon from Europe to non-European countries in the contemporary age. Through the specific readings suggested by the teacher during the lessons, students will obtain specialized knowledge regarding the proposed monographic theme.
C) Applying Knowledge and Understanding: Students will be able to re-elaborate the knowledge and methodologies acquired during the lessons, applying them firstly to the preparation of a paper based on the critical commentary and comparison of the materials proposed by the teacher.
More broadly, the knowledge acquired during the course can be applied to the critical elaboration and treatment of multiple types of sources and literature, useful for the preparation of the master thesis in one of the historical disciplines of the course of study. Students will also be able to study independently and use the knowledge and methodologies acquired to address other research topics that fall within their field of study.
D) Making Judgements: Lectures and seminar activities will be able to stimulate the students’ critical analysis skills and their independent judgment, which will allow them to independently evaluate the information contained in the selected materials regarding the topics covered, also in a comparative perspective.
E) Communication Skills: Through ongoing oral and written tests, aimed at stimulating analysis and synthesis skills as well as rigor and clarity in presentation, students will achieve the ability to effectively transmit their knowledge and illustrate their point of view, with clear and well articulated arguments. Students will be able to present the results of their written work using both traditional communication tools and multimedia ones. The discussion in the classroom will also encourage discussion between peers and communication skills.
F) Learning Skills: Students will develop adequate learning skills that will allow them to take on a proactive role in the development of research hypotheses not only in the field of economic history but in the broader field of historical disciplines. The skills and methodologies acquired may find an outlet in a subsequent third cycle of improvement and in multiple professional activities.
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:
Lectures on the topics of the course, in-depth seminars on topics of specific relevance, classroom discussions.
Attendance modalities:
Attendance, which is optional, is strongly recommended.
Previous year Following year