UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI ROMA TOR VERGATA 
| Teacher: Prof. Gianluca Fiocco |
| E-mail: fiocco@lettere.uniroma2.it |
| CFU: 6 Course code: 804002822 Degree: Master’s Degree “Scienze della Storia e del documento” Course delivery modalities: In-presence |
Language: Italian Pre-requisites: Basic knowledge of Contemporary History Attendance: Optional Assessment method: Oral examination |
| Period: 2nd term |
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| Program: |
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The course aims to provide students with a solid foundation regarding the main features of contemporary history and important methodological issues of which those who work in this disciplinary area must be aware. More specifically, the following questions will be addressed: possible definitions and interpretations of contemporary history; problems of historical periodization; sources for contemporary history; historiographical schools and their methodologies; role of the contemporary historian and problems related to the public use of history. Major historiographical issues will also be taken into consideration and some thematic strands of contemporary history will be explored, examining relevant authors and works.
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A Bibliography will be indicated on the basis of the interests expressed by students, both attending and non-attending.
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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 methodological issues concerning historical research. 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. 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: |
| Frontal lessons; practical involvement of students through the reading and analysis of historical documents and historiographic texts. |
| Attendance modalities: |
| The course is divided into 15 lessons of 2 hours, for a total of 30 hours. Additional hours will be possible to complete the program. During classes, students will use the teaching materials provided by the teacher and animate the debate in the classroom. |
| Previous year | Following year |