نظرة عامة على البرنامج

HISTORY AND CULTURE OF EASTERN EUROPE: ITINERARIES OF STUDY (LM)

Program Overview

The program "HISTORY AND CULTURE OF EASTERN EUROPE: ITINERARIES OF STUDY (LM)" is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the history and culture of Eastern Europe, with a focus on the 19th century. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze and interpret the complex historical, political, and cultural dynamics of the region.

Program Details

• Code: 98451
• Academic Year: 2025/2026
• Credits:
  • 9 cfu anno 1 SCIENZE STORICHE 11915 (LM-84 R) - GENOVA
  • 9 cfu anno 3 LINGUE E CULTURE MODERNE 8740 (L-11) - GENOVA
  • 6 cfu anno 2 LINGUE E LETTERATURE MODERNE PER I SERVIZI CULTURALI 9265 (LM-37) - GENOVA
  • 6 cfu anno 2 LINGUE E LETTERATURE MODERNE PER I SERVIZI CULTURALI 9265 (LM-38) - GENOVA
• Scientific Disciplinary Sector: M-STO/03
• Language: Italian
• Teaching Location: GENOVA
• Semester: 1° Semester
• Teaching Materials: Available on Aulaweb

Aims and Content

Learning Outcomes

The program aims to provide students with a detailed understanding of the history of Russia from the 9th century to the present day, with a focus on the history of different cultures and religions in the Russian world in the modern and contemporary age. Students will acquire a method of critical interpretation of historiographical literature and develop their ability to adopt the specific technical language of the discipline.

Aims and Learning Outcomes

The objective of the program is to provide students with a detailed picture of the historical, political, economic, and social situation of Russia during the reign of Alexander II. Students will acquire a profound knowledge of the period of Russian history characterized by the battle for the liberation of serf peasants and demonstrate the ability to adopt the specific technical language of the discipline.

Prerequisites

A basic knowledge of European history and the history of culture in the 19th century is desirable.

Teaching Methods

Lessons will take place in person, with the possibility of remote attendance via the Teams platform. Teaching materials and resources will be made available on Aulaweb. The program will include the use of slides, historical and geographical films, and maps to support student learning.

Syllabus/Content

The program will cover the following topics:

• The Decembrist movement
• Nicholas I: conservative or reformer?
• Bureaucrats, writers, academics
• The discontent of the nobility
• The formation of the intelligentsia
• Channels for expressing public opinion
• The Slavophiles and the Westerners
• The accession to the throne of Alexander II
• The politics of emancipation
• Herzen and Chernyshevsky
• The translation of the principles into the law of liberation
• Russian society after emancipation
• Historical judgment

Recommended Reading/Bibliography

Reading List for Students (6 ECTS)

• Attending Students: Franco Venturi, Il populismo russo. Herzen, Bakunin, Černyševskij, vol. 1, Milano, Mimesis Edizioni, 2021 (selected pages). Marco Natalizi, Il caso Černyševskij, Milano, Bruno Mondadori, 2006
• Non-Attending Students: Contact the teacher to agree on an additional text

Reading List for Students (9 ECTS)

• Attending Students: Isaiah Berlin, Il riccio e la volpe e altri saggi, Milano, Adelphi, 1986 (selected pages). Franco Venturi, Il populismo russo. Herzen, Bakunin, Černyševskij, vol. 1, Milano, Mimesis Edizioni, 2021 (selected pages). Marco Natalizi, Il caso Černyševskij, Milano, Bruno Mondadori, 2006
• Non-Attending Students: Contact the teacher to agree on an additional text

Teachers and Exam Board

• Teacher: Marco Natalizi
• Exam Board: Marco Natalizi (President), Emiliano Beri, Guri Schwarz (Substitute), Roberto Sinigaglia (Substitute)

Lessons

• Lessons Start: September 23rd, 2025
• Class Schedule: Available on Portale EasyAcademy

Exams

• Exam Description: Oral exams will verify the effective acquisition of knowledge and the ability to make causal connections between historical events.
• Exam Schedule:
  • 16/12/2025, 09:00, GENOVA
  • 13/01/2026, 09:00, GENOVA
  • 03/02/2026, 09:00, GENOVA
  • 26/05/2026, 09:00, GENOVA
  • 16/06/2026, 09:00, GENOVA
  • 14/07/2026, 09:00, GENOVA
  • 02/09/2026, 09:00, GENOVA

Further Information

• Curriculum of the Lecturer: Marco Natalizi is an Associated Professor in History of Eastern Europe. His most significant publications include Il burattinaio dell'ultimo Zar. Grigorij Rasputin and Pietro il Grande. Uno zar in Europa.
• Agenda 2030 - Sustainable Development Goals: The program contributes to the following SDGs: No poverty, Quality education, Gender equality, Reduce inequality, Sustainable cities and communities, Peace, justice and strong institutions.