Program Overview

---

MODERN HISTORY

Course Overview

The course provides an accurate knowledge of the political features relating to the modern age (16th-18th centuries). The course also investigates: the birth of the modern state, its institutional characteristics, forms and symbols of power, diplomacy, armies and navies, with a focus on Europe.

Aims and Content

Learning Outcomes

The course provides an accurate knowledge of the political features relating to the modern age (16th-18th centuries). The course also investigates: the birth of the modern state, its institutional characteristics, forms and symbols of power, diplomacy, armies and navies, with a focus on Europe.

Aims and Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, the student who was actively involved during the lessons and/or made adequate preparations on the recommended texts must possess the following requirements:

• The student will know the main events of the modern age, with particular reference to the aspects and issues that determine the evolution of politics and international relations inside and outside the European continent.
• The student will know the most important factors that caused these changes and will have critical tools for analyzing the social, political, economic, and cultural system.
• The student will be capable of applying the knowledge and critical tools achieved during the academic activities to develop a better understanding of causes and consequences of social and economic phenomena.
• The student will have to explore and judge the processes that characterized the historical becoming as well as the multifaceted causes of contemporary times.
• The student will be capable of communicating efficiently their own ideas and opinions while confronting with colleagues and professors in the classroom about topics proposed.
• The student will know notions and concepts in order to develop and complete the exam of Storia Moderna within the course of study in Scienze dell'Ammistrazione e della Politica, useful for obtaining basic notions and concepts related to the course.

Prerequisites

A good knowledge of ancient and medieval times is recommended.

Teaching Methods

Unless otherwise indicated due to the evolution of the health situation, the course will take place in the traditional way, that is, in the presence of lectures.

Syllabus/Content

The course provides an accurate knowledge of the political features relating to the modern age (16th-18th centuries). The course also investigates: the birth of the modern state, its institutional characteristics, forms and symbols of power, diplomacy, armies and navies, with a focus on Europe.

Recommended Reading/Bibliography

• P. Viola, L'Europa moderna. Storia di un'identitŕ, Torino, Einaudi, 2004
• For the unprepared: W. Reinhard, Storia del potere politico in Europa, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2001, pp. 91-113; 165-230; 335-361; 411-465.

Teachers and Exam Board

Teachers

• Luca Lo Basso
• Leonardo Scavino

Exam Board

• Luca Lo Basso (President)
• Renzo Repetti (President Substitute)
• Leonardo Scavino (Substitute)

Lessons

Lessons Start

19 February 2026

Class Schedule

The timetable for this course is available.

Exams

Exam Description

The final exam takes place in oral form and in the Italian language. It consists of an interview between the teacher and the student, lasting about 20 minutes. For attending students, most of the interview will focus on the topics covered in class and in the recommended texts. For non-attending students, the interview will focus on the topics of the texts indicated in the program.

Assessment Methods

During the final exam, the candidate is required to demonstrate a good preparation on the adopted texts and, if attending, on the topics covered in class. This preparation is assessed through a discussion with the examiner.

In principle, the grade will take into account the following ranges:

• Evaluation of the notional aspects: up to 10/30
• Evaluation of elaboration skills: up to 15/30
• Evaluation of communication skills: up to 5/30

Exam Schedule

• 15 December 2025, 09:00, Genova
• 12 January 2026, 09:00, Genova
• 2 February 2026, 09:00, Genova
• 3 June 2026, 09:00, Genova
• 19 June 2026, 09:00, Genova
• 6 July 2026, 09:00, Genova
• 7 September 2026, 09:00, Genova

Agenda 2030 - Sustainable Development Goals

• Quality education
• Gender equality
• Peace, justice, and strong institutions