Political science and international relations

The course will start from a methodological premise on the notion of global history, and will then deal with the salient features of the integration of space that took place worldwide between the 15th and 19th centuries. Through a comparative and non-Eurocentric perspective we will analyse how during the modern age States and Empires activated between continents (Asia, America, Africa, Europe), seas and oceans, an exchange unprecedented in size, quality and frequency. This ‘connection’ will be explored especially in relation to the following aspects: the Mongolian Empire, the Muslim Empires (Ottoman, Safavid, Mughal), the Chinese Empire and Japan, the Russian Empire, Pre-Columbian America, the formation of modern states in Europe and the Overseas Empires of Spain and Portugal, the new colonial empires (Netherlands, France, England), international markets and global networks, slavery and world trade, trade diasporas and politico-religious migrations, the spread of religions in modern times and culture, demographic and ecological dynamics, British hegemony, and the Atlantic revolutions. Therefore, the course will show how the first globalisation occurred along peculiar and different lines from the second one, which was produced by the great divergence that had started in the 19th century between Europe and Asia as a result of the industrial revolution. At the same time, it will highlight the profound links and intertwining between those dynamics and the contemporary reality of today's society and world.

no prerequisite.

1) Sebastian Conrad, Storia Globale. Un'introduzione, Roma, Carocci, 2015. 2) Charles H. Parker, Relazioni globali nell'età moderna 1400-1800, Bologna, il Mulino, 2012. Testi adottati e bibliografia di riferimento: 1) Sebastian Conrad, Storia Globale. Un'introduzione, Roma, Carocci, 2015 e a scelta: 2) Charles H. Parker, Relazioni globali nell'età moderna 1400-1800, Bologna, il Mulino, 2012. oppure: 2) Sanjay Subrahmanyam, Mondi connessi. La storia oltre l'eurocentrismo (secoli XVI-XVIII). oppure: 2) Federica Morelli, Il mondo Altantico: una storia senza confini (secoli XV-XIX), Roma, Carocci, 2013 oppure: 2) Aurélia Michel, Il bianco e il negro. Indagine storica sull'ordine razzista, Torino, Einaudi, 2021

Attendance is optional, but recommended.

The final oral examination consists of questions (at least three) based on the content found in the prescribed books and the teaching material made available. The test lasts as long as necessary to check both the degree of understanding of the content and the ability to express it adequately. The final assessment, expressed in thirtieths, with a record of the grade, will take place for all students, whether attending or not, by means of an oral examination. This examination, lasting approximately thirty minutes, aims to assess comprehension of the questions posed and the ability to elaborate a series of articulate and coherent answers through the use of appropriate vocabulary. Attending students will have the opportunity to progressively self-assess their learning through classroom follow-up questions, guided discussions and the mock oral interview.

This teaching uses the following methodologies: - Lessons with wide contents, with a final discussion on the central topics of the lesson. - Lectures based on texts (slides, images, etc.), with their analysis and the discussion by the whole class. - Specific materials on the topics covered in class will be available in a virtual classroom (or through the use of moodle). The use of these platforms will also provide the possibility of a participative and shared pathway of knowledge by promoting active interaction between lecturer and students on issues, topics and themes of the course.