The course will begin with a general introduction to Italian history; ideas, concepts and interpretations. Considering theoretical, real and practical problems in the conceptualization of the nation’s identity, these issues will feature throughout the module’s exploration of economic, social and political change. Developing a solid grounding in the dramatic changes in Italian society from 1918 until the present, students will be encouraged to explore, analyse and discuss the continuities, or otherwise, in modern Italy. Beginning with the First World War, the course will pay particular attention to the development of modern Italy, plus the obstacles and opportunities within its process. Following a consideration of the impact of the war, a detailed study of the interwar period will establish what Italian Fascism was, what it meant for Italian people and its legacy. With war once again providing a dramatic rupture in Italian society, politics and history, the post-1945 period will consider the influence of America and the Cold War upon the internal battle for political control between the Left and the Catholic Right. This period will also focus on Italy’s economic recovery and re-entry into ‘normal’ diplomatic relations that was rubber-stamped by the 1960 Rome Olympic Games. With the country’s foreign relations stabilised, attention will turn to the internal crises of insurrection, terrorism, mafia activity and corruption. Tangentopoli, the collapse of the old political order, plus the nature, rise and impact of Silvio Berlusconi’s entry into politics will conclude the course after which, students will be asked to assess the nature of modern Italy, how we might define it, and to what extent sport has been integral in the construction of any such definitions. 

This 28 x 1.15 minute hour series of classes will be based around lectures and structured group break-out work. Groups will then report back to the class and all participants will be encouraged to venture opinions. Teaching will also include the use of video material and site visits within Rome.

Students should come to lectures prepared, having completed the assigned readings before each class that will enable the student to develop an historical overview of events, and articulate and discuss the major economic, social and political forces that shaped modern Italy.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. engage with debates, argue and write analytically about selected social, economic, political and cultural issues.
2. demonstrate a detailed knowledge of modern Italy and some of the fundamental historiographical arguments surrounding the different periods.
3. use theory and case studies to better understand the development of modern Italy.
4. assess critically the role that social, political, economic and cultural issues played in the construction of political legitimacy of the various political regimes in Italy from 1860 to 2009.
5. use a multidisciplinary approach to assess the success with which the various regimes attempted to create national identity.
6. show an understanding of the role of sport in Italy’s development and how cultural/sport history offers a different means of understanding/conceptualising the nation’s history and development.

A: Work of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.

B: This is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.

There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluate theory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.

C: This is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.

D: This level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.

Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included. In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.

January

16        Introduction and Organization

18        What is Italy?

23        Italy and the Great War

25        Italy and the Great Peace

30        The Crisis of the Liberal State

February

1          The Rise of Fascism

3          The Fascist Dictatorship

6          Fascist Economics

8          Demographics and New Italians

13        Coercion, Consent and the Working Class 

15        Fascist Sport

20        Cults and Culture

22        Fascism and Architecture

27        Foreign and Racial Policy

29        World War Two

March

5          Course Review

7          Mid-Term Exam

10        Site Visit – Fosse Ardeatine

12        World War II

14        Reconstruction

26        Economic Miracle

28        Sporting 60s

April

2          Site Visit Foro Italico

4          Mafia

16        Terrorism

18        Clean Hands

23        Forza Italia