North American History and Institutions
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The course concerns the main political aspects of the history of the United States, considering the historical developments of the nation from its birth to the present, and offering critical discussions of some fundamental documents of U.S. History as well as of current affairs in the U.S. in historical perspective. Topics include the major schools of thought
and approaches, the connection between domestic and foreign politics, and the connection between the principles of the American republic and the pragmatism of its leadership. Concerning knowledge and understanding the course aims to apply original ideas in a research context, and to solve new problems in the field, making judgements on new issues, as well as the ability to communicate these skills to a broad publlic. Finally, with exercises of comprension of historical cases, we will try to obtain learning skills to study in an autonomus way.
and approaches, the connection between domestic and foreign politics, and the connection between the principles of the American republic and the pragmatism of its leadership. Concerning knowledge and understanding the course aims to apply original ideas in a research context, and to solve new problems in the field, making judgements on new issues, as well as the ability to communicate these skills to a broad publlic. Finally, with exercises of comprension of historical cases, we will try to obtain learning skills to study in an autonomus way.
Expected learning outcomes
The whole skills will enable the students to develop an ability to understand critically contemporary issues. They would be able to understand the complexity of contemporary world, perceive cultural, social and political interchanges, and behave as careful citizen in a world in transformation.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
The course will run in presence during the first week onf November. Other lessons run on platform Teams starting from October 5, 2020.
Course syllabus
The first part of the program addresses issues concerning the history and politics of the United States, including the welfare state, the development of modern conservatism, Congress and presidential powers, and national security. Following the study of American politcal history, as well the main interpretations that chaged over time, these issues will help us for a better understanding of American politics today.
The monograph part of the course reflects on the war of 1812 between United States and Great Britain and how the War Hawks were able to bring the American citizens in a second War of Independence and to create the symbols of contemporary America such as the figure of Uncle Sam and the hymn The Home of the Brave.
The third part of the course reflects on the transformation of American journalism from Benjamin Franklin's newspaper to the political use of the press in the age of penny press and muckraking. In particular we will reflect on the figure of Benjamin Lay, the first abolitionist in the Quaker movement who inspired Franklin. To carry on this part we will use movies, documentaries, websites.To carry on this part we will use movies, documentaries, websites, and the resource American Historical Newspapers in our digital library.
The monograph part of the course reflects on the war of 1812 between United States and Great Britain and how the War Hawks were able to bring the American citizens in a second War of Independence and to create the symbols of contemporary America such as the figure of Uncle Sam and the hymn The Home of the Brave.
The third part of the course reflects on the transformation of American journalism from Benjamin Franklin's newspaper to the political use of the press in the age of penny press and muckraking. In particular we will reflect on the figure of Benjamin Lay, the first abolitionist in the Quaker movement who inspired Franklin. To carry on this part we will use movies, documentaries, websites.To carry on this part we will use movies, documentaries, websites, and the resource American Historical Newspapers in our digital library.
Prerequisites for admission
None.
Teaching methods
Remote lessons with the help of slides, PowerPoint, images, websites and video.
Teaching Resources
Giovanni Borgognone, Storia degli Stati Uniti. La democrazia americana dalla fondazione all'era globale, Feltrinelli, Milano, 2016;
Marco Sioli, a cura di, War Hawks. Gli Stati Uniti e la guerra del 1812, FrancoAngeli, Milano, 2019;
Marcus Rediker, Il piantagrane. Storia di Benjamin Lay, Eleuthera, Milano, 2019.
Marco Sioli, a cura di, War Hawks. Gli Stati Uniti e la guerra del 1812, FrancoAngeli, Milano, 2019;
Marcus Rediker, Il piantagrane. Storia di Benjamin Lay, Eleuthera, Milano, 2019.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists in oral discussion on Teams. Questions point to evaluate in a clear way the general knowledge of the History of United States. and also addressing all the argument treated in the monographic part of the course. There will be also a written paper on a film presented during the lessons or a research on an article chosen by the students on the databank online American Historical Newspapers to be send directly to the mail of the professor. More in general the exam aimed to verify that the lessons drawn from American history can be useful to describe politics in contemporary United States, up to the impeachment of Donald Trump.
SPS/05 - AMERICAN HISTORY AND INSTITUTIONS - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Sioli Marco Mario
Professor(s)
Reception:
Tuesday from 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm.
Milan, Via Passione 13, room 112.