Historical Geography
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course provides the broad outlines of historical geography and the tools necessary to understand the main aspects of global consciousness and its representations from antiquity to modernity.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course the student will have acquired the knowledge of the different conceptions of the world and its representations from antiquity to the present day. It will also be able to fix historical place names in their chronological and geographical contexts. The student will be able to use linguistic tools (language properties, correct specific lexicon) appropriately to express, in a clear and effective way, the disciplinary foundations inserted in the appropriate religious, economic and political contexts of the ages of reference: he will be able to read critically maps and works of geographical-historical character, and use the main tools, including digital tools, for the research and analysis of sources. These skills will be acquired through a direct and continuous meeting with the instructor in the classroom. The discussion around the proposed sources will be an essential moment of critical reflection and methodological learning. Students opting not to attend the lessons will be able to make use of the educational tools provided by the instructor on Ariel, deepen their knowledge of main topics through special readings with the agreement with the instructor, and contact the instructor during office hours.
Lesson period: Activity scheduled over several sessions (see Course syllabus and organization section for more detailed information).
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
1st Semester Edition
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Historical Geography - first semester - Alphabetic range A-Z
Title of the program: Knowledge of the world from ancient age to modernity
Part 1: History of explorations
Part 2: The Spanish exploration of South America
Part 3: Atlantic and terrestrial routes in history
Title of the program: Knowledge of the world from ancient age to modernity
Part 1: History of explorations
Part 2: The Spanish exploration of South America
Part 3: Atlantic and terrestrial routes in history
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific prerequisites different than those requested for access to the degree program.
Teaching methods
Attendance of classes is strongly encouraged, although not mandatory.
The course is made of lessons in person aiming above all to gain of knowledge, competence and vocabulary that belong to the discipline taught. Classroom discussion is an essential part of the didactic method, stimulating critical thinking in students alongside the capability of applying earned knowledge.
The course will utilize didactic material that can be also multimedial and will be provided by the professor during the term.
The course is made of lessons in person aiming above all to gain of knowledge, competence and vocabulary that belong to the discipline taught. Classroom discussion is an essential part of the didactic method, stimulating critical thinking in students alongside the capability of applying earned knowledge.
The course will utilize didactic material that can be also multimedial and will be provided by the professor during the term.
Teaching Resources
Attending students:
Program for 6 cfu:
1) Knowledge of the topics taught in the first 40 hours of the course.
2) Knowledge of the following chapters from the books:
Ilaria Luzzana Caraci, Al di là di Altrove. Volume 1. Storia delle esplorazioni geografiche, Mursia, Milano, 2024.
Antonio Violante, Sebastiano Caboto. El piloto mayor e la sua armada dalla Spagna all'incubo del Paranà, Le Monnier Università, Firenze, 2024.
Program for 9 cfu:
1) Knowledge of the topics taught during the whole course (60 hours).
2) Knowledge of the following chapters from the books:
Ilaria Luzzana Caraci, Al di là di Altrove. Volume 1. Storia delle esplorazioni geografiche, Mursia, Milano, 2024.
Antonio Violante, Sebastiano Caboto. El piloto mayor e la sua armada dalla Spagna all'incubo del Paranà, Le Monnier Università, Firenze, 2024.
David Abulafia, La scoperta dell'umanità. Incontri atlantici nell'età di Colombo, il Mulino, Bologna, 2010.
Non-attending students:
Program for 6 cfu:
Along with the books required in the attending students' 6CFU program, knowledge of the following is required.
A book of choice among:
a) Attilio Brilli, Dove finiscono le mappe. Storie di esplorazione e di conquista, il Mulino, Bologna, 2012; Giulio Busi, Cristoforo Colombo. Il marinaio dei segreti, Le Scie Mondadori, Milano, 2020; c) David Salomoni, Magellano. Il primo viaggio intorno al mondo, Laterza, Bari, 2022; d) Antonio Musarra, L'isola che non c'è. Geografie immaginarie fra Mediterraneo e Atlantico, il Mulino, Bologna, 2023; e) Violaine Giacomotto Charra, Sylvie Nony, La terra piatta. Genealogia di un malinteso, il Mulino, Bologna, 2024.
Mandatory knowledge of: Ugo Tucci, Caboto, Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani, vol. 15, 1972. It can be downloaded for free at: www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/caboto_%28Dizionario-Biografico%29/
(http://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/caboto_%28Dizionario-Biografico%29/)
Program for 9 cfu:
Aside from the full knowledge of the attending students' 9CFU program, add the 6CFU non attending students' program materials.
Program for 6 cfu:
1) Knowledge of the topics taught in the first 40 hours of the course.
2) Knowledge of the following chapters from the books:
Ilaria Luzzana Caraci, Al di là di Altrove. Volume 1. Storia delle esplorazioni geografiche, Mursia, Milano, 2024.
Antonio Violante, Sebastiano Caboto. El piloto mayor e la sua armada dalla Spagna all'incubo del Paranà, Le Monnier Università, Firenze, 2024.
Program for 9 cfu:
1) Knowledge of the topics taught during the whole course (60 hours).
2) Knowledge of the following chapters from the books:
Ilaria Luzzana Caraci, Al di là di Altrove. Volume 1. Storia delle esplorazioni geografiche, Mursia, Milano, 2024.
Antonio Violante, Sebastiano Caboto. El piloto mayor e la sua armada dalla Spagna all'incubo del Paranà, Le Monnier Università, Firenze, 2024.
David Abulafia, La scoperta dell'umanità. Incontri atlantici nell'età di Colombo, il Mulino, Bologna, 2010.
Non-attending students:
Program for 6 cfu:
Along with the books required in the attending students' 6CFU program, knowledge of the following is required.
A book of choice among:
a) Attilio Brilli, Dove finiscono le mappe. Storie di esplorazione e di conquista, il Mulino, Bologna, 2012; Giulio Busi, Cristoforo Colombo. Il marinaio dei segreti, Le Scie Mondadori, Milano, 2020; c) David Salomoni, Magellano. Il primo viaggio intorno al mondo, Laterza, Bari, 2022; d) Antonio Musarra, L'isola che non c'è. Geografie immaginarie fra Mediterraneo e Atlantico, il Mulino, Bologna, 2023; e) Violaine Giacomotto Charra, Sylvie Nony, La terra piatta. Genealogia di un malinteso, il Mulino, Bologna, 2024.
Mandatory knowledge of: Ugo Tucci, Caboto, Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani, vol. 15, 1972. It can be downloaded for free at: www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/caboto_%28Dizionario-Biografico%29/
(http://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/caboto_%28Dizionario-Biografico%29/)
Program for 9 cfu:
Aside from the full knowledge of the attending students' 9CFU program, add the 6CFU non attending students' program materials.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final evaluation is done through an oral exam.
The parameters of evaluation: capability of organizing knowledge discursively, capability of critical reasoning over the learned topic, quality, efficacy and linearity in presentation, competence in usage of specific vocabulary.
Type of evaluation used: vote in a range between 1 and 30.
The exam mode for disabled students will have to be discussed with the professor and the University Office which is competent for this specific need.
Possible variations to the exam bibliography and other agreed programs have to be authorized by the professor during an in-person meeting within office hours (not via email).
The parameters of evaluation: capability of organizing knowledge discursively, capability of critical reasoning over the learned topic, quality, efficacy and linearity in presentation, competence in usage of specific vocabulary.
Type of evaluation used: vote in a range between 1 and 30.
The exam mode for disabled students will have to be discussed with the professor and the University Office which is competent for this specific need.
Possible variations to the exam bibliography and other agreed programs have to be authorized by the professor during an in-person meeting within office hours (not via email).
Unita' didattica A
M-GGR/01 - GEOGRAPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
M-GGR/01 - GEOGRAPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
M-GGR/01 - GEOGRAPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
2nd Semester Edition
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Title of the program: Geography yesterday and today
Part 1: The world as it is and as it appears to be
Part 2: The first Spanish exploration of South America
Part 3: Man and nature during the centuries
Part 1: The world as it is and as it appears to be
Part 2: The first Spanish exploration of South America
Part 3: Man and nature during the centuries
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific prerequisites different than those requested for access to the degree program.
Teaching methods
Attendance of classes is strongly encouraged, although not mandatory.
The course is made of lessons in person aiming above all to gain of knowledge, competence and vocabulary that belong to the discipline taught. Classroom discussion is an essential part of the didactic method, stimulating critical thinking in students alongside the capability of applying earned knowledge.
The course will utilize didactic material that can be also multimedial and will be provided by the professor during the term.
The course is made of lessons in person aiming above all to gain of knowledge, competence and vocabulary that belong to the discipline taught. Classroom discussion is an essential part of the didactic method, stimulating critical thinking in students alongside the capability of applying earned knowledge.
The course will utilize didactic material that can be also multimedial and will be provided by the professor during the term.
Teaching Resources
Attending students:
Program for 6 cfu:
1) Knowledge of the topics taught in the first 40 hours of the course.
2) Knowledge of the following books:
Gino de Vecchis, Edoardo Boria, Manuale di geografia, Carocci, Roma, 2022.
Antonio Violante, Sebastiano Caboto. El piloto mayor e la sua armada dalla Spagna all'incubo del Paranà, Le Monnier Università, Firenze, 2024.
Program for 9 cfu:
1) Knowledge of the topics taught during the whole course (60 hours).
2) Knowledge of the following books:
Gino de Vecchis, Edoardo Boria, Manuale di geografia, Carocci, Roma, 2022.
Antonio Violante, Sebastiano Caboto. El piloto mayor e la sua armada dalla Spagna all'incubo del Paranà, Le Monnier Università, Firenze, 2024.
Philipp Blom, La natura sottomessa. Ascesa a declino di un'idea, Marsilio, Venezia, 2023.
Non-attending students:
Program for 6 cfu:
Along with the books required in the attending students' 6CFU program, knowledge of the following is required.
A book of choice among:
a) Attilio Brilli, Dove finiscono le mappe. Storie di esplorazione e di conquista, il Mulino, Bologna, 2012; Giulio Busi, Cristoforo Colombo. Il marinaio dei segreti, Le Scie Mondadori, Milano, 2020; c) David Salomoni, Magellano. Il primo viaggio intorno al mondo, Laterza, Bari, 2022; d) Antonio Musarra, L'isola che non c'è. Geografie immaginarie fra Mediterraneo e Atlantico, il Mulino, Bologna, 2023; e) Violaine Giacomotto Charra, Sylvie Nony, La terra piatta. Genealogia di un malinteso, il Mulino, Bologna, 2024.
Mandatory knowledge of: Ugo Tucci, Caboto, Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani, vol. 15, 1972. It can be downloaded for free at: www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/caboto_%28Dizionario-Biografico%29/
(http://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/caboto_%28Dizionario-Biografico%29/)
Program for 9 cfu:
Aside from the full knowledge of the attending students' 9CFU program, add the 6CFU non attending students' program materials.
Program for 6 cfu:
1) Knowledge of the topics taught in the first 40 hours of the course.
2) Knowledge of the following books:
Gino de Vecchis, Edoardo Boria, Manuale di geografia, Carocci, Roma, 2022.
Antonio Violante, Sebastiano Caboto. El piloto mayor e la sua armada dalla Spagna all'incubo del Paranà, Le Monnier Università, Firenze, 2024.
Program for 9 cfu:
1) Knowledge of the topics taught during the whole course (60 hours).
2) Knowledge of the following books:
Gino de Vecchis, Edoardo Boria, Manuale di geografia, Carocci, Roma, 2022.
Antonio Violante, Sebastiano Caboto. El piloto mayor e la sua armada dalla Spagna all'incubo del Paranà, Le Monnier Università, Firenze, 2024.
Philipp Blom, La natura sottomessa. Ascesa a declino di un'idea, Marsilio, Venezia, 2023.
Non-attending students:
Program for 6 cfu:
Along with the books required in the attending students' 6CFU program, knowledge of the following is required.
A book of choice among:
a) Attilio Brilli, Dove finiscono le mappe. Storie di esplorazione e di conquista, il Mulino, Bologna, 2012; Giulio Busi, Cristoforo Colombo. Il marinaio dei segreti, Le Scie Mondadori, Milano, 2020; c) David Salomoni, Magellano. Il primo viaggio intorno al mondo, Laterza, Bari, 2022; d) Antonio Musarra, L'isola che non c'è. Geografie immaginarie fra Mediterraneo e Atlantico, il Mulino, Bologna, 2023; e) Violaine Giacomotto Charra, Sylvie Nony, La terra piatta. Genealogia di un malinteso, il Mulino, Bologna, 2024.
Mandatory knowledge of: Ugo Tucci, Caboto, Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani, vol. 15, 1972. It can be downloaded for free at: www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/caboto_%28Dizionario-Biografico%29/
(http://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/caboto_%28Dizionario-Biografico%29/)
Program for 9 cfu:
Aside from the full knowledge of the attending students' 9CFU program, add the 6CFU non attending students' program materials.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final evaluation is done through an oral exam.
The parameters of evaluation: capability of organizing knowledge discursively, capability of critical reasoning over the learned topic, quality, efficacy and linearity in presentation, competence in usage of specific vocabulary.
Type of evaluation used: vote in a range between 1 and 30.
The exam mode for disabled students will have to be discussed with the professor and the University Office which is competent for this specific need.
Possible variations to the exam bibliography and other agreed programs have to be authorized by the professor during an in-person meeting within office hours (not via email).
The parameters of evaluation: capability of organizing knowledge discursively, capability of critical reasoning over the learned topic, quality, efficacy and linearity in presentation, competence in usage of specific vocabulary.
Type of evaluation used: vote in a range between 1 and 30.
The exam mode for disabled students will have to be discussed with the professor and the University Office which is competent for this specific need.
Possible variations to the exam bibliography and other agreed programs have to be authorized by the professor during an in-person meeting within office hours (not via email).
Unita' didattica A
M-GGR/01 - GEOGRAPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
M-GGR/01 - GEOGRAPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
M-GGR/01 - GEOGRAPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Via Skype on appointment. (Search for Prof. Antonio Violante and call directly in previously agreed hours) Graduates are to get in touch via email prior to every meeting.
Department of Cultural and Environmental Heritage, Geography section, via Festa del Perdono 7, 1st floor