History and Politics of Global Powers
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
To provide students with a number of tools to better understand the complexity of the present world, the course will focus on three "Global Powers": India, the United Kingdom and the United States. In particular, in view of the current relevance of India in international relations, the course will examine, from a historical perspective, the rise and fall of the British Empire in India between the second half of the nineteenth century and the 1940s, U.S.-Indian relations during the Cold War and how regional dynamics influenced US policy in South Asia, particularly after the China-India war in 1962.
The course will look at British and U.S. policy in India from a particular perspective, namely that of focusing our attention on the personalities involved and on how their actions shaped history, dwelling, for example, on figures such as those of the British Viceroys and U.S. ambassadors to India.
From a methodological perspective the course will privilege a critical examination of the most qualified trends in historiography and a rigorous analysis of available primary sources.
The course will look at British and U.S. policy in India from a particular perspective, namely that of focusing our attention on the personalities involved and on how their actions shaped history, dwelling, for example, on figures such as those of the British Viceroys and U.S. ambassadors to India.
From a methodological perspective the course will privilege a critical examination of the most qualified trends in historiography and a rigorous analysis of available primary sources.
Expected learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be provided with an understanding of important issues of international and global history and will be able to use the most appropriate terminology and also to apply their acquired knowledge to the analysis of the current international arena.
Lesson period: First trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First trimester
Course syllabus
To provide students with a series of useful information to better understand the current complexity of the world, the course will focus on "Globalization" as a concept and its concrete realization in history.
Therefore, initially the different meanings of "globalization" will be analyzed; how they originated; and how they have been applied in different fields of study. In a second step (and in a very in-depth way) we will first study the way in which, starting from the XV Century, European expansion in the world facilitated the creation of a global political, economic and social system (thanks to the European Empires); and then, how in these changes non-European subjects, such as the United States (from the XIX Century) and China (in recent decades), took on an increasingly important role.
Particular attention will also be placed on the personalities involved in the course and how their actions shaped it.
From a methodological point of view, the course will encourage the critical examination of the most qualified trends in historiography and a rigorous analysis of the available primary sources.
Therefore, initially the different meanings of "globalization" will be analyzed; how they originated; and how they have been applied in different fields of study. In a second step (and in a very in-depth way) we will first study the way in which, starting from the XV Century, European expansion in the world facilitated the creation of a global political, economic and social system (thanks to the European Empires); and then, how in these changes non-European subjects, such as the United States (from the XIX Century) and China (in recent decades), took on an increasingly important role.
Particular attention will also be placed on the personalities involved in the course and how their actions shaped it.
From a methodological point of view, the course will encourage the critical examination of the most qualified trends in historiography and a rigorous analysis of the available primary sources.
Prerequisites for admission
History of International Relations.
A basic knowledge of contemporary history, of the main actors and events that characterized international history during the XX Century is required.
A basic knowledge of contemporary history, of the main actors and events that characterized international history during the XX Century is required.
Teaching methods
Frontal Lessons.
Classes will be lectures conducted with the support of IT tools, seminars with experts, analysis of historical documentaries and movies.
Classes will be lectures conducted with the support of IT tools, seminars with experts, analysis of historical documentaries and movies.
Teaching Resources
Lundestad, Geir, The United States and Western Europe Since 1945: From "Empire" by Invitation to Transatlantic Drift, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003.
Paul Kennedy, The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers: Economic Change and Military Conflict from 1500 to 2000, Vintage, 1989.
Paul Kennedy, The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers: Economic Change and Military Conflict from 1500 to 2000, Vintage, 1989.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam will be oral. Students will be asked to demonstrate not only the knowledge acquired but also an ability in critical and autonomous thinking as well as in using the adequate vocabulary.
SPS/06 - HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Valent Lucio
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Valent LucioEducational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Friday 9.30-12.30
Teams Platform by appointment