Research Methodology in History
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course aims to guide students enrolled in the first year of the history degree course in understanding the educational and scientific project of the course of studies they have undertaken, providing methodological and historical tools useful for their studies.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course the student will have acquired the basics related to the methodologies of the discipline of history.
They will also know, in the broad outlines, the different types of sources, the periodization, the main moments in the history of historiography, the current orientations of historical research, and its different approaches in relation to other social sciences.
The student will be able to use language tools (language properties, correct specific lexicon) to express, in a clear and effective form, concepts of a political, institutional, economic, and religious nature; they will be able to read critically historiographical works 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. Participation in meetings and seminars organized within the Department of Historical Studies will also be of great importance.
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 of course contact the instructor either by e-mail and during office hours.
They will also know, in the broad outlines, the different types of sources, the periodization, the main moments in the history of historiography, the current orientations of historical research, and its different approaches in relation to other social sciences.
The student will be able to use language tools (language properties, correct specific lexicon) to express, in a clear and effective form, concepts of a political, institutional, economic, and religious nature; they will be able to read critically historiographical works 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. Participation in meetings and seminars organized within the Department of Historical Studies will also be of great importance.
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 of course contact the instructor either by e-mail and during office hours.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
A-L
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
PART A (20 HOURS, 3 CFU): Methodology of Medieval history
PART B (20 HOURS, 3 CFU): Methodology of Early Modern history
PART C (20 HOURS, 3 CFU): Methodology of Modern history
PART B (20 HOURS, 3 CFU): Methodology of Early Modern history
PART C (20 HOURS, 3 CFU): Methodology of Modern history
Prerequisites for admission
None.
Teaching methods
Attendance to classes is strongly recommended although not compulsory. The teaching is delivered through frontal lectures aimed primarily at the acquisition of knowledge, competence and specific language of the subject. Discussion with the teacher in the classroom is integrant part of the didactic method and aims at promoting a critical attitude and the capacity to apply the acquired competence and knowledge.
Teaching Resources
Attending students:
Programme for 9 cfu (2 books and lecture notes):
1) G. Albini, A. Raviola, Nel tempo e nello spazio. Manuale di metodologia dello studio della storia, Pearson
2) S. Luzzatto (ed.), Prima lezione di metodo storico, Laterza
Non-attending students:
Programme for 9 cfu (3 books):
1) G. Albini, A. Raviola, Nel tempo e nello spazio. Manuale di metodologia dello studio della storia, Pearson
2) S. Luzzatto (a cura di), Prima lezione di metodo storico, Laterza
3) One of the following:
F. Chabod, Lezioni di metodo storico, Laterza
M. Bloch, Apologia della storia, Einaudi
International and Erasmus students are invited to contact any of the course lecturers to agree on the exam programme, if necessary in English language,
Programme for 9 cfu (2 books and lecture notes):
1) G. Albini, A. Raviola, Nel tempo e nello spazio. Manuale di metodologia dello studio della storia, Pearson
2) S. Luzzatto (ed.), Prima lezione di metodo storico, Laterza
Non-attending students:
Programme for 9 cfu (3 books):
1) G. Albini, A. Raviola, Nel tempo e nello spazio. Manuale di metodologia dello studio della storia, Pearson
2) S. Luzzatto (a cura di), Prima lezione di metodo storico, Laterza
3) One of the following:
F. Chabod, Lezioni di metodo storico, Laterza
M. Bloch, Apologia della storia, Einaudi
International and Erasmus students are invited to contact any of the course lecturers to agree on the exam programme, if necessary in English language,
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exam to ascertain the knowledge of the course content. Criteria of evaluations are the capacity to demonstrate and elaborate knowledge; capacity for critical reflection; quality of exposition, competence in the use of specialised lexicon, efficacy and clarity.
M-STO/01 - MEDIEVAL HISTORY - University credits: 3
M-STO/02 - MODERN HISTORY - University credits: 3
M-STO/04 - CONTEMPORARY HISTORY - University credits: 3
M-STO/02 - MODERN HISTORY - University credits: 3
M-STO/04 - CONTEMPORARY HISTORY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 60 hours
M-Z
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Course title: Methodology of the Study of History.
Part 1: Studying Contemporary History: methods and tools
Part 2: Studying Modern History: methods and tools
Part 3: Studying Medieval History: methods and tools
Part 1: Studying Contemporary History: methods and tools
Part 2: Studying Modern History: methods and tools
Part 3: Studying Medieval History: methods and tools
Prerequisites for admission
As this is a first-year exam, there are no specific prerequisites other than those necessary for admission to the degree program. A basic knowledge of major historical events and periods as learned in high school is taken for granted. A specific interest in problems of interpretation of history and historiography is expected.
Teaching methods
Class attendance is strongly recommended, although not mandatory. The teaching consists of lectures aimed primarily at the acquisition of the knowledge, skills and language specific to the discipline. Discussion with the lecturer is an integral part of the teaching method and aims to promote critical thinking and the ability to apply the skills and knowledge acquired.
The lecturers make use of teaching materials, including multimedia materials available on the ARIEL platform.
The lecturers make use of teaching materials, including multimedia materials available on the ARIEL platform.
Teaching Resources
PROGRAM FOR ATTENDING STUDENTS:
Program for 9 CFU (total of two books plus lecture notes):
1) G. Albini, A. Raviola, Nel tempo e nello spazio. Manuale di metodologia dello studio della storia, Pearson;
2) S. Luzzatto (ed.), Prima lezione di metodo storico, Laterza.
PROGRAM FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS:
Program for 9 cfu (total of three books):
1) G. Albini, A. Raviola, Nel tempo e nello spazio. Manuale di metodologia dello studio della storia, Pearson;
2) S. Luzzatto (a cura di), Prima lezione di metodo storico, Laterza;
3) A text of your choice from:
F. Chabod, Lezioni di metodo storico, Laterza;
M. Bloch, Apologia della storia, Einaudi.
International or Erasmus incoming students are invited to make early contact with one of the course lecturers to arrange the examination program, which may be in English.
Program for 9 CFU (total of two books plus lecture notes):
1) G. Albini, A. Raviola, Nel tempo e nello spazio. Manuale di metodologia dello studio della storia, Pearson;
2) S. Luzzatto (ed.), Prima lezione di metodo storico, Laterza.
PROGRAM FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS:
Program for 9 cfu (total of three books):
1) G. Albini, A. Raviola, Nel tempo e nello spazio. Manuale di metodologia dello studio della storia, Pearson;
2) S. Luzzatto (a cura di), Prima lezione di metodo storico, Laterza;
3) A text of your choice from:
F. Chabod, Lezioni di metodo storico, Laterza;
M. Bloch, Apologia della storia, Einaudi.
International or Erasmus incoming students are invited to make early contact with one of the course lecturers to arrange the examination program, which may be in English.
Assessment methods and Criteria
- Type of test: oral interview.
- Evaluation criteria: ability to demonstrate and elaborate the acquired knowledge of the course topics; ability to reflect critically on the topics covered; quality of exposition; competence in the use of the specialized terminology of the discipline; communicative efficacy and clarity of exposition.
-Type of evaluation method: mark in 30s.
Incoming Erasmus students will have the option, upon request, to take the exam in English, according to a syllabus to be agreed with the lecturer.
The format of the exam for students with disabilities must be arranged in advance with the teacher, as well as the competent office.
- Evaluation criteria: ability to demonstrate and elaborate the acquired knowledge of the course topics; ability to reflect critically on the topics covered; quality of exposition; competence in the use of the specialized terminology of the discipline; communicative efficacy and clarity of exposition.
-Type of evaluation method: mark in 30s.
Incoming Erasmus students will have the option, upon request, to take the exam in English, according to a syllabus to be agreed with the lecturer.
The format of the exam for students with disabilities must be arranged in advance with the teacher, as well as the competent office.
M-STO/01 - MEDIEVAL HISTORY - University credits: 3
M-STO/02 - MODERN HISTORY - University credits: 3
M-STO/04 - CONTEMPORARY HISTORY - University credits: 3
M-STO/02 - MODERN HISTORY - University credits: 3
M-STO/04 - CONTEMPORARY HISTORY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 60 hours