The discipline aims to provide the necessary tools for an in-depth study of the fundamental themes of the history of early modern Sicily in correlation with European history, focusing on institutional, political, cultural and socio-economic aspects, but also it  examines in depth the relations between Sicily and the journey from the XV to the XIX century.

The expected learning outcomes, as defined by the Dublin Core, are as follows:

DD1 – Knowledge and understanding
Students will acquire an in-depth knowledge of the fundamental themes of the history of early modern Sicily in correlation with European history (15th–19th centuries), focusing on institutional, political, cultural and socio-economic aspects and on the relations between Sicily and the phenomenon of travel/Grand Tour.

DD2 – Applying knowledge and understanding
Students will be able to apply historical methods and historiographical tools to critically analyse primary sources and scholarly works, linking the Sicilian case to wider European historical processes and interpreting travellers and travel practices as a cultural phenomenon.

DD3 – Making judgements
Students will develop the ability to critically evaluate historiographical interpretations and documentary sources, forming independent assessments of institutional, political and cultural dynamics in early modern Europe and of the specific role of Sicily.

The prevailing teaching modality will be the lecture, alternated by moments of discussion, confrontation, group work and seminar meetings. Occasionally, the lecture may be conducted in seminar form with scholars or specialists of the various topics through the use of interactive teaching.

For attending students, there is an optional in itinere test. Each small group (or individual student) is required to present orally, and (in view of the final examination) with a short written report, an explanation and commentary on a text chosen from those listed above.

Basic knowledge of the major events in modern history

Optional

The course consists of both lectures and in-depth seminars on the History of Sicily between the 16th and 19th centuries. It also includes the formation of working groups and the presentation of seminars.

General course 

John Julius Norwich, Paul Duncan, Sicily: A Short History, from the Greeks to Cosa Nostra, John Murray Press, 2016

Monographic course

For frequent students there is an optional in itinere test. The test involves the writing of a project paper developed during the course on one of the monographic texts.

The evaluation of the in itinere test counts in the final grade.

Final examination: oral.

Frequently asked questions cover the topics indicated in the programme and explored in depth during the lectures.