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The course aims to provide students with foundational knowledge of the history of political doctrines and to develop critical and hermeneutic skills. It is designed to enable students to critically interpret the forms and lexicons of political reasoning from the Modern to the Contemporary Age, identifying the historical and social turning points and the connections linking the major categories of political thought (sovereignty, freedom, equality, representation, power, subjectivity, labour, conflict, internationality, and Europe).

According to the Dublin Descriptors, by the end of the course students are expected to achieve the following learning outcomes:

1. Knowledge and understanding
   Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principal currents, authors, and foundational texts in the history of modern and contemporary political thought (Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Spinoza, Montesquieu, Rousseau, Smith, Kant, Mill, Marx, Arendt); identify the dominant conceptual categories and situate them within the historical and institutional dynamics of European modernity, also with reference to the international and supranational dimension; and acquire the fundamental concepts and methodologies of historical studies, political science, and political philosophy.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
   By the end of the course, students will be able to apply the knowledge acquired in order to critically interpret the political, institutional, and economic dynamics of contemporary societies, with particular attention to the international and European dimensions; approach the analysis of social and institutional processes through a multidisciplinary perspective; develop the ability to assess problems, formulate priorities and their underlying motivations, and anticipate the outcomes of their choices; and prepare for further studies in a Master’s degree programme in the political and social sciences.
3. Making judgements
   Students will be able to develop independent critical thinking on the major issues of modern and contemporary politics; formulate reasoned priorities and motivations; anticipate the possible consequences and effects of their choices and elaborate strategies for redefining objectives; consult bibliographical sources and engage with advanced and specialised texts; and operate within a complex society while preparing for the professional application of the competencies acquired.
4. Communication skills
   Students will be able to communicate information, ideas, problems, and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences; present content related to their field of study using appropriate forms of communication; and draft reports, papers, and short essays in a professional and scientifically rigorous manner, demonstrating the ability to interact with the academic community.
5. Learning skills
   By the end of the course, students will have acquired the skills and competencies necessary to pursue autonomous learning, including the ability to identify texts and sources related to the history of political thought and to develop research projects and in-depth studies on crucial issues of the past and present, with a view to the final dissertation, Master’s degree programmes, advanced training courses, and postgraduate programmes.

For attending students, an intermediate oral examination is scheduled and will focus on the first part of the syllabus (authors of modern political thought).

The remaining part of the programme will be discussed during the final oral examination, also through the presentation of a short individual in-depth study on a topic previously agreed upon with the instructor, who will provide reference materials and methodological guidance.

Non-attending students will be required to present the full syllabus during the final examination. The oral examination will include at least three questions focusing on different authors/topics covered in the course. Students will be expected to demonstrate adequate understanding, mastery of the subjects discussed, and clarity of exposition.

The average duration of the oral examination is approximately 30 minutes.

In order to ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current legislation, students may request an individual meeting to arrange possible compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, according to the educational objectives and specific needs involved. Students may also contact the departmental representative of CInAP (Centre for Active and Participatory Integration – Services for Students with Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders).

Grading Criteria

Fail

Serious deficiencies and significant inaccuracies in the knowledge and understanding of the topics covered. Insufficient analytical and synthetic skills. Frequent generalisations and inappropriate use of references.

18–20

Imperfect knowledge and understanding of the topics covered, at a barely sufficient level. Analytical and synthetic skills not yet adequately developed. References used only at a basic appropriate level.

21–23

Slightly more than sufficient knowledge of the topics covered. Coherent arguments, although not particularly original. Appropriate use of references at a standard level.

24–26

Good knowledge and understanding of the topics covered. Good analytical and synthetic skills. Coherent presentation of the topics. Appropriate use of references at a standard level.

27–29

More than good knowledge of the topics covered. Remarkable analytical and synthetic skills. Use of references above the standard level through further independent study and in-depth analysis.

30–30 cum laude

Excellent knowledge and understanding of the topics covered. Outstanding analytical and synthetic skills. Use of references well beyond the standard level through substantial independent insights and advanced in-depth study.