.................

The course aims to provide students with the ability to understand and apply the fundamentals of historical research methodology, particularly through the use of national and international archival and library systems (including online resources); it also aims to refine the ability to conduct documentary and bibliographic research using both print and digital tools.

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

Knowledge and understanding: the ability to analyze, select, and distinguish between primary and secondary sources in historical research; to identify their type, provenance, the purposes underlying their creation, the degree of intentionality, and the information they provide—not only regarding the events to which they refer but also the context in which they were produced;

Applied knowledge and understanding: the ability to use acquired skills to reconstruct the historiographical debate concerning events of the early modern and contemporary eras; to navigate various interpretations; and to critically evaluate documentary sources in order to establish their authenticity and reliability and place them within their relevant context;

Making judgments: the ability to develop critical thinking regarding historiography and sources;

Communication skills: the ability to engage in public debate on pressing current issues and their historical origins, critically reconstructing their evolution, diverse interpretations, key events, and the actors involved;

Learning skills: the ability to continue learning independently (including by identifying relevant texts and primary sources); the ability to develop research projects by outlining the state of the art, bibliography, sources, research questions, and objectives; and the ability to draft a scholarly text on a historical subject.

Recommended.

For the purposes of project preparation and ongoing assessments, students are considered "attending" if they have achieved at least 70% attendance by the end of the course.

The course will guide students through a critical analysis of historical sources—particularly secondary ones—by examining concepts of veracity and reliability, as well as methods of contextualization, interpretation, and utilization.

It will explore the evolution and emergence of historiographical genres and trends from the 19th century (marking the rise of history as a scientific discipline) to the present day, focusing on: methodologies, key figures, significant contributions, sources employed, interdisciplinary interactions, and the interpretation of pivotal shifts and foundational processes of the contemporary era.

Insights into the world of research and historiographical production will be enhanced through guided visits and workshops, enabling students to utilize the historian's "toolkit."

The course will culminate in the completion of a research project.

Knowledge assessment will take place through exercises, tests, and workshops conducted during class sessions. At the end of the course, students will develop a research project; the presentation of this project will be an integral part of the final assessment and will be accompanied by an oral interview covering the theoretical aspects of the syllabus.

Grading will follow this scheme:

Not Pass

Major gaps and significant inaccuracies in the knowledge and understanding of the topics covered.

Insufficient analytical and synthesis skills.

Frequent generalizations.

Inappropriate use of references.

18-20

Imperfect knowledge and understanding of the topics covered, reaching only a barely sufficient level.

Analytical and synthesis skills not sufficiently refined.

Barely adequate use of references.

21-23

Knowledge of the topics covered is slightly above the minimum requirement.

Coherent arguments, though not particularly original.

Appropriate use of references, meeting standard expectations.

24-26

Good knowledge and understanding of the topics covered.

Good analytical and synthesis skills.

Coherent presentation of topics.

Appropriate use of references, meeting standard expectations.

27-29

Very good knowledge of the topics covered.

Notable analytical and synthesis skills.

Use of references exceeding standard expectations, demonstrating in-depth study of the topics.

30-30L

Excellent knowledge and understanding of the topics covered.

Notable analytical and synthesis skills.

Use of references well beyond standard expectations, demonstrating significant in-depth study.