To give students an understanding of the transnational, interconnected histories of Italy, Europe and Africa from the age of the Empires to the present;

To introduce students to major contemporary debates on the meaning of history and memory in culture, notably their impact on contemporary processes of identification in a globalised and mobile world;

To develop student’s critical understanding of transcultural contacts in the Mediterranean, by featuring language-sensitive approach to the reading of history and cultures of the Mediterranean;

To increase student’s analytical tools with respect to debates on migration, memory, language and citizenship in the Mediterranean context;

To develop student’s skills for research, presentation, analysis and debate;

To develop student’s ability and confidence in multilingual learning processes (i.e. collaborative learning processes where the multiple languages involved in their study are not entirely familiar to them).

(LO1) A broad knowledge of the history of migration and colonialism across Italy, Africa and Mediterranean from the 19th century to the present.

(LO2) Awareness of the historical backdrop and transcultural tensions in which contemporary issues of citizenship and migration in the Mediterranean are embedded.

(LO3) An ability to read critically history and memory narratives of the 21st century.

(LO4) Confidence in raising questions and challenging mainstream representations of Italy, Africa and Mediterranean.

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) – Presentation skills – Oral

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) – Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)

(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving – Critical analysis

(S4) Communication (oral, written and visual) – Media analysis

(S5) Global citizenship – Cultural awareness

(S6) Personal attributes and qualities – Independence

(S7) Research Skills – independent analysis

The majority of teaching will be delivered face-to-face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on-campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.

Lecture:
The historical background and key theoretical concepts examined throughout the course will be introduced through formal lectures. Students will be expected to conduct background reading and interact through questions and feedback at the end of each lecture, ahead of the seminars.

Seminar:
Seminars will focus on the discussion of the selected study materials, key questions raising from the lectures and students presentation.

Tutorial:
Tutorials will focus on reading and debating skills, presentation feedback and essay writing. The continuous assessment is based on participation, one presentation (students may carry this out singly or in groups depending on numbers in the class) and one essay focusing on one of the topics studied.

Topics covered may include:

Memory and history in transnational perspective;

Italian migration;

Italian Empire;

The Black Mediterranean;

Language, citizenship and belonging.