Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information below is subject to change,
in particular that concerning the teaching mode (presential, distance or in a comodal or hybrid format).
5 credits
22.5 h
Q1
This biannual learning unit is being organized in 2020-2021
Teacher(s)
Gijs Anne-Sophie; Paonessa Costantino (compensates Gijs Anne-Sophie); Sappia Caroline (compensates Gijs Anne-Sophie);
Language
French
Main themes
This course is designed to allow students to make their own contributions, including lectures and active participation in seminar discussions.
Aims
At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to : | |
| 1 |
Instruction will concentrate on students' choosing historical periods as " case studies ", to be examined in depth based on the theme " Contact and Exchange " [c. Modern Period [3 cr.]]. These thematic areas are to be examined by means of current tendencies in historiography, the identification of problematics and the use of well-known or experimental techniques. |
Content
The aim of the course is to familiarise students with historical themes linking several geographical areas during the same time period. We will be studying the conditions and consequences of contact between different cultural contexts, looking beyond their specificities. By fostering an outward-looking approach and a comparative methodology, students will be encouraged to think critically and to become aware of current historiographical, even political, debates.
The first part of the course (given by C. Sappia) will focus on the encounters and consequences of what was until recently called "The Discovery of America" by Christopher Columbus by analyzing historical narratives and available sources, both European and from indigenous populations. During these five sessions, we will deconstruct the discourse on the colonization of Latin America from the end of the 15th century on the basis of readings of reference works on the subject that combine historical and anthropological approaches (T. Todorov, S. Gruzinski, N. Wachtel).
The second part of the course will analyse the attitudes expressed by writers and scholars from the so-called ‘Islamic oecumene’, from various disciplines (travellers, geographers, ulamas, politicians), down through the ages, when describing and speaking of ‘the Other’. By a critical reading of texts in their historical context, the aim of this course is to explore the mental approach to and ideological discourse on ‘others’ produced by individuals and the socio-political systems which, over several centuries, dominated the Mediterranean and colonised many territories. This approach should enable us to identify the roots of certain issues and debates of interest to contemporary societies since the nineteenth century.
The first part of the course (given by C. Sappia) will focus on the encounters and consequences of what was until recently called "The Discovery of America" by Christopher Columbus by analyzing historical narratives and available sources, both European and from indigenous populations. During these five sessions, we will deconstruct the discourse on the colonization of Latin America from the end of the 15th century on the basis of readings of reference works on the subject that combine historical and anthropological approaches (T. Todorov, S. Gruzinski, N. Wachtel).
The second part of the course will analyse the attitudes expressed by writers and scholars from the so-called ‘Islamic oecumene’, from various disciplines (travellers, geographers, ulamas, politicians), down through the ages, when describing and speaking of ‘the Other’. By a critical reading of texts in their historical context, the aim of this course is to explore the mental approach to and ideological discourse on ‘others’ produced by individuals and the socio-political systems which, over several centuries, dominated the Mediterranean and colonised many territories. This approach should enable us to identify the roots of certain issues and debates of interest to contemporary societies since the nineteenth century.
Teaching methods
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.
The class sessions will centre on a dynamic, participatory exchange of ideas between students and teacher. The students will be given a detailed plan of the course, a set of core documents, as well as further reading list to broaden their horizons.
Evaluation methods
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.
The oral exam will test students on the material covered in the course and may include the presentation of individual course work based on reading, iconographic or audiovisual documentation. Account will also be taken in the evaluation of students’ participation in the sessions.
Online resources
The PowerPoints from the classes, the bibliography and practical information are all available and can be downloaded from the course Moodle platform.
Faculty or entity
HIST
