Overview: Political science courses at Santa Reparata introduce students to the Italian political system and its history from the unification of Italy in the 19th century up until the present.  Students develop an ample conceptual knowledge about Italy's modern history and politics, gaining a command not only of the facts of modern Italian political history - the dates of key events, the importance of major personalities and such - but  also an understanding of the dynamics involved: the basic trends of continuity and change, cause and effect, the interplay of regional, national and international influences, and the significance of global events within Italy.  Such courses offer students studying in Italy a greater understanding of the modern history and contemporary culture of the society in which they are living and studying.

Courses: In courses such as Italian Politics and Government, students study the Italian constitution, parliamentary system, political parties, electoral process and systems of administration; and the History of Modern Italy explores such topics as the Italian unification process, the liberal state, Italian fascism, the Second World War and the Cold War, the workings of governing institutions in the post-war period, the role of the Church, political parties and movements, the European unification process, black and red terrorism, and political corruption.

Instruction & Class structure: Classroom lectures and assigned readings are complemented by research, discussions, films and video presentations.

Facilities: Courses are taught in lecture classrooms with slide and digital projectors, DVD, VCR and computer resources.

Courses

Italian Politics and Govt