Politics

Political systems and issues: Italian Politics and Society

Module code: L2108
Level 5
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Seminar
Assessment modes: Essay

The module introduces students to Italian politics and society, by looking at the key transformations inherent to this country after the end of WW2. It concentrates, first of all, on the development and fall of the First Republic, looking at key socio-political developments from a historical perspective and at the various controversies relative to this political context. Moving on from this, the focus is on the critical analysis of the process that led to the development of the Second Republic, at the key political players and the political structures that have characterised this. The Module also focuses on the most recent developments and at the context of the crisis of Italian democracy, at the rise in populism and at the emergence of the far right that has been characterising the country after the financial crisis of 2008.

Module learning outcomes

• Gain critical knowledge of Italian key historical developments after WWII
• Assess the Italian socio-political structure (with a focus on key institutions, political system and key processes of decision making)
• Develop an understanding of key transformations in Italian society occurred after WWII
• Engage and critically evaluate key literature on Italian politics and develop critical thinking and the capability to develop arguments both independently and via interaction with other peers.