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

On this module, you’ll explore Italian politics and society, examining the country’s key transformations since WW2.

You’ll concentrate on the development and fall of the First Republic, reviewing key socio-political developments from a historical perspective. This includes studying the various political controversies of the time.

You’ll critically analyse the process that led to the development of the Second Republic, as well as the key political players and political structures that characterised it.

Other topics include:

  • modern developments
  • the context of the crisis of Italian democracy
  • the rise in populism
  • the emergence of the far right which has characterised Italy since the 2008 financial crisis.

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.