The contemporary age reveals a crucial “ambiguity”: the «paradox» of a historical period which, more than any other, is heavily dependent on science but, at the same time, is less at ease with the achievements of science itself and its social, political, and environmental consequences. Twentieth century science and technology seem to stand out for those public controversies that they have frequently triggered. By and large, their development - in the contemporary age - seems to deal with the historical category of “social struggle”, in spite of society has become tightly dependent on sciences. Moreover, it is undoubtedly clear that environmental issues and the "climate crisis" are among the greatest challenges of the 21st century.
The course "Environmental history" aims at increasing students’ knowledge of those key historical factors that have shaped the complex relationship between history, the environment, and society from the early 20th century up to the present. The emphasis will be laid on some emblematic “conflict-based” case studies and on the links existing between "environmental issues, mass media, art and literature". The student will be able to gain knowledge and methodological tools which can be useful to better understand some "environmental topics" of high impact on the contemporary society, such as - for instance - those about climate change, nuclear energy and pollution.

Learning outcomes:
- knowledge of some main issues both of the contemporary debate about ecology/environment and of those social conflicts that it can trigger;
- knowledge of historical and social research methodologies applied to the study of the environment;
- ability to foster an appropriate culture of the environment by means of history and storytelling;
- ability to gain a basic scientific knowledge (in an interdisciplinary perspective) and learning of the corresponding "storytelling strategies";
- public speaking ability, communication and analytical skills.