The workshop aims to provide a global overview of the birth of the university system in Europe. Beginning in the Middle Ages, it will examine the emergence of the first universities, illustrating how they functioned and developed and comparing different models (in particular the one developed by von Humboldt and the Napoleonic model). It will then analyse the history of Italian universities up to the present day, with a closer look at the history of the University of Turin, including an explanation of its organisation and functioning.

Particular attention will be given to specific moments in the history of Italian universities between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries: the establishment of the first chair of Modern History in Italy (1846); the public inquiry into the state of public education (1865); the Fascist oath of allegiance of 1931 and the racial laws of 1938; the student protest movements (1968 and 1989–1990); and the role of women in the university.

The university systems of France, Spain, Germany, England (and North America) will be analysed and compared with the Italian one.

Finally, European policies in the field of higher education will be illustrated (Lisbon Convention, 1997; Sorbonne Declaration, 1998; Bologna Declaration, 1999; Leuven Communiqué, 2009; Bucharest Conference, 2012).

The proposed activities help to develop a greater critical awareness through the study of the historical events of some European university systems from the Middle and Modern Ages to the contemporary era.

During the lessons there will be opportunities for debate and discussion in order to assess: levels of knowledge, comprehension skills, and the ability to apply knowledge and understanding.

Students will be asked to express their opinions on the topics covered, to verify their independent judgment, their communicative accuracy and skills, and their learning capacity

By the end of the workshop, students will be able to:

• Identify and understand of some European university systems, including historical, and cultural contexts.

• Apply the knowledge acquired to identify similarities and differences between European university systems explained during the lessons.
• Critically analyze and evaluate the peculiarities of universities to identify the strengths and weaknesses of individual universities.

• Collaborate effectively in group settings, contributing to shared discussions, developing critical thinking, and co-constructing knowledge through practical activities.

“Course programme and general introduction to the Italian university system”

“The historical origins of universities”

“Universities in the Middle Ages”

“Napoleonic imperial universities and the German Humboldtian universities”

“The birth of new disciplines: Modern History; Geography; Economics, and Political Economy”

“The Italian university from the Middle Ages to 1864”

“The 1865 inquiry”

“From the Fascist oath to the racial laws, 1931–1938”

“The role of women in the university: from the first graduates, Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia (1678) and Lidia Poët (1881), to the first female rector, Biancamaria Bosco Tedeschini Lalli (1998)”

“Student protest movements: 1968 and the Pantera movement (1989–1990)”

“History of the University of Turin: Unito; the Laboratories: Economics (Cognetti de’ Martis); Mathematics (Giuseppe Peano); School of Electronic Engineering (Galileo Ferraris). Polytechnic

“Organisation and functioning of the University of Turin”

“A university between two worlds: the case of the University of Strasbourg”

“European policies in higher education: from the Lisbon Convention to the Bucharest Conference (1997–2012)”

“Analysis of European university systems: France, Spain, United Kingdom, Germany”

Lessons will be held in person, subject to any different provisions issued by the academic authorities. The slides used during the lessons will be made available promptly. Lessons will be held twice a week, in two-hour sessions, for a total of 48 hours, with the aid of projections.

Whenever possible, a first guided visit will be organised to the Rector’s Palace, the Historical Archive of the University, and the Arturo Graf Library; and a second to the National University Library and to the Luigi Firpo and Luigi Einaudi Foundations. Students may also be involved in other events connected to the course that might take place during the semester.

During the lessons, students will be invited to suggest topics related to the Workshop that they would like to see addressed.

Since attendance is compulsory, the assessment will be based on participation in the lessons as required.

Approval of the Workshop and the awarding of credits will take place online, subject to registration for the exam sessions that will be scheduled.

Further information will be provided at the beginning of the course.

For students with physical disabilities, dyslexia, and other specific learning difficulties, please visit the University’s support page (https://www.unito.it/servizi/lo-studio/studenti-con-disabilita) and admission information (https://www.unito.it/accoglienza-studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa).

The procedures for requesting support during exams can be found here: https://www.unito.it/servizi/lo-studio/studenti-e-studentesse-con-disabilita/supporto-studenti-e-studentesse-con.

Students with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties are required to inform the lecturer at the beginning of the course so that, if necessary, an individual study programme tailored to their needs can be arranged, in addition to appropriate compensation and dispensation measures for examinations.

two other useful texts for the course:

Daniela Novarese, Enza Pelleriti (a cura di), "Ringraziando fascisticamente". Cronache di ordinaria quotidianità nelle carte d'archivio delle università del ventennio, Bologna, il Mulino, 2025.

Tommaso Montanari, Libera università, Torino, Einaudi, 2025.