HI6016 - Italian Fascism

What will I learn on this module?

In this module you will learn about the emergence, development and nature of fascism in Italy. It examines the history of Italy and the nature of Italian politics and considers the ways in which problems of Italian nationhood may have contributed to the rise of Fascism in that country. It looks at the origins and development of Fascism in Italy, the 'intervention crisis' of 1914-1915, and the various strands that made up Italian Fascism. It considers the manner in which fascist parties came to power, the myth of the 'March on Rome,' and the consolidation of Fascist Power, which took place after the Matteotti Crisis. The module covers key issues in the development of the Fascist regime in Italy including: Fascist mass organisations, the 'Fascist Style, and consensus coercion and resistance under the regime. It will enable you to engage with the various debates and questions of interpretation raised by the course.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn on this module by attending lectures and seminars that present core concepts in Italian history in this period, a variety of theoretical approaches to studying fascism, and the historiographical debates in the field. You will be expected to prepare for the weekly seminars by undertaking essential and recommended reading, and will build on your independent reading by presenting your ideas and arguments in seminar discussions with your peers. All learning materials, tasks and readings will be posted on the eLearning Portal (Blackboard) to enable participation within the seminar programme. You will participate in formative assessment activities and receive feedback, and will be responsible for your own guided and independent learning. Summative assessment matches your learning against the learning outcomes for the module.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Your academic development will be supported through engagement with your peers, academic tutors, and programme leaders. Academic support is provided through group/individual tutorials which allow specific issues to be addressed and to promote progress in academic development. The module tutor will be accessible within publicised office hours and via email. Your peers will provide you will a collaborative learning environment, and your programme leader will guide you through the requirements and expectations of your course. You will also be supported through individual engagement with the academic literature, lectures, and resources available on the eLearning Portal. Formative feedback will be on-going throughout seminar activities and through assessment tasks.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate an enhanced understanding of Italian political culture in Liberal and Fascist Italy.
2. Display knowledge of key aspects of both the Fascist movement and Dictatorship in Italy.
3. Recognise the difficulties involved in understanding the nature of fascist ideology

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4. Exhibit the transferable skills, of analysis, interpretation and citation in written form and communication skills in presenting ideas and knowledge to others in written form.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Demonstrate an awareness of historical and contemporary relationships and how these relations shape our perceptions.

How will I be assessed?

Your knowledge and understanding of Italian Fascism, your ability to analyse and critically discuss historiographical theories and their assumptions and application, will be tested in two 3,000 word essays, the questions set by the tutor, and which will span the breadth of the modules’ coverage.
(MLO’s 1-5)

You will have the opportunity to present your work in the seminars and will receive formative feedback from your lecturer in classroom discussions, debates, and tutorial sessions. Formative assessment through your lecturer will be written and verbal, and you will also receive feedback through engagement with your peers. Feedback on your first summative assessment will allow you to improve on later ones.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.

Course info

UCAS Code LV21

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School Humanities and Social Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2026

Fee Information

Module Information

History and Politics BA (Hons)

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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