Comparative History of education

The 16th-century roots of two educational paradigms: the Reformation and the catholic reaction

The multiplicity of educational models and the diversity of school systems in contemporary Europe can be read more easily following the steps of the two core educational paradigms emerged in the 16th century. On one side the Reformation, with its engagement in general literacy, the citizenship-building, the central role of self-education; on the other side and in few decades, the Catholic reaction, with Jesuit specialization in the education of the ruling class, the continuity of Humanist tradition, the emphasis on free will and on the role of the educator.
Those who followed the course on Juvenile literature in the first module, can find in this course the historical roots of the self-help and liberal model, of Protestant heritage, and of the traditional Catholic-Humanist model, trying to reaffirm its position in the newly founded Italy.

As the first module course, also this one will be based especially on readings and commentaries from the selected authors: Martin Luther, founder of the Reformation; the Protestant teacher Johann Eberlin; the college founder and Jesuit diplomat Antonio Possevino.