Abstract

This paper aims to offer an initial survey on the university teaching of history, an unexplored research topic in Italy and for a large part also in those countries that can boast much more solid traditions of studies in this research area. In detail, with a comparative perspective between Italy and Spain, and a methodology that employs different types of sources and considers the outcomes of the debate on Historical Thinking, this study attempts to identify and analyse the original characteristics and issues of the learning and teaching of history at university. The aim is to reflect upon the current state of university history teaching to determine its effectiveness and main trends, and at the same time to offer some useful ideas for its improvement.