In this online summer school is offered by the Department of History of the European University Institute (EUI, Florence, Italy), we intend to provide participants with ideas on how environmental history can be brought into conversation with research on European and global history in the early modern and modern periods. Given the History Department’s expertise in these fields, we aim to highlight the opportunities to be gained from engaging with environmental history as a transversal approach.This 

The Summer School will take place online from 17th of September to the 19th of September 2025

Programme Description

For a long time environmental history was a relatively small and specialized field of historical research. Most historians interested in political, social, economic, or cultural issues did not incorporate the natural world into their accounts, nor did they consider environmental histories relevant to their own work. Growing concern about climate change and discussions about the notion of the Anthropocene have changed this situation dramatically. In recent years, environmental history has become a very popular field, with many historians from other backgrounds drawing on its findings and adapting their research agendas to include environmental questions.

In this summer school, we intend to provide participants with ideas on how environmental history can be brought into conversation with research on European and global history in the early modern and modern periods. Given the History Department’s expertise in these fields, we aim to highlight the opportunities to be gained from engaging with environmental history as a transversal approach. For example, we will investigate the ways in which European encounters with the early modern world can benefit from studying how notions of ‘exotic’ nature informed (or misinformed) colonial policies and approaches. We will study the role and perception of natural resources in mid-twentieth century international discussions about global trade and economic policies. Furthermore, we will analyze the history of transregional and transnational environmental protection efforts and their contributions to the emergence of a sense of planetary responsibility and international climate governance efforts.

Contributions by leading environmental historians will be combined with hands-on research opportunities. Participants will have the chance to work with digital visual sources related to environmental themes housed in the Historical Archives of the European Union. They will also be able to present their own research projects and receive feedback from their peers.

Detailed programme to be announced - please check the Summer School's website for updates

Eligibility criteria

• Students of history, social sciences and related fields
• Graduates or students in their last year
• Any nationality

The applicants are not limited to EU member states and we welcome extra-European participants. Applicants should be working towards or have completed a master's degree. Except under special circumstances, PhD students will not normally be admitted.

Enrolment numbers are limited and admission is based on merit.

Learning outcome

Whether you are interested in political, social, cultural, intellectual or economic history, the online Summer School will give you a unique opportunity to broaden your research interests and methodological reflection.

Fee

Registration fee for selected participants: EUR 60

Attendance and certificate of participation

• Attendance at all sessions is mandatory
• A certificate of participation is issued at the end of the course

Application

Onlin application on the following webpage: https://www.eui.eu/apply?id=summer-school-in-global-and-transnational-history

Deadline for applications: 4 May 2025

Directors and Coordinators

Prof. Corinna Unger (EUI), Prof. Glenda Sluga (EUI)