Dr. Christine Contrada, liberal arts program coordinator, offers guest lecture at George Mason University

Dr. Christine Contrada, assistant professor and liberal arts program coordinator, recently presented a guest lecture on the development of the Italian nation at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University.

Contrada’s lecture, titled “Creation of the Italian Nation,” focused on the process of building the Italian nation, from the 19th century Risorgimento through its tumultuous first few decades as a nation-state. The lecture was part of a series, “Windows on World War I,” being offered during the spring term at GMU.

Academic focus on Italian nation building follows Italy’s recent 150th anniversary of national unity along with concern about deep divisions that remain despite unification. The recent Italian debt crisis within the context of the broader European debt crisis also draws attention and scrutiny.

Contrada will reprise her lecture on June 11 for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Richmond this summer. The lecture is part of the Osher Institute’s Interdiscplinary History and Culture Series.