Section of Contemporary History and the Modern World

The section studies the processes of evolution and rupture that have taken place from the 19th century to the present day

The Section of Contemporary History and the Modern World promotes a global vision of history that helps develop the ability to analyze and understand the historical and cultural diversity of the world we live in.
Our teaching and research work aims to contribute to the generation of rigorous knowledge and to foster an informed citizenry, capable of interpreting the complexities of our time with historical perspective.

Organization

This is a Section with strong teaching and research capabilities, bringing together professionals with long academic careers and emerging talents from various universities and research paths. This combination enriches both scientific and pedagogical activity, fostering a diversity of perspectives and methodologies, and enhancing the ability to collaborate with other areas of the Department and the Faculty.

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Triennial Congress

From the Section of Contemporary History and the Present World at the University of Barcelona, we organize an international congress every three years, with a broad and open theme, aimed at fostering historiographical debate and creating collaborative synergies—not only among historians of the contemporary period, but also with other disciplines with which such synergies are built.

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Teaching

The Section of Contemporary History and the Present World plays a key teaching role in various undergraduate degrees, such as History, Anthropology, Archaeology, Communication, Geography, Art History, and Social Work. It offers core, compulsory, and, in some cases, elective courses, demonstrating great adaptability to different disciplinary environments. This cross-disciplinary presence has contributed to the consolidation of good practices and pedagogical innovation, with projects developed both within the faculty and in collaboration with other areas.
The Section also coordinates the Master's Degree in Contemporary History and the Present World and plays an active role in the university master's programs in Teacher Training and in Women's, Gender and Citizenship Studies. Its teaching activities span all educational stages, from undergraduate to doctoral studies, and promote interdisciplinary alliances.

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Research

Within the Section, two consolidated research groups (SGR) currently operate, recognized and funded by AGAUR. These groups develop research lines mainly focused on the study of society, politics, and culture in the contemporary era and the present world, using diverse methodological and thematic approaches.
The Section’s research work has materialized in a large number of projects funded by national, state, and European institutions, as well as in the creation of collaborative networks of varying scope.
Particularly noteworthy is the significant presence of predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers, who ensure a constant renewal of knowledge and contribute to the international projection of the Section, consolidating it as a dynamic, innovative space that is closely connected to global academic debates.

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