Connessioni veneziane

Scholars of Oriental languages have always been interested in the history of Asian and African lands and its relations with Europe. They were the first to work in disciplines now called area/trans-cultural studies and world/connected history. In these fields it is important to create groups that share different linguistic skills, since several historiographical traditions exist. The University Ca' Foscari (Venice) has recently become a gathering place for scholars interested in different cultures, united by the desire of sharing their knowledge with their colleagues. World history may be a first step to get over the crisis of historical studies in Italy but it is not enough. A solution may be in a new interest in public history, whose target is common people. In this way university may fulfil its 'third mission' and also prepare new professionals in the field of historical studies.