Medieval History
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The course offers an in-depth look at the medieval age, as well as the main languages and historiographical problems related to the period in question. The course aims in particular to provide methodological, lexical and conceptual tools suitable to safely address the historiographic debate.
Expected learning outcomes
The course aims to introduce participants to the historiographical reflection on the medieval age, opening them to the use of published and unpublished sources and the printed and online bibliographic tools essential for the study of the period in question, with particular reference to the so-called 'crisis of the 14th century'. By taking a critical approach to the historiography and analysis of specific case studies, students will be introduced to different methodologies of historical investigation and how to approach archival documentation.
At the end of the course, students will be able to critically read sources and studies relating to the historical period under consideration and to develop independent reflections on the transformation of the economic, social and demographic structures that characterized the 14th century. These skills will be acquired through a direct and continuous meeting with the instructor in the classroom: in particular, through critical reflection on documents and texts proposed for individual analysis and participation in seminar activities. These will be expressed during the course, through presentation and discussion by the students - individually or in groups - regarding documents proposed by the instructor.
Students opting not to attend the lessons will be able to make use of the educational tools provided by the instructor on Ariel, deepen their knowledge of main topics through special readings with the agreement with the instructor, and of course contact the instructor either by e-mail and during office hours.
At the end of the course, students will be able to critically read sources and studies relating to the historical period under consideration and to develop independent reflections on the transformation of the economic, social and demographic structures that characterized the 14th century. These skills will be acquired through a direct and continuous meeting with the instructor in the classroom: in particular, through critical reflection on documents and texts proposed for individual analysis and participation in seminar activities. These will be expressed during the course, through presentation and discussion by the students - individually or in groups - regarding documents proposed by the instructor.
Students opting not to attend the lessons will be able to make use of the educational tools provided by the instructor on Ariel, deepen their knowledge of main topics through special readings with the agreement with the instructor, and of course contact the instructor either by e-mail and during office hours.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Title of the course: The "crisis of the fourteenth century": sources and research.
Module 1: Crisis and conjuncture in the Late Middle Ages.
Module 2: The 14th century conjuncture in Lombardy.
Module 3: Methodological and didactic considerations. Did the 14th century crisis exist?
Module 1: Crisis and conjuncture in the Late Middle Ages.
Module 2: The 14th century conjuncture in Lombardy.
Module 3: Methodological and didactic considerations. Did the 14th century crisis exist?
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific requirements different from those requested for the admission to the MA degree in historical science
Teaching methods
Attendance to classes is strongly recommended although not compulsory. The teaching is delivered through frontal lectures aimed primarily at the acquisition of knowledge, competence and specific language of the subject. Discussion with the teacher in the classroom is integrant part of the didactic method and aims at promoting a critical attitude and the capacity to apply the acquired competence and knowledge.
The teaching is also based on didactic and multimedia material provided on Ariel.
In addition to frontal lectures, individual presentations are envisaged.
The teaching is also based on didactic and multimedia material provided on Ariel.
In addition to frontal lectures, individual presentations are envisaged.
Teaching Resources
Attending students:
- Programme for 6 cfu:
Those who wants to take the exam for 6 cfu have to arrange with the professor the programme.
- Programme for 9 cfu:
Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (modules 1, 2 and 3)
Textbook: La congiuntura del primo Trecento in Lombardia (1290-1360), a cura di P. Grillo e F. Menant, École française de Rome, Roma 2019
Knowledge of the following volumes: (avalaible for downloading at https://ariel.unimi.it):
-R.C. Muller, Epidemie, crisi, rivolte, in Storia medievale Donzelli, pp. 557-584.
-S. Carocci, La "crisi del Trecento" e le recenti teorie economiche, in La Fabrique des sociétés méditerrnéennes. Le Moyen Âge di François Menant, Études réunis par D. Chamboduc de Saint Pungent et M. Dejoux, Parigi 201. pp. 129-139
-G. Petralia, Crescita ed espansione, in Storia medievale Donzelli, pp. 291-318
-J. Day, Crisi e congiunture, in Storia UTET, pp. 245-273
Non-attending students:
- Programme for 6 cfu:
Textbook: La congiuntura del primo Trecento in Lombardia (1290-1360), a cura di P. Grillo e F. Menant, École française de Rome, Roma 2019
Together with: A. Cortonesi - L. Palermo, La prima espansione economica europea. Secoli XI-XV, Roma, Carocci, 2009
Knowledge of the following volumes: (avalaible for downloading at https://ariel.unimi.it):
-R.C. Muller, Epidemie, crisi, rivolte, in Storia medievale Donzelli, pp. 557-584.
-S. Carocci, La "crisi del Trecento" e le recenti teorie economiche, in La Fabrique des sociétés méditerrnéennes. Le Moyen Âge di François Menant, Études réunis par D. Chamboduc de Saint Pungent et M. Dejoux, Parigi 201. pp. 129-139
- Programme for 9 cfu:
Textbook: La congiuntura del primo Trecento in Lombardia (1290-1360), a cura di P. Grillo e F. Menant, École française de Rome, Roma 2019
Together with: A. Cortonesi - L. Palermo, La prima espansione economica europea. Secoli XI-XV, Roma, Carocci, 2009
Knowledge of the following volumes: (avalaible for downloading at https://ariel.unimi.it):
-R.C. Muller, Epidemie, crisi, rivolte, in Storia medievale Donzelli, pp. 557-584.
-S. Carocci, La "crisi del Trecento" e le recenti teorie economiche, in La Fabrique des sociétés méditerrnéennes. Le Moyen Âge di François Menant, Études réunis par D. Chamboduc de Saint Pungent et M. Dejoux, Parigi 201. pp. 129-139
-G. Petralia, Crescita ed espansione, in Storia medievale Donzelli, pp. 291-318
-J. Day, Crisi e congiunture, in Storia UTET, pp. 245-273
International and Erasmus students are invited to promptly get in touch with the professor in order to arrange a reading plan (available in English) for exam preparation.
- Programme for 6 cfu:
Those who wants to take the exam for 6 cfu have to arrange with the professor the programme.
- Programme for 9 cfu:
Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (modules 1, 2 and 3)
Textbook: La congiuntura del primo Trecento in Lombardia (1290-1360), a cura di P. Grillo e F. Menant, École française de Rome, Roma 2019
Knowledge of the following volumes: (avalaible for downloading at https://ariel.unimi.it):
-R.C. Muller, Epidemie, crisi, rivolte, in Storia medievale Donzelli, pp. 557-584.
-S. Carocci, La "crisi del Trecento" e le recenti teorie economiche, in La Fabrique des sociétés méditerrnéennes. Le Moyen Âge di François Menant, Études réunis par D. Chamboduc de Saint Pungent et M. Dejoux, Parigi 201. pp. 129-139
-G. Petralia, Crescita ed espansione, in Storia medievale Donzelli, pp. 291-318
-J. Day, Crisi e congiunture, in Storia UTET, pp. 245-273
Non-attending students:
- Programme for 6 cfu:
Textbook: La congiuntura del primo Trecento in Lombardia (1290-1360), a cura di P. Grillo e F. Menant, École française de Rome, Roma 2019
Together with: A. Cortonesi - L. Palermo, La prima espansione economica europea. Secoli XI-XV, Roma, Carocci, 2009
Knowledge of the following volumes: (avalaible for downloading at https://ariel.unimi.it):
-R.C. Muller, Epidemie, crisi, rivolte, in Storia medievale Donzelli, pp. 557-584.
-S. Carocci, La "crisi del Trecento" e le recenti teorie economiche, in La Fabrique des sociétés méditerrnéennes. Le Moyen Âge di François Menant, Études réunis par D. Chamboduc de Saint Pungent et M. Dejoux, Parigi 201. pp. 129-139
- Programme for 9 cfu:
Textbook: La congiuntura del primo Trecento in Lombardia (1290-1360), a cura di P. Grillo e F. Menant, École française de Rome, Roma 2019
Together with: A. Cortonesi - L. Palermo, La prima espansione economica europea. Secoli XI-XV, Roma, Carocci, 2009
Knowledge of the following volumes: (avalaible for downloading at https://ariel.unimi.it):
-R.C. Muller, Epidemie, crisi, rivolte, in Storia medievale Donzelli, pp. 557-584.
-S. Carocci, La "crisi del Trecento" e le recenti teorie economiche, in La Fabrique des sociétés méditerrnéennes. Le Moyen Âge di François Menant, Études réunis par D. Chamboduc de Saint Pungent et M. Dejoux, Parigi 201. pp. 129-139
-G. Petralia, Crescita ed espansione, in Storia medievale Donzelli, pp. 291-318
-J. Day, Crisi e congiunture, in Storia UTET, pp. 245-273
International and Erasmus students are invited to promptly get in touch with the professor in order to arrange a reading plan (available in English) for exam preparation.
Assessment methods and Criteria
- Method: oral exam.
- Type of examination: oral interrogation.
- Evaluation criteria: capacity to demonstrate and elaborate knowledge; capacity for critical reflection on the completed work; quality of exposition, competence in the use of specialised lexicon, efficacy, clarity.
- Type of evaluation method: mark in 30s.
The format of the exam for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the professor, as well as the relevant office.
- Type of examination: oral interrogation.
- Evaluation criteria: capacity to demonstrate and elaborate knowledge; capacity for critical reflection on the completed work; quality of exposition, competence in the use of specialised lexicon, efficacy, clarity.
- Type of evaluation method: mark in 30s.
The format of the exam for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the professor, as well as the relevant office.
Unità didattica A
M-STO/01 - MEDIEVAL HISTORY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unità didattica B
M-STO/01 - MEDIEVAL HISTORY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unità didattica C
M-STO/01 - MEDIEVAL HISTORY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours