Economic and Social History of the Middle Ages

The course provides the broad outlines of medieval economic history, as well as the tools necessary to understand the main economic, demographic and social aspects of medieval civilization from late antiquity to the 15th century.

At the end of the course the student will have acquired the basic notions related to economic structures and social relations in the Medieval age, as well as the ability to recognize the main demographic behaviors of the populations of that era. They shall also be able to place the main themes and problems within their chronological and geographical contexts and will have acquired a habit of reflecting on the characteristics of the economy of a pre-industrial society. The student will be able to use language tools (language properties, correct specific lexicon) to adequately express, in a clear and effective manner social, economic and political-institutional concepts; they will be able to read critically historiographical works and use the main tools, including digital tools, for research and analysis of sources.
These skills will be acquired through a direct and continuous meeting with the instructor in the classroom. The discussion around the proposed sources will be an essential moment of critical reflection and methodological learning. Participation in meetings and seminars organized within the Department of Historical Studies will also be of great importance.
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.