Medieval History

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.

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participants to the historiographical reflection on the medieval age, opening them to the use of published and unpublished sources and the bibliographic tools essential for the study of the period in question, with particular reference to the topic of medieval welfare. 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 related to the historical period under examination and to elaborate autonomous reflections on a historiographic perspective that places not only the public institutions but also the primary system of relations from which the institutions derive at the centre of the historical investigation. 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. During the course, students - individually or in groups - will present and discuss readings suggested by the teacher. 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.