Medieval History
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide the broad outlines of medieval history, as well as the tools necessary to understand the main political, economic, social and religious elements visible during the centuries of the late ancient age to the early Renaissance
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course the student will have acquired the knowledge of the political-institutional, socio-economic and cultural development of Medieval history, from 5th to the 15th centuries. They shall also be able to place the most representative events and figures in their chronological and geographical contexts. The student will be able to use language tools (language properties, correct specific lexicon) to express, in a clear and effective form, concepts of a political, institutional, economic, and religious nature; they will be able to read critically historiographical works and use the main tools, including digital tools, for the 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. 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: First 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
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course is held during the first semester at the Noto 8 Street location.
Course title: The Discreet Charm of Atropos. Death in the Medieval European West.
Part One (20 hours, 3 CFU): The Middle Ages: Definition and Sources. From Late Antiquity to the Early Middle Ages.
Part Two (20 hours, 3 credits): The main institutional, economic, and social dynamics of the high Middle Ages.
Part Three (20 hours, 3 credits): Medieval Society's Reaction to Death: Faith, Reason of State, Medicine, Culture, and Feelings.
The program duration for attendees is two years (December 2027).
Course title: The Discreet Charm of Atropos. Death in the Medieval European West.
Part One (20 hours, 3 CFU): The Middle Ages: Definition and Sources. From Late Antiquity to the Early Middle Ages.
Part Two (20 hours, 3 credits): The main institutional, economic, and social dynamics of the high Middle Ages.
Part Three (20 hours, 3 credits): Medieval Society's Reaction to Death: Faith, Reason of State, Medicine, Culture, and Feelings.
The program duration for attendees is two years (December 2027).
Prerequisites for admission
Other than the prerequisites for admission to the course of study, there are no other prerequisites. Some knowledge of basic Latin is recommended. The course will be held in Italian.
Teaching methods
Although class attendance is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended.
The teaching consists of lectures intended to:
- understand the linguistic complexity and historical variations of institutional vocabulary;
- learn about the object of study using diachronic and synchronic approaches;
- select and organize information in a relevant and systematic way;
- critically evaluate texts from different periods and genres;
- use discipline-specific terminology consciously.
Expound the results of research in an appropriate and logical manner.
Develop awareness of the value of an interdisciplinary approach.
Classroom discussion with the lecturer is an integral part of the teaching method that aims to foster a critical spirit and the ability to apply acquired skills and knowledge in students.
Teaching materials are posted on the MyAriel platform and include slides, texts, and videos.
Lecture slides made available to support attending students during the course will be deleted from the MyAriel website at the end of the semester. Non-attending students can always access the text (in PDF format) indicated in the syllabus as supplementary to the exam on the MyAriel site.
The teaching consists of lectures intended to:
- understand the linguistic complexity and historical variations of institutional vocabulary;
- learn about the object of study using diachronic and synchronic approaches;
- select and organize information in a relevant and systematic way;
- critically evaluate texts from different periods and genres;
- use discipline-specific terminology consciously.
Expound the results of research in an appropriate and logical manner.
Develop awareness of the value of an interdisciplinary approach.
Classroom discussion with the lecturer is an integral part of the teaching method that aims to foster a critical spirit and the ability to apply acquired skills and knowledge in students.
Teaching materials are posted on the MyAriel platform and include slides, texts, and videos.
Lecture slides made available to support attending students during the course will be deleted from the MyAriel website at the end of the semester. Non-attending students can always access the text (in PDF format) indicated in the syllabus as supplementary to the exam on the MyAriel site.
Teaching Resources
Program for 6 CFU for attending students:
- Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (I and II Part);
- Ph. Ariès, Storia della morte in Occidente, Rizzoli 1998 (also available as an eBook).
Textbook:
- G. Vitolo, Medioevo. I caratteri originali di un'età di transizione, Sansoni 2000, or A. Zorzi, Manuale di storia medievale, UTET 2016 (with summaries, chronological summaries and concept maps).
Program for 9 CFU for attending students:
- Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (I, II and III Part)
- La morte e i suoi riti in Italia tra Medioevo e prima Età Moderna, a cura di F. Salvestrini, G.M. Varanini, A. Zangarini, Firenze University Press 2007 (The publisher's website offers a downloadable PDF version).
Textbooks:
- G. Vitolo, Medioevo. I caratteri originali di un'età di transizione, Sansoni 2000, or A. Zorzi, Manuale di storia medievale, UTET 2016 (with summaries, chronological summaries and concept maps).
Program for 6 CFU for non-attending students:
Textbooks:
- G. Vitolo, Medioevo. I caratteri originali di un'età di transizione, Sansoni 2000, or A. Zorzi, Manuale di storia medievale, UTET 2016 (with summaries, chronological summaries and concept maps);
- F.M. Vaglienti, Squarci nel Medioevo. Tradizione e sperimentazioni, Mimesis Edizioni 2012 (the MyAriel teaching materials site offers a downloadable PDF version);
- Ph. Ariès, Storia della morte in Occidente, Rizzoli 1998 (also available as an eBook).
Program for 9 CFU for non-attending students:
Textbooks:
- G. Vitolo, Medioevo. I caratteri originali di un'età di transizione, Sansoni 2000, or A. Zorzi, Manuale di storia medievale, UTET 2016 (with summaries, chronological summaries and concept maps);
- F.M. Vaglienti, Squarci nel Medioevo. Tradizione e sperimentazioni, Mimesis Edizioni 2012 (The MyAriel teaching materials site offers a downloadable PDF version);
- La morte e i suoi riti in Italia tra Medioevo e prima Età Moderna, a cura di F. Salvestrini, G.M. Varanini, A. Zangarini, Firenze University Press 2007 (The publisher's website offers a downloadable PDF version).
Subsequent editions of all texts are accepted.
International and Erasmus students are invited to promptly get in touch with the professor to arrange a reading plan (available in French) for exam preparation.
- Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (I and II Part);
- Ph. Ariès, Storia della morte in Occidente, Rizzoli 1998 (also available as an eBook).
Textbook:
- G. Vitolo, Medioevo. I caratteri originali di un'età di transizione, Sansoni 2000, or A. Zorzi, Manuale di storia medievale, UTET 2016 (with summaries, chronological summaries and concept maps).
Program for 9 CFU for attending students:
- Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (I, II and III Part)
- La morte e i suoi riti in Italia tra Medioevo e prima Età Moderna, a cura di F. Salvestrini, G.M. Varanini, A. Zangarini, Firenze University Press 2007 (The publisher's website offers a downloadable PDF version).
Textbooks:
- G. Vitolo, Medioevo. I caratteri originali di un'età di transizione, Sansoni 2000, or A. Zorzi, Manuale di storia medievale, UTET 2016 (with summaries, chronological summaries and concept maps).
Program for 6 CFU for non-attending students:
Textbooks:
- G. Vitolo, Medioevo. I caratteri originali di un'età di transizione, Sansoni 2000, or A. Zorzi, Manuale di storia medievale, UTET 2016 (with summaries, chronological summaries and concept maps);
- F.M. Vaglienti, Squarci nel Medioevo. Tradizione e sperimentazioni, Mimesis Edizioni 2012 (the MyAriel teaching materials site offers a downloadable PDF version);
- Ph. Ariès, Storia della morte in Occidente, Rizzoli 1998 (also available as an eBook).
Program for 9 CFU for non-attending students:
Textbooks:
- G. Vitolo, Medioevo. I caratteri originali di un'età di transizione, Sansoni 2000, or A. Zorzi, Manuale di storia medievale, UTET 2016 (with summaries, chronological summaries and concept maps);
- F.M. Vaglienti, Squarci nel Medioevo. Tradizione e sperimentazioni, Mimesis Edizioni 2012 (The MyAriel teaching materials site offers a downloadable PDF version);
- La morte e i suoi riti in Italia tra Medioevo e prima Età Moderna, a cura di F. Salvestrini, G.M. Varanini, A. Zangarini, Firenze University Press 2007 (The publisher's website offers a downloadable PDF version).
Subsequent editions of all texts are accepted.
International and Erasmus students are invited to promptly get in touch with the professor to arrange a reading plan (available in French) for exam preparation.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Mode: The examination is oral and must be taken in Italian.
Assessment Parameters:
- Ability to expound knowledge neatly
- Ability to reflect critically on the topics studied
- Quality, linearity, and clarity of exposition
- Competence in the use of the specific historical vocabulary taught in class
Type of assessment used: Grades are given in thirtieths.
Arrangements for students with disabilities must be agreed upon in advance with the teacher and the appropriate office.
Assessment Parameters:
- Ability to expound knowledge neatly
- Ability to reflect critically on the topics studied
- Quality, linearity, and clarity of exposition
- Competence in the use of the specific historical vocabulary taught in class
Type of assessment used: Grades are given in thirtieths.
Arrangements for students with disabilities must be agreed upon in advance with the teacher and the appropriate office.
Unita' didattica A
M-STO/01 - MEDIEVAL HISTORY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
M-STO/01 - MEDIEVAL HISTORY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
M-STO/01 - MEDIEVAL HISTORY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment agreed by e-mail
Entrance E, 3° floor, room 3010 (B24). Remotely on the Microsoft Teams platform