Workshop: Ancient Historiography. Methods and Perspectives
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The main goal of the workshop is to develop skills in reading and analysis in ancient historiography, combining it with epigraphic, numismatic, and archaeological evidence from the same period, as well as with modern scientific literature.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the workshop, students will be able to:
- identify the main types of sources for ancient history, recognising the difference between primary and secondary sources, direct and indirect evidence;
- construct a critical dialogue between different types of sources;
- apply the methodological and bibliographical tools used in research in the field of ancient history;
- produce a written report of their research findings.
- identify the main types of sources for ancient history, recognising the difference between primary and secondary sources, direct and indirect evidence;
- construct a critical dialogue between different types of sources;
- apply the methodological and bibliographical tools used in research in the field of ancient history;
- produce a written report of their research findings.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Giudizio di approvazione
Assessment result: superato/non superato
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 goal of the workshop is to develop students' methodological and analytical skills in ancient history by going back to the sources - especially historiographical ones. The course will focus on Tacitus, a well-known and highly multifaceted author of Roman imperial historiography. At the end of the workshop, students will be able to analyze literary sources in light both of contemporary evidence and modern scholarship, so as to acquire a dynamic and critical understanding of the subject matter.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific requirements different from those requested for the degree admission.
In order to apply for admission to the laboratory, which has limited enrollment, it is mandatory to follow the instructions outlined on the 'Laboratori' page of the History degree course website: https://storia.cdl.unimi.it/it/insegnamenti/laboratori
In order to apply for admission to the laboratory, which has limited enrollment, it is mandatory to follow the instructions outlined on the 'Laboratori' page of the History degree course website: https://storia.cdl.unimi.it/it/insegnamenti/laboratori
Teaching methods
Unless otherwise agreed upon registration, attendance is compulsory. In the first part of the course students will be introduced to the sources and the issues they raise, using tools specific to the field. Sources will be studied in modern translations. Students will then be assigned specific dossiers to work on. The second phase will take the form of a seminar, in which students will present and discuss their research with each other and with the lecturer, focusing on content and methodology.
Students unable to attend (up to a maximum of 10) will agree on a specific programme with the lecturer after admission.
Students unable to attend (up to a maximum of 10) will agree on a specific programme with the lecturer after admission.
Teaching Resources
Works by Tacitus: passages from individual works will be provided by the lecturer, together with relevant studies that must be consulted for the preparation of papers.
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.
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: evaluation at the end of the course
-Type of examination: in addition to attending lessons, in itinere assessment and at the end of the course, on the basis of attendance of lectures and writing of a short essay.
- Evaluation criteria: ability to demonstrate and elaborate knowledge; ability for critical reflection on the completed work; quality of expression, competence in the use of specialised lexicon, efficacy, clarity.
- Type of evaluation method: approval of 3 CFUs.
The format of the assessment for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the lecturer, in agreement with the office in charge ([email protected] or [email protected]).
-Type of examination: in addition to attending lessons, in itinere assessment and at the end of the course, on the basis of attendance of lectures and writing of a short essay.
- Evaluation criteria: ability to demonstrate and elaborate knowledge; ability for critical reflection on the completed work; quality of expression, competence in the use of specialised lexicon, efficacy, clarity.
- Type of evaluation method: approval of 3 CFUs.
The format of the assessment for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the lecturer, in agreement with the office in charge ([email protected] or [email protected]).
Professor(s)