Workshop: Forenames and Surnames as Sources of Cultural History
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The workshop aims to provide students with the tools to critically analyse the processes of socio-cultural change that took place in medieval Europe. In particular, it will focus on the great onomastic transformation that affected the continent between the 10th and 16th centuries, an exceptional indicator to measure phenomena such as Christianisation, processes of social and geographical mobility, education, and changing family structures. Moreover, the workshop aims to develop students' familiarity with digital technologies (e.g., database construction software and relational databases) applied to the field of the humanities.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the workshop, students will be able to identify, through the vantage point offered by onomastic changes, the main factors of social, political and cultural transformation in the Middle Ages. They will also acquire the ability to analyse serial and complex data (e.g., long lists of names) through the use of digital technologies, and to identify the potential and methodological criticalities implied in different types of analyses (qualitative/quantitative).
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
- Onomastics between the early Middle Ages, late Middle Ages and Renaissance.
- How to make a database: strategies and criteria.
- Qualitative and quantitative analysis of names.
- How to make a database: strategies and criteria.
- Qualitative and quantitative analysis of names.
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 "Laboratories" page of the Cultural, Intellectual and Visual History degree course website: https://visual.cdl.unimi.it/en/courses/laboratories
In order to apply for admission to the laboratory, which has limited enrollment, it is mandatory to follow the instructions outlined on the "Laboratories" page of the Cultural, Intellectual and Visual History degree course website: https://visual.cdl.unimi.it/en/courses/laboratories
Teaching methods
Class attendance is mandatory. The Lab consists of lessons designed to provide students with the foundational tools to analyze and discuss the main onomastic transformations (and the reasons behind them) in the period taken into account, to recognise the different methodologies related to the topic, and to use the specific vocabulary and methodology of medieval studies in this field.
These skills will be acquired through in-class activities, the creation of a small database related to the case study under examination, and the individual preparation of a short written summary on the topic covered in the workshop.
These skills will be acquired through in-class activities, the creation of a small database related to the case study under examination, and the individual preparation of a short written summary on the topic covered in the workshop.
Teaching Resources
Understanding of the subjects discussed in lectures.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Method: Evaluation at the end of the activity.
Exam Type (for attending students): Ongoing and final assessment of the lab work, based on class participation, the creation of a small database, and the submission of a short written text.
Exam Type (for attending students): Ongoing and final assessment of the lab work, based on class participation, the creation of a small database, and the submission of a short written text.
Professor(s)