Workshop: Towards the Final Paper: Doing and Writing Historical Research (Ancient Age)
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The objective of the workshop is twofold: on the one hand, it provides the primary basics about the tools (methodological and bibliographical) of the research conducted from a source indicated by the instructor, and on the other hand to teach the student how to process research result in the written form.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the workshop, the student will have acquired the knowledge of the main types of sources of ancient history and the main tools of research. They will then be able to use the language tools (language properties, correct specific lexicon) to express in written form, clearly and effectively, the results of the research conducted under the guidance of the instructor.
These skills will be acquired through a direct and ongoing meeting with the teacher in the classroom. The discussion around the proposed sources will provide additional time of critical reflection and methodological learning. Individual work will also be of great importance, with reports assigned by the instructor and then discussed collectively.
Students will be able to make use of the educational tools provided by the instructor on Ariel and of course contact the instructor during lessons, by email and during the office hours.
These skills will be acquired through a direct and ongoing meeting with the teacher in the classroom. The discussion around the proposed sources will provide additional time of critical reflection and methodological learning. Individual work will also be of great importance, with reports assigned by the instructor and then discussed collectively.
Students will be able to make use of the educational tools provided by the instructor on Ariel and of course contact the instructor during lessons, by email and during the office hours.
Lesson period: Second 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
Second semester
Course syllabus
During the laboratory, students will examine sources and methodologies that are fundamental to the study of Ancient History. Classes aim to provide students with the first rudiments concerning the main (methodological and bibliographic) principles of historical research, especially in approaching different kinds of sources. The laboratory also intends to draw guidelines on how to process the outcomes of the research in a clear, critical, and effective written form.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific prerequisites other than those required for admission to the Degree Course.
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
Attendance is mandatory. No more than 2 absences are allowed. It should be noted, however, that the laboratory, in addition to a maximum of 25 attending students, will also be able to accept 10 non-attending students. Once admitted to the laboratory following pre-registration, non-attending students can contact the teacher to receive information regarding the specific program.
The laboratory consists of lectures aimed at providing students with the basic tools required to conduct research in Ancient History, including:
- knowledge of the main types of sources for Ancient History and the tools for their consultation, both in print and digital form (critical editions; online corpora and databases for literary, epigraphic, numismatic, and papyrological sources; prosopographical corpora and repertories);
- the ability to locate and organise bibliographical material using the main research tools available (bibliographical databases, specialised and subject-specific dictionaries and encyclopaedias);
- the application of methodological and bibliographical tools specific to research in the field of Classical Studies;
- the ability to present research results in written form, using appropriate linguistic and bibliographical tools and adopting the editorial standards of a historical essay.
Lectures will take place in the classroom, where the instructor's presentations will be followed by practical exercises designed to foster the development of acquired knowledge into skills and to support the independent consolidation of analytical abilities and proficiency in the use of the tools presented during the course. Practical exercises will include the consultation, use, and citation of the aforementioned tools, as well as the drafting of a critical text.
The laboratory consists of lectures aimed at providing students with the basic tools required to conduct research in Ancient History, including:
- knowledge of the main types of sources for Ancient History and the tools for their consultation, both in print and digital form (critical editions; online corpora and databases for literary, epigraphic, numismatic, and papyrological sources; prosopographical corpora and repertories);
- the ability to locate and organise bibliographical material using the main research tools available (bibliographical databases, specialised and subject-specific dictionaries and encyclopaedias);
- the application of methodological and bibliographical tools specific to research in the field of Classical Studies;
- the ability to present research results in written form, using appropriate linguistic and bibliographical tools and adopting the editorial standards of a historical essay.
Lectures will take place in the classroom, where the instructor's presentations will be followed by practical exercises designed to foster the development of acquired knowledge into skills and to support the independent consolidation of analytical abilities and proficiency in the use of the tools presented during the course. Practical exercises will include the consultation, use, and citation of the aforementioned tools, as well as the drafting of a critical text.
Teaching Resources
All teaching materials used during the lectures will be made available on Ariel and/or will be accessible online or through the University Library Service.
In addition, students are required to read and be familiar with: E. CANOBBIO (ed.), La tesi di laurea in Storia. Fonti, metodi, strumenti, Milan 2025 (chapters 1 and 2 only, pp. 5-37).
International and Erasmus students are invited to contact the workshop lecturer promptly to arrange the program, which may be provided in English if necessary.
In addition, students are required to read and be familiar with: E. CANOBBIO (ed.), La tesi di laurea in Storia. Fonti, metodi, strumenti, Milan 2025 (chapters 1 and 2 only, pp. 5-37).
International and Erasmus students are invited to contact the workshop lecturer promptly to arrange the program, which may be provided in English if necessary.
Assessment methods and Criteria
- Method: evaluation at the end of the course
-Type of examination: in itinere assessment and at the end of the course, on the basis of the attendance of lectures and the 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 itinere assessment and at the end of the course, on the basis of the attendance of lectures and the 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)