Medieval History
A.Y. 2026/2027
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 MyAriel, 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: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course is held during the second semester.
Course title: The Medieval Roots of a Europe of Nations: Between Myth and History
Part One (20 hours, 3 cfu): The Middle Ages: definition and sources. The turbulent transition from Late Antiquity to the Early Middle Ages;
Part Two (20 hours, 3 ECTS credits): The medieval origins of Europe: cities, regional states and nations.
The programme for full-time students lasts two years (February 2029).
Course title: The Medieval Roots of a Europe of Nations: Between Myth and History
Part One (20 hours, 3 cfu): The Middle Ages: definition and sources. The turbulent transition from Late Antiquity to the Early Middle Ages;
Part Two (20 hours, 3 ECTS credits): The medieval origins of Europe: cities, regional states and nations.
The programme for full-time students lasts two years (February 2029).
Prerequisites for admission
Other than the prerequisites for admission to the course of study, there are no other prerequisites. The course will be held in Italian.
Teaching methods
Although class attendance is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended.
Alpha-style teaching consists of face-to-face lectures, delivered in a lecture-based format (DE), intended to:
- understand the linguistic complexity and historical variations of institutional vocabulary;
- to understand the subject matter from both a diachronic and a synchronic perspective, with reference to long-standing political and institutional issues;
- 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.
Alpha-style teaching consists of face-to-face lectures, delivered in a lecture-based format (DE), intended to:
- understand the linguistic complexity and historical variations of institutional vocabulary;
- to understand the subject matter from both a diachronic and a synchronic perspective, with reference to long-standing political and institutional issues;
- 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
NOTICE. You are advised not to rely on summaries found online or obtained from AI or other students, as these are invariably incomplete, incorrect and easily detected by the Examination Board.
Syllabus for 6 CFU (attending students):
- knowledge of the topics covered in lectures (Parts One and Two);
- Patrick J. Geary, Il mito delle nazioni. Le origini medievali dell'Europa, Carocci Editore 2016.
Compulsory textbook (choose one of the two suggested):
G. Vitolo, Medioevo. I caratteri originali di un'età di transizione, Sansoni 2000; alternatively, A. Zorzi, Manuale di storia medievale, UTET 2016 (accompanied by summaries, chronological overviews and concept maps).
Syllabus for 6 CFU non-attending students:
Compulsory textbook (choose one of the two suggested):
G. Vitolo, Medioevo. I caratteri originali di un'età di transizione, Sansoni 2000; alternatively, A. Zorzi, Manuale di storia medievale, UTET 2016 (accompanied by summaries, chronological overviews and concept maps)
together with:
- F.M. Vaglienti, Squarci nel Medioevo. Tradizione e sperimentazioni, Mimesis Edizioni 2012 (downloadable in PDF format from the course materials on the MyAriel platform);
- Patrick J. Geary, Il mito delle nazioni. Le origini medievali dell'Europa, Carocci Editore 2016.
Syllabus for 6 CFU (attending students):
- knowledge of the topics covered in lectures (Parts One and Two);
- Patrick J. Geary, Il mito delle nazioni. Le origini medievali dell'Europa, Carocci Editore 2016.
Compulsory textbook (choose one of the two suggested):
G. Vitolo, Medioevo. I caratteri originali di un'età di transizione, Sansoni 2000; alternatively, A. Zorzi, Manuale di storia medievale, UTET 2016 (accompanied by summaries, chronological overviews and concept maps).
Syllabus for 6 CFU non-attending students:
Compulsory textbook (choose one of the two suggested):
G. Vitolo, Medioevo. I caratteri originali di un'età di transizione, Sansoni 2000; alternatively, A. Zorzi, Manuale di storia medievale, UTET 2016 (accompanied by summaries, chronological overviews and concept maps)
together with:
- F.M. Vaglienti, Squarci nel Medioevo. Tradizione e sperimentazioni, Mimesis Edizioni 2012 (downloadable in PDF format from the course materials on the MyAriel platform);
- Patrick J. Geary, Il mito delle nazioni. Le origini medievali dell'Europa, Carocci Editore 2016.
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.
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment agreed by e-mail
Entrance E, 3° floor, room 3010 (B24). Remotely on the Microsoft Teams platform