Medieval History
A.Y. 2024/2025
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 can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Lessons will be held in the first semester, in the location of Via Noto 8.
Title of the course: Medieval animals (not just humans) and where to find them
I Part (20 hours, 3 Ects): The Middle Ages: definition and sources. From Late Antiquity to early Middle Ages;
II Part (20 hours, 3 Ects): Focus on principal institutional, economic and social dynamics of the high Middle Ages;
III Part (20 hours, 3 Ects): Humans and animals in the Western Middle Ages.
The duration of the program for attending students is two years (February 2027).
Title of the course: Medieval animals (not just humans) and where to find them
I Part (20 hours, 3 Ects): The Middle Ages: definition and sources. From Late Antiquity to early Middle Ages;
II Part (20 hours, 3 Ects): Focus on principal institutional, economic and social dynamics of the high Middle Ages;
III Part (20 hours, 3 Ects): Humans and animals in the Western Middle Ages.
The duration of the program for attending students is two years (February 2027).
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific requirements different from those requested for the degree admission. A basic knowledge of Latin is recommended. The course will be held in Italian language.
Teaching methods
Attendance to classes is strongly recommended although not compulsory.
The teaching is delivered through frontal lectures aimed primarily at the acquisition of knowledge, competence and specific language of the subject. Discussion with the teacher in the classroom is an integral part of the didactic method and aims at promoting the capacity to:
- know and understand linguistic complexity and linguistic variations;
- know the object of study according to both a diachronic and synchronic approach;
- select and organize information in a relevant and systematic way;
- critically evaluate texts from different periods and genres;
- consciously use the specific terminology of the discipline;
- present the results of a research in an appropriate and logical way;
- develop awareness of the value of an interdisciplinary approach.
The teaching is also based on didactic material provided on MyAriel: slides, texts, videos.
The teaching is delivered through frontal lectures aimed primarily at the acquisition of knowledge, competence and specific language of the subject. Discussion with the teacher in the classroom is an integral part of the didactic method and aims at promoting the capacity to:
- know and understand linguistic complexity and linguistic variations;
- know the object of study according to both a diachronic and synchronic approach;
- select and organize information in a relevant and systematic way;
- critically evaluate texts from different periods and genres;
- consciously use the specific terminology of the discipline;
- present the results of a research in an appropriate and logical way;
- develop awareness of the value of an interdisciplinary approach.
The teaching is also based on didactic material provided on MyAriel: slides, texts, videos.
Teaching Resources
Program for 6 CFU for attending students:
- Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (I and II Part)
Textbooks:
- G. Vitolo, Medioevo. I caratteri originali di un'età di transizione, Sansoni, Milano 2000, or A. Zorzi, Manuale di storia medievale, UTET, Torino 2016 (with summaries, chronological summaries and concept maps);
- G. Albertoni, L'elefante di Carlo Magno, il Mulino, Bologna 2020 (also available in electronic format: for the direct link consult the teacher's MyAriel).
Program for 9 CFU for attending students:
Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (I, II and III Part)
Textbooks:
- G. Vitolo, Medioevo. I caratteri originali di un'età di transizione, Sansoni, Milano 2000, or A. Zorzi, Manuale di storia medievale, UTET, Torino 2016 (with summaries, chronological summaries and concept maps);
- C. Frugoni, Uomini e animali nel Medioevo. Storie fantastiche e feroci, il Mulino, Bologna 2018.
Program for 6 CFU for non-attending students:
Textbooks:
- G. Vitolo, Medioevo. I caratteri originali di un'età di transizione, Sansoni, Milano 2000, or A. Zorzi, Manuale di storia medievale, UTET, Torino 2016 (with summaries, chronological summaries and concept maps);
- F.M. Vaglienti, Squarci nel Medioevo. Tradizione e sperimentazioni, Mimesis Edizioni, Milano-Udine 2012 (it's possible download the file from the course teaching material).
- G. Albertoni, L'elefante di Carlo Magno, il Mulino, Bologna 2020 (also available in electronic format: for the direct link consult the teacher's MyAriel).
Program for 9 CFU for non-attending students:
Textbooks:
- G. Vitolo, Medioevo. I caratteri originali di un'età di transizione, Sansoni, Milano 2000, or A. Zorzi, Manuale di storia medievale, UTET, Torino 2016 (with summaries, chronological summaries and concept maps).
- F.M. Vaglienti, Squarci nel Medioevo. Tradizione e sperimentazioni, Mimesis Edizioni, Milano-Udine 2012 (it's possible download the file from the course teaching material)
- C. Frugoni, Uomini e animali nel Medioevo. Storie fantastiche e feroci, il Mulino, Bologna 2018.
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)
Textbooks:
- G. Vitolo, Medioevo. I caratteri originali di un'età di transizione, Sansoni, Milano 2000, or A. Zorzi, Manuale di storia medievale, UTET, Torino 2016 (with summaries, chronological summaries and concept maps);
- G. Albertoni, L'elefante di Carlo Magno, il Mulino, Bologna 2020 (also available in electronic format: for the direct link consult the teacher's MyAriel).
Program for 9 CFU for attending students:
Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (I, II and III Part)
Textbooks:
- G. Vitolo, Medioevo. I caratteri originali di un'età di transizione, Sansoni, Milano 2000, or A. Zorzi, Manuale di storia medievale, UTET, Torino 2016 (with summaries, chronological summaries and concept maps);
- C. Frugoni, Uomini e animali nel Medioevo. Storie fantastiche e feroci, il Mulino, Bologna 2018.
Program for 6 CFU for non-attending students:
Textbooks:
- G. Vitolo, Medioevo. I caratteri originali di un'età di transizione, Sansoni, Milano 2000, or A. Zorzi, Manuale di storia medievale, UTET, Torino 2016 (with summaries, chronological summaries and concept maps);
- F.M. Vaglienti, Squarci nel Medioevo. Tradizione e sperimentazioni, Mimesis Edizioni, Milano-Udine 2012 (it's possible download the file from the course teaching material).
- G. Albertoni, L'elefante di Carlo Magno, il Mulino, Bologna 2020 (also available in electronic format: for the direct link consult the teacher's MyAriel).
Program for 9 CFU for non-attending students:
Textbooks:
- G. Vitolo, Medioevo. I caratteri originali di un'età di transizione, Sansoni, Milano 2000, or A. Zorzi, Manuale di storia medievale, UTET, Torino 2016 (with summaries, chronological summaries and concept maps).
- F.M. Vaglienti, Squarci nel Medioevo. Tradizione e sperimentazioni, Mimesis Edizioni, Milano-Udine 2012 (it's possible download the file from the course teaching material)
- C. Frugoni, Uomini e animali nel Medioevo. Storie fantastiche e feroci, il Mulino, Bologna 2018.
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
Method: the exam consists of an oral interrogation and conducted in Italian language.
Evaluation criteria: capacity to demonstrate and elaborate knowledge; capacity for critical reflection on the completed work; quality, linearity and clarity of exposition; competence in the use of specialized lexicon.
Type of evaluation method: mark in 30s.
The format of the exam for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the professor, as well as the relevant office.
Evaluation criteria: capacity to demonstrate and elaborate knowledge; capacity for critical reflection on the completed work; quality, linearity and clarity of exposition; competence in the use of specialized lexicon.
Type of evaluation method: mark in 30s.
The format of the exam for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the professor, as well as the relevant 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 or, in the first semester, on Wednesdays from 12.30 to 2.30 p.m.
Remotely on the Microsoft Teams platform or at the headquarters in Via Festa del Perdono, 7 - Sector B, 3th floor, Room B24