Civilization and Culture in the Middle Ages

The objective is twofold: on the one hand it is to offer a general summary framework for the contents of political communication in the Middle Ages (and therefore on the societal ideals that the different political actors cultivated) and on the other to investigate the characteristics and effectiveness of each communicative medium (written word, oral tradition, rituals, images). The course also aims to provide lexical and conceptual tools suitable for both scientific and popular historical communication relating to medieval civilization.

The course aims to introduce participants to the historical reflection on political communication in the Middle Ages, opening them to the use of published and unpublished sources and essential printed and online bibliographic tools. Through the analysis of concrete examples, students will be introduced to different methodologies of historical investigation and the study of documentation. At the end of the course students will be able to critically read primary sources and scientific texts relating to the historical period under consideration and develop independent reflections on the main historical and historiographical issues of the Medieval period. These skills will be acquired through a direct and continuous comparison with the aid of the instructor in the classroom: in particular, through critical reflection on proposed texts for individual study and participation in seminar activities. These will be expressed during the course, through presentation and discussion by the students - individually or in groups - of readings suggested by the teacher.
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 suggested of the instructor, and of course contact the instructor either by e-mail and during office hours.