Overview
Date/time interval
Secondo Semestre (02/03/2026 - 12/06/2026)
Syllabus
Course Objectives
This cycle of lessons target is to provide an updated frame of themes and problems in historiography of Middle Ages together with a basic methodology of historical research. A special attention will be devoted to the use of a correct lexicon, to the importance of geohistorical approaches and perspectives and to the history of Italian area.
Course Prerequisites
To students is required a general knowledge of chronology, of most relevant events and development’s lines of medieval history of Europe (V-XV centuries). A basic knowledge of latin language is very useful but not strictly requested.
Teaching Methods
This cycle of in-person lessons (72 hours) features lessons and discussions. During the whole cycle students will be involved in discussions and analysis of different kind of sources (documents, images, artifacts) and studies. Every topic discussed will be supported by an updated bibliography. Digital and visual material will be used: students will receive digital material as geohistorical maps, chronologies, pictures.
Assessment Methods
During the exam students will be requested to answer orally to questions about all the topics discussed during the cycle of lessons: i. e., general topics of medieval history and its chronology and sources. Students will be requested to show a good knowledge and to master a critical approach. attending students will also be required to expound and discuss topics covered in class (first and second modules). Non-attending students will also be required to expound and discuss topics from the second module. The final evaluation will consider also a correct use of history’s lexicon.
Texts
FOR ATTENDING STUDENTS
*** FIRST SECTION
For the preparation you need:
1. the study of a medieval history textbook, to be chosen among the following:
- Alfio CORTONESI, Il Medioevo. Profilo di un millennio, Roma, Carocci, 2014 (new ed.);
- Andrea ZORZI (con la collaborazione di Enrico FAINI, Francesco MORES, Pierluigi TERENZI), Manuale di storia medievale, 2nd edizione, Novara, UTET-De Agostini, 2021;
- Luigi PROVERO, Massimo VALLERANI, Storia medievale, 2nd edizione, Firenze, Le Monnier università, 2022;
- students eligible for INCLUSIVE EDUCATION are recommended (as a textbook): Paolo GRILLO, Storia medievale. Italia, Europa, Mediterraneo, Milano, Pearson, 2024, Milano, Pearson, 2024 (2nd ed.) [printed edition with access code for 18 months to MyLab, a web-based platform containing multimedia resources, and to the digital edition of the text];
2. a critical reading of Giuseppe SERGI, L’idea di Medioevo. Tra senso comune e pratica storica, Roma, Donzelli, 2005;
3. the study of NOTES recorded during the course lessons;
4. the use of a good historical atlas is required (as it will be clarified during the course lessons).
*** SECOND SECTION
For the preparation you need:
1. the study of notes recorded in the course lessons (required), including the analyzed sources;
2. the participation in a seminar study (as it will be explained in the lessons).
Further bibliographical references and details will be indicated during the lessons.
FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
Non-attending students are invited, if possible, to attend the first lecture.
*** FIRST SECTION
For the preparation you need:
1. the study of a medieval history textbook, to be chosen among the following:
- Alfio CORTONESI, Il Medioevo. Profilo di un millennio, Roma, Carocci, 2014 (new ed.);
- Andrea ZORZI (con la collaborazione di Enrico FAINI, Francesco MORES, Pierluigi TERENZI), Manuale di storia medievale, 2nd edizione, Novara, UTET-De Agostini, 2021;
- Luigi PROVERO, Massimo VALLERANI, Storia medievale, 2nd edizione, Firenze, Le Monnier università, 2022;
- students eligible for INCLUSIVE EDUCATION are recommended (as a textbook): Paolo GRILLO, Storia medievale. Italia, Europa, Mediterraneo, Milano, Pearson, 2024, Milano, Pearson, 2024 (2nd ed.) [printed edition with access code for 18 months to MyLab, a web-based platform containing multimedia resources, and to the digital edition of the text];
2. a critical reading of Giuseppe SERGI, L’idea di Medioevo. Tra senso comune e pratica storica, Roma, Donzelli, 2005;
3. a critical reading of Francesco SENATORE, Medioevo. Istruzioni per l’uso, Milano-Torino, Pearson, 2022;
4. it is necessary to use a good historical atlas.
*** SECOND SECTION
For the preparation you need the study of:
Paolo GALLONI, La memoria e la voce. Un’indagine cognitiva sul medioevo (secoli VI-XII), Roma, Aracne, 2013.
It is possibile to ask the professor to read a different bibliography.
*** FIRST SECTION
For the preparation you need:
1. the study of a medieval history textbook, to be chosen among the following:
- Alfio CORTONESI, Il Medioevo. Profilo di un millennio, Roma, Carocci, 2014 (new ed.);
- Andrea ZORZI (con la collaborazione di Enrico FAINI, Francesco MORES, Pierluigi TERENZI), Manuale di storia medievale, 2nd edizione, Novara, UTET-De Agostini, 2021;
- Luigi PROVERO, Massimo VALLERANI, Storia medievale, 2nd edizione, Firenze, Le Monnier università, 2022;
- students eligible for INCLUSIVE EDUCATION are recommended (as a textbook): Paolo GRILLO, Storia medievale. Italia, Europa, Mediterraneo, Milano, Pearson, 2024, Milano, Pearson, 2024 (2nd ed.) [printed edition with access code for 18 months to MyLab, a web-based platform containing multimedia resources, and to the digital edition of the text];
2. a critical reading of Giuseppe SERGI, L’idea di Medioevo. Tra senso comune e pratica storica, Roma, Donzelli, 2005;
3. the study of NOTES recorded during the course lessons;
4. the use of a good historical atlas is required (as it will be clarified during the course lessons).
*** SECOND SECTION
For the preparation you need:
1. the study of notes recorded in the course lessons (required), including the analyzed sources;
2. the participation in a seminar study (as it will be explained in the lessons).
Further bibliographical references and details will be indicated during the lessons.
FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
Non-attending students are invited, if possible, to attend the first lecture.
*** FIRST SECTION
For the preparation you need:
1. the study of a medieval history textbook, to be chosen among the following:
- Alfio CORTONESI, Il Medioevo. Profilo di un millennio, Roma, Carocci, 2014 (new ed.);
- Andrea ZORZI (con la collaborazione di Enrico FAINI, Francesco MORES, Pierluigi TERENZI), Manuale di storia medievale, 2nd edizione, Novara, UTET-De Agostini, 2021;
- Luigi PROVERO, Massimo VALLERANI, Storia medievale, 2nd edizione, Firenze, Le Monnier università, 2022;
- students eligible for INCLUSIVE EDUCATION are recommended (as a textbook): Paolo GRILLO, Storia medievale. Italia, Europa, Mediterraneo, Milano, Pearson, 2024, Milano, Pearson, 2024 (2nd ed.) [printed edition with access code for 18 months to MyLab, a web-based platform containing multimedia resources, and to the digital edition of the text];
2. a critical reading of Giuseppe SERGI, L’idea di Medioevo. Tra senso comune e pratica storica, Roma, Donzelli, 2005;
3. a critical reading of Francesco SENATORE, Medioevo. Istruzioni per l’uso, Milano-Torino, Pearson, 2022;
4. it is necessary to use a good historical atlas.
*** SECOND SECTION
For the preparation you need the study of:
Paolo GALLONI, La memoria e la voce. Un’indagine cognitiva sul medioevo (secoli VI-XII), Roma, Aracne, 2013.
It is possibile to ask the professor to read a different bibliography.
Contents
This cycle of lessons is divided in two sections: first is dedicated to the most important problems of medieval history (from V to XV centuries); the second is dedicated to a single historical problem. The aim of the second section is mainly to introduce students to a critical an interdisciplinary approach to sources and encourage them to a direct experience of historical research.
FIRST SECTION
INTRODUCTION TO THE MIDDLE AGES (CENTURIES V-XV)
During the lessons some of the most important topics of medieval history will be critically displayed in a long-term perspective and comprehensive framework. The study of a medieval history textbook is also required (see the list below).
Some specific topics will be discussed, for example the dialogue between medieval history and medievalism, history of Christianity and medieval church, history of mentality. The aims of lessons is mainly to introduce students to a critical an interdisciplinary approach to sources and encourage them to a direct experience of historical research. The sources will be approached paying attention both to the medieval perception of the world and the critical tools of historical method.
SECOND SECTION (monographic)
THE MIDDLE AGES: THE TIME OF TALES
During the lessons of the second module, an investigation is proposed into the narrative dimension of the medieval centuries, during which a multidirectional network of references to narratives in words and images was vital. A number of themes will therefore be analysed, which, through a reconstruction and discussion of the findings of the past, will enable us to approach the methods of investigation and above all a critical approach to the various sources.
This perspective allows us to observe the materials and methods of the historian's craft, including the limits and challenges of its investigation. Some undoubtedly necessary questions about the meaning and perspectives of historical investigation in our present day will be companions on the journey.
A seminar part (9 academic hours) is planned within the lecture hours with required attendance.
FIRST SECTION
INTRODUCTION TO THE MIDDLE AGES (CENTURIES V-XV)
During the lessons some of the most important topics of medieval history will be critically displayed in a long-term perspective and comprehensive framework. The study of a medieval history textbook is also required (see the list below).
Some specific topics will be discussed, for example the dialogue between medieval history and medievalism, history of Christianity and medieval church, history of mentality. The aims of lessons is mainly to introduce students to a critical an interdisciplinary approach to sources and encourage them to a direct experience of historical research. The sources will be approached paying attention both to the medieval perception of the world and the critical tools of historical method.
SECOND SECTION (monographic)
THE MIDDLE AGES: THE TIME OF TALES
During the lessons of the second module, an investigation is proposed into the narrative dimension of the medieval centuries, during which a multidirectional network of references to narratives in words and images was vital. A number of themes will therefore be analysed, which, through a reconstruction and discussion of the findings of the past, will enable us to approach the methods of investigation and above all a critical approach to the various sources.
This perspective allows us to observe the materials and methods of the historian's craft, including the limits and challenges of its investigation. Some undoubtedly necessary questions about the meaning and perspectives of historical investigation in our present day will be companions on the journey.
A seminar part (9 academic hours) is planned within the lecture hours with required attendance.
Course Language
Italian
More information
NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS are invited, if possible, to attend the first lecture.
NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS are required to previously contact the professor by April 30th 2026 in order to decide a specific bibliography.
Students entitled to benefit from INCLUSIVE EDUCATION are invited to contact the teacher. Since each student entitled to benefit from INCLUSIVE EDUCATION has special needs, the teaching tools and management of the examination programme will be agreed individually.
NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS are required to previously contact the professor by April 30th 2026 in order to decide a specific bibliography.
Students entitled to benefit from INCLUSIVE EDUCATION are invited to contact the teacher. Since each student entitled to benefit from INCLUSIVE EDUCATION has special needs, the teaching tools and management of the examination programme will be agreed individually.
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