11379 - Medieval History (M-Z)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will know the essential of the Middle Age; he is able to contextualize and to study with criticism trends or events with the capability to explain differences occurring during the time; he is able to recognize the different historical sources.

Course contents

The course is divided into two parts: an institutional survey and a thematic module.

Institutional Survey

The first part of the course provides an overview of the major historical developments that shaped the Middle Ages, from the decline of the Roman Empire to the early Renaissance (approximately 48 hours).

Particular attention will be devoted to the following topics:

a) the end of the ancient world;

b) Frankish Europe;

c) Byzantine and Lombard Italy;

d) the rise and decline of the Carolingian Empire;

e) the Mediterranean in the Early Middle Ages;

f) the eleventh century;

g) the political structures of the High and Late Middle Ages: the Papacy, the Empire, and the national monarchies;

h) the rise and development of the Italian communes;

i) the fourteenth century: a century of light and shadow;

j) the political order of the Late Middle Ages.

Required reading: Andrea Zorzi's textbook, listed in the "Bibliography" section.

 

Monographic part. The second part of the course will focus on a specific topic: the emergence and development of the Italian communal movement (approximately 12 hours).

Required reading: the volume edited by Lorenzo Tanzini, indicated in the "Bibliography" section.

Readings/Bibliography

Attending students will prepare the final exam following this bibliography with the support of materials and notes provided in class.

Students who attend at least 75% of the lessons are considered to be attending.

Institutional Survey: Andrea Zorzi, Manuale di storia medievale. Torino: UTET, 2021.

Thematic Module: Lorenzo Tanzini (ed.), Il Comune medievale. Istituzioni e conflitti politici (secoli XII–XIV). Bologna: CLUEB, 2022.

Additional bibliography for non-attending students

In addition to Andrea Zorzi's textbook and the volume edited by Lorenzo Tanzini, non-attending students are required to read one of the following books:

- C. Mercuri, La nascita del femminismo medievale. Maria di Francia e la rivolta dell'amore cortese, Torino: Einaudi, 2024.

- M. Brando, Non c'è #storia. I cliché storici nei media italiani, Roma: Salerno, 2026.

- P. Grillo, L'assedio di Milano. 1162. Il trionfo del Barbarossa, Roma: Carocci, 2026.

Teaching methods

In addition to providing a general historical framework, the lectures will include the reading and discussion of selected primary sources relevant to the course syllabus. All teaching materials will be made available to students on the University of Bologna's Virtuale platform (virtuale.unibo.it).

Assessment methods

Assessment consists of an oral examination based on a series of questions designed to evaluate students' knowledge of the topics covered during the lectures (for attending students) and of the required readings. Assessment will take into account the student's detailed knowledge of the course materials, the appropriate use of disciplinary terminology, and, above all, the ability to organise information into well-structured responses demonstrating critical thinking and sound argumentation.

Excellent marks will be awarded to students who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the course topics, together with strong communication skills and appropriate academic language.

Students who display primarily factual knowledge of the subject, combined with satisfactory analytical and synthetic abilities expressed in clear and correct language, will receive intermediate marks.

Students whose preparation reveals gaps in knowledge and whose use of academic language is limited, despite demonstrating a basic understanding of the examination material, will receive a pass mark only.

Significant gaps in knowledge, inappropriate use of language, and an inability to engage with the required bibliography will result in a failing grade.

During the academic year, eleven examination sessions are scheduled, one per month, with the exception of August.

 

Teaching tools

The lectures will include the analysis and discussion of historical texts and primary sources, supported by PowerPoint presentations, charts, images, and maps.

Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Links to further information

https://unibo.academia.edu/BerardoPio

Office hours

See the website of Berardo Pio