Using one of the primary narrative sources of the Italian 14th century, the course is structured to help students acquire a deeper knowledge of the fundamental themes that characterise the Medieval period. As well, it allows them to become familiar with the primary cognitive tools of contemporary historiography of the Middle Ages.

The course is divided into two parts. The introductory part will present various types of historical source materials produced during the Middle Ages. - with particular attention to narrative source materials. The second part of the course will focus on the critical interpretation of one of the Italian Middle Ages' most important sources - the "Chronicle" composed in the language of the city of Rome by an anonymous author living in the mid-14th century. This work is considered a masterpiece for its descriptiveness. The analysis of the "Chronicle" will allow immersion in the world of the Italian and European later middle ages, and through the sensitivities of this extraordinary author will expose greatly important themes. Among these are: the production of historical memory, the relationship between fact and story, the lives of some individuals such as Cola di Rienzo, as well as the cultural, political, institutional and social histories of one of the most troubled and fascinating periods of the later Middle Ages. The syllabus will be handed out during the first lesson, then available online.

Prerequisites: it is advisable to have taken the three-year undergraduate course exam in Medieval History.

Knowledge and understanding
Students must demonstrate knowledge and understanding that extends beyond and reinforces that typically associated with the three-year undergraduate programme and that permits the student to develop and apply original ideas, including research ideas, in reference to content, methodological and applied content regarding medieval history.

Applying knowledge and understanding
Students must be able to apply their knowledge, understanding and problem-solving skills to new and unfamiliar topics in broader interdisciplinary contexts associated with the study of medieval history.

Making judgements
Students must have the ability to integrate their knowledge and manage complexity, as well as make judgements on the basis of limited or incomplete information, including reflection on the social and ethical responsibility connected with the application of their knowledge and judgement in full awareness of the fundamental importance of the use and public role of History.

Communication skills
Students must know how to communicate clearly and succinctly their conclusions, their knowledge and the reasoning behind these to specialists and non-specialists. They must be able to evaluate maturely information related to both themes and events of medieval history as well as methodological, epistemological, communicational, social and ethical problems related to the discipline of medieval history.

Learning skills
Students must have developed learning, analytical and applied skills that allow them to continue to study autonomously and thus permit access to the third cycle of university study or other specialized levels as well as to the world of professional work.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Power Point presentations.

Teaching

Lectures and thematic seminars, held by the professor and guest speakers; attending students will carry out short research projects and present their results.

Course books

a) One of the following Medieval history textbooks:

• G. Vitolo, Medioevo. I caratteri originali di un'età di transizione, Milano, Sansoni, 2000
• M. Montanari, Storia medievale, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2002
• C. Warren Hollister, Medieval Europe: a Short History, McGraw-Hill Europe, 2005 10th
• G. Piccinni, I mille anni del medioevo, Milano, B. Mondadori, 2007

b) Anonimo romano, Cronica. Edizione critica a cura di Giuseppe Porta, Milano, Adelphi, 1979 [or the editio minor edited by Porta, Milano, Adelphi, 1981. The online edition is also acceptable: there are a number of free downloadable copies. These must follow the Porta edition, however]

c) One of the following books:

• T. di Carpegna Falconieri, Cola di Rienzo, Roma, Salerno Editrice, 2002
• G. Seibt, Anonimo romano. Scrivere la storia alle soglie del Rinascimento, Roma, Viella, 2000
• B. Smalley, Historians in the Middle Ages, Thames & Hudson Ltd , 1974 [or any other edition].

Assessment

Oral exam.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Attendance

Study requirements for non-attending students: Non attending students must write a term paper of approximately 25,000 characters on a topic of medieval history to be approved with the professor.

Course books

The same as for attending students.

Assessment

Oral exam and evaluation of the term paper.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

The course will be taught in Italian for 24 hours and in English for 12 hours.
Professor's website: www.tommasodicarpegna.it