Transformations in Medieval Europe: Authority and Society

The course is an in-depth, thematic examination of significant aspects for the history and the evolution of the medieval world, particularly during the High and Late Middle Ages (c.1000-1500). The aim is to help students understand some fundamental characteristics of the period, and to highlight dynamic transformations and developments which marked the history of Europe – thus challenging the common perception of the allegedly static Middle Ages.  
The course is structured around three main themes:
A. “Institutions”: The evolution of structures of governance and the negotiation of the limits of central authority in theory and in practice. 
B. “Turning Points”: events and factors that led to significant changes in the organization of medieval society. 
C. “Margins”: various groups who were marginalized in medieval European societies (e.g. Jews and other “infidels”, heretics, lepers, etc.), and how “otherness” was constructed and exploited.  
Possible topics to be investigated during the course: Magna Carta; parliaments and representation in the Middle Ages; revolts, tolerance and suppression; the formation of a “persecuting society”; the Black Death and the socio-economic transformation of feudal Europe; universities and scholasticism; the role of women in medieval society; sexuality, society and authority; heretics and the Inquisition; movements of popular piety.   
Each of the subsections includes an examination of the sources and major historiographical questions on the topic.