Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to provide students with the skills to carry out individual research on Medieval History.
Specific learning outcomes:
- the social and political organisation in Europe betwenn the fifth and the tenth century;
- the historical debate about vassals, fiefs, oaths and duels in the early Middle ages;
- the role of honor in the early medieval society.

General learning outcomes
- develop skills in analysing a variety of types of primary sources;
- develop skills in analysing a variety of types of secundary sources;
- At the end of the course, students are expected to be able to produce a reasearch paper based on scientific literature or on primary sources about the role of the vassalls in the Medieval society.

Program

Title: Vassals without feudalism. The course will specifically focus on the role of vassals in the Carolingian society. It will touch the following topics: the historical debate about feudalism from F. L. Ganshof e M. Bloch to Susan Reynolds; the role of vassals in the Carolingian world.


Bibliography:
G. ALBERTONI, Vassalli, feudi, feudalesimo, Roma, Carocci, 2015.
A. BARBERO, Liberti, raccomandati, vassalli, Le clientele nell'età di Carlo Magno, in "Storica", n. 14, pp. 7-60.

DOSSIER OF SOURCES (only for attending students).

ONLY FOR NON ATTENDING STUDENTS:
B. S. BACHRACH, Early Carolingian Warfare. Prelude to Empire, Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Press, 2001, pp. 51-83.

Examination Methods

Written paper and oral exam.
50%: questions on the general part of the course; 50% oral presentation and discussion of the assigned paper.
The paper will be emailed to the professor at least 3 days before the examination.