UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI ROMA TOR VERGATA
| Teacher: Prof. Sandro Carocci |
| E-mail: carocci@lettere.uniroma2.it |
| CFU: 6 Course code: 804002391 (Mod. A, 6 CFU) – 804002394 (Mod. A + Mod. B, 12 CFU) Degree: Master’s Degree “Scienze della Storia e del documento” SSD: HIST/01 (ex M/STO-01) |
Course delivery modalities: In-presence Language: Italian Pre-requisites: Basic knowledge of medieval history Attendance: Optional Assessment method: Oral examination |
| Period: 1st term |
| Starting day: Wednesday, 29 October 2025 |
| Class hours From 29 October to 5 November: Tuesday, 9.00 a.m. – 11.00 a.m., Departmental Classroom 4th floor (Building B) Wednesday, 9.00 a.m. – 11.00 p.m., Departmental Classroom 4th floor (Building B) Thursday, 9.00 a.m. – 11.00 a.m., Departmental Classroom 4th floor (Building B) From 11 November to the end of the module: |
| Program: |
| Medieval Rome, from the Gregorian Reform to the Renaissance |
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In recent decades, historical and archaeological research on Rome between the year 1000 and the Renaissance has grown steadily, leading to a significant increase in available data and a profound transformation of interpretative paradigms. As a result, it is no longer possible to present the history of Rome as a narrative entirely shaped by the papacy—an approach that has been periodically revived over time. This course draws on a wide range of sources and the most significant findings produced by leading Italian scholars in the fields of archaeology, history, art history, and medieval culture. It aims to move beyond traditional interpretations that have long marginalized the understanding of the city’s internal dynamics, obscuring the role of local society, the economy, and autonomous institutions. The course offers a comprehensive overview of this evolving body of knowledge, highlighting the many facets of a major medieval city that remains, to a large extent, underexplored—at once similar to and distinct from other urban centers in Italy and Europe. |
| Text books: |
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| Bibliography: |
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| Educational goals and expected learning outcomes: |
| A) Learning Outcomes: Students will acquire an in depth knowledge of the topics covered treated during the lectures. B) Knowledge and Understanding: During classes, the student will learn the fundamentals of historical research methodology, with particular reference to the field of medieval history, becoming familiar with a specific vocabulary and conceptual tools peculiar to that discipline. C) Applying Knowledge and Understanding: The consolidation of the fundamental principles of the historiographical method will be useful for the student to profitably pursue his or her course of study and then spend his or her skills both in research and teaching and in other professional fields. D) Making Judgements: The student will be asked, both in classes and in examinations, to develop his or her ability to critically evaluate the topics discussed and the texts analyzed. E) Communication Skills: In the course of lectures, students will be called upon to actively participate, with the aim of strengthening their ability to expound informations, argue his or her positions and exchange views with the lecturer and colleagues; these communication skills will be part of the final assessment in the examination. F) Learning Skills: The teaching module will provide the tools for understanding the topics covered and the critical study of textbooks. |
| Methods and criteria for verifying the learning: |
| The exam assesses the student’s overall preparation, the ability to combine knowledge about each part of the syllabus, the coherence of argumentation, the analytical ability, and the autonomy of judgment. In addition, the student’s command of language and clarity of presentation are also assessed, in adherence with the Dublin descriptors (1. knowledge and understanding; 2. applying knowledge and experience; 3. making judgments; 4. learning skills; 5. communication skills). The final grade will be based 70% on the student’s depth of knowledge and 30% on the student’s ability for expression (written and oral) and independent critical thinking. The exam will be evaluated according to the following criteria: – Failed: significant deficiencies and inaccuracies in the knowledge and the understanding of the subject matter; poor analytical and synthesizing skills, recurrent generalizations, limited critical and judgmental skills; the arguments are exposed inconsistently and with inappropriate language. – 18-20: Knowledge and understanding of topics barely adequate, with occasional generalizations and imperfections possible; sufficient capacity for analysis synthesis and autonomy of judgment, the arguments are frequently exposed in an incoherent manner and with inappropriate/non technical language. – 21-23: Fair knowledge and understanding of the subject; proper analysis and synthesis skills with coherent, logical argumentation, but with language that is often inappropriate/non technical. – 24-26: Moderate knowledge and understanding of the subjects; good analytical and synthesis skills with arguments expressed rigorously but with language that is not always appropriate/technical. – 27-29: Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the subjects; remarkable analytical and synthesis skills. Good autonomy of judgment. Topics expounded rigorously and with appropriate/technical language. – 30-30L: Excellent level of in-depth knowledge and understanding of the subjects. Excellent skills in analysis, synthesis, and independent judgment. Arguments are expressed in an original way and with appropriate technical language. |
| Teaching methods: |
| Lectures with PowerPoint presentations; collective work on reading and commenting sources; class discussion on specific readings and themes. |
| Attendance modalities: |
| Attendance, which is optional, is strongly recommended. |
| Previous year | Following year |