The course provides a knowledge of the theme proposed, considered in the period from the late Middle Ages to the modern age, through a historical approach of a socio-anthropological and comparative kind.
"Carnival and Lent in the early modern period: between history and anthropology." The two calendrical periods will be examined in their distinctive features primarily through the behaviors attached to them, from their medieval origins to the modern period. Areas considered will be Italy and other European countries (mainly France and the German-speaking areas). Of the contrasting behaviors that take place in the two periods (related to food, sex, holiday or penance, individual and collective, public and private) the course will highlight the possible social, religious and ritual functions, with an emphasis on some anthropological interpretations. Iconography too will be analyzed among the possible sources.
| Author | Title | Publisher | Year | ISBN | Note |
| Giovanni Ciappelli | Carnevale e Quaresima. Comportamenti sociali e cultura a Firenze nel Rinascimento (Edizione 1) | Edizioni di Storia e Letteratura | 1997 | 88-900138-7-7 | |
| Peter Burke | Cultura popolare nell'Europa moderna (Edizione 1) | Mondadori | 1980 | ||
| Nathalie Zemon Davis | Le culture del popolo. Saperi, rituali e resistenze nella Francia del Cinquecento (Edizione 1) | Einaudi | 1980 | ||
| Peter Burke | Scene di vita quotidiana nell'Italia moderna (Edizione 1) | Laterza | 1988 |
The examination will consist of: 1. a FINAL WRITTEN EXAM, based on knowledge of the texts indicated (see section Testi), the materials distributed during the lectures and class notes; 2. a PAPER (of 10-15 pages on a topic agreed with the professor). The paper must be sent to the professor NOT LESS THAN TWO WEEKS before the EXAMINATION DAY (in ways to be agreed with the professor during the course or by e-mail).
