LFU:online

By discussing various examples the class will introduce methodological approaches of paleography and the study of charters.

Our ideas of the medieval legal system are influenced by myths and dark images such as torture and despotism. But what did legal practice actually look like in everyday medieval life? To answer this question, medieval court records are examined.

The class offers an introduction to working with medieval sources. In the course, medieval court records from Meran are read, discussed and interpreted together. The exercise offers an introduction to the basics and methods of historical science as well as to historical auxiliary sciences. The aim is to train historical-critical thinking and the ability to work independently with sources.

Exercises, case studies, discussion, and lecture. Part of the work assignments will be elaborated in small groups.

Regular participation, contribution in class (discussion, presentation, and written course work), short written exam.

von Brandt, Ahasver, Werkzeug des Historikers. Eine Einführung in die historischen Hilfswissenschaften, Berlin/Köln ¹⁵1998.

Büssem, Eberhard / Neher, Michael (Hgg.), Arbeitsbuch Geschichte. Mittelalter (3. bis 16. Jahrhundert), Repetitorium, Tübingen ¹²2003.

Kroeschell, Karl / Cordes, Albrecht / Nehlsen-von Stryk, Karin, Deutsche Rechtsgeschichte, Band 2: 1250-1650, Köln 2008.

Before attending this course it is recommended to complete the VO Basic Knowledge from the Middle Ages