By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Critically evaluate how the concept of the “Middle Ages” has been historically constructed and problematize its cultural significance;
• Interpret and apply Umberto Eco’s “Ten Little Middle Ages” to analyse contemporary cultural appropriations of medieval motifs, and establish meaningful connections between medieval cultural practices and modern receptions;
• Assess the influence of Christian heritage on medieval European identity and its lasting impact on cultural memory and tradition;
• Analyse the medieval imaginary, its roots and lasting role in shaping contemporary and modern symbolic thought;
• Examine medieval manuscripts as cultural artefacts, demonstrating an ability to contrast orality, aurality, word, and image in textual transmission; 
• Interpret animal symbolism through bestiaries and case studies (e.g., the lion, dragons), and explain their cultural and allegorical functions;
• Explain and contextualise the formation of Western European kingdoms and critically assess the structures of feudal society;
• Analyse the ideals of knighthood by contrasting military practices with chivalric and courtly values, and evaluate their literary and cultural representations, including in medieval and post-medieval contexts.