The Italian Renaissance
Winter 2008
Frank Luttmer
113 Classic Hall
866-7205historians@hanover.edu
Course Description and Objectives
The Renaissance is a discussion-oriented seminar focusing on the culture of Italy from roughly 1350 to 1550.
The course is designed to introduce students of the liberal arts to the sources and historiography of the Italian Renaissance. There are no prerequisites to the course, but students are expected to be able to analyze and interpret primary documents thoughtfully, evaluate alternative interpretations of historiographical problems critically, and write substantive, interpretive research papers.
Readings
1. Donald Wilcox, In Search of God and Self (Waveland) 0881332763
2. Gene Brucker, Giovanni and Lusanna (California) 0520063287
3. Niccolo Machiavelli, The Portable Machiavelli (Viking Penguin) 0140150927
4. Richard Turner, Renaissance Florence (Pearson/Prentice Hall) 01313440138.
5. Readings on Library Reserve
Grades
Final grades will be based on an evaluation of the following.
1. Two exams (25% each)
The exams will consist of short-answer questions and essay questions. In your essays, you will be expected (1) to isolate key themes and concepts and (2) to explain those themes and concepts with clarity and precision.
2. Oral presentation (10%) and accompanying written work (10%).
The 5-6 minute oral presentation and accompanying written work may be on any topic related to the content of the course, but the topic should be focused and precise. The presentation should be analytical and interpretive, not simply descriptive. It should present a thesis and develop an argument (and include potential counter-arguments). The accompanying written work should include an introductory paragraph (including a thesis statement), an outline of your argument (in sufficient detail to convey the logic and evidence of your argument), and a bibliography consisting of at least five substantive sources (this may vary depending on the topic). The grade will be based on the quality of the (1) thesis and argument, (2) organization, (3) logic, (4) evidence, (5) alternative interpretations, (6) sources, and (7) presentation.
3. Research paper (20%)
The research paper will be a revision of the presentation. Like the presentation, the paper is to be analytical and interpretive, not simply descriptive. It should present a thesis and develop an argument (and include potential counter-arguments). The length of the paper should be 5-6 pages. You are expected to use Interlibrary Loan when essential sources are unavailable through the Duggan Library. The grade will be based on the quality of the (1) thesis and argument, (2) organization, (3) logic, (4) evidence, (5) alternative interpretations, (6) sources, and (7) writing.
4. Class participation (10%)
The success of this class depends upon the quality of the dialogue in class. Class participation grades will reflect your attendance record, the frequency of your contributions to class discussions, and the quality of your questions, observations, and conclusions. Commentary on the presentations of others is included in the class participation grade.
Schedule
Jan. 9 Wilcox, General Introduction and Ch. 1
Jan. 11 Wilcox, Ch. 2; Boccaccio
Jan. 14 Wilcox Chs. 3 and 4
Jan. 16 Petrarch
Jan. 18 Petrarch
Jan. 21 Petrarch; Wilcox Ch. 5
Jan. 23 Wilcox Ch. 6; Vergerio
Jan. 25 Valla
Jan. 28 Wilcox Ch. 7; Pico
Jan. 30 Pico; Wilcox Ch. 8
Feb. 1 Turner Introduction and Ch.1
Feb. 4 Turner Chs. 2 and 3.
Feb. 6 Turner Chs. 4 and 5
Feb. 8 Turner Chs 5 and 6
Feb. 11 Turner Ch. 7
Feb. 13 Wilcox Chs.9 and 11
Feb. 15 Mid-Term Exam
Feb. 18 Arcangeli; Brown
Feb. 20 Brucker Preface and Chs.1 and 2
Feb. 22 Brucker, Chs. 3 and 4
Mar. 3 Brucker Ch. 5
Mar. 5 Castiglione
Mar. 7 Castiglione
Mar. 10 Presentations
Mar. 12 Presentations
Mar. 14 Presentations
Mar. 17 Presentations
Mar. 19 Wilcox Ch. 19; Machiavelli
Mar. 21 Machiavelli
Mar. 24 Machiavelli
Mar. 26 Machiavelli
Mar. 28 Machiavelli
Mar. 31 Machiavelli
Apr. 2 Machiavelli
Apr. 4 Machiavelli
Apr. 7 Machiavelli
Apr. 9 Music
Apr. 11 Music
Apr. 14-18 Final Exam