This course examines the main aspects of the Italian Renaissance focusing on the Florentine contribution to the great transformation in literature and the arts in the context of the social and political changes taking place from the 14th to the 16th centuries. While the course provides a thorough survey of the Italian medieval and renaissance civilization, the focus is on Florence.

Topics of the lectures will include Florence in the Quattrocento; Humanism and Quattrocento art; Patronage and Renaissance art; the Medici family of Florence; the ejection of the Medici; Machiavelli and the Republic; the Medici Popes and the end of the Republic; the crisis of the Renaissance; the Italian wars; the New World, Protestant Reformation; and more. We will take advantage of the extraordinary opportunities offered by being in Florence, its many museums, galleries, libraries, churches, and other monuments.  A large percentage of the time, therefore, is spent visiting various sites.

The classroom time will be used for lectures, discussions, and students' presentations. Course credit exclusion: AP/IT 3760 3.0, AP/HUMA 3610 3.0. 

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