European history from the fourteenth to the middle of the seventeenth century. Political, social, and economic developments during this transitional period will be examined, together with the rise of Renaissance culture, and the religious upheavals of the sixteenth century.

This course focuses on one of the most dynamic and transformative periods in the history of Europe. Covering the centuries from roughly 1350 to 1700, we will first be analyzing the dramatic rise or "rebirth" of painting, architecture, poetry, political theory and learning that first emerged in the Italian cities of Florence, Venice, Rome, and Naples, and then spread in varying degrees to other parts of Europe. We will then look at the intellectual and religious movements that arose both as products of and reactions against this Renaissance, namely the Protestant and Catholic Reformations. Most of our reading will be from primary sources that include artists, poets, philosophers, novelists and political essayists. Requirements include a midterm exam, a final exam, an optional final paper of roughly 10-15 pages, and class participation.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills