Life and Politics in the Italian Renaissance Courts
( 30 Modules )
Module #1 Introduction to the Italian Renaissance Overview of the Italian Renaissance, its significance, and key players
Module #2 The Rise of City-States:Florence, Venice, and Milan Examination of the emergence of city-states and their role in shaping the Renaissance
Module #3 The Medici Family and the Rise of Florence In-depth look at the Medici familys influence on Florence and their role in the Renaissance
Module #4 Courtly Life:Etiquette, Fashion, and Entertainment Exploration of daily life in the courts, including etiquette, fashion, and entertainment
Module #5 The Role of Women in Renaissance Courts Examination of the lives and influence of women in Renaissance courts, including Isabella dEste and Lucrezia Borgia
Module #6 Politics and Marriage:Strategic Alliances and Power Brokerage Analysis of the role of marriage in securing alliances, power, and influence in Renaissance courts
Module #7 Courtly Patronage and the Arts Discussion of how Renaissance courts patronized and supported the arts, including music, literature, and visual arts
Module #8 Humanism and the Renaissance intellect Examination of the impact of humanism on Renaissance thought and culture
Module #9 The Role of Merchants and Trade in Renaissance Courts Exploration of the economic and commercial aspects of Renaissance courts, including the rise of mercantilism
Module #10 War and Military Power in Renaissance Italy Analysis of the role of war and military power in shaping Renaissance politics and state-building
Module #11 The French Invasion and the End of the Italian Golden Age Examination of the impact of the French invasion on Renaissance Italy and the end of the Italian Golden Age
Module #12 The Papal States and the Vaticans Role in Renaissance Politics Discussion of the role of the Papal States and the Vatican in shaping Renaissance politics and power dynamics
Module #13 The Lives of Renaissance Princes:Machiavelli and the Prince Examination of Niccolò Machiavellis The Prince and its relevance to Renaissance politics and leadership
Module #14 Renaissance Diplomacy:Negotiation, Ambassadorship, and Treaty-Making Analysis of the mechanics of Renaissance diplomacy, including negotiation, ambassadorship, and treaty-making
Module #15 Spies, Espionage, and Intrigue in Renaissance Courts Exploration of the role of spies, espionage, and intrigue in Renaissance politics and courtly life
Module #16 Renaissance Courts and the Emergence of Modern Nation-States Discussion of how Renaissance courts laid the groundwork for the emergence of modern nation-states
Module #17 The Legacy of the Italian Renaissance Examination of the lasting impact of the Italian Renaissance on Western culture, politics, and society
Module #18 Primary Source Analysis:Letters, Diaries, and Memoirs Close reading and analysis of primary sources from the Renaissance, including letters, diaries, and memoirs
Module #19 Case Study:The Este Court of Ferrara In-depth examination of the Este court of Ferrara as a case study of Renaissance courtly life and politics
Module #20 Case Study:The Gonzaga Court of Mantua In-depth examination of the Gonzaga court of Mantua as a case study of Renaissance courtly life and politics
Module #21 Case Study:The Medici Court of Florence In-depth examination of the Medici court of Florence as a case study of Renaissance courtly life and politics
Module #22 Visual Culture and Iconography in Renaissance Courts Analysis of the role of visual culture and iconography in conveying power and ideology in Renaissance courts
Module #23 Music, Performance, and Spectacle in Renaissance Courts Examination of the role of music, performance, and spectacle in Renaissance courtly life and politics
Module #24 Food, Feasting, and Culinary Culture in Renaissance Courts Exploration of the role of food, feasting, and culinary culture in Renaissance courtly life and politics
Module #25 The Body and Health in Renaissance Courts Discussion of the role of the body and health in Renaissance courtly life, including medical practices and regimens
Module #26 Renaissance Courts and the Natural World Examination of the relationship between Renaissance courts and the natural world, including hunting, gardens, and scientific inquiry
Module #27 Architecture, Urban Planning, and the Built Environment Analysis of the role of architecture, urban planning, and the built environment in shaping Renaissance courtly life and politics
Module #28 Renaissance Courts and the Emergence of Modernity Discussion of how Renaissance courts contributed to the emergence of modernity, including the development of modern nation-states and capitalism
Module #29 Comparative Analysis:Italian Renaissance Courts and Other European Courts Comparative analysis of Italian Renaissance courts with other European courts, including the Tudor court of England and the Habsburg court of Spain
Module #30 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Life and Politics in the Italian Renaissance Courts career
