This unit will focus on Italy during the tumultuous period between 1490 and 1550 when foreign invasion and a Europe experiencing religious reformation, social revolution and dramatic overseas expansion precipitated major political, cultural and religious change. It will examine varying political systems in the small states of Italy, and the attempts by intellectuals to grapple with the new politics of what was to become the Italian and European ancien regime. Another key area of analysis will be the differences in cultural production which distinguished courtly societies from republican oligarchies in this age during which the High Renaissance style gave way to Mannerism. -- Course Website
Instructor: Carolyn James
Prerequisites: A first year sequence in history (or with permission) or first year Italian
