This course studies the Italian Renaissance through the writings of Niccolò Machiavelli and recent scholarship in social, cultural, intellectual, and political history. Seminar topics include political power and morality; conspiracies, rebellions, and the Medici family in Florence; the reception of Classical Antiquity; religious extremism; gender, sexuality, and powerful women; fiction and reality; and war in theory and the practice.
Tentative Evaluations:
Attendance and Participation: 25%
4 Multiple Choice Quizzes (OnQ): 20%
Short Paper: 15%
Presentation on Research Topic (included in total paper grade)
Research Paper (10 pages): 40%
This course is offered as a 4.5-unit seminar during the 2022-2023 year.