HIST 224 Marco Polo to Machiavelli: Italian Renaissance and Exploration

This course offers a chance to come to know a variety of individuals who lived in and travelled from the Italian peninsula in the 1300's, 1400's, and 1500's. We shall journey to the Far East with Marco Polo; meet peoples of the Mediterranean; and "visit" the republics of Venice and Florence, the papal court of Rome, and the ducal courts of Urbino and Mantua. We shall enjoy distinctive creations in literature, education, philosophy, and the arts, and read letters about South American peoples from Amerigo Vespucci. Diplomat Machiavelli witnessed independent Italian city-states fall to French and Habsburg conquests and described such realistic politics; courtesan Veronica Franco successfully practiced her sexual trade while writing poems celebrating her true love, as well as her mercantile city-state. Students may petition for 300-Level credit for this class with the completion of additional work arranged with the instructor.

Survey Requirement Met: Europe