| Unit name | Ancients and moderns: cultures of humanism in Renaissance Europe |
|---|---|
| Unit code | MODL30002 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Tomlinson |
| Open unit status | Open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Modern Languages |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Between the fourteenth and seventeenth centuries, humanism played a central role in European culture, moving beyond its philological roots – the rediscovery of the culture of antiquity – to have a profound influence on all areas of intellectual and political life. In this unit, we will examine the character and reach of the various manifestations (literary, political, philosophical, artistic, religious) of humanism across Europe, with a particular emphasis on Italy and France. Close engagement with primary texts, from Petrarch to Montaigne, by way of Erasmus and Machiavelli, will be complemented by scrutiny of the ways in which humanism has been read – and appropriated – in subsequent historiography. Our approach will use the tools of literary history to gain a nuanced understanding of the varieties and complexity of a movement that has been heralded as marking the birth of modernity and the ‘modern self’. But we will also use this ‘turning point’ in the history of ideas to reflect on the practices and purpose of literary and historical study more broadly. N.B. All set texts will be available in English translation so that students from all Departments can enroll on the course.
To gain an understanding of the character, motivation, and influence of the cultures of humanism in Europe (above all in France and Italy) between the 14th and late 16th centuries, by means of engagement with primary texts from the period. To develop critical understanding of the historiography of humanism. The course will help students to develop their skills in critical thought, assessment of the uses and abuses of concepts in literary and cultural history, close reading, and academic writing.
A combination of lectures and seminars across the TB
2-hour written exam (50%); 3000 word essay (50%); formative presentation.
The exam will assess the breadth of student understanding of the course content and relevant critical approaches. The essay will assess students’ in depth understanding of particular topics and develop critical skills in extended written form. The formative class presentation assists the development of subject knowledge and critical thinking.
Set primary texts (all available in English translation and some as ‘readers’) to include: Petrarch, Boccaccio, Ficino, Erasmus, Machiavelli, Castiglione, Rabelais, Marguerite de Navarre, Du Bellay, Bodin, Montaigne.
