| CODE | DGP0499 | ||||||
| TITLE | Classics in the Italian Renaissance: The Medici and Beyond | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 00 - Mod Pre-Tert, Foundation, Proficiency & DegreePlus | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | Not Applicable | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | Not Applicable | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Degree Plus Programme | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The term ‘Renaissance’ derives from the Latin verb renascor, which means ‘to be reborn’. This notion of ‘rebirth’ is applied broadly to a historical period between the 14th and 16th centuries CE, during which Europe witnessed a rebirth of the Classics, i.e. the ancient Greek and Roman world. The art, history, literature, mysticism, philosophy, and rhetoric of the classical world became catalysts for innovative thought among Renaissance thinkers, artists, and patrons alike. The powerhouse of the Italian Renaissance was the Italian city of Florence, where this new movement flourished under the patronage of the house of Medici, an influential family of bankers. Through the Medici’s patronage, some of the most important figures in European history emerged, including Cristoforo Landino, Marsilio Ficino, Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, among many others. The aim of this study-unit is to explore how the Classics (re)emerged as the foundation for the Italian Renaissance. Each lecture will delve into a particular theme from the classical world by considering a variety of textual and artistic sources from the Italian Renaissance. Throughout this study-unit, participants will be able to reflect on how the Classics continue to be received well beyond the ancient world, including in our own contemporary societies. This study-unit is open to anyone with an interest in the Classics and/or the Italian Renaissance. No prior knowledge is assumed. Learning Objectives: - To conceptualise the period of the Italian Renaissance as a ‘rebirth’ of the Classics. -To examine a selection of textual and artistic sources from the Italian Renaissance in relation to the Classics. - To relate intellectually and personally to the life and work of various important figures from the Italian Renaissance. - To understand the role of the Medici in the Italian Renaissance. - To reflect on the reception of the Classics and the classical world in the Italian Renaissance and beyond. Assessment: In keeping with the spirit of the Degree Plus, there will be no formal assessment for this study-unit. A certificate of attendance will be awarded to students upon satisfactory completion of the unit. Unit Material: Appropriate reading material and handouts will be provided by the tutor during sessions and through the VLE area. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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