3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

How do I make money, gain and keep power, find love, live long, strengthen my memory, avoid depression, cook well, write beautifully, fence, mix paint, counteract poisoning, and create coded messages?  The Renaissance had answers to these and many other questions. This course explores a large sampling of advice from the Italian Renaissance. Readings include Machiavelli’s Prince, Della Casa’s Galateo of Manners, Maestro Martino's Art of Cooking, and selections from Cornaro's Art of Living Long, Manciolino's Guide to Swordsmanship, Cennini's Craftsman's Handbook, Della Porta’s Natural Magic, Castiglione’s Book of the Courtier, Ficino’s Book of Life, as well as religious sermons, humanist treatises, and books of “secrets.” Secondary literature will provide historical context for the primary texts and tools for recognizing and unpacking the persuasive devices used in these early examples of self-help. Students will become familiar with Italian Renaissance thought and develop analytical and critical skills to examine advice in its cultural and temporal context. The course as a whole will focus on the notion of “core values” and what is at stake when you propose help or seek help. We will also experience some of these "how-to's", such as calligraphy, oration, creating codes, and more.