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This seminar investigates the contours of scientific dialogue in early modern Italy through the figure of Galileo Galilei and his intellectual milieu. We will examine how literary culture shaped the circulation of new ideas, and how women—whether as poets, patrons, or correspondents—participated in the exploration and communication of scientific knowledge. Readings include selections from Galileo’s scientific writings and extensive correspondence, alongside literary and artistic texts that illuminate the cultural contexts in which his ideas were produced, debated, and disseminated. By situating Galileo within academic, courtly, and cultural networks, the seminar considers the reciprocal relationship between scientific inquiry and literary production, with particular attention to how gender shaped access to, and participation in, intellectual life. This course differs from AS.214.417 in that enrolled graduate students are assigned a series of additional readings weekly, as well as a research presentation and final research paper of 20-25 pages. Their grade is based on preparation/participation and the final paper. (The 600 section does not do weekly writing exercises, podcast, midterm essay and some other work assigned in the undergraduate section).