Machiavelli & Renaissance Florence

     What do we envision when we think about Renaissance Florence? A long-standing and influential narrative placing Florence at the heart of the Renaissance prompts us to imagine a civilization defined by the esthetic ideals of beauty, grace, harmony, and balance. On the other hand, there are counter arguments that emphasize darker elements and suggest that the Italian Renaissance was a period marked by violence, immorality, and a cynicism famously attributed to the Florentine Niccolò Machiavelli. Since neither of these contrasting perspectives provides an exhaustive, accurate picture, it is useful––indeed, necessary––to explore the phenomenon that we call Renaissance with an openness to its full range of dimensions. In this process, our very present may both contribute to and complicate our endeavor to shape new paths of inquiry.

     This course will focus on Renaissance Florence from a variety of viewpoints. In the introductory section, we will use a diverse set of sources (including theoretical readings and examples from pop culture) to lay the foundations of our work. Then, building on recent trends in Renaissance scholarship, our exploration will foreground three perspectives in particular: (I) we will look at Renaissance Florence through the lens of queer and gender studies; (II) we will consider the role of orality and performance; and (III) we will focus on cultural and religious diversity. Special attention will be devoted to the figure and works of Niccolò Machiavelli. By looking at Machiavelli from the three perspectives mentioned above, we will be able to investigate neglected sides of his intellectual personality as well as to reappraise some aspects of his political thinking. Throughout the semester, we will interrogate a wide variety of primary sources, including literary texts, letters, paintings, and musical pieces. Moreover, we will read selected secondary sources that will facilitate our dialogue with the primary materials and enable us to take into account additional queries.

     In order to reach the learning objectives set for the course, students will have the possibility to engage in an array of oral, written, and multimodal assignments. There are no prerequisites for this course. Students are welcome to read sources in the original language if they wish to do so; however, no knowledge of Italian is required.