Europe in the Age of the Renaissance

This course centers on the social and cultural history of early modern Europe from the 14th to the 17th century. Special attention is given to examining the idea of Renaissance, or rebirth of classical antiquity, through a range of topics, such as humanism, religious experience, and family structure, constructions of gender, systems of communication, popular culture, and intellectual and scientific activities. The class will study a range of primary sources and images from the Italian peninsula and the lands north of the Alps.