Dissimulation, Truth, and Power: Making up Machiavelli
FIST 238
Fall 2009 not offered
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| Crosslisting:
ITAL 232, MDST 240 |
Politics is the realm of appearances, the place for making up ideas and identities, the theater of dissimulation, where truth is subjected to power and power is mingled with lies. Machiavelli is the mastermind of the political game. The famous maxim "the end justifies the means" is attributed to him, even though he never put it on paper. At a closer look, Messer Niccolo appears to be less ruthless than he is usually portrayed. His life raises the issue of morality in politics. After serving as a chancellor for the Republican government, he tried to gain favor under the princely Medici returned from exile to Florence. On a comparative level, this course will also take a glimpse at the works of his more successful friends Francesco Guicciardini and Francesco Vettori. |
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Essential Capabilities:
None |
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA RLAN |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (ITST)(MDST)(MDST-Art/Arch)(MDST-History)(MDST-Lang/Lit)(MDST-Phil/Reli)(RMST) |
Major Readings:
THE PRINCE, THE DISCOURSES (excerpts), THE FLORENTINE HISTORY (excerpts), MANDRAGOLA, letters with Vettori and Guicciardini.
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Examinations and Assignments:
Two short essays (3-4 pages), one in-class presentation, and one longer final essay (8-10 pages). |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
This course will be offered in English. Italian majors will also enroll in a weekly Italian section, and all of their work--reading, writing assignments, course discussion and presentations--will be done in Italian. |
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