The Courtier and the Courtesan in Renaissance Italy
ITAL 239
Fall 2011
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01
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Notions of gender and class in Renaissance Italy center this course, which explores the worlds of two social figures of great significance during this period: the courtier and the courtesan. We will study the self-fashioning of the male courtier, his aims, duties, desires, and concerns. Similarly, we will explore the world of the Renaissance Italian courtesan, who rose to wealth and social significance by way of various exchanges, literary, erotic, and otherwise. To understand the worlds of these two figures and those who employed them, we will read several treatises aimed at teaching the courtier and courtesan how to attain (and retain) power. In addition, we will study the representation of these two figures in another popular genre in the Italian Renaissance, the treatise taking the form of a dramatic dialogue. Further, we will read poetic texts authored by the figures themselves. Finally, representations in theatrical form round out the types of texts under consideration. All of these texts and the world of these figures will be brought to life with the aid of paintings, prints, and examples of early modern erotica. |
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Essential Capabilities:
Intercultural Literacy, Writing
In addition to the two essential qualities listed, students will also work on speaking on a daily basis: both in an informal register that insists on rigorous argumentation as well as a formal register (as in, for example a presentation to the course). As well, evolving from work done toward the essential capability of intercultural literacy, students also make progress toward a greater undertsanding of effective citizenship.
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA RLAN |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: (ITAL221 AND ITAL222) |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (ITST)(RMST) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Works by Dante, Petrarca, Boccaccio, Bandello, Bembo, Machiavelli (selections), Tullia D'Aragona, Vittoria Franco collected in the COURSE READER
Castiglione, Baldassare. Il Libro del Cortegiano (any edition is fine)
Aretino, Pietro. La Cortegiana (any edition is fine)
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Examinations and Assignments:
Weekly readings in the medium of Italian. Two papers between 5-7 pp. In class collaborative exercises and presentation in which students are expected to participate actively and thoughtfully. The final exam will be oral, will last no more than 30 minutes, will be scheduled during the Exam period, and will be in keeping with oral exams conducted at universities in Italy. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
THIS COURSE IS INTENDED PRIMARILY FOR THE FOLLOWING STUDENTS: those who have: a) completed the 221-222 sequence or the equivalent in Italy; b) who took an advanced course numbered above 221 at Wesleyan or in Italy last semester; or c) who have completed 221 or its equivalent and whose level of Italian qualifies them for this course. In order to establish a student's qualification for this course, s/he/ze will be asked to conduct a brief oral interview with the professor during registration or drop/add. Students who place into the course as a result of the placement exam will also be asked to conduct a brief interview with the professor before a prerequisite over-ride will be granted.
Italian 239 students will be required to attend CINQUANTA, performed by Dewey Dell, the Italian theater company in residence at the beginning of the semester, on Friday, Sept. 16 at 8 pm in the CFA Theater. Tickets are available online at http://purhcase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?orgid=24317 or at the box office. Students are invited to attend the company's performance of A ELLE VIDE, on Friday, Sept. 9 or Saturday, Sept. 10 at 8 pm in the Patricelli Theater. |
| Instructor(s): Leisawitz,Daniel Abram Times: .M.W... 02:40PM-04:00PM; Location: FISK101; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 18 | | SR major: 7 | JR major: 4 | | |
| Seats Available: 9 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 5 | JR non-major: 2 | SO: 0 | FR: 0 |
| Web Resources: Syllabus |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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