Lives
Leonardo
Michelangelo
Titian
More
Utopia
Reasons to say no
Delight or distopia?
Bolt
Man For All Seasons
Cromwell, king's man
Rich: whose man?
Norfolk, the friend
Margaret's dialogue
Trial: whose law?
Cervantes
Don Quixote
Sancho's hopes
Knighthood defined
Innchantment
Mambrino's helmet
Freeing the slaves
Dulcinea: truth or lie?
Tale of 4 lovers
Sancho's transformation
Do books drive us mad?
Shakespeare
Much Ado About Nothing
True love?
Disguises
Forgive and reconcile
Sir Thomas More
Holbein
London, 1526
Lecturer in Humanities
330 Library 802 654-2682
Office hours 3:50-4:20 M and W or by appointment
aearle@smcvt.edu
Course GoalsWe will explore selective aspects of western cultural history from 1400 to 1630, that is, from Chaucer, Brunelleschi's dome, and Joan of Arc, to Rubens, Elizabeth I, and Samuel de Champlain.
In the humanist tradition of liberal studies, we will investigate texts, models, ideas, and vocabulary. The chronological framework also integrates visual arts, music, and theater.
We will examine concepts such as nature, self-knowledge, neo-Platonism, natural law, rebirth, nationalism, balance of power, revenge, conscience, triumphalism, success, happiness, toleration, limited government, the Kingdom of God, faith, compassion, multiple perspectives, contexts, and humanism.
Students will develop their mindful learning skills.
Format
Classes will include lectures, discussion, and interactive sessions. Students will prepare in writing for some classes. Groups will go beyond the classroom for their presentation experiences. See the process.
Grades
Participation 25%; group work 25%; final 25%;
quizzes 25%.
I subscribe to the college policy on academic integrity.
Click for details.
Participation
This grade will depend on your showing thought, effort, curiosity,
imagination, understanding, connections, and responses to other students.
It is important to do any written work assigned before class,
and hand it in before or after class. Any work not handed in on the
day of class can be submitted one class later, but it
will not count toward participation.
Readings are assigned in these
editions -- bring them with you to class.
School of Athens, Raphael,
The Vatican, 1509
Mona Lisa
Leonardo da Vinci
Florence, 1504
Creation of
Adam
Michelangelo
Rome, 1512
Bacchus and
Ariadne
Titian
Ferrara, 1523-24
Peasant Wedding
Breugel
Brussels, 1565