THE RENAISSANCE. WHAT IS THE RENAISSANCE? Break with medieval period new ideas: secularism, individualism, civic virtue Continuity with the past.

THE RENAISSANCE

THE RENAISSANCE

WHAT IS THE RENAISSANCE?

Break with medieval period

new ideas: secularism, individualism, civic virtue

Continuity with the past

old concepts: Christian themes, ancient classics, family & gender roles

Italian v. Northern Renaissance

THE RENAISSANCE

THE ITALIAN RENAISSANCE

New attitudes about humanity and the world

man’s power and potential

moral and civic concerns

• VIRTU (virtue)

Great flourishing of art, culture, commerce

Decline of Church & religious outlook

Pope Alexander VI & the Borgias

THE RENAISSANCE

THE ITALIAN RENAISSANCE

Renaissance politics

• handbook for leadership

• ends justify means

NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI (1469-1527): THE PRINCE

• wanted Italy to unify & centralize

THE RENAISSANCE

HUMANISM

Concern with man in worldly context

rejected transcendentalism

looked to Greek & Roman classics developed vernacular language (Italian)

writing became professional occupation

aided by newly invented Gutenberg printing press (1445)

THE RENAISSANCE

HUMANISM

Impact on Education

Separation of age groups

development of new curriculum

training young men for service to society

new focus on etiquette & deportment

CASTIGLIONE’S Book of the Courtier

THE RENAISSANCE

THE NORTHERN RENAISSANCE

Christian Humanism

remained strongly rooted in Christian tradition

ERASMUS (1466-1536)

• blended classics with bible to teach moral lessons

• promoted peace, tolerance & education

• critical of church corruption

DESIDERIUS ERASMUS