ITAL 239 - The Courtier and the Courtesan in Renaissance Italy

Institution:

Wesleyan University

Subject:

Italian Studies

Description:

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.

Credits:

1.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.wesleyan.edu

Phone Number:

(860) 685-2000

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Semester

The Course Profile information is provided and updated by third parties including the respective institutions. While the institutions are able to update their information at any time, the information is not independently validated, and no party associated with this website can accept responsibility for its accuracy.