MLS 599M - Italy in the High Middle Ages

Credit(s): 2
In this period of plagues and popes, cultural cross-currents such as ancient learning and faith, conflicts of spiritual and secular power, syntheses of Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic styles, the emergence of cities and universities, all combine to lead Italy to the cusp of the Renaissance. Students will undertake readings in theology and poetry as well as study selected examples of architecture, sculpture and painting. Readings will focus on Dominic, Francis and Aquinas; Petrarch, Dante and Boccaccio. We will compare the paintings of Cimabue, Duccio and Giotto. One class will feature a guest lecture by a noted specialist in medieval musicology, who will explain the Squarcialupi Codex and the music of Francesco Landini, using examples from the composer’s work.