Aims and Objectives

This advanced option analyses the cultural, economic, political, social, and religious history of Venice and its empire from the late fourteenth to the late sixteenth century. It also sets developments in Venice against those in the princely courts of northern Italy. Whilst focusing on Italian states, the option also considers issues with a wider resonance. These issues include gender, charity, disease, violence, ritual, church reform, and cultural and economic change. The module makes use of an extensive range of primary sources. Living in Venice will familiarise students with the city and the module includes numerous site visits. The module draws on insights from neighbouring disciplines such as art history, anthropology, and economics.

Syllabus

1. The Myth and the City. Site visit: Torcello
2. The Empire of the Sea and the Empire of the Land. Site visits: The Arsenale and the Scuola degli Schiavoni
3. Politics. Site visits: The Doge’s Palace and the Museo Correr
4. The Material World. Site visits: Rialto and the Palladian Villas of Emo and Godi
5. The Princely Courts. Site visits: Mantua (The Ducal Palace and the Palazzo Te)
6. Travel Week
7. Society, Gender, and Minorities. Site visit: The Ghetto
8. Culture. Site visit: The Accademia
9. Prostitution and Violence. Site visits: From Campo San Polo to the Ponte dei Pugni
10. Religion. Site visits: The Scuola Grande di San Rocco and the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

Expected Learning Outcomes

• To evaluate and critique the cultural, economic, political, social, and religious history of Venice and its empire from the late fourteenth to the late sixteenth century.
• To understand how the history of Venice can be accessed through a diverse range of textual, visual, and material sources, including the city of Venice itself and its former territories.
• To analyse and compare different types of sources, and enhance their ability to develop a historical argument.
• To engage with historiographical debates and think about the history and legacy of different historical concepts.
• To encourage independent research, historiographical engagement, and the development of critical analysis.

Teaching

• Each week there is at least one site visit. These are linked to the themes to be discussed in the seminar. NB Attendance of site visits is obligatory and students are expected to provide medical or other evidence to explain absence.
• The weekly seminars last two hours. Attendance of seminars is obligatory and students are expected to provide medical or other evidence to explain absence.
• Teaching is in English.

Travel Week

No site visits and seminars will be held in Week 6. In this week, you are encouraged to travel in Italy.

Returning to Britain

Students may only return to Britain with the prior approval of the course director.

Staff Office Hours

Staff office hours will be communicated to students in Week 1.