Undergraduate Study with the Centre for the Study of the Renaissance
Modules: Renaissance Europe I & II. 2 x 15CATS
Introduction
The Renaissance (ca 1400-1700) was an age of unprecedented cultural and artistic achievements. It was the age when famous authors like Shakespeare wrote their literary masterpieces, and when artists like Michelangelo and Raphael created works of art that are still widely admired today.
The Centre for the Study of the Renaissance offers two undergraduates from across the University's faculties two modules, which can taken by either intermediate or advanced students with any academic background.
These modules offer a comprehensive introduction to a wide range of aspects of this fascinating period in human history, such as the art, architecture, and literature of the age, but will also cover social themes, like gender and sexuality, religion, refugees, and even pub culture. The Centre for the Study of the Renaissance at Warwick is internationally recognised as a leading community for research on the Renaissance and comprises around forty academics. Each of the classes will therefore be taught by a tutor who is a specialist on the topic of that class.
After attending one or both of these modules, you will have a comprehensive and critical understanding of the Renaissance and historiographical and interpretative debates. You will also be encouraged to develop your own views about the Renaissance through the close study of primary and secondary sources, discussions in class, and an essay at the end of each module.
Renaissance Europe I
2024-25, Term 1
Module 1 has the title ‘Renaissance Europe I: Origins, Traditions and Society of the Renaissance’. The module focuses on the overarching trends and traditions that characterise the Renaissance. The topics included in the module change annually. Examples of topics that were taught in last year's module include: the classical inheritance, religion, gender and sexuality, refugees and migration.
Renaissance Europe II
2024-25, Term 2
Module 2 has the title ‘Renaissance Europe II: Arts, Culture, and Knowledge of the Renaissance’. Building on module 1, module 2 focuses on case studies that illustrate the culture and history of the Renaissance. The topics included in the module change annually. Examples of topics that were taught in last year's module include: medicine, architecture and arts, intelligence and espionage, and drama.
More specific aims are:
- to introduce students to the historical and cultural development of Europe in the Renaissance period
- to help students develop a critical understanding of how the period has been and is interpreted by scholars in different fields
- to extend students’ knowledge of and ability to work with a variety of different sources, including textual, visual, and material
- to enhance students’ capacity for effective information-gathering, research, and writing
- knowledge of historical and cultural development in Renaissance Europe
- critical thinking about the period from different subject perspectives
- understanding of the historiography undergirding the study of the Renaissance
- familiarity with different kinds of sources and their context
- subject-specific research skills
Practical Details
Who can attend? Intermediate (year 2) and advanced (year 3) students from any academic background. No prior knowledge of the history, literature, or art of the period is required.
Do I have to attend both modules if I pick this option? Students are free to choose to attend either or both of the modules.
When do the classes take place? Module 1 will be taught in term 1 and Module 2 will be taught in term 2. Classes are on Mondays, 4-6 pm (room details will be available on syllabus pages for module 1 and module 2 and via tabula, closer to the start of term).
How will my work be assessed? 100% Essay. Year-2 students: 1x 3,500-word essay chosen from a list of given titles. Year-3 students: 1x 4,000-word essay on a freely chosen topic, determined in consultation with the module convenors and/or tutors.
What are the credit weightings? Module 1: 15 CATS. Module 2: 15 CATS.
What are the module codes? Module 1: RS200-15 (year 2), RS300-15 (year 3). Module 2: RS201-15 (year 2), RS301-15 (year 3).
To register your interest or let us know that you would like a place, do please drop us a line on renaissance@warwick.ac.uk
For more specific course content information, please contact the Director of the Centre Dr Teresa Grant (t.grant@warwick.ac.uk)
High calibre essays submitted for assessment to either of these modules, may be eligible for entry into the Dr Greg Wells Annual Undergraduate Essay Prize, details here.
