This module (formally Renaissance Europe I 'Foundations and Forms') delves into the Renaissance by focusing on a particular aspect of this fundamental period for human history: how science was conceptualised, disseminated, and staged at the time. The polemics during the Covid-19 pandemic and the emergence of new models of knowledge production thanks to AI call us to reflect on the concept of science and the ways in which it interacts with society at large. From this perspective, the course will not only provide a general introduction to the main coordinates of Renaissance culture but will also attempt to address contemporary issues through the lens of the Renaissance. Students will have access to three integrated series of lectures, each analysing a particular aspect of the history and evolution of Renaissance scientific thought. The first series will examine the places where sciences were refined and disseminated, while the second series will analyse the development of several sciences or pseudosciences. Finally, the third series will dwell on how science was represented and sometimes satirised on the European Renaissance stage. Module convenor: Dr Matteo Leta.

All classes will take place on Mondays, 16:00-18:00, room FAB 1.08, unless otherwise stated below and in tabula

Module codes are: RS200-15 (intermediate year students) and RS300-15 (final year students)

Assessment method is 100% essay. Yr 2 students-1 x 3500-word essay chosen from a list of given titles; Yr 3 students-1 x 4000–4500 word essay, on a freely chosen topic determined in consultation with the module convenors and/or tutors.