131-454 Art, Family & Politics: The Renaissance

Formerly available as 131-092. Students who have completed 131-092 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. This is an advanced seminar.

Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in history or gender studies.

as the nucleus of Florentine social life throughout the Renaissance and the bond between family members was central to the city's social and political structures. This subject examines these structures in detail; the ways in which they impinged upon each other and were manifested in the city's artistic and cultural life. In addition, the subject tackles attitudes to social groups that did not conform to the established 'norm', such as prostitutes and homosexuals. On completion of the subject students should understand the relationship of the family to the artistic, political and social framework of Renaissance Florence.

• show an advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in the specialist area;

• be able to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline;

• have an appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research.

A seminar diary of 1500 words 20% (due during the semester), a seminar presentation 15% (due during the semester) and a research essay of 3500 words 65% (due during the examination period).

A subject reader will be available.