Course Name: HIST 31034 Murder, Mystery and Mayhem: The Medici Dynasty in Florence
Description: This course explores the dynastic control that the infamous Medici family exerted over every aspect of Florentine life. It explores their rise to power, from the revolutionary and cunning tactics of Cosimo de’ Medici, to the rich vision of Lorenzo “Il Magnifico”, to Anna Maria Luisa’s efforts to establish the Medici legacy forever in the city of Florence. Learn about the extraordinary cast of characters ushered into fame by the Medici, including Michelangelo, Galileo, Botticelli, Machiavelli and many more. Through an examination of this influential family, their methods of persuasion and power are revealed, which extended far beyond the boundaries of Florence to the papacy and into all corners of Europe. This is your chance not simply to learn about the Medici but to explore the sites where their history and that of the Florentine Renaissance unfolded: the palaces, churches, villas and their art collections, forming together a uniquely complete surviving legacy of their achievements. Illustrated class discussions and site visits to selected museums and galleries will also help you to unravel the cultural interests of the family’s most important figures and their relationship with landmark artists.
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: None