Mr. B (Renaissance Unit Lecture 1)

1. The Renaissance
SETTING THE STAGE FOR THE EMERGENCE OF CLASSICS

2. Essential Question and Learning Goals
Essential Question: What role did Italy play in the Renaissance?
Goals:
1. Define the meaning of “Renaissance”
2. Explain the two things that were revitalized during the
Renaissance
3. Define and explain the importance of “humanism” and
“secularization”

3. Opening Activity (1-2 Minutes)
- Get out a half sheet of paper
- Write down as many things as you can about the
Renaissance (do your best)
- However, if you can’t think of anything, make note
of it on your paper

4. Video Clip (~2:30 minutes)
- Write down as many famous figures, artistic
works, or pieces of literature that look familiar
on the same sheet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mgSPiAiBjU

5. The Renaissance
Quick Facts
- 1300-1600
- Renaissance
◦Means “Rebirth”
◦Revival of:
◦Arts
◦Learning

6. The Renaissance (cont.)
Quick Facts (cont.)
- Revitalize culture of classical Greece and Rome
- Italy
◦ Northern Italy?
◦ Thriving cities
◦ Merchant class
◦ Classical heritage of Greece and Rome
◦ Florence (the most IMPORTANT city)
◦ Urban vs. Rural?
◦ Urban  Exchange/spread of ideas and information

7. Merchants
- Merchants became involved in politics
◦Individual merit vs. Inheriting rank (NEW IDEA)
- Importance of individual achievement
◦This idea became extremely important

8. BIG changes during the Renaissance
- Humanism
◦ “An intellectual movement that focused on human potential and achievements”
◦ Greek values
◦ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LfcPxHseDw
- Influence
◦ Artists and Architects
◦ Carry on classical traditions
◦ Humanities
◦ History
◦ Literature
◦ Philosophy

9. BIG changes during the Renaissance
(cont.)
- Secularism/Secularization (Secular)
◦ “Concerned with worldly rather than spiritual matters, the here and now”
◦ Major change from the Middle Ages
◦ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kez2UR7IvHs
- The Wealthy
◦ Enjoyed material luxuries, good music, fine food
◦ Sharp contrast from Middle Ages (rough clothing, plain food)
Church Leaders
◦ Lavish banquets, expensive clothing, large homes (“Worldly” interests)

10. BIG changes during the Renaissance
(cont.)
- Patrons
◦ “A person who supports artists (usually FINANCIALLY)”
◦ Make Italy extravagant! (Florence most important)
◦ Major investments to do so
- Church leaders, Wealthy, Merchants
◦ Most important patrons [investors]
◦ Show their dominance/influence
◦ Displayed throughout cities
- The Medici Family
◦ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt3NeN4xL6w
◦ Take notes! (i.e. names of Medici family, their role, famous artists, etc.)

11. Renaissance Man
- The Renaissance Man
◦ Must excel in all fields
◦ Educated people--expected to create art (NEW IDEA)
- Important traits:
◦ Charming
◦ Witty
◦ Educated in the “Classics” [Greek and Roman works]
◦ Dance
◦ Sing
◦ Play music

12. Renaissance Woman
- The Renaissance Woman
◦ Upper class/educated
◦ Must know the classics
◦ Is charming
◦ DOESN’T seek fame
◦ Inspire art (NOT create it)
- Traits and ideas that outlined a Renaissance man and woman came from The
Courtier
◦ Baldassare Castiglione
◦ 1528

13. Formative Assessment
- Think, Pair, Share
1. (Individually) write down as many traits of a Renaissance Man and
Renaissance Woman as you can think of WITHOUT using your notes (2 minutes)
2. (Individually) compare the similarities and differences of a Renaissance Man
and Woman (2 minutes)
3. (Pair) Turn to the person sitting next to you and exchange information (2
minutes)
4. (Share) Students will be selected to share answers during whole group
discussion (2-3 minutes)

14. Summative Assessment
“Italy played a vital role in the formation of the Renaissance, which
involved a resurgence in both __________ and ____________, largely
influenced by Greek and Roman individuals and ideas.”
1. (Fill in the blanks) (1 minutes)
2. What advantages did Italy have for the emergence of the
Renaissance? (3-5 minutes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsKSB-aT3ys (Start at 3 minutes into clip)