Unit: Renewal in Europe
Lesson Title:
Humanism and the Italian Renaissance
(See textbook pages 304-306)
During the Middle Ages, most people in Europe were
devoted to Christianity. They based their life on its
teachings and used them to find meaning and to
understand the world.
Most of Europe’s influential thinkers were Church
figures during the Middle Ages.
For example, one of the greatest philosophers in the
Middle Ages was Thomas Aquinas, (1225-1227), a
Dominican priest.
Aquinas used rational argument (reason) to support
religious faith.
So which was more important for Aquinas, reason or
faith?
By the late 1300s, scholars began to study subjects
besides religion. They studied history, literature, art
and public speaking.
These subjects focused on the actions and abilities of
humans. They are called the “humanities.”
The study of the humanities led to a new way of
thinking and learning called humanism.
Humanism valued individuals and focused on human
life, society, and nature--instead of only focusing on
God and the afterlife. Humanists tried to balance
religious faith with respect for the human intellect.
Humanism was a new way of seeing and understanding
life and the world.
Humanism in Europe also included an interest in ancient
civilizations and history, especially the Greeks and
Romans.
Think WAY back to 6th grade and the beginning of this
school year when you studied the Greek and Romans.
What would the scholars of the Renaissance have found
interesting about the Greeks and Romans?
Let’s find out!
In class reading activity:
Read “Rediscovering the Past” (pages 305-306).
Answer these questions:
1. Where did the idea to study ancient writings come
from during the Renaissance?
2. What subjects did Renaissance scholars want to bring
back?
3. How did Roman art affect Renaissance artists (see
statues on pg. 305)?
Literature changed greatly in the Renaissance in Italy.
It focused more on human society and problems in
human life.
Two very important Italian writers during the
Renaissance were Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) and
Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527). Let’s see what they
wrote about.
In class reading activity #2
Read “Italian Writers” (page 306).
Answer these questions:
1. Who was Dante and what did he write?
2. Why did Dante write in Italian instead of Latin?
3. Explain what The Divine Comedy is about.
4. Who was Machiavelli? What was the book he wrote?
What was it about?
Right Side Notebook Activity
Create two book covers: one for Dante’s The Divine
Comedy and one for Machiavelli’s The Prince.
On the front cover, include the title, author, and a symbol
or picture or design.
On the back cover, include a brief summary of what is in
the book and how the author reflects the ideas of the
Renaissance.
Dante
Machiavelli
Lesson Wrap-up
Look at this illustration about the Renaissance.
What is it saying?