HIST 380 – Florence: The Story of the City

Formerly HIST 430 – Florence: The Story of the City

Description
Since its Roman origins, through its internecine conflicts and economic, artistic, and literary flourishing, the history of Florence has been highly representative of the history of Italy. From Dante Alighieri to the Medici family, from Machiavelli to Michelangelo, and from Galileo Galilei to the Cimento Academy, Florence gave birth to some of the most influential individuals in the Western World in the fields of art, science, politics, and literature. Even in the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries, Florence remained one of the major centres to be visited during the Grand Tour. As a cosmopolitan city, it gave birth to a number of innovative cultural initiatives. During the course, students will follow the history of Florence step by step through in-class lectures and discussions; also, a rich series of walking tours will help them appreciate the context where this culture developed.

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course students will have a broad understanding of the history of the city of Florence and the changes that took place in the city through the centuries, and how individuals and groups shaped both the character of the city and its cultural scene.

Course descriptions may be subject to occasional minor modifications at the discretion of the instructor.

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