The Renaissance Woman

Research Assignment

Below is a list of topics for individual presentations. Each of these addresses important issues about women in the Renaissance period, and is worthy of extended discussion in our seminar.

CHOOSE A TOPIC AND PREPARE:

• First, an oral presentation. You will each have charge of an entire class period, to use as you choose. More time can possibly be arranged. For example, you might read a version of your final paper, lecture on research-in-progress, or in some other way present material for discussion. The class will then continue in discussion of issues raised by your topic. You are expected to consult with the professor about how such discussion might proceed. It may be appropriate to assign special reading or viewing to the class as their assignment for your day.
   
  
• Second, a full-length research paper. There is no pre-assigned limit, but 15-20 pages is the usual seminar length, with notes and bibliography. Use any referencing system with which you feel comfortable. (Art history majors are encouraged to use foot- or end-notes). N.B. These papers are expected to treat your individual topic in light of all of the material that the seminar has covered. When you write your final papers, make use of other reports, assigned texts, and insights you have gained from general discussion.

With permission, you may also consider other topics or work in pairs. If you have not chosen a topic by February 4th, a topic will be assigned.

SUGGESTED TOPICS

A list of suggested topics has been assembled for your benefit. Consider these, but also feel free to come up with something on your own.

If you cannot identify a topic on your own, the professor will make an assignment. These topics, which I strongly considered using in class would be the ones I would assign first.

1. Christine de Pizan (d. ca. 1431), author who challenged negative views of women
2. Witchcraft. Was this period really "the burning times"?
3. Artemesia Gentilleschi (d. 1652/53), painter, known for images of Judith
4. Myth of the female pope. Pope Joan and the Papess of the Visconti Tarot deck
5. Lucretia, the virtuous wife of Roman times who committed suicide after she was raped.
6. Elizabeth I of England (d. 1603)
7. Views of female health and sexuality. Starting point: a new book by Rudolph Bell, How to Do It: Guides to Good Living for Renaissance Italians.

Read more topics

BEGINNING RESEARCH ON YOUR TOPIC

These listed topics have been chosen partly because there is adequate reference material available. However, it is always more difficult to research a theme (as opposed to an artist or individual), and the Allegheny College holdings are not particularly strong in the Renaissance period. Please begin your research as early as possible, so that you will have time to identify books and articles and request them on Interlibrary Loan. In assembling your bibliography, take advantage of the following sources:

1. Robert BALDWIN, "Interdisciplinary Bibliography on Gender in the West," Connecticut College, 1991, a copy of which is placed on reserve.
2. Bibliography and resource list that will be passed out in class.
3. Use computer databases, such as FirstSearch,WorldCat, on-line library
catalogues, LABYRINTH bibliographies, etc. You will be instructed on these in a separate library session.
4. Assemble a list of pictures of your topic, by looking through Eva/Ave, SNYDER, Northern Renaissance Art, and HARTT, Italian Renaissance Art. Consult the bibliographies in the back of each of these basic textbooks.
5. Research the individual works of art you have identified, by looking up basic texts on the artist, individual articles on those works, listed in the Art Index (under artist's name), or catalogue entries on the museums in which they are located.
6. Consult the professor! My office is full of junk (that might help you).
7. Consult other professors whose courses have presented similar material to this one. Professors Bulman, Rose, Hellwarth, Treckel and others would be delighted to talk about Renaissance women with you.

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This page is part of a course in progress. Last updated April 28, 2003