A Tale of Two Cities: The Myth of Florence and Siena ITAL S-153 Summer 2016 Instructor: Teaching Assistant: Professor Giuseppe Mazzotta Kyle Skinner mailto:
[email protected] [email protected] Office hours by appointment Office hours by appointment Focus on the long-standing rivalry between the two cities of Tuscany, Florence, and Siena, their wars, their politics, and cultural competitiveness. Examination of the works of Florentine writers (Dante, Petrarch, and Boccaccio) directed against the life and history of Siena, and the angry verses of the Sienese poet Cecco Angiolieri, along with the writings of Catherine of Siena. I. Required Texts All required texts are available on classesv2. It is highly recommended that you print or download the texts prior to our departure for Siena so that you are sure to have access to them. II. Course Requirements A. Participation (10%) Participation includes your active and engaged presence both in class, discussion section, and on our trips and excursions. B. Quizzes (10% each, 30% of total grade) Three half-hour quizzes will be administered throughout the semester. A study guide will be distributed to help you prepare. C. Final paper (60%) A final paper of 5-7 pages will be due on July 19. Suggestions for topics will be distributed throughout the course, though you are encouraged to come up with your own subject. Each student will consult with Professor Mazzotta on their choice of topic by at least the fifth week of the term. N.B.: Failure to receive a passing grade for any one section of the course (participation, quizzes, or final paper) will result in a failing grade in the course.