Sex and the Cities: Venice, Florence, and Rome, 1450-1800

Catalog description

This course examines the politics of sexuality and the sexuality of politics in Italy between the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. Italy's urban settings saw the development of some of the most sophisticated political systems in Europe, and issues of gender identity and sexual practices figured prominently in the political symbolism, political criticism, legal and social orders of these regimes. Lectures and course discussions also explore everyday practices and their implications for defining and defying the social and political norms of gender and sexuality in early modern Italy. Suggested prerequisites are HIST 0010 or any Italian Studies course at level 1000 or above. No prerequisites are required. Lectures in English. Discussion groups in English and Italian.