What emotions do you read in his expression?
In what ways can shifts in
ideas affect a society’s worldview?
Think of a time you stood up for something that was important to you when you knew your action might not be popular with some of your friends. Think about why you did this.
Read page 36. Michelangelo took on a commission to do the statue of David for the Republicans leaders in Florence, knowing this would upset Lorenzo de Medici and supporters of the powerful Medici family.
~Discuss with students what motivates someone to take action that goes against what some of their family or friends believe. Use the story questions to further the discussion.
What is the meaning of life? What is the right way to behave? Do you ever think about questions like these?
In earlier chapters we saw that many people in the Middle Ages looked to religious beliefs, about life after death and for answers to questions like those above. Renaissance thinkers, called “humanists” today, reintroduced ideas from pre-Christian times. They encouraged people to develop their minds and talents, and to use them for the good of society as well as the glory of God.
Why do you think the worldview icon elements values, society, and time might be highlighted?
Gutenberg Reading + Comprehension Questions�If you are reading this right now, you are taking part in the wonder of literacy. Because of printed words, people can relay information across both time and space. Ideas are encoded in writing and transmitted to readers across thousands of miles and years. Because of this development, the words of people distant to us can influence events, impart knowledge, and change the world. Much of the credit for the development of this phenomenon can be attributed to one man.
�Johannes Gensfleisch zur Laden zum Gutenberg, better known as Johannes Gutenberg, was born in the German city of Mainz. Though most of Gutenberg’s early life is a mystery, historians believe that he studied at the University of Erfurt in 1418 and spent much of his young adult life practicing the profession of his father: goldsmithing. Having a penchant for fortune and success, Gutenberg borrowed money from investors in 1439 and found himself in financial trouble. �
In the year 1439 the city in which Gutenberg lived was planning to exhibit its large collection of relics from Emperor Charlemagne (a famous ruler who had united much of Western Europe around 800 AD). The exhibit was expected to bring many visitors to the town, so Gutenberg took investments and created many polished metal mirrors which were to be sold to the visitors (it was a common belief at that time that mirrors were able to capture holy light from religious relics). The mirrors which Gutenberg produced probably would have sold well, but due to severe flooding the event was delayed by one year. The impatient investors demanded that Gutenberg return their investments, but he had already spent the money on producing the unsaleable mirrors. He was trapped in a difficult situation. In order to satisfy the investors, Gutenberg decided to share his greatest secret with them.��This secret would forever change the world, all of history, and even the process of keeping history. It’s been argued that Gutenberg’s idea was one of the greatest of all mankind. This one idea would lead to the spread of countless others. It would play a key role in the development of the Renaissance, Reformation, the Age of Enlightenment, and the Scientific Revolution. This idea would bring learning to the masses and form the backbone of the economy. Gutenberg had created the mechanical printing press with movable type.�
�Gutenberg’s brilliant idea would soon change the world, but in the short term he bungled what proved to be a large and risky investment. He found himself in financial trouble once again and was sued by one of his investors, who accused Gutenberg of mismanaging money meant for the production of books. The courts ruled against Gutenberg and Gutenberg lost control of the shop that he had created. He was effectively bankrupt. �
Before the spread of Gutenberg’s idea, literature was primarily handwritten. That means that each copy of the Catholic Bible and all of its 73 books were tediously and painstakingly hand scribed, and this was done before the invention of the ballpoint pen. Given the amount of detail that went into scribing each text, creating a single copy of a bible could take years. Because of the effort that went into producing them, books were extremely rare and valuable. Because of the value and scarcity of books, there was little reason for common people to learn to read or write since it was unlikely that they would ever handle a book in their lifetimes. Gutenberg’s invention would change all of that. His printing press allowed literature to be produced on a mass scale. His movable metal type could be arranged once to form a page, and his press could print the page again and again. ��The first major text that Gutenberg produced was a 42 line copy of the bible. Written in Latin and containing 1272 pages, the Gutenberg Bible has had an immeasurable effect on the history of the printed word. Scholars estimate that Gutenberg produced between 165 and 185 of these bibles, which sold out almost immediately. Most copies went to monasteries and universities, though one bible was sold to a wealthy private individual. Copies are known to have sold for 30 florins (about three years of wages for a clerk at the time), which may seem expensive but was nonetheless much cheaper than a hand produced copy. Purchasing a Gutenberg Bible in the 1450s would have been a good investment if you and your descendants were able to maintain it. Only twenty-one complete Gutenberg Bibles exist today and the last one traded hands in 1987 for 4.9 million dollars, the highest price ever paid for a book at the time.�
�Though he had failed as a businessman, the technologies that he had created spread across Europe rapidly. As these printing technologies and techniques spread, news and books began to travel across Europe much faster than previously possible. The world changed forever. Though Gutenberg was financially unsuccessful in his own lifetime, he made the world a much richer place.�
The Humanist Approach
1. According to the story, why did Michelangelo chose David to symbolize the city of Florence?
Michelangelo chose the symbolism of David who was physically small, but strong and clever, and had God on his side. David was victorious in a fight against Goliath, a much larger and more experienced fighter. Michelangelo saw the city of Florence as resourceful, successful, and blessed by God.
2. What does Michelangelo’s choice suggest about how he viewed Florence and its future?
Michelangelo was optimistic about the bright future of Florence, free from its traditional enemies and from the control of the Medici family.
A Rebirth of Ideas
Think of a time you changed your mind about something. Describe the situation. What was your old position? What is your new position?
What caused your new way of thinking? Was it an argument? Was it listening to someone? Was it just time to think? Describe.
This is what happened during the renaissance. People started thinking in a new way. People started to question the power of the Medici family. They started questioning the power of the Church.
This was very unusual. The people in authority did not especially like this. Why do you think they might not �Have liked it?
What do think would happen if students in the school started to rethink education in Lethbridge? What if �they began to question coming to school. What if �they decided that it was better just to get a job at �15 and go to Fort McMurray and work? What �would teachers say?
What would parents say?
A Rebirth of Ideas
What do you think may happen around the world if all 15 year olds started thinking this way?
At first this might sound like a great idea. However, what might happen to our way of life if we leave school at 15 and never get any other form of education?
Most likely, the leaders during the middle ages felt the same way. In what way is the world worse because of questioning the ways things were being done in the �middle ages?
In what ways are things better because people began �to question things?
In 500 years, what do you think students will learn �about our time? What will they know that we don’t?
Vocabulary
The most skilled sculptor of his time.
A person who adopts a system of thought that centers on humans and their values, capacities and worth; concerned with the interests, needs, and welfare of humans.
Believed that being a responsible citizen meant educating yourself about history and political issues and working to improve society.
Art that is carved into a rock.
Drawings or paintings on a rock wall.
The language commonly spoken by the people who live in that region.
1. Michelangelo -
2. Humanists -
3. Civic Humanists-
4. Petroglyphs -
5. Pictographs -
6. Vernacular -
Vocabulary
A poetic form that consists of 14 lines.
A person who pays artists to produce works of art.
A channel used to move water, usually supported on a large bridge structure when it had to cross a valley.
A form of government in which people elect representatives to rule the country.
One who studies the truth and principles underlying human conduct and knowledge and the nature of the universe.
7. Sonnet -
8. Patrons-
9. Aqueducts -
10. Democracy -
11. Philosophers -
Vocabulary
A very clever person who is good at many different things. One of the most famous people alive during this time was Leonardo da Vinci.
The place where gladiators fought to �the death.
A painting by Leonardo da Vinci. Represents the new style of art. Artists became interested in portraying the beauty of the human body and the natural world.
The period of time before the Renaissance period.
12. Renaissance � Man -
13. Colosseum -
14. Mona Lisa -
15. Dark Age -
How did Humanism affect the Renaissance worldview?
Classical Writings
3. From what three earlier civilizations did the Renaissance worldview result?
4. Humanist ideas spread mainly among the wealthy people in Italian Society. Why do you think the poor were not as involved in these ideas?
The poor concentrated on meeting their basic needs and did not always have the time or money to engage in these types of intellectual pursuits.
~Thank Kitche Manitou for all his gifts.
~ Honour the aged
~ Honour life in all its forms
~ Honour women
~ Honour promises
~ Honour kindness
~ Be peaceful
~ Be courageous
~ Be moderate in all things
Similarities | Differences |
| |
~ Owe existence to a � higher being.
~Honour the aged.
~ Get along with others
~Be moderate, not selfish � or greedy.
Anishinabe ~Honour nature
~Be honourable
~Be kind
~Be courageous
Humanism
Borrowing from the Greeks and Romans
On Mind and Body
On History
On Education
You should pray for a sound mind in a sound body.
~ Juvenal
To be ignorant of the lives of the most celebrated men of antiquity [great age] is to continue in a state of childhood all our days.
~ Plutarch
The educated differ from the uneducated as much as the living from the dead.
~ Aristotle
Zoom In: The Achievements of the Greeks and Romans
Ancient Greece and Rome | How It Has Influenced Our Lives |
Ancient Romans constructed giant aqueducts to transport water. | |
The Romans created a legal code. | |
The Greeks constructed large building held up by a giant columns. | |
The Greeks were the first to have a type of democratic government. | |
The Greeks developed the jury system to decide on a person's guilt or innocence. | |
The Greeks were masters of Science and mathematics. | |
Use canals and aqueducts to transport water to where it is needed.
We have laws that apply to everyone.
Many of our buildings use columns to support the structure (eg. the posts in a basement)
We have a form of democracy.
We use juries too.
We use many principles, laws, and theories developed by the Greeks.
Humanists and the Individual
8. This concept was really important to renaissance thinkers. They believed in the _______ and _________ of the individual. People could _______ their lives through their own _______ and _________. This was a new way of thinking.
Do you believe this? What happens if you put a lot of effort and use your talent in your school work?
dignity
potential
shape
efforts
talents
9. List the 4 concepts that Humanists believed in.
Humanist vs Canadian
Humanist Belief | Canadian Perspective |
Human beings can use the power of reason, that is thinking to find truth for themselves. | |
It is important for a person to have an open, curious, and questioning mind. | |
People can achieve great things through learning. | |
Individuals should be skilled in many different areas. They should develop not just their minds but also their bodies and spirits. | |
On the whole, Canadians agree.
Agree.
Very much so.
Agree; however, for many older people, this is not necessarily the case.
Fast Forward!
10. Read the FAST FORWARD on page 63. How does Dr. Brenner’s work illustrate the Renaissance idea of the potential of the individual?
Feels that all human life has value, so all effort should be made to preserve life.
Is supporting projects like these part of many Canadians’ worldview?
Humanist Scholars
12. Later humanists began to see theirs as a glorious time, a “renaissance,” when
the ideas and values of ancient times were “reborn.”
13. Look at the painting. What objects do you see in the painting?
14. What do these items tell us about the interests and abilities of the 2 young men?
15. How does the painting reflect the humanist ideas about the individual?
Humanist Scholars
16. Look in the top left hand corner of the painting. There is a tiny crucifix. It is just above their eye level. What do you think this crucifix tells us about the young men’s attitudes toward religion and the church?
Based on the location of the crucifix and other items, it seems that the men are more interested in material goods and the not spiritual things of religion and the church.
Thinkers and Society
Who do you think are the people who influence your thinking?
Who are the people that influence decision �making in our city?
Who influences the church?
Very often we are influenced by people who make us think. Often they make us think differently than we have thought before. �That is renaissance thinking! Think about�a time you feel that you influenced some�one’s thinking.
Civic Humanism
17. There were humanist scholars, philosophers, _________, public officials, _______, scientists, __________, artists, and musicians. Some of them had important positions in the ____________, the church, and at ____________. As a result, they were able to affect many aspects of Renaissance society.
18. Humanists believed that being a responsible citizen meant educating yourself about ________ and _______________ and _________ to improve society.
teachers
writers
architects
government
royal courts
history
political issues
working
Humanism in an Acrostic Poem
An Acrostic Poem is a poem where the first letter of each line spells a word and each line gives details and helps explain the chosen word.
*Use your notes, handouts, chapter 3 of the textbook, and any other resources to help you generate ideas and write the poem. |
Directions: Demonstrate what you’ve learned about HUMANism by creating an acrostic poem using the word itself. Within your poem you should consider the following questions:
| Mastery | Proficient | Acceptable | Beginning |
SS 8.S 8.2 | A rich and detailed understanding of the information. The student demonstrates a high-level of creative thinking with innovative ideas. | A thorough understanding of the information. The student demonstrates creative thinking with credible ideas. | An accurate understanding of the information. The student demonstrates a basic level of creative thinking with predictable ideas. | A vague understanding of the information. The student demonstrates little to no creative thinking with unfocused ideas. |
Exploring Sources
I find we have spent a large sum of money from 1434 to 1471, as appears from an account book covering that period. It shows an incredible sum… spent in building, charities and taxes, not counting other expenses; not would complain about this, for though man a man would like to have even part of that sum in his purse I think it gave great luster to the state and this money seems to be well spent.
~ Lorenzo de Medici
19. What do you think Lorenzo de Medici is talking about in his quote?
20. In Canada today, many public buildings in cities and towns, and in universities and colleges, have been constructed with monies donated by wealthy individuals. In addition, many collections of rare and valuable books, painting, sculptures, and other things have been donated to public institutions by citizens. How does this demonstrate Civic humanism?
How can thinkers and philosophers bring �about changes in society?
Humanist Education
Why do you think you learn about history in school? How will you use it in real life?
Why do you learn about math? How will you use it in real life?
Why do we learn how to be good writers? How will you use it in real life?
Why do you learn about scientific principles? How will you use it in real life?
What does the term “Well Rounded Individual” mean?
21. Many humanists were dedicated _________ who ran their own schools. They believed that it was important to train young people's __________ and bodies as well as their ______. This approach to education is sometimes called “________________________”. They also encouraged a curious, questioning __________ in their students. Many rulers and wealthy people hired ___________ as tutors for their children.
teachers
Characters
minds
educating the whole child
attitude
humanists
Studied in Middle Ages | Studies added during Renaissance |
Grammar, rhetoric (public speaking), logic, arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, music, theology, scripture, medicine | Greek and Roman writings, physical training, ethics and morality (right behaviour), manners and behaviour, history, eloquence (persuasiveness) |
23. Many years ago Alberta emphasized only “the 3 R's”: reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic. Modern schools offer instruction in many other areas in addition to the 3 R's.
Modern Schools
Type of Education | Advantages | Disadvantages |
The 3 R's | | |
Humanist | | |
Focus on a few subjects.
~ Can become very proficient in those subjects.
Knowledge/skills are limited to those 3R’s.
Develops a more rounded individual.
Takes more time/effort and resources.
~ Some may consider studying some subjects as a waste of time.
Humanist Scholars | Humanist Artists | Humanist Scientists and Mathematicians | Humanist Writers |
Petrarch | Donatello | Copernicus | Chaucer |
Erasmus | Masaccio | Da Vinci | More |
Bude | Michelangelo | Viete | Shakespeare |
De Montaigne | | | |
Assignment: On a large sheet of paper, draw a bust (the head of your celebrity). From the neck down, leave space to answer the following question about your Renaissance celebrity: Who was he and how did your man of the Renaissance spread the ideas of Humanism?
Humanism and Religion
24. The _________ texts that were admired and studied by Renaissance scholars were written before the beginning of _____________.
�Renaissance thinkers emphasized ______ and ______ such as individual achievement and the importance of ________ and the _____.
_________ continued to play an important �role in people’s lives.
25. Who was Petrarch?
26. Who was Desiderius Erasmus?
classical
Christianity
ideas
values
history
arts
Religion
A devout Christian
An outstanding humanist scholar
27. Humanist Scholars also felt that religion was important and this affected their thinking. Which of the following would reflect this belief? Indicate with �a T for true or F for false.
______ Charity is better given anonymously rather � than when the donor is identified.
______ Do something nice for someone just � because it is a good thing to do.
______ Don't do anything for anyone else � unless you are told to do it.
______ If you can get away with it too, it's � okay, even if it might involve lying or � stealing.
______ Volunteer to do things for those � who are needy.
______ “Winning is not everything; it's the � only thing.”
______ Do what's right, not what's easy.
T
T
T
T
F
F
F
27. Humanist Scholars also felt that religion was important and this affected their thinking. Which of the following would reflect this belief? Indicate with �a T for true or F for false.
______ Do unto others as you would have others � do unto you.
______ People have only themselves to blame � for their situation. Only the smartest, � hardworking, and strongest deserve � to survive.
______ Everyone is equal in their valued, � no matter their ability or disability.
______ The only thing a person needs in � order to have value is a beating � heart.
T
T
T
F
Society and the Arts
28. What is a patron and how did the existence of patrons helped to develop the Arts during the Italian Renaissance?
People who paid artists to produce works, �played an important role in promoting the arts. Included members of new wealthy merchant �class government and the church artists made works to decorate private homes or display in public places.
29. What are three factors that influenced paintings of the Italian Renaissance?
30. In the Middle Ages and the Renaissance most art had _________ themes. Due to Humanist ideas, however, Renaissance artists began to _________ these subjects in new ways. There was a growing interest in __________ and ____________.
The Humanist interest in ___________, __________________, _________, and ___________________ was often reflected in paintings.
religious
interpret
portraits
landscapes
Individual
The present world
beauty
Human excellence
31. Naturalism and beauty were important elements to many paintings. Naturalism includes the elements of:
a) Natural World
b) Light and ___________
c) _________ and Pattern
d) __________ _________
e) Elegance
32. Define the following terms:
Petroglyphs:
Pictograph:
33. How does art contribute to the identity of a people?
shadow
texture
realistic
details
Art that is carved into rock.
Drawing or paintings on rock walls.
Art reflects what is important in it. Captures the symbols that are part of the identity of a group. It mirrors that society.
| MEDIEVAL “Enthroned Madonna and Child” | RENAISSANCE “The Madonna of the Meadow” |
Background | | |
Emotions | | |
Pose | | |
indoor
Less facial expression
More stylized
landscape
More facial expression
More natural
35. How are Renaissance paintings different from Medieval paintings?
Renaissance painting is more colourful. It reflects life more than medieval paintings. Both have a religious themes but Renaissance paintings have a landscape background and include more about the secular life and times.
Architecture
36. Renaissance architects included features of ___________ _____________ in their work. They raised their status from _______________ to _______________.
37. What classical buildings did many Renaissance architects study in Rome?
classical
buildings
skilled labour
artist
The Pantheon and the Colosseum.
38. Look at the pictures of the two classical buildings. The Church of San Lorenzo was built during the Italian Renaissance and the pantheon was built during the time of the Ancient Romans in 27 BCE. List as many similarities between the two as you can.
39. The buildings built during the Italian Renaissance were beautiful and took many years to construct, sometimes years or even decades. This is much longer than it takes to build buildings today. Why do you think this is?
Columns, arches, floor/ceiling patterns, geometric in design, symmetry.
Much more emphasis on aesthetics in the Renaissance times. Labour is more expensive today - detailed building costs would be prohibited, better technology/materials today.
Sculpture
How does Vasari’s story highlight the Renaissance view of the individual?
What does the sculpture suggest about the Renaissance worldview?
40. Sculptors in the Middle Ages were seen as ______________ rather than artists. They were part of the construction team.
craftspeople
41. A Craftsman is a person who practices a trade. An artist creates something that is original and most often represents emotion, a point of view, and/or a worldview.
Determination, struggle to overcome oppression of the powerful and rich.
Connection of humans to nature. Importance �of the Raven in their belief system.
Jesus and mary: important figures in religion. Jesus death was an event that was important and must be remembered. There can be beauty even in tragedy.
Literature
Oh blessed be the day, the month, the year, the season and the time, the hour, the instant, the gracious countryside, the place where I struck by those two lovely eyes that bound me; and blessed be the first sweet agony
I felt when I found myself bound to Love, the bow and all the arrows that have pierced me, the wounds that reach the bottom of my heart.
42. Define the following terms:
Vernacular-
Sonnets-
43. In the early Renaissance, writers focused on ______________ the works of __________ and Greek writers and copying their styles.
Books or texts written in the ______________ became more accessible. Humanism influenced writers to focus on expressing their _____________ and _____________.
Language of the common people.
A poetic form that consists of 14 lines.
translating
Roman
vernacular
thoughts
emotions
44. What do you think was the effect of translating literature from Classical Languages, like Greek and Latin, into the vernacular?
45. Who was the leading poet of his time and most famous for his hundreds of love poems he wrote to a woman named Laura?
Accessible to more people so a greater number of people could follow intellectual pursuits.
Petrarch
46. Pisan was one of few women to receive a humanist education. She was educated at the court of King Charles V of France. She was Europe’s first professional woman ________ Her works included:
She protested the way women were portrayed in literature, she argued that people should be judged on their ______________ and _____________ not by their ___________.
writer
Poetry
History
Essays
Biographies
abilities
virtues
gender