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Academic Year 2005/2006

Dissimulation, Truth and Power: Making up Machiavelli
FIST 238 FA
Crosslistings:
ITAL 232
MDST 240

Politics is the realm of appearances, the place for making up ideas and identities, the theatre of dissimulation, where truth is subjected to power and power is mingled with lies. Machiavelli is the master-mind of the political game. The famous maxim: "the end justifies the means" is attributed to him, even though he never put it on paper. At a closer look, messer Niccolo appears to be less ruthless than he is usually portrayed. His life raises the issue of morality in politics. After serving as a Chancellor for the Republican government, he tried to gain favor under the princely Medici returned from exile to Florence. On a comparative level, this course will also take a glimpse to the works of his more successful friends Francesco Guicciardini and Francesco Vettori.

MAJOR READINGS

THE PRINCE, THE DISCOURSES (excerpts), THE FLORENTINE HISTORY (excerpts), MANDRAGOLA, letters with Vettori and Guicciardini.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Two short essays (3-4 pages), one in-class presentation, and one longer final essay (8-10 pages).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

This course will be offered in English. Italian majors will also enroll in a weekly Italian section, and all of their work--reading, writing assignments, course discussion and presentations--will be done in Italian.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA RLAN    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006

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