world history

The concept behind this exercise it that we compare the culture of the Middle Ages with that of the Renaissance. Make sure you scroll all the way down in the directions to read them fully. Well wishes on your discussion!

Part I

1. Read the lesson and textbook content on the Renaissance.
2. Compose a major discussion entry that responds to one of the questions or topics listed below.
3. Your initial posting should be at least 3-4 paragraphs in length.
4. Allowable sources: Your answer must be supported by information gleaned from your two textbooks, and online eCore material in the course. You may also refer (in addition to the aforementioned material you find in the Fordham site: Internet History Source Book-Medieval sector and Renaissance sector: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/Sbook.html and Medieval Sourcebook: Renaissance
5. Post your answer to the Unit 8 discussion area.
6. Remember not to copy or focus on the exact same subjects as your peers. To avoid redundancy build on similar points made by others in the class and acknowledge their contributions in the peer responses. To avoid the possibility of plagiarism, remember to include proper citations as needed. No block quotes. Your work should be your independent consideration using the sources for assistance.

respond to the work of two (2) of your classmates with specific historical references and facts that build on their subjects.Your peer responses should be at least a sentence or two in length.

7. For extra-credit, cite all your sources throughout this exercise in the format approved by your instructor.
8. Enjoy the exercise!

Part II-Questions and topics to consider.

1. Was there a sharp line of division between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance in any of these several areas: scholarship, learning, art, architecture, governance, the role of the church? If there was, what was that difference and describe these differences in detail. 
2. Was the Renaissance a logical continuation of the Scholasticism of the medieval period?–if you think so, defend your argument with very specific examples from scholarly and artistic works.
3. Explain through biographical comparison the different approaches to religion, governing, learning (scholarship), and art embraced in the medieval era and the Renaissance. To do so, discuss two specific historical personalities. An example might be to compare the views on religion of say Medieval Popes Gregory VII or Urban II with that of Renaissance figures Erasmus, Cesar Borgia of Italy or Henry VIII of England. Another example might be comparing the medieval anonymous approach to religious art with the celebrity culture of art that arose around such figures as Leonardo da Vince, Michelangelo, and Raphael.
4. Based on your study of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Petrarch, and Machiavelli in this lesson consider their achievements in light of the perspectives of historians Burckhardt, Haskins, and Kristeller