The Age of the Renaissance
witnessed a new secularization of
society, replacing the God-centered Universe
of the Middle Ages with the Human.
centered world of the 16th century. No longer
was the church seen as the central authority
togive life meaning. Humanists viewed human
beings as noble creatures, capable
of achieving fulfillment in the expanding world
in which they lived. With this new orientation
came the realization that man’s nature also
could be rude, selfish, and even destructive.
Discuss the ways in which we see the
emergence of the modern individual who is
aware of the challenges to the humanist view
of man’s nobility and goodness. Illustrate your
viewpoint with specific works from visual
arts, music, and literature.
Your paper should be typed with double-spaces.
The
writing style needs to be formal: no personal tense, no
contractions, and no colloquialisms. Develop your thoughts
into clearly defined paragraphs (at least three sentences and
a topic sentence). Your grade will be based on both content
and writing style. In-text citations (author, page) should be
used for original ideas or direct quotations. Research is not
required, but use Works Cited at the conclusion of the paper
if you have quoted sources.
• Format: MLA preferred, but you many use another style
you are familiar with
• Typed with double-spacing
• Length: 3-5 pages
•Give specific examples–visual art, music, literature–to
back up your points
• Formal writing style–grammar and spelling will be
considered
