Discussion questions help
Read textbook Fiero, G. K. (2007). Landmarks in humanities (4th ed). New York: NY McGraw-Hill. ISBN: 9781259544927 “Chapter 5, “Synthesis: The Rise of the West,” pages 124-145, Chapter 6, “Christendom: Europe in the Age of Faith, “pages 146-175, and Chapter 7& 8 Rebirth, The Age of the Renaissance, pages 176-215/ Reform, The Northern Renaissance and the Reformation, page 216-241
1a. Medieval Institutions
Consider the structure of social and personal life during the “middle ages.” How did the persistence of institutions like the church pervade the lives of ordinary individuals? In what ways was this both a positive and a negative influence?
-Do any similar large-scale institutions affect our lives today? What positive and negative impacts do they exert over us, individually and collectively? How might we establish control over our own lives in spite of these broader influences?
1b. Renaissance Ideals
Renaissance values altered the course of European culture dramatically. Among their many influences was a transformation of the visual arts, painting and sculpture. Examine some of the samples pictured in our textbook from this period, and consider their relevance to the arts of our own time.
Which aspects of Renaissance portraiture continue to affect the way we think about “realistic” representation?
1c. Building a Narrative
Our lives unfold in complicated ways—some we control and some we do not. But we all do our best to understand what we do and what happens to us in ways that give meaning to who we are. So, we tell stories; we construct narratives that give expression to what matters most to us. Sometimes we share these stories with other people, but many of them are private expressions that we use to make sense of ourselves to ourselves.
So, in your initial discussion post, tell us a story. Share with the class a personal narrative—one of your own or someone else’s—that constructs the meaning of a human life. Consider whether even slight changes in the content of this story might alter the meaning entirely.
How does the narrative framing help to shape the future of the individual who expresses it?
