ORV 330 - Women, Religion and Reform

4 credits

The Renaissance and Reformation not only brought changes in art, science and belief, but prompted extraordinary writings by distinguished women in Italy. Women contributed literature, argument and devotional works. Religious institutions, particularly convents, fostered this work. Convents were set apart from the world but integral to the life of the community. In this period, Catholics opened new venues for women to teach and serve, while Protestants offered different paths for faith and learning. This course will examine texts and institutions from the period, situating them within the religious communities in Orvieto.