# ITALIAN 116 - Italian Renaissance Semester: Fall | Year offered: 2026 | Link: [Course Website](https://locator.tlt.harvard.edu/course/colgsas-121110/2026/fall/18612) The course studies the historical period that, on the one hand, invented modern politics, art, and science and, on the other, an awareness of origins and respect for traditions. Was it better for a prince to be loved or feared? What did a young woman have to do to become a saint? Why did men start wearing beards? How long was an hour? **Italian Renaissance** explores the rich intersection between new and classical ideas, emerging and established practices in early modern Italy, a place and time where innovation clashed with tradition and the disenchantment of the world with the rediscovery of ancient enchantments. Topics covered include perspective, fashion, anatomy, pornography, astronomy, politics, virtue ethics, and codes of conduct. --- [### Francesco Erspamer ](/people/francesco-erspamer) Professor of Romance Languages and Literatures (Italian) Academic Degrees: Laurea in Lettere, Diploma di perfezionamento, Università di Roma “La Sapienza” Research Interests: Renaissance culture; intellectual history; modern and contemporary Italian novel; literature and politics. Erspamer’s book reviews appear... ![Francesco](/sites/g/files/omnuum8296/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2025-04/erspamer-2.jpg?itok=iXefTqKH) See also:- [ Fall 2026 ](/term/fall-2026) - [ 70-100 ](/class-categories/70-100) - [ Francesco Erspamer ](/instructor/francesco-erspamer) - [ Italian ](/language/italian)