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The Worlds of the Renaissance: Projects

Technology and Search for the Truth

A curriculum for 7th grade students integrating the humanities and technology.

Elizabeth Gennosa
Roslyn Middle School
Roslyn Heights, NY

Unit I : Communication and Thought in the Middle Ages

  1. Lecture and Slides of the Art of Parchment Makers, Scribes, and Illuminators.
  2. Creative Activity: Visualizing the Production of Folios.
  3. Creative Practice: Techniques in Writing, Drawing and Painting.
  4. Science/Environment Project: Creating a Medieval Healing Garden.
  5. Art Project: Group Activity -- Create a Medieval medical text book.
  6. "Computer Link": Create a Medieval advertisement, using Microsoft Word, Paint, Character Map, and the Internet.

Unit II: Communication and Persuasion during the Renaissance.
  1. How Images Influence Thought: Art as a Tool of Religious "Propaganda" in Italy and the Netherlands: Slides, CD Roms, and Discussion.
  2. The Revolution of the Printing Press: Slides and Discussion:

    3. The Beginning of the Explosion: Prints and Etchings.

  3. Discussion: How Did the Printing Press Revolutionize Society?

    4. Example: How did it help to spread the Protestant Reformation?

  4. "Computer Links":
    1. Use the Hyperstudio CD on Early Netherlandish Painting.
    2. Learn the basics of html and design the first "page" of your website.
    3. Discussion: Communication Explosion Then and Now:

    Compare the effect of printing press on society then, to the effect of the personal computer on society now. Are revolutionary ideas (which are sometimes dangerous to the "stability" of society) spread more easily because of computers?

  5. Art/History Project: Simulate wood cuttings and etchings.
  6. Bias and Propaganda: Student Readings and Discussion.
    1. Introducing the Idea of Bias.
    2. Introduction to Point of View
    3. Can a Reader Be Biased in His/Her Point of View?
    4. A Male on Marriage: Is He Right?
    5. A Female on Marriage: Is She Right?

Unit III: American History: What Is the True Story?

  1. The Explorers: Heroes or Villains?
  2. The Spanish and the Indigenous South Americans: Two Histories.
  3. Native Americans: Who’s Giving Thanks?
  4. "Computer Links"


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