In this second colloquium, we will read the literature of the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. As you will soon discover, there is no real chronological division between the medieval period (in England) and the Renaissance (in Italy). As such, our readings are organized geographically: while the first half of the term primarily focuses on England and France (with the exception of Dante's Inferno--a fascinating "hybrid" text we will discuss in great detail!), the second half of the course settles squarely in Renaissance Italy. Shortly before break we jump off with Petrarch, one of the so-called “fathers” of the humanism, in the 14th century and finish off the semester in the early 16th century. Notably, this course will introduce you to the literary underpinnings of humanism, an intellectual movement and philosophy to which our very department is indebted. As always, particular emphasis will be given toward early female writers, key genres, and “big questions” raised by these important literary works.