Semester I - Week of 01/04

January 5

In Class

Machiavelli Reading/Discussion

Women and Work (434-435)

Homework

The Renaissance in the North (440-443)

Select 2 pages from the Renaissance Primary Sources and apply HIPPO

January 7

Politics and the State in the Renaissance (443-449)

January 11

Renaissance Exam

· Do you believe Machiavelli was basically evil or good? Why?

· Do you think American leaders should follow Machiavelli’s advice in The Prince? Why?

· “Love is a bond men easily break,” says Machiavelli, “but fear of punishment holds them in check. Therefore, it is better to be feared than loved.” Do you agree with this statement? Must successful leaders be feared and not loved? What does that say about the relationship between ruler and ruled?

· What do you think Machiavelli cares most about? What examples can you give?

· Machiavelli says, "For it must be noted that men must either be caressed or else annihilated; they will revenge themselves for small injuries, but cannot do so for great ones." Explain how this might influence that way leaders treat their opponents in politics or in business today.

· "That in taking a state the conqueror must arrange to commit all his cruelties at once, so as not to have to recur to them every day." Should the Americans in Iraq follow this advice? What might that mean in Iraq? Why would this be a good idea? Why might it be a bad idea?

· Do you think Machiavelli's ideas are relevant today? Give some examples and explain you reasons.

· How much of The Prince is relevant to contemporary society in an age when monarchies no longer are the primary form of government?

· In The Prince, Machiavelli argues that a successful ruler must know how to be good, but must also know " how not to be good." Discuss a contemporary example of a political figure who has chosen "not to be good," in the sense Machiavelli means. Do you agree with the choice made?