Marguerite de Navarre and Renaissance Women Writers: A Literary Introduction

Discover the profound impact of Marguerite de Navarre, one of the most influential intellectual figures of the French Renaissance. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to her literary masterpieces, her political and religious networks, and the historical context of early modern Europe.\n\nThrough clear, structured readings, you will learn how to analyze sixteenth-century literature and trace historical networks using modern digital research methods. You will transition from a curious reader to an informed analyst of Renaissance culture, equipped with the foundational skills to study early modern women writers and their lasting legacy.\n\nWhat you'll learn:\n- Understand the foundational themes, historical context, and literary style of Marguerite de Navarre's major works, including the Heptameron\n- Analyze the religious, political, and cultural networks of early modern women writers and intellectual circles\n- Apply basic digital humanities techniques to map historical correspondences and explore digital archives\n- Examine the role of gender, power, and reformist theology in sixteenth-century French literature\n- Practice close-reading strategies tailored for early modern texts and their translations\n\nThe course begins with essential historical definitions and core terminology of the Renaissance, establishing a strong foundation before moving into textual analysis. You will progress from studying individual texts to exploring digital resources and mapping the complex social networks of the period.\n\nThis course is designed for beginners, literature enthusiasts, and aspiring historians. No prior knowledge of French literature, Renaissance history, or digital research tools is required.\n\nStart reading today to uncover the rich literary world of Marguerite de Navarre and master modern techniques for studying early modern history.