Task Overview (what to do)
Make a copy of this document. Working as a group, take turns reading each paragraph aloud and use the highlighter tool to mark key points (people, places, events). Record who read each paragraph and which key points were highlighted. Then, in order, answer the reflection questions (Question 1 first, then 2, then 3). Be sure to include direct evidence from the reading to support each answer. When finished, each group member submits the completed assignment in Schoology.
Step-by-step explanation of the content (short teaching guide)
- Renaissance: A cultural movement that emphasized human potential (humanism) and individual achievement. Artists shifted toward realistic depiction of humans and nature and used new techniques like perspective. Political thought changed too (e.g., Machiavelli), and Italian city-states such as Florence became cultural and political centers.
- Reformation: A religious movement that challenged the authority of the Catholic Church. Martin Luther's 95 Theses and objections to practices such as the sale of indulgences led to the formation of Protestant denominations (Lutheranism, Calvinism). The Catholic Church responded with the Counter-Reformation (Council of Trent).
- Effects on government and society: Both movements reshaped political life: the Renaissance encouraged new political ideas and civic engagement; the Reformation caused political fragmentation, religious conflicts (e.g., Thirty Years' War), and a rise in secular governments and separation of church and state.
Reading & Highlighting Table
Replace "Member 1", "Member 2", etc., with actual group member names. Highlighted items are people, places, events, and important terms to mark in the document.
| Paragraph | Assigned Reader | Key points to highlight (people, places, events, terms) |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Member 1 | Renaissance, Reformation, Europe, religion, art, government |
| Key Vocabulary | Member 2 | Humanism, Indulgence, Protestant, Counter-Reformation |
| The Renaissance: Influence on Art | Member 3 | Humanism, Individualism, perspective, Leonardo da Vinci, The Last Supper, Michelangelo, Sistine Chapel, Raphael, Madonnas |
| The Renaissance: Influence on Government | Member 4 | Machiavelli, The Prince, Florence, city-states, republic, civic engagement |
| The Reformation: Influence on Religion | Member 1 | Martin Luther, 95 Theses, indulgences, Protestant, Lutheranism, Calvinism, Counter-Reformation, Council of Trent |
| The Reformation: Influence on Government | Member 2 | Political fragmentation, Thirty Years' War, Catholic vs. Protestant states, secularism, separation of church and state |
| Conclusion | Member 3 | reshaped religion, art, government, spirit of inquiry, modern Western culture |
Reflection Questions and Model Answers (with evidence from the reading)
| Question | Answer (with evidence from the text) |
|---|---|
| 1. How did the Renaissance change the way artists approached their work? |
Answer: The Renaissance shifted artists' focus to human experience and realistic portrayal, using new techniques to create depth and naturalism. The reading says the Renaissance emphasized "Humanism and Individualism: The Renaissance emphasized human experience and individual potential. Artists began to focus on realistic portrayals of people and nature." It also describes technical innovation: "Techniques: Innovations like perspective allowed artists to create depth in their works. For example, Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' uses perspective to draw the viewer's eye to the central figure of Jesus." The text also lists famous practitioners—"Michelangelo, who painted the Sistine Chapel, and Raphael"—showing how artists applied these changes in major works. |
| 2. In what ways did the Reformation challenge the Catholic Church's authority? |
Answer: The Reformation directly challenged church practices and leadership, leading to a split in Christianity and the creation of Protestant denominations. Evidence: the reading states that the Reformation "questioned the authority of the Catholic Church" and that "Martin Luther's 95 Theses criticized practices like the sale of indulgences, leading to a split in Christianity." It also notes the result: "The Reformation led to the establishment of various Protestant churches, including Lutheranism and Calvinism..." Additionally, the Catholic Church's response—the "Counter-Reformation" and the "Council of Trent"—shows the seriousness of the challenge and how the Church had to reform and defend its doctrines. |
| 3. What lasting impacts did these movements have on modern government and society? |
Answer: Both movements influenced political ideas, social structures, and the relationship between church and state. From the Renaissance, the reading highlights new political thinking: "Thinkers like Machiavelli wrote about power and leadership..." and that city-states like "Florence became centers of political power and cultural development, leading to more civic engagement and the idea of a republic." From the Reformation, the reading notes political effects: "The Reformation caused divisions in Europe, leading to conflicts such as the Thirty Years' War" and contributed to the "Rise of Secularism: As religious authority was challenged, secular governments began to emerge, emphasizing the separation of church and state. This shift influenced the development of modern democratic principles." Together, these points show lasting impacts: modern political thought, civic participation, religious pluralism, and the separation between religious and governmental authority. |
Final steps for your group: 1) Make the highlighting changes in your copy. 2) Replace reader names in the Reading & Highlighting Table with actual group members. 3) Save and have each member submit the final document to Schoology.