April 13 Renaissance

History for today will include a look at Humanism and how it applied to the Renaissance period.

Here is a good website to get you started.

Also we will be looking at The birth of Venus by Botticelli.

• Marked by a revival of interest in Classical literature and thought (ancient Greek and Roman)
• Was a European phenomenon that was more worldly and secular than the preceding Medieval period
• Focused on anthropocentric ideas, seeking to dignify and ennoble humans
• Regarded humans as the crown of creation
• Sought to civilize humans and help them realize their potential powers and gifts as well as to reduce the discrepancy between human potential and achievement
• Concentrated on the perfection of a worldly life, rather than on the preparation for an eternal and spiritual life
• Increasingly regarded humans as creatures perfectible on earth

“How do individual elements in The Birth of Venus reflect the characteristics of Renaissance Humanism?”

Use the following list of features in the painting to help students identify the major elements in the painting:

• Venus’ sacred roses falling from the top left corner
• Zephyr the west wind blowing wind onto Venus
• Chloris the nymph, who later became Flora the goddess, is held by Zephyr
• Waves in stylized V shapes
• Venus imitating a pose of a famous antique Roman statue
• The faraway look in Venus’ eyes
• Orange grove on the right hand side
• A nymph representing spring moves in from the right and attempts to cover Venus
• A single blue anemone flower blooms at the feet of the nymph of Spring

Here is a website on the painting.


Identify characteristics of Renaissance art and humanism.




For Canadian History I want you to play the role of a war correspondent from the First or Second World War. Write headlines, news stories, local interest features, or advertisements as if you went back in time.

Examine this photo.

Make a list of what the poster means toyou, what it makes you think of, how it makes you feel, and other relevant details they wish to include. Share your list within their group, and explain why you listed certain things.

Create your own poster commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Present your poster to the class. You should explain what their poster represents and why they chose that particular design.