The purpose of the Discussion Board is to allow students to learn through sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content and the DB question. Because it is not possible to engage in two-way dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the DB will be accepted after the end of each unit.

Put yourself in the position of an up-and-coming artist living in early-sixteenth-century Italy. Now imagine trying to distinguish yourself from the other artists living in your town: Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo, or Titian. Is it any wonder that the Italian High Renaissance lasted only 30 years?

— Jerry Saltz

New needs need new techniques. And the modern artists have found new ways and new means of making their statements … the modern painter cannot express this age, the airplane, the atom bomb, the radio, in the old forms of the Renaissance or of any other past culture.

— Jackson Pollock (American abstract-expressionist painter, 1912–1956)

Part 1

A renaissance in a culture can be described as a “rebirth” a “new beginning,” or “resurgence.” In art, some of the periods of art are considered a “renaissance” of new stylistic choices that inspired artists. However, the culture at large can also be affected by a renaissance as architects, writers, musicians and other creative professionals embrace change. After reflecting on the quotes above, discus with classmates:

• What are your impressions of a “renaissance” or a “new birth” occurring in a culture?
• Can you think of a renaissance that has happened in the last 20 years in art, music, technology, or education?

Part 2

• What are your opinions of what can cause a renaissance?
• Is it always a good thing for a culture? Why or Why not?
• Is American society in a renaissance now?

Discuss with 2 or more classmates why you think that a renaissance can be a benefit or if it may hinder the culture in some ways.

References

Polluck, J. (n.d.). Retrieved from the Brainy Quote Web site: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/jacksonpol332830.html

Saltz, J. (n.d.). Jerry Saltz quotes. Retrieved from the Brain Quote Web site: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/j/jerry_saltz.html

In your own words, please post a response to the Discussion Board and comment on other postings. You will be graded on the quality of your postings.

For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web resources, and all course materials. Please refer to the following multimedia course material(s):

• Unit 3: Art: Middle Ages and the Renaissance
• Unit 3: Middle Ages
• Unit 3: Medieval Culture & the Early Renaissance
• Unit 3: The Early, High and Northern Renaissance
• Unit 3: Renaissance