Why did the Renaissance develop in Italy? What factors-historical, geographical, economic, social, political, etc.-contributed to its development in Italy, rather than elsewhere in Europe?

Compare and contrast the motives and actions of Martin Luther in the German states and King Henry VIII in England in bringing about religious change during the Reformation. How were they different? Did they share any similarities?

Analyze the aims, methods, and degree of success of the Catholic Reformation (Counter-Reformation) in the sixteenth century. What did the Catholic Church do to reform itself and respond to the spread of Protestantism? In what ways did it both succeed and fail in achieving its goals?

While women were often not allowed public roles during the Renaissance and Reformation periods, there were some examples of powerful or influential women in prominent public and leadership roles. Choose three of the following and discuss the roles these women played in shaping the society and culture of their age: Queen Elizabeth I, Catherine de'Medici, St. Teresa of Avila, Christine de Pizan, Artemisia Gentileschi.

Within the context of the Italian Renaissance, what was humanism, and what role did humanism and humanists play in Renaissance society and culture? In what ways did Italian Renaissance humanism differ from the humanism of Northern Europe?