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Machiavelli: Ethics, Politics, and Persuasion in The Prince with Dr. Kristin Stasiowski

Machiavelli: Ethics, Politics, and Persuasion in The Prince with Dr. Kristin Stasiowski


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Often seen as divisive, if not downright diabolical, this seminar will introduce participants to the historical, literary, and political contexts of Niccolò Machiavelli, author of The Prince.

The Jesuits labeled him “the devil’s partner in crime,” and Frederick the Great of Prussia called him “a monster” who wished to destroy humanity. His name frequently appears in Shakespeare’s plays to reference nefarious and murderous characters. Vilified and demonized almost immediately after his book’s tion, the very name Machiavelli has divided readers and critics, clerics and kings for centuries: is he evil, or merely pragmatic—or perhaps even good?

Led by an expert in Italian literature and culture, Kristin Stasiowski, Ph.D., this interactive seminar will introduce participants to the historical figure of Niccolò Machiavelli through an in-depth discussion of the context of his seminal work. We will introduce readers to the major themes of The Prince against the backdrop of the historical, political, and philosophical climate of 15th and 16th century Florence to unravel the complex mystery and mythology surrounding this towering figure of Renaissance thought. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of Machiavelli’s complicated genius.

Kristin Stasiowski, Ph.D. is the Assistant Dean of International Programs and Education Abroad for the College of Arts and Sciences and is also an Assistant Professor of Italian Language and Literature in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages at Kent State University. She received her Ph.D. from Yale University in Italian Language and Literature and has taught Italian language, literature, cinema, history, and culture in both Florence, Italy, and at Kent State. She recently published a chapter entitled "A Divine Comedy for All Time: Dante's Enduring Relevance for the Contemporary Reader" in Italian Pop Culture: Media, Product, Imageries. Rome, Italy: Viella Editrice s.r.. Her current research is focused on Dante, Boccaccio, and the modern poet Clemente Rebora.

Not suitable for children under age 13 (sensitive content).

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 18 reviews
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(18)
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G
G. (Nominingue, CA)
Machiavelli with Dr Stasiowski

As Always with Dr Stasiowski's conversations, the time spent is stimulating, enriching and challenging. The context is clearly described and the nuanced complexity of the textual interpretation presents a deeper and different perspective challenging the accepted way of viewing Machiavelli,

S
S.M. (Melbourne, AU)
Fantastic

An excellent, interesting and vibrant session that gave me a picture of some of the text and the writer. Thank you for giving me a better understanding of someone I have only heard of.

A
A.R. (Austin, US)

Dr. Stasiowski did an excellent of working through Machiavelli and The Prince. So glad I tuned in.

G
G.T. (Rancho Palos Verdes, US)

Guest did not leave comment

J
Jan Leno (Brignoles, FR)
Broad, deep, scholarly and engaging

Another remarkable tour de force by Kristin, delving into the history, context, connections, and meanings of The Prince. She is a brilliant teacher.

Customer Reviews

Based on 18 reviews
100%
(18)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
G
G. (Nominingue, CA)
Machiavelli with Dr Stasiowski

As Always with Dr Stasiowski's conversations, the time spent is stimulating, enriching and challenging. The context is clearly described and the nuanced complexity of the textual interpretation presents a deeper and different perspective challenging the accepted way of viewing Machiavelli,

S
S.M. (Melbourne, AU)
Fantastic

An excellent, interesting and vibrant session that gave me a picture of some of the text and the writer. Thank you for giving me a better understanding of someone I have only heard of.

A
A.R. (Austin, US)

Dr. Stasiowski did an excellent of working through Machiavelli and The Prince. So glad I tuned in.

G
G.T. (Rancho Palos Verdes, US)

Guest did not leave comment

J
Jan Leno (Brignoles, FR)
Broad, deep, scholarly and engaging

Another remarkable tour de force by Kristin, delving into the history, context, connections, and meanings of The Prince. She is a brilliant teacher.