Renaissance Humanism

Start with the ideas

The mind maps titled Humanism offer different starting points. One introduces humanism through human letters, classical studies and attitudes toward humanity. Another presents it as a philosophical and cultural movement, with branches on anthropocentrism and views of humanity. Starting with these maps gives you a set of terms to look for in the other resources.

Explore people and sources

The note Francesco Petrarch introduces Petrarch as an author, scholar and early humanist. A mind map on Florence points to Italy and the reawakening of classical ideas. Another Humanism map includes the recovery of ancient texts and ideas among its sources. Together, these resources offer different ways to explore the people, places and sources listed on the page.

The Humanism flashcard deck asks about Erasmus, including his life and writings. After looking at a map or note, the questions can help you check which details you remember and which you want to look at again.

Use maps and questions together

There are no quizzes listed on this page, but the flashcards provide questions for self-testing. A useful order is to study a mind map first, answer the flashcard questions, and then return to the map or note to check related ideas. The maps and flashcards cover different aspects of humanism, so their contents will not always match question for question.

Place the topic in the unit

Renaissance Humanism is one section of The Renaissance unit in History. Resources on this page include maps that connect humanism with the Renaissance, as well as maps focused on humanist ideas. Comparing their branches can help you see how each resource organizes the topic. Choose a map and use its branches to guide your next look at the flashcards.