Thanks for being interested in our OER module exploring the role of engineering in Renaissance-era Florence! This document is meant to share the structure with which this module was developed as context, but please feel free to use part or all of the materials in different educational contexts to suit your needs.
This module was developed for a first semester class (CER110: Introduction to Civil Engineering and Construction) at Quinnipiac University collaboratively between a History and Interdisciplinary Studies Professor and Director of General Education (Dr. Jill Fehleison, jill.fehleison@quinnipiac.edu) and an Engineering Professor (Dr. Ari Perez Mejia, ari.perezmejia@quinnipiac.edu, corresponding author) who additionally delivered it.
It was a project to make more apparent the interactions between societal forces and developments and engineering projects and advancements. As engineering is a field dedicated to solving problems in society, it is necessary for students to study and understand what these needs can be, how they come about, and how they are prioritized and solved. Additionally, as engineering projects can imbue places, peoples, and institutions with power this module aims to provide a framework to start understanding and discussing the role that engineering can have in maintaining, increasing, or challenging power. These concepts are explored using the environment of Renaissance period Florence, with a focus on the works of Brunelleschi.
The module was designed for two class periods, each 75 minutes long and comprises readings for the students to complete before coming to class, materials to deliver the class (Power Point slides and Board Notes) as well as a small group activity meant to provide a fun, hands-on learning experience. As previously mentioned, the structure proposed below is the original context for this module but it can (and should) be modified to suit each classes needs.
For any questions about the LibGuide please contact refdesk@quinnipiac.edu. For any questions on the content please contact the authors.