Process

Step 1: Choose an Identity

You are one of the following influential Renaissance personalities.

  • Artist
    • Sofonisba Anguissola
    • Albrecht Dürer
  • Explorer/Sailor/Soldier
    • Francisco Coronado
    • Ferdinand Magellan
    • William the Silent
  • Merchant/Banker
    • Jacob Fugger
    • Gracia Mendes Nasi
  • Reformer
    • Martin Luther
    • Ignatius Loyola
    • Teresa of Avila
  • Tradesman
    • Johannes Gutenburg

Step 2: Gather Information

  1. Choose an artist, explorer, sailor, soldier, merchant, reformer or tradesman from the list above and do research in order to present your Renaissance self to Barbarossa.
  2. You will research your life and the major area of Renaissance culture that your Renaissance personality represents using the internet. You may also use print sources if you have access to them.
  3. Print your fact-finding sheet (i.e. Ransom Petition) to keep track of all of your great accomplishments.

Download your Ransom Petition (pdf)

Step 3: Compose a Web Diary

You will write a 250-500 word paper as a diary entry which records in detail one day of your Renaissance personality’s life to be posted on the web. This paper should demonstrate your knowledge of Renaissance culture and your Renaissance personality’s history. Write the diary in first person and mention real people and places that your Renaissance personality knew. Some of the incidents in the diary will of course be fictional, but the details that you incorporate should be historically accurate (i.e., don’t say you met up with a person who lived in a different century).

Required Format:

  • Microsoft Word
  • Times New Roman font
  • 12 point font
  • Double spaced
  • Margins: 1 inch on all sides
  • 250-500 words

Step 4: Presentation

You will prepare a slide or Powerpoint presentation depicting the knowledge you have gained about your life and accomplishments. Keep in mind that you want to appear to be the best, so spend time finding lots of details and presenting them attractively.

Required Information:
Your information should be broadly organized into three categories–your candidate’s life, his or her major accomplishments, and why your candidate is important to the Renaissance.

The categories should explain your candidate’s background and training, what your candidate’s sector (Trade, Warfare, Exploration, Art, etc.) was like during the Renaissance, and why your candidate was important to the culture of his or her day. Think of reasons why Barbarossa should spare you, including your importance to a ruler, or your own private fortune, if you have one. Remember that you must persuade Barbarossa that you will gain for him a large ransom.

Design your Powerpoint effectively. Make sure your text can be seen from the back of the room and that the colors you use are easy to see and read.

Use sound, but avoid using sound for every transition in the slide (this can distract your audience). Use the sounds with caution.

Pictures are recommended. Be sure to include examples of your art, writing, inventions, etc.

Make notes to remind yourself what is to be said for every slide.