Teaching Workshop

Through a close analysis of two cases of early readership of Machiavelli's works (Siena, 1525-1536; France, 1544-1571), this workshop aims to show how different forms of communication (manuscripts and printed editions, "originals" and translations, texts and paratexts, arts) convey in what we could define the "making of the present moment".
We will ask ourselves: which forms of communication have been working together in the building, in different places and times, of a "machiavelian moment". This expression, quoted from John Pocock's magnum opus, will be the subject of a critical debate during the workshop.

Part of the workshop will be dedicated to exercises of analysis of French translations of Machiavelli's works (which is why the knowledge of French language will be welcome). We will ask ourselves: which effects are introduced by alterations, expansions, reshuffling of phrases inside translations?

Students are expected to attend regularly the workshop, and to present their research, either by focusing on one of the workshop's topics, or by choosing their own topic, once it has been discussed with the teacher, as long as it reflects the articulation between History and Communication.

This research will be conducted by students individually or in small groups. The issues of this research will be presented and discussed within the class.
Thus, students will develop their scientific attitude in doing research, they will also practise their skills by presenting the issues of their work in front of a group and by discussing their outcomes.

Students unable to attend will be able to make use of the educational tools provided by the instructor on Ariel, investigate special readings proposed by the instructor to strengthen their knowledge, and of course contact the instructor both by email.