Chapter 3 Grade 8 Social Studies

1. Which of the following statements is consistent with the worldview in Renaissance Europe?

• a. People can study religion to discover answers to the meaning of life and to discover their world.

• b. People can use the power of reason and thinking to discover knowledge about themselves and society.

• c. People should rely on tradition to address their problems, making new ways of looking at the world unnecessary.

• d. People do not need to involve themselves in government because the ruler will make necessary decisions for them.

2. The meaning of the term "Renaissance" suggests that many of the humanist writers and artists looked for their inspiration in the:

• a. ideas and teachings of the Middle Ages

• b. new cultures encountered in the Americas

• c. knowledge and teachings of Classical Europe

• d. cultures of Asia and the Far East

3. "In the Middle Ages, most art had religious themes and this influence continued during the Renaissance. However, influenced by humanist ideas, Renaissance artists began to interpret religious subjects in new ways." One of the "new ways" of interpreting religious themes in art during the Renaissance was by:

• a. creating images and symbols critical of Christianity

• b. drawing elaborate buildings and landscapes in which no people were seen

• c. representing the human body and human activities in great detail

• d. illustrating religious themes in black and white only

4. When Renaissance artists began to sign their paintings and sculptures, this gesture is often viewed as a small example of the changes caused by humanism because the artists wanted to:

• a. become wealthy from their work

• b. avoid others copying their work

• c. please their patrons

• d. be recognized for their accomplishments

5. The characteristics pictured could best be described as:

• a. characteristics of the teachings of the medieval Church

• b. changes created by the increase in trade during the Renaissance

• c. results of European contact with other cultures

• d. descriptions of the humanist writing of the Renaissance

6. One consequence most directly connected to the changes described in the characteristics was the decline in the authority of:

• a. government

• b. religious leaders

• c. educational institutions

• d. artistic patrons

7. Identify which of the following concepts of Renaissance humanism is correctly matched with a quotation providing an example of that concept?

• a. Civic Humanism: "When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes."

• b. Revival of Classical Learning: "To be ignorant of the lives of the most celebrated men of Antiquity is to continue in a state of childhood all our days."

• c. Humanism in Painting: "I find we have spent a large sum of money on buildings, charities and taxes, not counting other expenses."

• d. Value of Education: "The true artist creates work which is elegant, and capable of elevating the soul."

8. The paintings pictured both contain a representation of the Madonna and Child. One is from the 1200s and one is from the Italian Renaissance (1500s). Which statement below most accurately identifies the period of one of the paintings?

• a. Figure 3-21 was made during the Italian Renaissance, because it shows elaborate detail in the background and the buildings.

• b. Figure 3-21 was made during the 1200s, because it shows a religious subject.

• c. Figure 3-20 was made during the Italian Renaissance, because of the detail and realism of the human figures.

• d. Figure 3-20 was made during the 1200s, because of the clear portrayal of animals and nature in the background.