This seminar examines the Italian Renaissance Villa in the context of humanist culture and literary study, building typology and economic initiative.  The course begins with an overview of the classical origins of the villa and the ideal of country living (villeggiatura). We then trace the evolution of the early-modern villa – from the fortified villa-castles of Tuscany, to the papal villas and gardens of Rome, and the expansive villa-palaces and villa-farms of Andrea Palladio in the Veneto. Within this, we will explore themes related to early-modern recreation, prescriptions for healthy living, farming, building patronage, and land reclamation.