This course asks the question, "what does it mean to be a visionary?" We will read a selection of medieval and Renaissance texts, primarily from Italy, that demonstrate some form of ‘non-normative’ thinking, altered state of consciousness, or speculation on the future. These texts often cross genre boundaries, existing in between autobiography, literature, philosophy, religion, art, and science. We will pair these readings with critical studies on mysticism, prophecy, dreams, and altered states of consciousness, as well as art labeled “visionary.”