Unit name | The Religious World of Dante |
---|---|
Unit code | THRS10050 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | C/4 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Mr. Ferzoco |
Open unit status | Open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
The unit is designed to give students an understanding of the content and the context of Dante's *Inferno* within the framework of medieval understandings of God, morality, and the afterlife. The unit will be taught through two hours of class meetings weekly: one hour will be in lecture form, and the other will be a seminar which actively involves the entire class; student participation (and, in some cases, presentations) will also be expected. Topics covered include: the theology and religious culture of late medieval Italy; the life and works of Dante; the structure of the *Comedy* and, more importantly, the *Inferno*; medieval understandings of sins' causes, effects and punishments; and the notion of intercession.
Aims:
On successful completion of this unit students will have acquired knowledge and skill to discuss significant aspects of Italian medieval spirituality; acquired knowledge and skill to discuss the role of religion within medieval culture; acquired knowledge and skill to discuss the major theological premises and innovations of Dante Alighieri; acquired skills in presenting, analyzing and evaluating complex ideas and arguments appropriate to level C.
1 lecture + 1 seminar per week
One summative coursework essay of 1500 words (50%) and one unseen examination of two hours comprising 2 questions out of 6 (50%). Both elements will assess ILOs (1) (2) and (3). The coursework essay in particular will offer students the opportunity to demonstrate ILOs (4).
Reading and References: Dante Alighieri, Inferno (ed. and trans. Robert M. Durling) John Scott, Understanding Dante Rachel Jacoff, ed., The Cambridge Companion to Dante (second edition) Amilcare Iannucci, ed., Dante Stephen Bemrose, A New Life of Dante Robert Hollander, Dante: A Life in Works