World Literature: Dante's Worlds

Selected topics in the literature of Italy. Readings and discussion of representational work in English translation. No knowledge of Italian is necessary. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years.

Open to degree and PACE students

This course is devoted to the study Dante Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy (Commedia), which we will read in its entirety in light of recent scholarship and taking into account different commentaries and critical approaches. We will also read Dante’s Vita nuova and excerpts from his treatise on language De vulgari eloquentia, his book on political theory Monarchia, and his philosophical compendium Convivio, works that are important for a fuller understanding of the poet’s masterpiece. In addition, we will also read relevant passages from the Bible and from works by Virgil, Ovid, and the Troubadours. Basics of prosody and rhetoric will also be introduced, and reference will be made to a variety of literary theories of interpretation that are of relevance to Biblical, Classical, Medieval and Renaissance Studies, but the main emphasis will be laid on close textual reading of the Commedia. No knowledge of Italian is required. Course goals and objectives include: 1) learning to analyze complex literary works in reference to the historical context that produced them 2) recognizing important literary trends, noting key distinctions and continuities among literary texts 3) investigating and engaging with moral issues connected to The Commedia that are still central to our common humanity.

This course combines short lectures and discussion formats. Students should expect to spend 6-8 hours a week on coursework outside of class, with additional time for individual research projects / final papers. Required materials for this course are the following texts: Dante Alighieri: Vita Nuova, Oxford U.P. World's Classics ISBN: 978-0192839350 Dante Alighieri: Inferno, Bantam Classics ISBN: 978-0553213393 Dante Alighieri: Purgatorio, Bantam Classics ISBN: 978-0553213447 Dante Alighieri: Paradiso, Bantam Classics ISBN: 978-0553212044

Grades are based on attendance and participation, a midterm exam, written responses, group presentation, and a final exam.