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Academic Year 2005/2006

Dante and Medieval Culture II
COL 236 SP
Crosslistings:
FIST 242
ITAL 230
MDST 255

The purpose of this two-semester course is to offer students as complete an immersion in the world of Dante's DIVINE COMEDY as is possible without being able actually to read the poem in its original language. In addition to a careful and thorough line-by-line reading and discussion of the COMEDY itself, the course will include attention to the art, architecture, and music of Dante's time, as well as to its history. Philosophical and theological materials relevant to the understanding of Dante's poetry will also be studied. The two semesters together should provide not only a thorough study of the COMEDY, but also a detailed introduction to High Medieval culture.

This is not a "required course sequence" course, and students may elect to take either semester without the other. However, they should be aware that: 1) students taking the second semester only should have read at least the INFERNO and the first two-thirds of PURGATORY before the beginning of the semester; and 2) the second semester only is a "Permission of Instructor" course, as preference for enrollment in it will be given to students who have satisfactorily completed the first semester.

MAJOR READINGS

Over the course of both semesters we will read Dante's DIVINE COMEDY in its entirety, as well as several of Dante's "minor" works (VITA NUOVA and various lyrics, and perhaps also some excerpts from his philosophical and political writing). In addition, the reading will include selections from late antique and medieval philosophy, medieval theology and patristic literature, poetry by Dante's contemporaries in Italy and by Provencal poets who influenced him, and some historical and critical materials.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Three papers (probably).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Students may be asked to keep a journal.

Preference will be given to students who were enrolled in COL 234 the previous semester. Remaining seats available will depend on how many decide to continue.

COURSE FORMAT: Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA COL    Grading Mode: Student Option   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006

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