This course explores and analyses a selection of canti from Inferno, Purgatorio and Paradiso in the original Italian & in English. A close reading of the most significant episodes will introduce the students to Dante’s Comedy. In addition to lectures by the professor, students will develop in class discussion using the readings and exercises included in the textbook. Lectures, class discussions and weekly exercises will focus on the main themes of the poem, constantly referring to the historical, political, philosophical, and literary background. During this intense journey from the “selva oscura” to the vision of God, students will learn about Dante’s political views and engagement, philosophical thought, theological conception, idea of love, and relationship to literary models. Emphasis will be put on the difference between Dante the poet and Dante the character, the representation of Florence, the function of allegory and the complex characteristics of the poem’s poetic language.

Upon completing this course students will be able:

-- To understand the language, the texts and the global context of medieval Italian poetry and to conduct a critical analysis of Alighieri’s Comedy identifying key issues, style and form.

-- To develop skills in the interpretation and analysis of Italian poetry, as well as to develop the critical thinking skills necessary to provide the interpretation of Dante's Comedy.

-- To understand the varied ways in which Dante nurtured the imagination of subsequent writers and artists.

-- To improve reading and writing skills in Italian writing with analytical clarity by demonstrating ability to grasp abstract concepts: synthesizing them and applying them to the medieval contexts.

-- To demonstrate information literacy skills that would enable them to conduct good quality bibliographical research, use electronic resources, and master citation techniques with competence and in accordance with anti-plagiarism standards and regulations.

Assessment Guidelines for assigning main letter grades: A, B, C,D, and F.

A:  Work of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensiveknowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.

B:  This is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.

There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.

C:  This is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.

D:  This level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.

Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.

F: This work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

Regular attendance is an essential component of class participation. Therefore Students are allowed 2 unexcused absences. A doctor’s note, or other appropriate material must accompany excused absences. For any additional absence, 2 points will be detracted from the final grade. Please refer to the university catalog for the attendance and absence policy.

Make sure your travel plans do not interfere with class schedule. Should you miss a class, it is your responsibility to find out what was covered in order to be prepared for the next class.

Make-ups:

Individual arrangements for make-ups will be done only for students with medical emergencies or any other valid reason. The final exam cannot be made up without approval from the Dean (please see “Attendance” in John Cabot University Catalogue 2008-2010, p. 67).