The course aims to familiarise students with the medieval world picture of Dante and his contemporaries. It will present Dante's own political, poetic and philosophical outlook and then proceed, by a study of selected cantos, to a detailed analysis of how these ideas are given poetic expression in the Inferno.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will:

1. have the knowledge and skills to paraphrase sections of Dante's Canti;
2. critically analyze Dante's ideas and how they are conveyed in the Divine Comedy;
3. discuss the principle themes of the Inferno within the historical and literary context of Dante's time;
4. conduct research independently into secondary materials

1,500 word essay (40%), 2 detailed analyses of selected passages (500 words each) (30%), tutorial presentation linked to the essay (20%), and (10%) for preparation and active participation in tutorials.

13 one-hour lectures; 13 tutorials and 7 seminars

For students taking this course for the Italian major, ITAL2006 Continuing 2. Otherwise students should have qualified for entry into 3rd year studies or permission of the coordinator.

ITAL3004

To be advised