| 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: • To provide an understanding of the religious culture of medieval Italy • To provide an understanding of the role of religion within medieval culture • To provide an understanding of major theological premises and innovations of Dante Alighieri • To develop written presentation and argumentation skills through written work (formative essay, summative examination) and group work.
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
