Monash University

Leader(s): Raffaele Lampugnani

Offered

Clayton First semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

The aim of the subject is to introduce students to the works of Dante Alighieri, the most important poet of the Middle Ages, through a reading of the 'Divina Commedia'.

Objectives

On completion of this subject students should have acquired an understanding of:

1. The history and culture of Italian medieval society.

2. The novelty of the Italian language at the time Dante wrote.

3. Basic notions of Italian metrics, including canzone, sonnet; the basics of Italian rhyme, terza rima.

4. Uses of simile, metaphor, imagery, allegory, myth, in Dante's work.

5. What "love" meant to poets at the time.

6. Dante's vision of monsters, retaliation/punishment, Hell, the Heavens.

7. Dante's vision of Italy and Europe, Church and Empire.

They should be able to demonstrate the ability to analyse critically selected Cantos from the 'Divine Comedy'.



In addition, students taking the subject at fourth-year level should be familiar with different theoretical perspectives on the ideas and processes treated in the subject.

Assessment

Written work: 40%
Exam: 40% (2 hours)
Seminar participation tasks: 20%

Contact hours

3 hours (2 lectures and 1 tutorial) per week

Prerequisites

Completion of second year Italian or equivalent knowledge of the language