Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

Dante's medieval world (1265-1321) was one of cultural innovation, religious revival and economic growth, as well as of political strife in many urban communities throughout Italy. This unit explores the political, social, artistic and spiritual worlds of Dante and his contemporaries, and in so doing will give coherency to this dynamic medieval period. Taught in Prato and its environs, the unit provides an opportunity to understand Dante's literary achievement and political activities through direct experience of Dante's Tuscany during the medieval period.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit students will be expected:

1. to be familiar with the social, political, cultural and religious environment of the world in which Dante lived and formulated his writings
2. to be familiar with core writings of Dante (in translation)
3. to be capable of original analysis of a primary document and the location in which it was generated
4. to formulate an argument and engage in original research
5. to communicate a historical argument to staff and fellow students
6. At fourth-year level, students will be expected to show greater initiative in developing their own research hypothesis and proposal.

Assessment

Written work: 90%
Oral presentation: 10%

Chief examiner(s)

Constant Mews

Contact hours

Three 3-hour seminars per week for four weeks

Prerequisites

Second-year sequence in Historical Studies or Religion and Theology

Prohibitions

HSY3125, HSY4125