2016/17 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

ITAL3360 Introduction to Dante: Inferno and Vita nova (in translation)

20 creditsClass Size: 40

Module manager: Dr Matthew Treherne
Email: m.treherne@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

This module is mutually exclusive with

ITAL2020	Introduction to Dante
ITAL2021	Introduction to Dante

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Why would I want to study a poem written over seven centuries ago? How does Dante engage with the great works of the Classical world? Why is Dante Italy's national poet? Where is the fun in the Commedia? Dante is undoubtedly one of the most important and innovative figures of the European Middle Ages. Writing in Italian at a time when all 'serious' literature was written in Latin, he set out to write an epic that would rival those of the Classical poets of ancient Greece and Rome, while at the same time telling a Christian story that would rival those of the Bible. This module offers a general introduction to Dante studies, giving particular emphasis to a study of Dante's world and of his views on the Classical tradition, politics, religion and poetry, as well as suggesting some of the reasons for his poem's enduring importance in European literature. Students will also read the Vita nova, Dante's earlier account of his love for a woman named Beatrice and the poems which she inspired him to write. This module is taught by a mixture of lectures and seminars. The module is examined by one 2,000-word essay, two 1,000-word close reading exercises and a seminar presenation. The text is studied in translation.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to show an informed understanding of the importance of Dante as an author and of key themes in his works.

They should be familiar with the historical, religious and cultural context in which Dante was working and with his relationship with this context.

They should be able to show detailed knowledge of the Inferno and the Vita nova, read in translation, and an ability to comment in detail on the ways in which Dante's writing develops its reception of its context.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- read, analyse and understand a text written in the later Middle Ages;
- gather, evaluate and use information from secondary sources;
- show an awareness of the historical, cultural and linguistic situation of 14th-century Italy;
- communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
- use IT effectively, both as a means of communication and as an aid to learning;
- take personal responsibility for their own learning.

Syllabus

Dante Alighieri is one of the most important and innovative figures of the European Middle Ages. His Commedia tells the story of the journey to God of a character who is, at one and the same time, both Dante himself and Everyman.

This module offers a general introduction to Dante studies, giving particular emphasis to a study of Dante's world and of his views on politics, religion, poetry and so on, as well as suggesting some of the reasons for his poem's enduring importance in Italian literature. It will also provide a close reading of the first part of his great poem, the Inferno, with particular emphasis on selected cantos.

Students will also read the Vita nova and will discuss both the ways in which it prepares for the Commedia and the ways in which it differs from the later work, and they will have the opportunity to analyse in depth some of Dante's love poems from this earlier work.

Topics to be covered in lectures are more general, while fortnightly seminars will concentrate on a close reading of selected cantos of Inferno and selected episodes of the Vita nova, with student-led presentations.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	20	1.00	20.00
Seminar	10	1.00	10.00
Private study hours			170.00
Total Contact hours			30.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Private study, reading of texts, preparation for general class discussion: 120
Preparation and writing of two assessed essays and one commentary: 45 hours
Preparation for class presentation: 5 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Progress will be monitored through feedback given on student presentations in seminars and on performance in the first assessed essay, feedback for which will be given before the second piece of work is due. Progress will also be monitored informally through general class participation and work conducted online (e.g. via a discussion forum on the VLE to discuss guided reading exercises).

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Presentation	1 x 10 minute presentation	10.00
Essay	1 x 2,000 word essay (Semester 1)	45.00
Essay	2 x 1,000 word close reading exercise (Semester 2)	45.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 18/07/2016

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