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2014/15 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MEDV5320M Theologus-Poeta: Dante and Medieval Theology

30 creditsClass Size: 10

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

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2014/15

Pre-requisite qualifications

Students on other MA programmes e.g. Theology, English or Modern Languages may be admitted at the discretion of the Module Co-ordinator.

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module introduces students to the works of Italy's national poet, Dante Alighieri. Dante's works do not simply reflect or contain the precepts of religious doctrine, but often make strikingly original and daring contribution to theological thought in their own right. Moreover, Dante's theology is rarely bland, unthinking, or dry, but is always based on profound reflection on what it means to be human, and on uncovering the implications of human experience. Taking Dante's works as a starting point, this module explores key aspects of medieval theology, including Biblical exegesis, mysticism and scholasticism.The module enables students to discover Dante's theology in its full richness: although the primary focus will be the tour de force of poetic theology represented by the Commedia, we shall also explore the daring approach to biblical commentary in the De vulgari eloquentia, the discussion of the relationship between faith and reason in the Convivio, and the striking use of biblical and prophetic language in a political context in some of the poet's letters.

Objectives

This module, which draws on a current research focus in the Leeds Centre for Dante Studies, aims to introduce students to the works of Dante Alighieri in the context of some of the most engaging and lively debates and issues in medieval theological thought.

Learning outcomes
Students should be able to:
- analyse Dante's works in relation to the tradition of medieval theology;
- discuss some of the key debates in medieval theology;
- discuss the ways in which theology, politics, and religious practice coincide with literary concerns in Dante's works.

Syllabus

The weekly schedule will be as follows:

1. Introduction
2. Biblical Exegesis: the case of the De vulgari eloquentia
3. Faith and Reason in the Convivio
4. Scholasticism and the Commedia
5. Augustinian thought in the Commedia
6. Dante and the Liturgical Imagination
7. Heavenly and Earthly Cities
8. Theology and Politics in Dante's letters
9. Nature and Grace in Dante's works
10. The Contemplative Tradition in the Commedia
11. The Commedia and medieval metaphysical thought.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Seminar	11	2.00	22.00
Private study hours			278.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Private study

Students will be expected to familiarise themselves with the suggested extracts from Dante's works, and with the selected works of medieval theology.

Primary texts will be studied in Engish translation in class, although students with knowledge of Italian will be encouraged to read Dante's works in the original.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student performance in class and in the first essay.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	Essay 1 - 2,000 words	33.00
Essay	Essay 2 - 4,000 words	67.00
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: 18/05/2015

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