This module covers the examination of the theological virtues in the Heaven of the Fixed Stars. The pilgrim's encounters with the apostles highlight the complexities of faith, hope, and love within Dante's theological framework.
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This introductory module sets the stage for understanding Dante's life and works. Students are introduced to the overall structure and significance of the Divine Comedy, including its classification as a romance, epic, or vision.
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This module delves into the Vita Nuova, Dante's autobiographical work that reflects on his dual journey of love and poetry. The exploration of Dante's affection for Beatrice serves as a catalyst for his poetic development.
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This lecture focuses on the initial cantos of Inferno, introducing students to Dante's intricate poetic style and thematic content. The unique duality of the poet-pilgrim's voice is highlighted as he embarks on his journey through Hell.
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This module delves into cantos V through VII of Inferno, examining significant themes such as lust, gluttony, and the consequences of poetic ambition. The exploration of Limbo sets the stage for understanding Danteâs critique of human desires.
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This lecture examines the middle sections of Inferno (cantos XII-XVI), focusing on the theme of violence and encounters with hybrid creatures that populate this zone of Hell. Dante's literary context is explored through his encounters with notable characters.
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This module centers on cantos XIX, XXI, XXV, and XXVI of Inferno, scrutinizing the complexities of sin and prophecy. The historical context of simony is analyzed, along with the interplay between prophecy and poetic hubris.
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This lecture focuses on cantos XXVI, XXVII, and XXVIII of Inferno. The module examines Dante's exploration of false counsel and the principle of contrapasso, emphasizing the intricate relationship between rhetoric and politics.
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This module covers the final cantos of Inferno (XXX-XXXIV), emphasizing the tragic resolution of Dante's narrative. The descent into treachery is highlighted through the characters' distorted speech, culminating in the silence of Satan.
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This lecture introduces Purgatory, exploring its topography and moral framework in contrast to Hell. The complexities of freedom are examined through Dante's choice of Cato as the guardian of Purgatory.
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This lecture covers Purgatory V, VI, IX, and X, revisiting the theme of freedom while highlighting Dante's interactions with historical and poetic figures. The transition from ante-Purgatory to Purgatory proper is emphasized.
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This module transitions from the terrace of pride to the terrace of wrath, discussing the theological implications of pride and the interplay between art and morality in Dante's works.
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This lecture deals with Purgatory XIX, XXI, and XXII, focusing on the relationship between imagination and intellectual discovery. The pilgrim's dream warns against the pitfalls of aesthetics while highlighting poetry's transformative power.
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This module features guest lecturer Professor David Lummus discussing Purgatory XXIV-XXVI, where the poet's encounters with Italian love lyric masters reveal the Comedy's profound treatment of poetics.
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This module examines Dante's portrayal of the Earthly Paradise at Mount Purgatory's summit, focusing on the relationship between freedom, temptation, and continuous growth in the pilgrim's journey.
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This introductory lecture to Paradise highlights the Ptolemaic structure of Dante's cosmos and the roles of Beatrice and St. Bernard of Clairvaux in guiding the pilgrim's journey toward the Beatific Vision.
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This module investigates key cantos of Paradise (IV, VI, X), exploring the relationship between intellect and will through Dante's theological inquiries. The encounters with historical figures provide insights into Dante's philosophical stance.
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This module continues the exploration of the Heaven of the Sun, where St. Thomas and St. Bonaventure offer praise to their respective orders. The interplay of faith and reason is investigated through their dialogues.
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This module focuses on the cantos of Cacciaguida, highlighting the relationship between history, self, and exile. Dante's genealogical reflections demonstrate how personal history influences the poet's narrative journey.
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This module analyzes cantos XVIII, XIX, XXI, and XXII, where Dante navigates the themes of justice and redemption through the perspectives of righteous rulers and contemplative spirits. The contrasting views of morality are explored.
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This module covers the examination of the theological virtues in the Heaven of the Fixed Stars. The pilgrim's encounters with the apostles highlight the complexities of faith, hope, and love within Dante's theological framework.
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This lecture analyzes the themes of papal authority and historical reflection in Paradise XXVII, XXVIII, and XXIX. The pilgrim's encounters reveal the complex relationship between Dante's vision and the Church's moral standing.
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This final module covers the concluding cantos of Paradise (XXX-XXXIII), where the pilgrim reaches the Empyrean. The themes of divine light, unity, and the culmination of Dante's journey toward God are explored.
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This final class recaps the semester's exploration of Dante's works. Students will engage in a question-and-answer session that allows for deeper discussion on themes related to love, exile, ethics, and Dante's dual role as poet and theologian.
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