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Unit of study_
ITLN3694: Dante and the Middle Ages
2025 unit information
Dante Alighieri's 'Divine Comedy' will be read as an enduring work of poetry, a major text of the European literary tradition, and the most comprehensive synthesis of medieval culture. Along with that of other major contemporary thinkers such as Francesco Petrarca and Giovanni Boccaccio, Dante's works will be placed in the historical and political context of the Italian peninsula between the thirteenth and the fourteenth century. Particular attention will be paid to his use of philosophical and theological language as well as extensive references and allusions to the Bible and classical poetry.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Arts and Social Sciences
| Study level | Undergraduate |
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| Academic unit | Italian Studies |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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6 credit points at 2000 level in at least one of the following Italian Studies or European Studies or European or Middle Eastern or Classical Languages or Studies or Asian Studies or History or Ancient History or Philosophy or Studies in Religion |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. understand and articulate the major poetic and literary features of Dante's Divine Comedy, its medieval context and its significance for the Italian literary tradition
- LO2. understand and apply interdisciplinary approaches to Italian Medieval Studies, including literary, philosophic, theological, socio-historical and political perspectives
- LO3. employ bibliographic tools and methodologies to conduct an original research project
- LO4. develop an original argument in a formal research essay that follows academic conventions and employs analysis of primary and secondary sources
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