Welcome to UR’s class on Dante’s Divine Comedy! As an epic based in Biblical, Christian, and Classical traditions, the Divina Commedia is a seminal piece of Early-Modern Western literature. Although it is based in the historical, literary, philosophical, and theological context of medieval Europe, Dante’s commentaries on contemporary socio-political and economic conditions, religious morays, and language (in his use of the vernacular) were revolutionary for his time. More importantly, rather than becoming an antiquated example of a literary Renaissance, his epic has continued to be influential despite the several centuries since its creation and its translation into numerous foreign languages. Far from a dead work, the Divine Comedy still lives and breathes in its contributions to our modern culture and society through media such as art, language, music, and philosophy. We hope that you learn to appreciate it for its depth and complexity, as well as for its beauty as a series of poetic stories.
How to use this site:
The UR Dante blog is designed to be an interactive medium where you can post references to Dante or the Divine Comedy in the wider world. Scenes, characters, or ideas from Inferno, Purgatorio, or Paradiso appear throughout modern culture in various forms, such as paintings, sculpture, and film, just to name a few!
Once every two weeks you will be responsible for adding one post on something that you’ve seen that reminds you of Dante, a theme or character from a canto, or that somehow relates to what we’ve been learning in class. Entries should have a title, image or link to follow, and a short description explaining what you’ve discovered, why you chose it, and why it is relevant. This is your chance to comment, so take advantage of it! Example posts will be provided detailing what to (not) do. If you are having trouble finding appropriate information or links, you may use those provided on the right-hand side of the blog to get started. You will be graded using the same three-point scale as for the fact sheets.
Finally, if you ever have trouble with the blogger interface, or are unable to upload your post due to a technical error, email your text and image/link to BOTH your TA’s and to Prof. Stocchi-Perucchio. Nota Bene: “I forgot” (or its various other forms) is not a valid excuse.
Odds and Ends:
As always, if you have questions or concerns, feel free to contact Prof. Stocchi-Perucchio or either of your TA’s. Problems with the blog can be sent here. We’re happy to help, but we aren’t mind readers! You are responsible for notifying us if your are sick, unable to attend a class or workshop, or for any other personal concerns. You are also responsible for checking your grades periodically to make sure we haven’t made an accidental mistake! That said, we’re looking forward to a great semester discovering Dante with all of you!
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