This course introduces students to one of the most famous works in Italian literature: Dante's "Inferno". It begins by briefly reviewing the life and times of Dante Alighieri (1265-1321): his literary career, and his experiences in the social world of medieval Florence, and later as a political exile. This provides preparation for reading the "Inferno", the first part of Dante's great narrative poem, the "Commedia", telling of a journey through the afterlife from hell to heaven. It is a poem that has fascinated readers for nearly 700 years, with its vivid language immersing us into a compellingly imagined otherworld. The "Inferno" is at once a ghost story, a quest, a road-trip, a love story, a virtual reality, and a spiritual vision – though each of these terms requires definition in the context of medieval life and thought. We will begin by exploring the general form of Dante's "Inferno", with its leading ideas and writing style. We will then explore individual passages from the "Inferno" through classes with a monographic focus, dedicated to closer analysis of Dante’s expressive and compelling poetic narrative.

IMPORTANT: STUDENT ENROLMENT AND EXAM ELIGIBILITY
➢ N.B. Students cannot attend classes or take exams if they are not officially enrolled in this course. For any information about the SIE English-taught courses for exchange students, please visit this webpage: https://www.unive.it/pag/35228/
➢ N.B. Non è possibile frequentare le lezioni né sostenere gli esami finali se non si è ufficialmente iscritti a questo corso. Per qualsiasi informazione sui corsi in inglese per studenti in scambio della SIE, si prega di consultare questa pagina: https://www.unive.it/pag/35227/