Inside Dante's Inferno

Course Title: Inside Dante's Inferno

Type of Course: Adult Education

Credit: Not credit bearing

Taught Hours: 12

Session Titles

1. Political Forces in Dante's Era: Shaping Europe's Landscape

2. Love at the Core: Dante's Emphasis on the Central Role of Love

3. Humanity's Moral Odyssey: Exploring Dante's Ethical System

4. Dante's Interpretation of Justice: A Bridge Between Human and Divine Justice

5. Rationalism and Mysticism: Interconnected Threads in Dante's Worldview and the Emerging of the Renaissance

6. The Emerging of New Political and Economic Systems in Europe

Course Overview

The aim of the course is to explore the profound influence of Dante's masterpiece, not only on the evolution of the contemporary Italian language but also on the shaping of political, religious, and economic perspectives in Italy and beyond.

You will gain insight into the profound impact of Dante's Divina Commedia on the evolution of the Renaissance as a cultural and philosophical movement. Furthermore, we will investigate how Dante played a pivotal role in reshaping the ethical framework of his era. All the topics will be discussed and analysed with reference to the main books of the Inferno.

Required Previous Experience (if any)

None required.

Required Reading Material or Special Equipment Needed (if any)

Dante, The Divine Comedy (Inferno)

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course you will be better prepared to:

• Understand the origin of contemporary Italian language and its cultural and political implications.
• Analyse the Inferno’s influence on political, religious, and economic perspectives both within Italy and beyond.
• Evaluate Dante’s contributions to the intellectual and artistic developments of the Renaissance.
• Understand the connection between Dante's ethical perspectives and the historical context in which they emerged.
• Use specialised terminology and philosophical language relevant to the course, critical thinking skills, analytical rigour and discussion skills.

Teaching and Learning Approach

The teaching and learning approach for this course combines tutor-led instruction, group activities, and independent study supported by individual guidance from the tutor. Classes are conducted face-to-face in a classroom setting and utilise diverse teaching methods, including presentations, multimedia resources, class discussions, and interactive activities.

These methods are selected to engage students, accommodate varied learning styles, and support effective understanding of the subject matter. The approach is also designed to recognise and be responsive to the diverse experiences, backgrounds, identities, and cultural perspectives represented within the student cohort, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

Additional Information

This course descriptor may be subject to change during the delivery of the course, depending on the specific direction and nature of the learner cohort, and is intended to be responsive to the group dynamics as they emerge during the delivery of the course.