Literature: Literature: A Tour of Dante's Purgatorio
Course details
Course code
Q00021784Course date
Number of classes
11 sessionsTimetable
Tutor
Robert-Louis AbrahamsonFee range
How you'll learn
Venue
OnlineLevel of study
Entry Levels 1,2,3: If you have never studied this subject before and you’re not confident in your skills, Entry levels are a good starting point.
Level 1: Covers basic skills and knowledge needed for this subject
Level 2: Building on basic knowledge or experience. Similar to Grade 4/ C at GCSE or O level in England or Standards in Scotland.
Level 3: Learn about the topic in-depth and have a broad range of skills. Independent working Equivalent to an A level in England or Higher in Scotland.
Beginners: A perfect introduction if you have no experience and skills in this subject.
Improvers: The next step if you have basic skills or knowledge but want to progress them further.
Advanced: Build on the solid experience and skills you have in this subject, applying your skills and knowledge in a more complex way.
Course overview
Course description
A twelve-week reading through the second section of Dante’s Divine Comedy, the Purgatorio. Many people stop after the Inferno, but they miss the new set of characters and situations, and the discussion of topics such as free will, right choices in life and the role of the individual in community. Reading and discussing the book together as a group (“community”) brings the poem to life and provides the pleasures of sharing the reading experience and learning from others’ views.
We will usually read and discuss three cantos a week. There is no specific translation required. The only caveat is that we need an edition with good notes to help us as we go. The Evening under Lamplight Podcasts on each canto (available online, the links offered each week) provide a lively recounting of the canto and point to several features and ideas in the canto we might want to consider.
The aim of the course is not to delve into scholarly treatments of this medieval poem, or to study the Italian language, but instead to focus on the reading itself and on our response to the reading.
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What financial support is available?
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We don't want anything to stand in your way when it comes to bringing Adult learning within reach so if you need anything to support you to achieve your goals then speak to one of our education experts during your enrolment journey. Most of our courses are government funded but if you don't qualify or need alternative financial help to access them then let us know.
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What other support is available?
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All of our digital content, teaching and learning activities and assessments are designed to be accessible so if you need any additional support you can discuss this with the education experts during your enrolment journey and we will do all we can to make sure you have optimal access.
