Dante May 26 – updated syllabus

Wednesday 5/26 – Purgatrio take-home test due. Explain Final Project. Introduction to Paradiso. Read and discuss Paradiso, canto 1:  What types of knowledge do we need to have to understand Paradise?  Dante’s use of classical allusions and “neologisms” (invented words) in Heaven; preconceptions of Heaven as a peaceful place or “good” place; how does Dante’s vision differ?

HW: Read and annotate Paradiso cantos 1-2: astronomy, astrology, moon-spots, philosophy (packet).

Thursday 5/27 – FRIDAY SCHEDULE – CLASS MEETS
Group work: Paradiso cantos 3, 17 and 26.  Compare Dante’s encounter with three women: Francesca (Inf. 5),  La Pia (Purg. 5), and Piccarda (Par. 3).  Compare the geographic and philosophical structure of the afterworld as explained in canto 17 of each book. Compare the use of language and implications about the power of speech/poetry in canto 26 of each book.

HW: Read Paradiso cantos 32-33 by going to “The Comedy” section on the Digital Dante website. You can  choose either the Mandelbaum or the Longfellow editions.  Choose topic/form of your final project.

Friday 5/28 FIELD DAY – NO CLASS

Monday 5/31 – MEMORIAL DAY – SCHOOL CLOSED

Tuesday 6/1 – Final project check in – topics, questions, etc.
Discussion of Paradiso 32-33. In-class writing:  How does Dante’s  journey through the after-world begin and end?  Compare the experience of pilgrim, poet, and reader on this journey.  Given all this, how will you structure the “journey” of your own after-life in the final project?
HW: Work on final project.

Wednesday 6/2 – Work period. [Julia out]
HW: Complete first draft of final project due Thursday, June 3.

Thursday 6/3 – NO CLASS
First draft of Final Project due. Work period/individual conferences.
HW: Work on final project.

Friday 6/4 – READING DAY – Individual conferences, as scheduled.

June 9: Final Project due at Final Exam